Overlanding across Africa is as thrilling as it sounds—untamed wilderness, surreal landscapes, and adventures waiting at every turn. But while the idea of driving through vast savannas or deserts is romantic, packing for the journey can feel overwhelming. Overpacking can weigh you down, while underpacking can leave you stranded or uncomfortable.
After countless miles on Africa’s roads, I’ve learned what’s essential and what’s just dead weight. Here’s a guide to gear that will keep you safe, comfortable, and ready for whatever Africa throws your way.
1. Overlanding Isn’t Just Camping, It’s a Lifestyle
While overlanding might seem like glamorized car camping, it embodies a lifestyle of exploration with your vehicle as both your home and your partner in adventure. The key is to be prepared for everything Mother Africa throws your way, from breathtaking views to unexpected car troubles.
Remember that the spirit of overlanding is about sustainable travel. Your vehicle should minimize waste and maximize reuse. It’s not simply about surviving out there but thriving amidst nature’s beauty, all while leaving the lightest footprint.
2. Choosing the Right Vehicle: Your Trusty Steed
Your vehicle is, quite literally, the wheels that propel your adventure forward. A robust 4×4 is indispensable for tackling Africa’s challenging terrains.
Opt for models with reliability in rough conditions, such as Toyota’s Land Cruiser or Land Rover’s Defender—tried and trusted by overlanders worldwide.
Consider fuel efficiency and easy availability of spare parts across the continent—a lesson I learned in Zambia, stuck without the right replacement. Ensure your vehicle can accommodate additional fuel tanks, as fuel stations can be far and few between.
3. Navigation Tools: Map Your Journey
Even seasoned explorers can get lost in Africa’s sprawling landscapes. GPS systems, detailed paper maps, and digital apps like Maps.me are essential. Invest in a reliable GPS with off-road mapping capabilities; it may just save you from endless detours and frantic SOS calls.
I’ll never forget when my GPS failed in the Namib Desert. An old-school map saved us from driving in circles. Lesson learned: always carry multiple navigation tools and know how to use them.
4. Essential Recovery Equipment: Be Unstoppable
African terrain is as unpredictable as the wildlife—be prepared for anything with the right recovery gear. A winch is invaluable when navigating muddy tracks; consider brands like Warn. Also, never leave without a trusty set of traction boards and a high-lift jack.
In Botswana, our convoy got stuck in thick mud after a storm. Thanks to quick thinking and a reliable winch, we were back on track in no time. These tools are your insurance against unexpected setbacks, keeping your adventure alive and kicking.
5. Shelter Solutions: Sleep Under the Stars
There’s something magical about sleeping beneath Africa’s starry skies. Roof-top tents are popular—and for good reason. They’re easy to set up and offer protection from wildlife. For a more grounded approach, consider a tough ground tent with reinforced zips and poles.
During my times in the Serengeti, a roof-top tent provided comfort and safety, letting me drift off to the soothing sounds of the savannah. Ensure your tent is well-ventilated for hot African nights, and always carry repair kits for emergencies.
6. Water Purification Systems: Stay Hydrated
Clean water is not guaranteed in the remote corners of Africa. Carry purifying solutions such as filters and tablets. Portable filtration systems like the LifeStraw ensure you’re not left thirsting over untrustworthy water supplies.
Oasis, in the heart of the Sahara, taught me the importance of having multiple purification strategies. Always pack extra filters and purification tablets—they’re lightweight and a small price for the assurance of safe hydration in challenging environments.
7. Cooking Gear: Feast in the Wild
Cooking in the wild is one of overlanding’s underrated joys. A reliable portable stove, lightweight utensils, and a sturdy cooler or portable fridge are essentials. Gas-powered stoves work well in all conditions, while fire grates are great for that classic campfire vibe.
I’ll never forget grilling under the Ethiopian Highlands’ golden sunsets. Pack durable pots and pans, and keep your setup simple but functional. Cooking in the wilderness doesn’t have to mean bland meals.
8. First Aid Kits: Safety First
While adventure is thrilling, accidents can happen. Ensure your first aid kit is comprehensive, packed with essentials: antiseptics, bandages, painkillers, and any personal medications.
During a solo trek in Tanzania, my kit proved invaluable after a minor mishap with some thorny brush. Keep your kit updated and accessible. It’s peace of mind you’ll be grateful for when roaming the wilds.
9. Power Solutions: Charge on the Go
Stay powered up in the wilderness with solar panels and rechargeable battery packs. Solar panels that mount on your vehicle roof or portable units that unfurl during breaks ensure you never run out of power.
Exploring the majestic Okavango Delta, I relied on solar power for everything from charging devices to powering a small fridge. Efficient power management is vital for a smooth and comfortable overland journey.
10. Storage Solutions: Stay Organized
Efficient storage is the backbone of any overlanding trip. Utilize roof racks, cargo boxes, and drawer systems to keep gear organized and accessible. Quick access to necessities can be a game-changer in critical moments.
On a dusty Namibian road, organized storage prevented unnecessary stops in the blazing heat. Consider stackable bins and packing cubes—these little helpers turn chaos into well-planned symphonies of order!
11. Communication Equipment: Stay Connected
When cellular networks disappear, satellite phones and radio equipment are your lifeline. They offer comfort in remote areas where help is just a call away—something you’ll genuinely appreciate should an emergency arise.
On the Skeleton Coast, my satellite phone was as reassuring as it was practical. Always carry extra batteries, and learn basic operation skills beforehand for effortless communication during critical times.
12. Eco-Friendly Supplies: Respect the Earth
Keeping Africa pristine should be at the forefront of every adventurer’s mind. Use biodegradable products, portable sanitation solutions, and reusable materials. Your impact should be as minimal as a shadow passing through the bush.
I’ve often found myself in awe of Botswana’s untouched wilderness—motivating me to keep it that way. Pack out all waste, and remember, every small act of eco-consciousness helps preserve Africa’s beauty for future adventurers.
13. Personal Comfort: A Home Away from Home
Comfort isn’t a luxury; it’s necessary for the long haul. From sturdy chairs to cozy sleeping bags, personal comfort can greatly enhance your overlanding experience.
Evenings around a foldable table while dining under starry skies have become treasured rituals. Every piece of comfort you bring adds to the richness of immersion in the wilderness.
Security in the Wild
Overlanding in Africa is about more than the gear—it’s about the experience. But having the right tools makes every adventure safer and more enjoyable. From recovery equipment to eco-friendly practices, each item on this list has been tested on Africa’s toughest roads and most remote trails.
Pack smart, stay flexible, and embrace the journey. Africa’s wild beauty is waiting for you, and with the right preparation, you’ll be ready to take it all in.
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