Question 1

Why travel with Beyond Routes?

Accepted Answer

At Beyond Routes, we do not just sell destinations; above all, we share our own experience. With more than  100,000 kilometres  of driving experience across Southern Africa, spending several months a year on the continent and a strong network of local partners, we know not only what a route looks like, but above all what it is like to travel there ourselves. We do not design standard trips, but journeys that suit your wishes, pace of travel and interests. Wherever possible, we work with small-scale accommodation providers, local guides and partners who share our vision:  trade instead of aid . This means your trip contributes not only to an unforgettable experience, but also to the local community. You can also book with peace of mind. Trips covered by the Package Travel Act are protected by the  VZR Guarantee Fund , so you can be sure of financial protection. That is what Beyond Routes stands for:  personal knowledge, honest advice and journeys that go beyond the well-known highlights.

Question 2

Do you also offer trips to Angola?

Accepted Answer

Angola is currently still being developed within Beyond Routes.  We have travelled through Angola ourselves and were impressed by its rugged landscapes and sense of adventure. In particular,  Iona National Park, the Colinas, the coast and Lubango  have stayed with us. Angola is still relatively little travelled. That makes it special, but also brings challenges. Camping and lodge facilities are not available everywhere, Portuguese is the main language and travelling sometimes requires more self-reliance than in other destinations. We work with a local partner for car hire, but anyone travelling independently through Angola must be able to manage problems on the road themselves. Also important:  driving Death Acre in a hire vehicle is absolutely not permitted. We are currently working to further develop our knowledge and options for travelling to Angola. We will share more about this here soon. Would you like to know what is possible already?  Feel free to send us an email , and we will be happy to think it through with you.

Question 3

How did you get your own car in Africa?

Accepted Answer

We bought our Toyota in the Netherlands and  converted it ourselves  into a vehicle with which we can travel through Africa. We then shipped it to Cape Town.  Since 2024, we have been travelling through Africa in our own Land Cruiser. Along the way, we have learnt a great deal about the choices involved:  do you buy a vehicle in the Netherlands or in Africa? How do you build a car suitable for travelling through Africa? How do shipping, a carnet or TIP work, and where do you leave your car when you are not travelling temporarily? We are currently writing a practical  manual  about all these considerations and our own experiences. Are you interested? Send us an email and we’ll let you know as soon as the manual is available.

Question 4

Can I also hire just a car through Beyond Routes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For a number of self-drive and safari destinations, you can also  book a hire car only through Beyond Routes  . We work with reliable local car hire companies and offer 24/7 WhatsApp support for practical questions during your trip. We’ll help you decide which vehicle best suits your trip: a Land Cruiser, a Hilux Bush Lapa or a standard Hilux. We can also arrange the practical logistics around your hire car. For example,  accommodation for the first night after arrival, where the car will be delivered, and accommodation for the final night at the place where you return the car. This allows you to start and finish your trip in a relaxed way. You can hire a 4WD through us in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Angola. There are also options for Zimbabwe and Zambia . From Kasane, you can cross the border into Zimbabwe or Zambia with a hire car, or, for an additional fee, a vehicle can be delivered in Harare or Lusaka. For Angola , it is possible to cross the border from Namibia with a hire car. We arrange the necessary border documents and practical information for your border crossing. Would you like to know which vehicle and logistics best suit your route? We’d be happy to help you plan. Please bear in mind that good hire cars are in short supply. During busy periods and the absolute peak season (the dry winter months from July to October), hire cars are  in short supply . Unfortunately, it regularly happens that travellers who only start planning a few months before departure can simply no longer find a suitable vehicle. To avoid disappointment and ensure that you set off in a car that perfectly matches your route, we recommend booking your vehicle  8 to 12 months in advance  .

Question 5

How does booking a trip with Beyond Routes work?

Accepted Answer

From the first idea to departure 1. Schedule a consultation → 2. Together, we design your dream trip → 3. Pay the deposit & look forward to your trip → 4. On the road, but never alone 1. Schedule a consultation Choose a time that suits you for a personal, complimentary travel consultation with Simone or Ronald. In around 30 minutes, we’ll discuss your wishes, travel experience, interests and ideas. 2. Together, we design your dream trip From (luxury) safaris and self-drive trips to wine, gastronomy or special accommodation: we turn your wishes into a trip that truly suits you. On average, you’ll receive a personalised travel proposal within 3–5 days. 3. Pay the deposit & look forward to your trip The most important thing is that you’re completely happy with the proposal before we finalise it. As many accommodation providers, parks and excursions work with deposits, we ask for a deposit of  30% . Once we have received it, we can secure everything for you. And after that, it’s all arranged, your trip is booked and the countdown can begin! The remaining balance must be paid no later than 60 days before departure. 4. On the road, but never alone Before departure, we’ll go through the trip in detail, so you can set off well prepared. Once you depart, we’ll remain available via a personal WhatsApp group. For practical questions, tips or unexpected situations along the way. And of course, we also love receiving photos of your special moments and sharing in your journey.