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African Overland Tours Reviews

4.8 Rating 280 Reviews
96 %
of reviewers recommend African Overland Tours
4.8
Based on 280 reviews
Customer Service
Communication Channels
Email, Telephone
Queries Resolved In
6 - 12 Hours
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About African Overland Tours:

We believe travelling the road in Africa changes you, Forever!
We want others to experience this.

Our team of passionate planners (ex guides and travellers) help you find the perfect trip for your adventure. The tours will leave you with unforgettable experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.

We offer over 300 Budget Safari types, from Accommodated Tours, Camping Safaris, Small Group Safaris , Budget Tented and Lodge Safaris and longer African Overland Tours at the most competitive pricing with unbiased, honest help all backed up with financial protection guarantee.

Our local knowledge and experience is invaluable as we have travelled and guided extensively on the routes in Africa (not many people can say that).

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Phone:

+27214480997

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African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025
Ann
African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025
Ann
African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025
Ann
African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025
Hemila
African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025
Hemila
African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025
Hemila
African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025
Hemila
38
Anonymous
Anonymous  // 01/01/2019
Celia at African Overland tours is amazing! Nothing was too much trouble. She went out of her way to help with my changing mind and changing tours. It was a huge relief to know she had my best interests at heart, even suggesting that another tour may be fine for me even though it wasn't on her books. She wanted to make sure that I had the experience that I wanted, not one that was the easiest for HER to sell to me. Communication was excellent even with the time difference and being able to talk on the phone despite the time difference was very helpful. I would highly recommend Celia and African Overland Tours for anything Africa. They seem to know all about all of it!
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Posted 4 hours ago
The staff are knowledgeable, responsive and clearly want to give you the best trip they can!!
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Posted 4 days ago
Lee played a crucial role in helping me book a Nomad tour from Nairobi to Johannesburg. From the very beginning, she was incredibly supportive, guiding me through every step of the process with patience and professionalism. Despite the time differences between countries, she made sure to respond promptly and efficiently, always doing her best to address my questions in a timely manner. Her thorough knowledge and attention to detail provided me with all the necessary information to feel confident about my trip. I truly appreciate her dedication and exceptional customer service. Without a doubt, I would book with AOT again in the future. Thank you, Lee!
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Posted 6 days ago
Embarking on a 12-day overland tour from Swakopmund, Namibia to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe booked with African Overland Tours was an adventure of a lifetime! As a solo female traveler, I was initially apprehensive about navigating Africa, but the structured group tour offered the perfect balance of independence and support. Booking through African Overland Tours was seamless, and their pre-trip information and assistance were invaluable in preparing me for the journey ahead. I had a lot of questions and was always answered quickly and felt reassured. Let's be real – the trip wasn't always a walk in the park. The first few days were challenging. Homesickness crept in, and the long drives coupled with setting up camp each night definitely tested my resilience. However, this is where the magic of group travel shone through. My fellow travelers were incredible! We quickly formed a tight-knit community, helping each other with tent setup (I even learned some pro tricks!), sharing stories around the campfire, and making even the long drives fun with games like Sudoku. Relationships formed that will last a lifetime and we are all still in contact. The support from our guide was also exceptional. Our lead guide, Keith, deserves a special shout-out. His warm smile and endless patience were a constant source of encouragement. He shared fascinating insights into local culture and wildlife, drawing from his own experiences growing up in Zimbabwe. I was particularly touched to see him extending his help to other tourists at Victoria Falls, even though they were not part of our group. He's a truly compassionate and knowledgeable person, and his presence made a huge difference in my overall experience. The challenges of the first few days quickly melted away when we reached Botswana. Botswana was the absolute highlight for me. The wildlife viewing was simply unparalleled. We were incredibly fortunate to witness an abundance of animals – leopard, elephants, lions, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, zebras, and even the ground hornbill, which I believe is endangered. We were so lucky! By the end of the trip, the initial homesickness was replaced by a sense of accomplishment and a tinge of sadness that it was all over. I left with not only incredible memories but also lifelong friendships and a newfound confidence. If you're looking for an authentic adventure that will challenge you, reward you, and leave you with unforgettable experiences, I highly recommend booking with African Overland Tours.
African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025 African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025 African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025
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Posted 6 days ago
My recent 8-day gorilla trekking tour in Uganda was nothing short of a life-altering experience, a journey that resonated deep within my soul. It wouldn't have been the transformative adventure it was without the incredible support and expertise of African Overland Tours. As a first-time international traveler, and a complete novice to camping, I was honestly overwhelmed when I first dreamed of this trip. The research felt endless, the logistics daunting. Trying to navigate the complexities of booking on my own proved frustrating, so I reached out to African Overland Tours, and it was the best decision I made. Their guidance was invaluable, from practical advice on what to pack to insightful recommendations on activities, the honesty shared about how long some of the days may be on the road etc. They truly prepared me, not just for the trip itself, but for the profound impact it would have on my life. The gorilla trek, of course, was the pinnacle. Standing in the presence of these magnificent creatures was awe-inspiring. The connection was palpable, a reminder of our shared humanity. Seeing the baby gorillas, carefree and playful, made the challenging trek utterly worthwhile. It was a moment I'll cherish forever. Beyond the gorillas, the kindness and care I received from our guide, Richie, and our driver, Dingi, touched my heart. When I fell ill on the second night, they went above and beyond, brewing special teas for me every morning and evening throughout the rest of the tour. Their compassion was truly remarkable. This journey also gifted me with something unexpected: deep friendships. I connected with people from all walks of life, individuals I might never have met otherwise. We shared laughter, stories, and the magic of Uganda. Despite our different backgrounds, we formed a bond that transcends borders, and we've stayed in touch since returning home. Stepping into 2025 with the memories of this trip has given me a fresh perspective, a renewed appreciation for the world and its wonders. The travel bug has definitely bitten me! Thank you to the team at African Overland Tours for pairing me with a tour that suited my needs, expectations, comfort level and more.
African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025 African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025 African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025 African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025 African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025 African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025 African Overland Tours 5 star review on 13th February 2025
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Posted 6 days ago
An In-Depth and Constructive Critique of African Overland Tours and Nomad We recently embarked on a 42-day trip through Africa in July and August 2024, booked via African Overland Tours and operated on the ground by Nomad. The total cost for two people was approximately EUR 14,000 (USD 450 per day), which we believed would guarantee a professional and enriching experience. Regrettably, it turned out to be our most disappointing travel venture to date. As two seasoned travelers who have lived in multiple countries and are generally quite flexible, our expectations were reasonable but were met with numerous shortcomings. We share our experience below so that future travelers are adequately informed, and in the hope that these companies will address these issues. 1. Excessive Idle Time and Limited Activities • Only 3% of the trip dedicated to actual activities: During the first ten days (240 total hours), merely 8 hours were devoted to any form of organized activity (e.g., a 4-hour safari, two 1-hour village walks, a 2-hour coffee plantation visit, and 30 minutes at the Baobab Valley). • The remaining 97% of our time was spent either in the truck (8–15 hours daily) or at budget lodges with nothing planned or suggested. 2. Uncomfortable and Inadequate Transportation • Long, exhausting drives: While the first hour of scenery can be interesting, enduring 8–15 hours in a cramped truck becomes unbearable. • Poorly maintained truck features: The microphone did not function, the seats were extremely tight for anyone taller than 175 cm (5’9”), and the filtered-water mechanism was outdated (offering no reliable source of mineral water). • Meals in transit: Be prepared to have breakfast and lunch inside the moving truck. Given the rough roads riddled with bumps, it is almost inevitable that you will spill coffee, juice, or food on yourself. • Unsuitable for a wide age range: In our particular group, travelers ranged from about 15 to 75 years old. The long hours and uncomfortable seating were especially challenging for older individuals and for younger travelers unaccustomed to such conditions. 3. Lack of Proper Guidance • No professional guide provided: Despite the substantial tour cost, we only had a driver and a cook. While both individuals worked hard, they lacked the expertise or training to properly inform, organize, or address customer concerns. • Minimal information about destinations: We received only the most basic daily details (“Tomorrow we drive to X, then stay at Y”) with no in-depth coverage of cultural, historical, logistical, or natural aspects. There was an absolute lack of information about the surrounding environment, local geology, fauna, or ecosystems—knowledge that would have greatly enriched our experience. • Poor problem-solving: Complaints or suggestions were largely dismissed. Even when our concerns were constructive and proposed potential solutions, we were told that “complaints will disturb the peace of the crew, the clients, and the company.” There was little to no communication from Nomad’s management during the trip. 4. Substandard Accommodations and Extra Costs • Budget lodges: Approximately 90% of the lodges were in the USD 30–60 range, often lacking hot water (and sometimes water entirely). Only about 3 out of 35 accommodations could be considered “good.” • Additional fees: While visiting major attractions (e.g., National Parks or optional tours in Zanzibar), we were frequently charged extra (e.g., USD 350 for a game drive in Tanzania, and numerous other add-ons). Basic drinks, including water at lodges, were also billed separately. • No meaningful stops en route: Travel breaks were typically confined to fuel stations or malls—no scenic or culturally significant stops were made without special request, and even then, requests were often ignored. 5. Overreliance on Guests’ Labor • Expediting meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were rushed to about 30 minutes, leaving no opportunity for a relaxed, enjoyable break. • Unpaid assistance: Guests were expected to handle tasks such as arranging tables, chairs, helping with cooking, and cleaning dishes, presumably to cut staffing costs. 6. Poor Communication and Organizational Gaps • No document checks: There was no verification that all travelers had correct documentation, nor was there assistance or advice concerning border crossings. • No room assignments: Upon arrival at accommodations, rooms were distributed randomly without prior arrangement. Travelers had to negotiate among themselves for room type. • Erratic time management: Stop durations were inconsistent—if the driver/cook said “30 minutes,” it could easily turn into 40, 50, or 70 minutes, leaving everyone waiting without clear instructions or schedules. 7. Dismissive Customer Support • Slow or no response: Both Nomad and African Overland Tours were unresponsive when issues were raised during the trip. Post-booking, African Overland Tours took over a week to reply to emails and generally offered no meaningful solutions. • Lack of empathy and poor phone assistance: The telephone representative we spoke with interrupted us constantly, showed no empathy, and placed blame on us instead of assuming any responsibility. Their main suggestion was that if we were unhappy, we could leave the trip at any point. Ultimately, we did leave three days before the tour ended—and unsurprisingly, no refund was offered for the unused hotel nights. • No compensation or accountability: Even in cases where promised accommodations were unavailable (forcing guests to camp instead of using rooms they paid for), there was neither an apology nor a financial adjustment. 8. African Overland Tours: Marketing Over Substance • High-pressure sales tactics: The African Overland Tours team appears to be primarily focused on marketing and selling the product as quickly as possible. Clients are encouraged to make fast decisions under the pretense that spaces may run out otherwise. • High commissions: They add a significant markup over the price charged by the actual operating company—Nomad in our case—yet contribute no additional value or support once the sale is finalized. Essentially, they operate as a middleman who could just as easily be selling a car as organizing a trip. 9. Final Observations • National Parks and city visits: Africa’s wildlife and cultural experiences are undeniably astonishing. However, these highlights owe nothing to the tour operators, who merely facilitated transport to these locations. • No guided urban explorations: For major cities like Dar es Salaam and Nairobi, we had to organize our own tours. Most participants, unaware of what these cities had to offer, stayed at the lodge and missed out on wonderful experiences. 10. Conclusion Given the high cost, one would expect at least a professional guide, better accommodations, and a more efficient itinerary. Instead, we encountered disorganization, lack of communication, and a general sense that the primary goal was to reduce expenses rather than deliver a memorable journey. Recommendation: We strongly advise looking into other agencies. In our view, it would be difficult to find a more poorly organized operation than what we experienced with African Overland Tours and Nomad. For the sake of future travelers, we hope this review prompts these companies to improve their standards and offer the quality of service that travelers deserve when exploring such a magnificent continent.
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Posted 1 week ago
Great communication throughout the booking process. Answered all questions quickly and have provided excellent information along the way.
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Posted 2 weeks ago
Hi, I have just completed my booking today for my 48 day camping trip taking in kenya, Tanzania, malawi, Zimbabwe, botswana,namibia and south Africa. I am leaving Australia 16th April and returning 14th of June with a few extra days in capetown to check out the city which I believe is very scenic. My consultant is Ingrid who was most helpful with prompt reply and helpful advice. I will review again after the trip but so far so good. Thx Paul Ozzie
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Posted 2 weeks ago
I have just started the booking process and have had a very informative chat with Tammy. The experience so far has been superb.
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Posted 1 month ago
Tammy could not have been more helpful setting me up for my trip
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Posted 1 month ago
Huntley at African Overland Tours has been exceptional throughout our whole booking process. In reality, he became more like a trusted knowledgeable friend than a travel agent. We first starting our booking process in late 2019 for a trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town in mid-2020. Of course Covid got in the way and after Covid that tour no longer operated. We had paid a deposit but AOT where able to retrieve this deposit and hold this until we were ready to travel again (they also offered a refund but we were happy for them to hold the deposit). We were then going to travel in 2023 and Huntley sent many detailed emails advising on the pros and cons of various tours. We then decided not to travel until 2025. At no stage did Huntley lose patience and again explained (as well as called us) the various options available. We are now booked on a tour from Cape Town to Johannesburg in August 2025. A huge thank you to Huntley - you really can trust his advice and rely on his attention to detail.
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Posted 2 months ago
Huntley from African Overland Tours was very accommodating, making the booking procedure seamless, and answered all my questions promptly.
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Posted 3 months ago
Celia Myburgh rocks! From first contact her efficiency, thinking ahead, anticipation of options relating to literature, accomodation, diet, visa support (when my applications didn’t quite work) was more than helpful. I’ve never experienced the level of detail Celia attends to, I’m grateful, I tell everyone about that awesome woman who lives the African continent.
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Posted 4 months ago
Hi Waiora! Thank you so much for your glowing review! We are thrilled to hear that Celia provided you with such exceptional service and went above and beyond to ensure your needs were met throughout your journey. Her attention to detail and thoughtful support truly makes a difference, and we couldn't be prouder to have her on our team. Your enthusiasm for sharing Celia's dedication and your love for the African continent means the world to us. We hope your experience inspires many others to explore the beauty and wonders of Africa! Safe travels and best wishes from all of us at African Overland Tours!
Posted 3 months ago
Celia has been helpful, professional and onhand to offer support and guidance about my tour. She has gone above and beyond in her role, which has helped put my mind at rest that I have booked the correct tour for me. Thank you so much for your extensive knowledge and friendly, outgoing manner.
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Posted 4 months ago
Hi Caroline! Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that Celia provided you with such exceptional support and guidance throughout your tour planning process. Her dedication to making sure you feel confident in your choices truly exemplifies our commitment to outstanding service. Your kind words about her extensive knowledge and friendly demeanor are genuinely appreciated, and we know she'll be delighted to hear your feedback. We hope your adventure exceeds all your expectations and delivers unforgettable memories! Best wishes from all of us at African Overland Tours!
Posted 3 months ago
Celia adviced us to choose a suitable tour (21 days from Cape to Vic) and helped a lot with other questions which was very helpful as Africa was a new continent for us. The price was almost equal to the direct reservation from the tour operator which made the reservation via African Overland tours very beneficial for us with all the help and consulting we got from the very start to the end of the trip.
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Posted 4 months ago
Hi Eero! Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re delighted to hear that Celia was able to assist you in selecting the perfect tour for your adventures in Africa. It’s great to know that her support and guidance made your experience smooth and enjoyable, especially as you explored a new continent. We’re also glad to hear that you found booking through African Overland Tours beneficial. Providing our clients with excellent service and valuable insights is what we strive for, and your kind words affirm our efforts. We hope your trip from Cape to Vic was filled with unforgettable moments and experiences! Thank you for choosing us, and we look forward to helping you with your future adventures in Africa! Safe travels! Best wishes from all of us at African Overland Tours!
Posted 3 months ago
Huntley was very responsive and guided us through the booking process to find the best itinerary and trip for our adventure. He was very diligent in advising us on our pre & post tour activities and other essential information. We woukd highly recommend the Company and looking forward to our trip 😎.
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Posted 4 months ago
Hi Bala! Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that Huntley was so responsive and dedicated to helping you find the perfect itinerary for your adventure. His diligence in providing you with essential information is exactly what we aim for at African Overland Tours. We greatly appreciate your recommendation and are excited that you're looking forward to your trip! It’s going to be an amazing experience, and we can’t wait for you to embark on your adventure in Africa! Best wishes from all of us at African Overland Tours! 😎
Posted 3 months ago
I inquired about several different trips to Africa with different companies. Once I found African Overland Tours I found a tour that would fit my interests and time of year that I could take a trip like this. I was in contact with Ingrid right off the bat. Through several inquiries she was very knowledgeable but also genuine, outgoing, and kind. All questions and concerns were either answered or looked into with prompt responses. A trip like this can be very stressful as far as making that final decision to go for it. Ingrid did her best to help me make the decision to go and to know that I was in good hands!
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Posted 4 months ago
Hi Jeff! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you found the perfect tour with African Overland Tours and that Ingrid provided you with the genuine support and expertise you needed during the planning process. Her dedication to assisting you and addressing your concerns truly embodies our commitment to excellent customer service. Making the decision to embark on an unforgettable journey can indeed be stressful, and we're so glad that Ingrid was able to help ease that process for you. Your trust in us means a lot, and we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures in Africa! Safe travels and best wishes from all of us at African Overland Tours!
Posted 3 months ago
Just came back from an 11-day Namibia camping tour and wanted to say I had the best trip ever! Such a beautiful country to visit and the tour with Drifters has been a great experience. The trip was very well organised with knowledgeable, friendly guides and delicious food. I've loved every second of the trip. Want to give a big shout out to Chris & Hofni who were amazing guides during this tour 😁 and thank you to each and every member of the group, felt like travelling with family! Hanna 🌸
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Posted 5 months ago
Hi Hanna! Wow, thank you for your amazing review! We're beyond thrilled to hear that you had the best time on your 11-day Namibia camping tour. It’s wonderful to know that the guides, Chris and Hofni, made such a positive impact on your experience with their knowledge and friendliness. We're delighted that the organization of the trip and the delicious food added to your enjoyment, and we're glad you felt like part of a family with your fellow travelers. Your kind words truly mean the world to us and motivate us to keep giving our best. Thank you for choosing African Overland Tours for your adventure – we can’t wait to help you explore more of our beautiful continent in the future! Safe travels and warm wishes from all of us at African Overland Tours! 🌍✨
Posted 3 months ago
I was blown away by African Overland Tours. Their service was fast, thorough, and so so helpful. Celia was with me every step of the way as I planned my trip and it would not have been possible without her. She really went above and beyond. I had the best time ever and I owe it all to her! Moa was also amazing at helping us get to the finish line, and I am so glad I booked through them, the process was very smooth and it made everything so much easier. Will absolutely use them again for all future Africa travel!
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Posted 5 months ago
Hi! Thank you so much for your incredible review! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that your experience with African Overland Tours was nothing short of amazing. It's fantastic to know that Celia was there for you every step of the way, providing the support and assistance you needed to make your trip unforgettable. Moa's help in ensuring a smooth finish to your planning is also greatly appreciated, and we're so glad you found the entire process seamless. Your kind words truly motivate us to continue delivering exceptional service to all our travelers. We can't wait to assist you with your future travels across Africa! Wishing you many more adventures ahead! Warm regards from everyone at African Overland Tours!
Posted 3 months ago
Booked a 31 day Southern Africa tour and had a fabulous time! Reshma is the best - turns out she was the contact for several people on our tour, so we all ended up discussing how helpful she was! The tours are quite flexible; I ended a few days early, and others hopped on/off at different locations. All of my emails (re: visas, accommodations, payments, etc.) were responded to quickly and in detail. Booking through the UK allows for much easier payment than booking directly with an African company (which always requires bank transfers), so I couldn't be more pleased with my experience and am already planning next summer's holiday. I can't recommend African Overland and Reshma enough :)
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Posted 5 months ago
Hi Laura! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear that you had a fabulous time on your 31-day Southern Africa tour. Reshma truly is a gem, and it's fantastic to know that her helpfulness and quick responses made such a positive impact on your experience. We love offering flexible tour options to suit our travelers' needs, and it’s great to hear that you took advantage of that flexibility. Your feedback about the ease of booking through the UK is also much appreciated, as we strive to make the entire process as smooth as possible for our guests. We're excited to hear you're already planning your next holiday with us! Thank you for your high recommendation of African Overland Tours and for highlighting Reshma's fantastic service. We can’t wait to assist you again in the future! Safe travels and best wishes from all of us at African Overland Tours!
Posted 3 months ago
African Overland Tours is rated 4.8 based on 280 reviews