Overlanding across Africa is a bucket-list adventure for anyone who craves the freedom of the open road, the call of the wild, and the allure of untouched landscapes. But with great adventure comes great responsibility—Africa’s rugged terrain and remote regions demand proper preparation. The right gadgets can transform your trip from a logistical headache into an unforgettable experience.
Here are 10 essential gadgets designed to keep you safe, comfortable, and prepared while exploring Africa’s vast wilderness.
1. Reliable GPS Navigation Device
Africa’s roads are as varied as its landscapes. In some areas, you’ll find well-paved highways, while in others, dirt tracks might be your only guide. That’s why a reliable GPS navigation system is a non-negotiable item for any overlanding trip. While smartphone apps like Google Maps can work in urban areas, they often fall short in remote regions.
Dedicated GPS devices like the Garmin Overlander or TomTom Go Discover are tailored for off-road adventures. These devices come preloaded with detailed maps, including remote areas and off-the-beaten-path trails. Their offline navigation ensures you’re never stranded, even without a signal. Many also feature altitude and terrain tracking, which is invaluable when navigating mountainous areas like the Drakensberg in South Africa or Ethiopia’s highlands.
2. Satellite Communication Devices
In Africa, there will be stretches of road where cellular service simply doesn’t exist. When emergencies strike—whether it’s a mechanical breakdown, a medical issue, or just the need to update loved ones—having a satellite communication device can be a lifesaver.
Options like the Garmin inReach Mini offers two-way texting, GPS tracking, and an SOS feature connected to emergency services. Unlike traditional satellite phones, these compact devices fit easily in your pocket and are cost-effective for overlanders. Pairing one with a smartphone app provides additional features like mapping and waypoint marking, ensuring you stay connected no matter how remote your location is.
3. Solar-Powered Portable Power Station
Keeping your gadgets charged while traveling through Africa’s wilderness is a challenge. A portable power station with solar charging capabilities is a game-changer. Products like the Jackery Explorer 1000 or Goal Zero Yeti 500X allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously, including cameras, phones, drones, and even small appliances like mini-fridges.
These power stations are quiet, eco-friendly, and incredibly reliable. Pair them with a foldable solar panel, and you’ll have renewable energy wherever the sun shines—a huge bonus when camping in remote areas like Botswana’s Okavango Delta or Namibia’s Skeleton Coast.
4. Portable Water Filtration System
Water is life, especially in Africa’s remote and arid regions. While bottled water is widely available in urban areas, it’s not always practical or environmentally friendly to rely on it for long overlanding trips. A portable water filtration system ensures you always have access to clean drinking water, even if you’re sourcing it from rivers or streams.
The Grayl UltraPress is a top choice for overlanders. It’s compact, easy to use, and removes bacteria, viruses, and harmful chemicals in just seconds. Similarly, the LifeStraw Flex is excellent for filtering larger volumes of water, making it ideal for group travel. These systems are invaluable in areas like the Serengeti or the Kalahari Desert, where water sources may be limited or unsafe for direct consumption.
5. High-Quality Multi-Tool
When you’re hundreds of kilometers from the nearest mechanic or hardware store, a multi-tool becomes one of the most valuable items in your kit. Brands like Leatherman and Gerber are trusted for their durability and versatility.
A good multi-tool should include a sharp knife, pliers, screwdrivers, scissors, and a saw. These tools are essential for everything from fixing gear to cutting kindling for a campfire. Some models even include a bottle opener and can opener—small but handy features when you’re far from civilization. Having a multi-tool on hand ensures you’re prepared for minor repairs, gear adjustments, or unexpected challenges on the road.
6. Rugged Portable Fridge
Keeping your food fresh in Africa’s heat is no easy task, but a portable fridge can make all the difference. Products like the Dometic CFX3 or the ARB Zero Fridge Freezer are designed for overlanders. These fridges run off your vehicle’s 12V power supply or a portable power station, maintaining a consistent temperature even in extreme heat.
Unlike traditional coolers that rely on ice, portable fridges free up space and eliminate the hassle of melting ice. Whether you’re storing meat, dairy, or fresh vegetables, a portable fridge ensures you can enjoy proper meals during your trip, even in the most remote locations.
7. Drone for Capturing Aerial Views
Africa’s landscapes are vast and dramatic, and there’s no better way to capture their beauty than with a drone. Compact drones like the DJI Mini 3 Pro are perfect for overlanders—they’re lightweight, foldable, and capable of capturing stunning 4K footage.
Imagine flying your drone over the rolling sand dunes of Namibia, the savannahs of the Maasai Mara, or the lush jungles of Uganda. Drones offer a perspective that’s impossible to achieve from the ground, making them a favorite among photographers and adventurers. Just remember to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying.
8. Tire Spare and Recovery Gear
Africa’s roads can be unpredictable, ranging from paved highways to sandy tracks and rocky trails. A tire inflator and proper recovery gear are essential for tackling these terrains.
Portable air compressors like the VIAIR 300P allow you to adjust tire pressure on the go, which is particularly important when transitioning between hard-packed dirt roads and soft sand. Combine this with a recovery kit that includes a winch, tow straps, and traction boards, and you’ll be well-prepared for any off-road challenges. Recovery gear is particularly useful in regions like the Namib Desert, where getting stuck in the sand is a real possibility.
9. Solar-Powered LED Lights
Camping in Africa means embracing the darkness of the wilderness, but good lighting can make a world of difference. Solar-powered LED lights like the MPOWERD Luci Base Light are compact, reliable, and eco-friendly.
These lights charge during the day and provide hours of bright illumination at night, perfect for setting up camp, cooking, or reading. Some models even include USB ports for charging small devices. Having reliable lighting ensures safety and comfort, especially when camping in areas with dangerous wildlife.
10. Comprehensive First Aid Kit
Safety is paramount on any overlanding trip, and a well-stocked first aid kit is non-negotiable. Look for kits specifically designed for remote travel, such as the Surviveware Large First Aid Kit or Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series.
These kits should include supplies for treating cuts, burns, sprains, and insect bites, as well as any personal medications you may need. Some advanced kits even come with emergency guides or QR codes linking to instructional videos, which can be invaluable in an unfamiliar situation.
Tips for Choosing Overlanding Gadgets
1. Durability Matters
Africa’s diverse climates and terrains can be harsh, so prioritize gadgets that are rugged, water-resistant, and built to last.
2. Power Efficiency Is Crucial
Choose devices with low power consumption or those compatible with renewable energy sources like solar panels.
3. Test Your Gear
Before hitting the road, test all gadgets to ensure they function properly, and you know how to use them.
Equipping yourself with these must-have gadgets will transform your African Overlanding adventure into a safer, smoother, and more enjoyable journey. With the right tools, you’ll be ready to tackle any challenge the continent throws your way, leaving you free to soak in its beauty and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Hello Africa travellers!
Who am I? Well, the least you can say is that I am quite crazy about Africa, its nature, its climate, its culture, and more.
As a young woman in my twenties, I had already traveled to several African countries by traveling along in an overlander on my own and mostly camping ( or glamping ) and just fell in love with the diversity of it all.
So much, so that at the age of 26, I went back to university to study biology, which, unfortunately, I couldn’t finish because of health reasons (yes, I got sick from a tropical disease, oh cynicism). But this did not stop my dream of traveling back to Africa several times, and I still do.
My dream was back then to leave Europe and go study animal behavior, especially the elephants (sure, that’s every girl’s dream haha), but I am also very much intrigued by hyenas and other “ugly African animals“.
So, I “kind of” have a little bit of a scientific approach to my articles, when I write about African birds, for example. And most of all: the passion.
But life goes on, you move from one side of the country to the other, you get sick again and top it off with lower back problems, and before you know it, you are over 50 hahaha!
Now, I still travel to Africa, but take it a bit “easier” than the good old camping days, and stay in comfortable, yet affordable accommodations, together with my husband Wouter.
These are some of the countries I have traveled to: Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Tunisia, and a little bit of Lesotho LOL .
While clearly not being African territory, but Spanish, I also visited Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and location-wise, I consider them “African”, because of their climate and nature, sue me :-p
The last trip I took was to South Africa in the year 2023, and it sure got the fevers for Africa back! From the Barberton mountains to the Drakensberg and the Southcoast, one month wasn’t enough at all to see the whole country, so we’ll be back! At ease and with a little bit more luxury than in my younger days haha!
I wish you happy travels!
Kind regards
Lizzy