What to expect
What to Expect as an Overlander
As far as travelling is concerned…don’t expect anything! Have an open mind and take each place as it comes.
But….
The Crew
Driver or tour leaders have a tough job. Lets face it they don’t do this for the money, but rather for the adventure. It is a tough job driving long hours and having to deal with people 24 hours a day. Their main job tends to be looking after the Truck and in general keeping the whole trip running smoothly. Different companies run either one or two drivers, the cheaper the trip more the likelihood of a single driver, which has some drawbacks in terms of backup and when travelling long distances. Check if you are comfortable with the lack of security or prefer two drivers.
Don’t expect them to know the language of the country you are visiting - or for that matter even the exact route of the trip. Although the difference between those who have done a route and those who haven’t is remarkable, it is unfortunate that companies cannot keep drivers for long periods of time. You as the client will receive a smoother and more fulling experience as drivers have a wealth of information. However, for the more adventurous out there, going on a “discovery” trips where everything is new to everyone it can be fulfilling as well!
Although the crew can be fantastic like every job you will find bad apples therefore any serious complaints about misconduct should be swift and directed to the company head office and wherever possible documented. You should never feel stuck in a situation you feel uncomfortable.
On a lighter note drivers are not very useful in major cities - they are either working on the trucks or enjoying the time they have off in the city.
And expect to hear “rock on” - seems to be a term drilled into overlanding crew !
Fellow Travellers
Don’t expect to get on with everyone on your trip no matter what companies say about travelling with “like minded people”. Generally speaking it tends to be people from the Ireland, UK, Australia, New Zealand, US and then a smaller mix of people from around the world.
Having said that you are likely to make some close friends with whom you will keep in touch with for the rest of your life - and it does tend to be a very social and shared experience.
It is likely that alcohol will become a part of the trip, this can be light hearted and generally speaking not really a problem. However some people have a problem with alcohol and this may adversely effect your trip. However companies policies tend to be strict and people have been known to be thrown off trips or leave on there own accord due to bad behaviour.
Overlanding has been seen in some quarters as “party trucks” and some companies actively promote themselves as such. Which is fine just make sure you choice a company that suits your needs.
The Trucks
Expect the unexpected - trucks break down , get stuck in the mud - or as when we where out and about, a piece of metal tore the diesel tank and it had to be repaired in the middle of no-where - this is when the leaders show there true worth. Be patient! Beauty can be found anywhere and you will always have a story to tell.
However it is worth knowing the contingency plans and policies of the company you will travel with regarding break downs. As it is not uncommon for trips to have to grind to a halt and travel by other means or for trips to be cancelled. So make sure you are comfortable with whatever the company provides.
Trucks vary greatly, for instance the Dragoman trucks can carry around 24 people - not fun when it is full. Encounter trucks tend to be older and a little more rough and ready. Tucan trucks are more like buses, enormous, stand out like a sore thumb and carry around 30 people but are more comfortable and are probably the fastest trucks around. On the downside, they cannot travel everywhere. Whilst Kumuka run some trucks which everyone faces each other so do a little investigating.
Luggage storage can also vary, with some trucks having storage under your seat, at as a large locker at the back of the truck or in side panels along the side of the truck. It varies from company and individual truck.
In each continent there are different trucks adapted for the specific demands. Check how many people will travel with you and think carefully whether you are comfortable with that number.
Most trucks come equipped with a safe, fridge and some sort of viewing area. However don’t expect much in the way of space. Or items such as a laptop, GPS or a mobile phone, which is insane and says more about cost cutting rather than keeping the experience “real”. Of course you are looking for a bit of adventure but trust me you really wont appreciate getting lost having travelled hours and hours in a truck only to find you have been heading in the wrong direction.
Food
What you eat will depend on where you are visiting and if you have any good cooks in your group. If not, “spam” may be on the menu. Try and be inventive, visit local markets and try exotic foods, use the recommended recipes that some trucks have and don’t forget to add yours.
In Africa many companies employ cooks and helpers so that food can be purchased in local markets.
Everyone is expected to muck in - help set up cooking facilities and generally maintain the cleanliness of the interior of the truck. You will become familar with the term “flapping”, so you will have to be happy to help everyone out. This will make your trip more memorable and enjoyable. Don’t forget : other people are on there holidays as well. They are not your mothers to pick up your mess after you.
Daily Routine
Expect to up very early in the mornings ! - especially when you are camping, you will have to move early to be able to cover the distance.
Sometimes you may be able to upgrade - from your tent to a room for a few extra dollars. A bed now and again and your own shower can refresh you to carry on, this is especially true if you have been travelling for a long time.
Toilet & Showers
You have to be prepared to pee on the side of the road which can actually be more hygienic than some public facilities. This will be worse when travelling at altitude as you will be advised to drink plenty of fluids. Of course this means more toilet stops.
Toilets around the world are very different so be mentally prepared for anything. Remember in lots of places in the world you cannot flush toilet paper down the lavatory and in many places squat toilets are the norm which takes a little time to get used to. You should be able to shower once a day but this really depends where you go and what time of year, as you might expect in Africa water is short supply so a bucket may be all you get. In many places you might encounter the “electric shower” generally means some sort of filament heats up the water on the fly. As you can imagine this is not the safest nor should you expect more than a trickle of hot water or you resign yourself to cold showers. Hotels of course vary in quality as they do back home, but in some cases you may be pleasantly surprised as we were whilst in the middle of Torres del Paine national park there where fantastic hot showers and toilet facilities.
Post
After purchasing souvenirs in local markets, sending it back home can be a little complicated and costly. Generally speaking DHL or FedEx is going to be expensive, but you are pretty much guaranteed to receive your parcel. Local postal services are not as reliable but significant cheaper.
However depending on the truck you travel on buying large items either wont fit in the truck or wont be appreciated by fellow travellers particular if space and long drives become an issue.
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