Frequently asked questions about Africa trips
Is this a classic relaxation holiday?
Only if relaxation means clearing your head through focus and real challenges. If you're looking for wellness oases and buffet lines, you're definitely in the wrong place. The deepest calm isn't found in a spa, but in the absolute silence of the wilderness, where you only hear the crackling of the fire and the wind.
How safe is the tour really?
The wilderness is never 100% safe. Good planning and careful driving are therefore the foundation of our freedom: wildlife on the tracks, sand, gravel and changing weather demand attention. On my guided offroad tours, we travel as a small team. I know the routes and camps and adapt our plans when weather or track conditions require it. Turning back is sometimes the right decision, too.
Do I need prior offroad experience?
No. You do not need to know how low range, differential locks or tyre pressure work. On my beginner-friendly offroad tours, I explain the basics before we tackle difficult sections. You drive yourself, but not alone: I accompany the group and support you when things get tricky. A willingness to learn and safe vehicle handling matter. For more demanding tours, please check the requirements in the individual trip description. Tanzania Untouched is not a self-drive trip; the Lake Shore Lodge team and local guides lead you there.
What happens if the technology fails?
A puncture or a stuck vehicle is no reason to panic. We tackle the situation together: I explain each step of changing a wheel and show you how to use a shovel and recovery boards when stuck. Equipment and experience help us stay calm and find a suitable solution. You take this practical self-reliance home with you, including for future independent trips. Major breakdowns may still require changes to the itinerary.
Do I sleep in a tent or hotel?
On the offroad tours, we mostly sleep in rooftop tents or tents at campsites and in the bush – beneath Namibia’s stars or along South Africa’s remote coastline. Depending on the trip and stage, fixed accommodation is also included. The individual itinerary specifies the planned accommodation. Camping equipment is included on camping trips; your personal kit follows the packing list. If you have never camped before, I show you how to set up and get comfortable. Tanzania Untouched has its own accommodation and itinerary arrangements.
How flexible are the tours?
Africa cannot be squeezed into a Word document. We discuss the framework beforehand and are happy to talk about individual wishes before departure. Along the way, we can adapt to weather, track conditions and the group. Booked camps, permits and fixed travel dates set limits: an extra night or a major route change is not always possible at short notice. That leaves room for real experiences without losing sight of the planning.
Am I fit enough for Soul Holiday?
You do not need to be an extreme athlete, but curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to lend a hand matter. Long driving days, setting up tents, dust, heat and cold nights can be tiring. If you enjoy being outdoors, stay open to the unfamiliar and trust the team, you already bring a lot. Specific physical requirements are listed in each trip description; it is best to discuss any limitations before booking.
What's your role during the trip?
I'm your backup system in the bush. While you focus on the landscape and your driving experience, I keep the big picture in mind. And I'm spontaneous when the team has wild ideas...
Do I need a visa?
That depends on your destination and nationality. German citizens can generally visit Botswana and South Africa visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days; permission to stay is granted on arrival. Since April 2025, Namibia requires a visa for German, Austrian and Swiss citizens: you can apply online in advance or on arrival – the fee is around USD 90 (NAD 1,600). For Tanzania, apply for an e-visa online in advance (around USD 50). Your passport must have sufficient remaining validity and blank pages. Before travelling, check the current requirements for your nationality and route; I send you a detailed checklist.
What vaccinations and health precautions are needed?
Suitable vaccinations and malaria precautions depend on your route, season, entry route and personal health. Malaria risk varies by region and season, including within Namibia and Botswana. Whether regular prophylaxis or standby medication is appropriate should therefore be discussed in good time with a tropical medicine specialist or travel health clinic, rather than decided from general travel advice. Have your vaccination status reviewed too, including tetanus, polio, hepatitis A/B and typhoid. Depending on your entry route, additional evidence such as a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required. You receive a checklist covering your travel first-aid kit and preparation.
What should I pack – is there a packing list?
Yes! After booking, you'll receive a detailed packing list from me. The basic rule: less is more. Sturdy outdoor clothing, solid footwear, sun protection, and a headlamp are essential. I provide camping equipment like tents, sleeping bags, and cooking gear.
Can I come alone?
Absolutely – women travelling solo are welcome too. Many participants arrive alone but travel as part of a small team. On my guided offroad tours, you do not have to handle breakdowns, wildlife or navigation alone, and you can still drive yourself. Freedom and adventure with support: that is exactly what many solo travellers appreciate. Friendships formed around the campfire often last well beyond the trip.
Is there internet or mobile reception on the road?
In the remote areas we travel through, there's often no reception for days – and that's intentional. I carry a satellite phone for emergencies. Those who want can briefly get online in the few settlements along the route. But the digital detox is part of the experience.
What happens if I need to cancel?
I recommend taking out travel cancellation insurance to protect yourself against short-notice changes. Rebooking to a different date is possible by arrangement.
If you need to cancel your trip, the following flat-rate cancellation fees apply according to our Terms & Conditions:
Up to 90 days before departure: 20% of the trip price
89 to 60 days before departure: 50% of the trip price
59 to 30 days before departure: 75% of the trip price
29 days to departure / no-show: 95% of the trip price
How appropriate is it to drive around in Jeeps in sensitive wildlife areas? Doesn't that disturb the animals?
We don't do mass tourism – we are guests in a world that doesn't belong to us. That means:
We don't compete for spots. If animals are using an area, we find another place. Their territory takes priority.
No traces except footprints. We don't drive off the tracks, harass wildlife, or leave waste behind. For us, this isn't optional – it's a rule.
Observe, don't interfere. We don't chase animals. We keep our distance and let them stay in their rhythm. No animal should ever have to break its natural flight distance just so we can get a 'highlight'.
How is this different from an independent rental-car trip?
On an independent rental-car trip, you plan, navigate and solve problems yourself. On my guided offroad tours, the route, campsites and planned permits are organised; meals follow the individual itinerary. You focus on driving and experiencing the journey while I bring route knowledge and support the group when plans change. We only drive where it is permitted and consistent with the vehicle and insurance conditions – remote does not mean unrestricted access.
How many people join the trip?
The offroad group trips are designed for a maximum of 8 participants. That is small enough for everyone to be seen and for the pace to suit the group, yet large enough for a real team around the campfire. The specific group size is listed on each trip.
What is included in the price?
Before booking, you should know what your trip costs and what it includes. Depending on the offroad tour, the package covers the 4x4 vehicle with insurance and fuel, camping equipment, accommodation and camps, park entries and the meals specified in the itinerary. Non-alcoholic drinks, tea and coffee are included where listed for the trip. Wild Wild West includes breakfast and dinner; you buy your own daytime snacks. International flights, alcohol, personal expenses, tips and explicitly optional activities are not automatically included. The “Included” and “Not included” lists for your chosen trip are definitive – Tanzania Untouched also has its own package.
Do I need an international driving permit?
If you want to drive on a self-drive trip, you need a valid driving licence and must meet the destination’s and rental company’s requirements. An international driving permit supplements your national licence; it does not replace it. Before departure, check whether it or an accepted translation is required in every country on your route. Your trip preparation information helps with this. You do not drive yourself on Tanzania Untouched.
What if the group is not a good fit for me?
A small group works best when expectations and travel styles align. That is why there is a free information call beforehand: we discuss whether the trip suits you, what challenges to expect and what matters to you. I will tell you honestly if another trip would be a better fit. Personal chemistry cannot be guaranteed, but the conversation helps us start with realistic, shared expectations.