The Great Primate Handshake has partnered with Oasis Overland to ensure the safe and efficient-running of our expeditions. Oasis Overland adventure travel company was founded in 1997 by Chris Wrede and Steve Crowhurst, who at the time had over 18 years of overlanding experience between them. They were recently voted the second best overland company in the UK by the Sunday Times.
They are based in rural Somerset and are one of the few UK-based overland companies to maintain their own UK workshop where their vehicles are adapted and built for overland use, and where their crews and trainees receive hands-on training.
The GPH chose Oasis Overland as their partner not only for their experience of overlanding, but because of their policies on environmentally-responsible travel, and their involvement in a number of African charitable projects (full details can be found on the Oasis Overland website).
Oasis supports Tourism Concern and is a member of their Ethical Tour Operators Group (ETOG). Tourism Concern aims to educate travellers on the positive and negative effects that tourism has on local communities and their culture. Along with Tourism Concern and their crew they have developed their own practical and sensible environmental policy which is explained at the start of the trip. For further information you can visit www.tourismconcern.org.uk.
Vehicle / Workshop
The overland vehicle we are using is a Scania 93 series 4×2 truck of between 220 and 280 horsepower.
The truck is equipped with:
- Inward and forward facing coach seats with head rests
- Under-seat storage for your backpack so you have easy access even when driving.
- A mixture of side and rear roll-up and fixed windows, providing extensive viewing opportunities.
- 12V charging points for video and mobile phone batteries.
- On board stereo with MP3, MD or CD walkman adaptor.
- A comprehensive range of spare parts and tools.
- Large dried and fresh food storage capacities.
- Onboard truck safe for valuables and money.
- Overhead lockers for cameras and day-bags.
- Large water-carrying capacity.
- Internal truck buzzer system.
- Internal and external lighting.
- Long range fuel tanks.
Accessory equipment carried
- Spacious ‘Dome’ or ‘A frame’ style two-person tents.
- 1.2m satellite dish and 3G/EDGE aerial
- All weather awnings for wet weather and shade.
- Professionally compiled expedition medical kit.
- All cooking and cutlery equipment.
- Gas cooker and fire grate.
- Campstools.
