By Jeff Vella
Southern Africa is made for overland travel. Vast landscapes, remote wildlife regions and culturally rich communities are best experienced with great care — and that’s exactly where a Sunway Safaris’ small group overland tour comes into its own.
For travellers seeking genuine travel experiences, expert guidance, stress-free logistics, and superb value for money, travelling with Sunway Safaris offers a smart and rewarding way to explore bucket-list destinations across Southern Africa.
The Benefits of Small Group Overland Travel
Small group touring with Sunway’s strikes the ideal balance between affordability and support. With fewer travellers, journeys feel more personal, flexible and immersive — without compromising comfort or safety.
Sunway Safaris specialises in:
- Small group sizes – a maximum of 12 people – that enhance wildlife viewing and foster genuine group camaraderie
- Carefully paced itineraries designed for remote and wildlife-rich regions
- Authentic encounters with nature, wildlife and local cultures
- Seamless logistics across borders, national parks and remote areas
Travelling in a small group tour like this removes the need for route planning, vehicle logistics, permits and accommodation — allowing you to simply enjoy the journey.
Expert Crews Who Elevate the Experience
One of Sunway Safaris’ greatest strengths is its crew. Overland travel has evolved, and Sunway leads the way by employing professionally trained drivers who are also registered field guides. All crew members undergo regular retraining to ensure their skills and regional knowledge remain current.
This means travellers benefit from:
- In-depth wildlife interpretation and birding knowledge
- Cultural insights from guides who truly know the region
- Safe, confident driving in remote conditions
- Friendly, customer-focused service throughout the journey
You’re not just being transported — you’re being guided through Africa by people who live and breathe it.
Jeff’s First-Hand Experience: Botswana with Sunway Safaris
These benefits aren’t just theoretical. Jeff from Travel Africa recently experienced them first-hand on a Sunway Safaris small group tour through Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.
Researching never came so easily. As Jeff puts it, someone had to do it!
Botswana is often considered a high-budget destination, but this Sunway overland journey proved it can be both accessible and deeply rewarding. Major highlights were the Okavango and Chobe regions with their tranquil waterways, dramatic African skies and breathtaking panoramas with not a high-rise in sight – something truly special.
Over six days, our group enjoyed remarkable wildlife encounters, immersive landscapes and a group dynamic that quickly turned fellow travellers into friends for life.
Guided by the Best in the Business
Leading the trip were Sunway’s outstanding crew, John and Ishmael, South African and Zimbabwean born and bred. They exemplified everything Sunway stands for — knowledgeable, professional and genuinely passionate about what they do.
From wildlife facts and cultural insights to expert birding knowledge (Jeff admits he may now be a bird nerd), the crew guided our group through every aspect of the journey with ease and confidence.
Comfort and Participation on Sunway Small Group Tours
Sunway small group tours offer three levels of comfort and participation, ensuring every traveller can enjoy their safari experience at their own pace.
- Lead in tours involve camping and full participation, helping out with cooking and camp tasks;
- Mid-level tours involve staying in comfortable and rustic 2-3 star accommodation. These tours are semi-participation, where you lend a hand occasionally; and
- Classic journeys offer a slightly higher level of accommodation and comfort and where you take the back seat with no participation at all.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or prefer a bit of relaxation, there’s a trip to suit your style — giving you the perfect balance of adventure and comfort on your safari.
Delicious, Thoughtful Dining
A big contributor to happiness on any safari is good food, and Sunway goes above and beyond. Their menus are designed to delight and nourish, not just fill your belly. While Jeff’s trip didn’t require special dietary arrangements, Sunway is well-equipped to cater for a wide range of allergies and dietary preferences. From hearty breakfasts to delicious dinners under the stars, you can choose to get involved in meal preparation or simply enjoy every bite while the crew takes care of everything.
Iconic Red Trucks Built for Africa
One of the most recognisable features of a Sunway Safaris overland tour is their iconic fleet of bright red overland trucks. Purpose-built for African conditions, these vehicles are designed to handle long distances, rough roads and remote terrain safely and comfortably. Elevated seating provides excellent wildlife viewing, while large windows, secure storage and well-planned layouts make days on the road both practical and enjoyable. More than just transport, Sunway’s red trucks are a symbol of reliability, experience and true overland travel — often becoming a talking point and a photo opportunity wherever they go.
Who Travels on a Sunway Safaris Tour?
Sunway Safaris welcomes travellers of all ages and firmly believes that age should never be a barrier to adventure. There is no upper age limit, with suitability based on individual fitness, mobility and overall health rather than a number. Many guests travel in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, often as couples or solo travellers seeking an immersive and meaningful way to explore Africa. To ensure safety and enjoyment for all, travellers aged 65 and over are required to provide a simple medical self-declaration or doctor’s certificate, confirming they are fit to participate in an overland safari that may include moderate physical activity, longer driving days and some full-day walks. Sunway regularly hosts fit and active travellers over 65 — many of whom more than keep pace with (and sometimes outshine) their younger companions.
Sunway Safaris’ minimum age is 12 years, with travellers aged 12–17 required to be accompanied by an adult. On some itineraries, wild camping takes place in unfenced, remote areas where wildlife may pass through camp, making it essential that younger travellers follow guide instructions closely and remain under parental supervision at all times.
Organised Travel Without the Stress
For Jeff, his Sunway’s trip was both a trip down memory lane and a chance to see overland travel from the other side. Having previously worked as overland crew himself, handing over control wasn’t easy.
But this journey reinforced an important lesson: travel should be fun and as stress-free as possible.
Overland travel with Sunway transforms what can be overwhelming into a relaxed, well-managed adventure.
Sunway Safaris delivers:
- Bucket-list destinations
- Wildlife-rich, immersive itineraries
- Highly trained crew and local representatives
- Use of small, locally owned properties
- Genuine support for local communities and a real focus on ethical & sustainable initiatives
Is a Sunway Overland Small Group Tour Right for You?
If you’re a team player, enjoy travelling with like-minded people and value expert guidance alongside flexibility and comfort, a Sunway Safaris small group overland tour could be the perfect fit.
Travel Africa can help you with any tour in Sunways portfolio – here are some for inspiration:
14 Days Walking South Africa
14 Days Mozambique & Kruger: Beach & Bush
16 Days Zambia & Malawi: Livingstone Trail
17 Days South Africa: Rainbow Route
21 Days Cape Town to Victoria Falls: Grand Explorer
21 Days Namibia & Botswana: Southern Circle
21 Days Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe: Dune to Falls
📞 Contact Travel Africa today to start planning your next African adventure with Sunway Safaris.
