Even a year in advance is not too soon. Many of our events require considerable pre-planning. Because our groups are small, you also run the risk of an event being sold out. Please commit early.
This will depend on the event. We prefer smaller groups. Expect the range to be between 5-9 vehicles accommodating two persons per vehicle. On each Tour Page you will see the minimum and maximum number for that specific tour.
The onX Map App Technical Rating is what we use as our standard. It should tell you what skill levels are required. Above all we will insist that you be responsible, aware of others, follow any important directions of your staff, know your limitations with the equipment you have and follow any local laws and regulations.
Each tour is graded according to onX Map App Technical Rating. This of course can be very subjective and therefore must be considered as only a reference.What one would consider as being adverse or challenging, to another, may represent fun and a welcomed driving delight. Safety will always be our guide.
We believe in driver education and encourage you to enhance your skills by attending courses and networking within the overlanding community. Inquire about KaravanADV training courses.
They are both adventures! A KADV Tour generally represents a less challenging driving event, and will largely have access to more stylish amenities and accommodations. An Expedition will certainly have some of the same elements as a KADV Tour, however one can expect a route more challenging, possibly in more primitive and remote areas and may involve camping as well as questionable availability of the more desirable creature comforts.
Yes! You will want to share these experiences with your partner, family and friends. A KaravanADV event is always much more than just an overlanding drive. BUT, be sure you and your co-pilot have clear expectations. We welcome having a conversation with you to make sure you are selecting the right event.
To be clear, KaravanADV is not a “budget” travel company. We believe that an adventure outing need not be uncomfortable and that touches of luxury are a good thing. Whether it be a challenging Expedition or a more easy going Tour, we will seek the best. And should the map steer us to a place where quality amenities do not exist, trust that any short term inconvenience will bring promise of a rewarding adventure. Also, you won’t be surprised. We’ll be up front with you all the way.
In many cases, YES! It’s a logistics intensive operation. But in true overlanding spirit, we all can agree it makes for an even more rewarding experience. Some tours will be more practical to fly in and rent. Refer to each tour and expedition to learn if use of your personal vehicle is an option.
We relish the opportunity to craft the perfect event for you.This permits us to target any special interests you may have, build in your preferred style, and do it when and where you wish. Hard cases in hard places are our specialty. We embrace challenging logistics. Start by completing our Private Custom Tour Questionnaire.
It is universally accepted that any travel comes with some degree of risk. Some destinations we offer are in what could be considered “rough neighborhoods”, but that in itself should not be perceived as being dangerous or unsafe. Geopolitical shifts occur constantly around the globe potentially disrupting plans and forcing a response. That is the world we live in. Should it be judged that any aspect or location of our travels be detrimental to your health and safety, count on KaravanADV to put safety first. Do you have doubts? Please, call us. We welcome your inquiry.
For intergroup communication each vehicle will have a KADV provided GSMS radio (where permitted by law). We also understand that for some, having reliable access to the outside world is essential. For this reason, on select events that take place in more remote regions void of internet and reliable service, our staff will have a Starlink Roam equipped vehicle service that can be shared by the participants.
The best. Our team is made up of multilingual, highly experienced world travelers. We excel in the components of any successful tour; genuine hospitality, service, responsible conduct, crisis management, and with a constant awareness how important it is for you to have an exceptional experience. These are qualities that can not be taught. It is our nature. It is what fulfills us. We know no other way.
You’ll have an opportunity to share with us any special dietary requirements. Together we should be able to satisfy your needs.
It is our belief that meals should be more than just consuming calories. They should be celebrations! Many meals are included. The selections are a la carte. This is why we choose restaurants (when available of course), where haute cuisine and elevated dining standards give you something to look forward to. In contrast, we never pass up an opportunity to sample legendary street foods when the opportunity arises. We’re foodies! We hope you are too!
Each tour and expedition will have unique requirements varying from day to day. Tour Pages will address this in the Details section. Ultimately daily distances are gauged by what the map gives us. Planned activities, road conditions, border crossings, weather exposures, available accommodations and forced itinerary changes are the elements that determine how far and how long we drive. Driving after dark will be discouraged but can happen. We are conservative as a matter of practice, and would prefer to have a relaxed pace with cushion to allow for the unforeseen.
No.
We refer you to our Cancellation and Refund Policy . Should you cancel we’ll be forced to strictly enforce our policies. This is an expected worldwide standard in the tourism and travel industry. Please, consider Trip Cancelation and Interruption Insurance .
Probably not. Each country has its laws and regulations for entrance with an animal. Veterinarians can be scarce. Many parts of the world have not come to embrace pets as we have. There are destinations that can be the exception. Call us, and we can discuss.
Modern mechanical expertise may not be available in the more developing countries we travel. Same with parts. Should mechanical issues arise, know that you are not alone. We will proactively work with you to seek solutions. Should a vehicle simply be inoperable and unable to carry on, we will use whatever resources at our disposal to find reasonable solutions, though they may not always be optimum. All situations are different, but your mechanical problems become our challenges and we’ll do anything we can to get you back on the road.
Local guides are often called on to share their knowledge and provide insight. The wonders of nature, unique histories and the diversity of cultures fuel our passion for adventure and travel. If there is a worthwhile highlight along the way, we’ll do everything we can to experience it.
It is not likely your domestic vehicle insurance will provide coverage while on an international tour. In some countries such as Mexico, full coverage is available. Most destinations offer the means to acquire third party liability, mandatory to gain entry to the country with a foreign registered vehicle. Comprehensive coverage in the event of damage or theft is very difficult to source if available at all. We continue to research this topic and will keep you informed.
Each of our staff have been certified in basic first aid and FAST (First Aid for Severe Trauma). We become your advocate should there be an emergency requiring hospitalization. Emergency medical evacuation insurance is mandatory for all KaravanADV events.
Our imaginations are always on overdrive. But at some point we have to put the tour or expedition to the test. The “scouting tour” is an invitation to a few participants to join us on our first endeavor, always a fine value and filled with the spirit of exploration. Can you be flexible? Do you prefer a more spontaneous and less structured kind of outing? If so, you’ll love a scouting tour. We often have to turn people away so sign up early!
We actually encourage you to travel at your own pace and invite your independence. There are times when we have what we call “ disciplined travel days”. A border crossing, planned activity, a tight schedule or looming weather conditions, may prompt us to urge a tighter driving schedule, but this is the exception.
Yes. This is a common request. We will consult with you on the best options and advise you on the most ideal segments and logistics of having a fly in guest join you, and provide you with a price.
On the Tour Page, hit the button to APPLY FOR A RESERVATION. We’ll respond promptly with the latest status of the tour. If the tour is not sold out and is to go as scheduled, a follow up link with a comprehensive RESERVATION FORM, will be sent along with an invoice and means for making a deposit. All payments are in US Dollars.
There are a lot of moving parts to the process. After a series of comprehensive communications on vehicle preparations, and compiling documents such as your ORIGINAL title and assorted export requirements, the vehicles are assembled at a determined port area, to be “stuffed” in a container or loaded aboard a roll on-roll off vessel (Ro-Ro) for ocean freighting to South America. The group then flies into the receiving port to go through the temporary importation process. We have facilitated many such arrangements and provide a turnkey service as a tour inclusion.
Depending on the event, a rental may be available as an option. Contact us for more information.
This is a good question. Our team has many decades of accumulated experience in the far corners of the globe. As a result we sometimes can create something that you may not be willing or able to, even if you wanted. Experience counts. More importantly we never lose sight that this could be your only opportunity to travel some distant roads. Our devotion to you, the spirit of adventure and your safety is in our DNA. And we’re a lot of fun! References? Contact us.
