Guides & Crew

Crew

Members of an overland crew work very hard 24/ 7 in jobs that they love. They are often expected to be driver, tour leader, cook, mum, dad, babysitter, doctor and party planner all rolled into one.

Please be fair: they are not personal servants, butlers or maids.

Furthermore, overland crew members are leaders not guides. They can't identify every single mammal, bird, insect and plant in Africa.

Specialist guides with that depth of knowledge usually work for exclusive - and very expensive - safari companies.

Instead, overland crew members have extensive experience of getting you safely from one end of Africa to the other in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

They are personable, keen and conscientious and have a passion for the countries that they take you through.

Sometimes the tour leaders and drivers have to make a decision regarding health, safety, security and circumstances beyond their control.

Although this may not always be a popular decision, your crew will take into account the wishes of the group as a whole as far as possible.

However, the tour leader has complete authority on tour and his/her decision is final. Your understanding and patience at these times will be much appreciated.

The Driver

He or she is responsible for not only driving you safely but also for vehicle maintenance and repair.

Truck drivers regularly service the vehicle, change tyres and parts and generally know what to do if the truck breaks down in the middle of nowhere or gets stuck in mud or sand.

They have a proven ability to manage these situations - and all drivers hold an HGV or PSV licence or equivalent and have extensive mechanical knowledge.

The Tour Leader

Organising everything en route and ensuring that the whole trip runs smoothly is the tour leader's job.

They are 'leaders' rather than 'guides' and use their often considerable experience to get you from A to B in the most efficient way possible.

It's their job to ensure that food and accommodation is organised for the group, to give information about the areas they travel through and arrange any optional excursions and activities.

Tour leaders manage the pooled money, keep the accounts and deal with red tape and additional paperwork. They also supervise the group when crossing borders or obtaining visas.

The Safari Cook

Some companies employ a third member of crew as a safari cook - but they're neither expected to be cordon bleu chefs nor to peel spuds for 20 people on their own.

The clients take turns helping to set up the kitchen, get fires going, chop vegetables, do the washing up and so on.

It's the cook's job to provide enough decent, wholesome food for the group and he or she is responsible for looking after the truck's kitchen and doing the food shopping.

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