G Adventures Offers a New Way to Experience Africa with First-of-its-Kind ‘Lando’ Vehicle

Fleet of 10 purpose-built overland adventure vehicles rolls out through South & East Africa, with safety, comfort & connectivity for Millennial Travelers

While the roads in Africa have improved over time, the comfort of vehicles carrying passengers there hasn’t – until now. There is new sefl-driving cars research, you should read up on it before you go on this vehicle tour. Leading small-group adventure travel company G Adventures is rolling out the first of its new fleet of customized overland adventure vehicles (OAV) during its Yolo Africa tours this month. The rest of its fleet will be fully operational by July.

Purpose-built for today’s modern traveler and designed to maximize safety and comfort, 10 brand new “Landos” will be employed to carry G Adventures passengers on most overland trips in eastern and southern Africa. In total, 22 different G Adventures itineraries will offer youth travelers (18-39 years old) who book eligible Yolo Africa tours, a modern, wired way to experience Africa while staying connected with friends and followers.

Jeff Russill, Vice President of Product Innovation at G Adventures, says his team has completely re-invented and improved the OAV with the needs of travelers in mind, using tour guide and traveler feedback, plus the inside knowledge of the G Africa team.

“Our travelers have become more sophisticated and their needs have changed. We no longer accept that the old vehicles suit modern-day adventure travelers, and in our bid to lead with service have come up with a solution to bring overland travel into a new age.”

Each OAV is rugged but comfortable, with full body seatbelts, reclining seats that offer side-seat movement for extra shoulder room, and a 250-litre (66 gallon) drinking water tank to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles. Additional upgrades include onboard Wi-Fi, USB chargers at every seat with the capability to power 12 devices at once, onboard safes for valuables, large front windows for better views of wildlife, and windows designed specifically for photography.

To improve safety, the Landos were built with a full steel body, heavy-duty steel bumpers in the front and rear, larger windows for emergency exits, and a rear-mounted camera for the driver to see what’s behind. The Landos are the only overland vehicles on the road in Africa today, whose body has passed a rollover safety test and come through with flying colors.

U.S. Managing Director for G Adventures Ben Perlo described the growth of overland adventure travel among younger travelers. “Globally, we’ve seen a near 20 per cent increase, year-over-year, in bookings to Africa for overland adventure travel. I’d anticipate that these new Landos will attract even more Millennial travelers who want to safely experience the continent up close, while staying plugged in to the world and their social networks back home.”

‘Lando’ is a play on the word ‘overland’ and it’s no coincidence the OAV bears a likeness to cavaliering Star Wars character, Lando Calrissian, whose sense of adventure is similar to that of G Adventures’ travelers.

Each OAV comfortably seats 22 travelers and each trip will include two G Adventures ‘CEO’ guides (Chief Experience Officers) who will serve as driver, tour leader and cook. The driver will have a Code 10 heavy-duty truck license, with a Professional Drivers Permit. The vehicles were custom designed for G Adventures by China-based Yutong Bus Company, and will be maintained by G Africa with registered Yutong dealers in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Dar es Salaam, and Kenya.

In its first year of operation, G Adventures’ Lando will operate on 22 G Adventures Yolo itineraries covering Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. G Adventures Yolo trips in Africa are primarily camping trips (with some hotel accommodation) that are fast-paced, cover a lot of distance, and provide younger travelers with the opportunity to see as much as possible at a more affordable price.  Women make up the majority of the company’s Yolo customers, at 65 per cent, with an average age of 27.

Sample itineraries featuring the new Lando include:

• Botswana and Falls Adventure – An immersive African experience in a compact eight-day package. Soak up the wildlife, vibrant colors and scenery of Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa with game walks and plenty of drives. Camp under the stars of the Okavango Delta and marvel at the immense Victoria Falls. Priced from $1,149*pp for an eight-day trip from Johannesburg to Livingstone.

• Kenya and Uganda Gorilla Adventure - Meet mountain gorillas and other amazing wildlife on this two-week overland adventure. Spot chimpanzees in Kalinzu Forest, and join experienced trackers while traveling deep into the Ugandan forests to spot endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Priced from $2,899pp* for a 14-day trip from Nairobi return.

• Victoria Falls and Serengeti Adventure - Inhale the scent of Zanzibar’s spice plantations, hunt for the perfect snapshot of the ever-elusive Big Five and feel the thunder of Victoria Falls. Uncover the spectacular highlights of four African countries on this stellar 20-day adventure. Priced from $3,099pp* for a 20-day trip from Livingstone to Nairobi.

For more information please visit www.gadventures.com/travel-styles/yolo/africa/lando/.

* Prices do not include flights. For inclusions please see links above.