Canadian World Traveller Fallr 2016 issue Canadian World Traveller Fall 2016 issue | Page 27
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New ‘Lando’ Revolutionizes Overland Travel in Africa
G Adventures launches purpose-built vehicle designed for traveller comfort
hile the roads in Africa have
improved over time, the comfort of
the vehicles hasn’t – until now.
Leading small-group adventure travel company G Adventures announces the launch
of a new overland adventure vehicle (OAV),
purpose-built for today’s modern traveller,
and designed to maximize safety and comfort.
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The fleet of 10 “Landos” are being introduced on most G Adventures overland trips
in eastern and southern Africa with the rollout being completed by summer 2016.
Each truck features full body seatbelts,
reclining seats with side-seat movement for
extra shoulder room, a 250-litre water tank
to reduce the use of plastic bottles, onboard
Wi-Fi, USB chargers at every seat, large
front windows for better views of wildlife,
and windows designed specifically for photography.
Jeff Russill, VP of product at G Adventures,
says his team has completely re-invented
and improved the OAV with the needs of
travellers in mind, using traveller feedback
and the inside knowledge of the G Africa
team.
“Our travellers have become more
sophisticated and their needs have
changed. We no longer accept that the
old vehicles suit modern-day travelers,
and in our bid to lead with service have
come up with a solution to bring overland
travel into a new age,” says Russill.
‘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.
The Lando will operate on 22
G Adventures Yolo itineraries (adventures
for 18 to 39 year olds) 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 fastpaced, cover a lot of distance, and provide younger travellers with the opportunity to see as much as possible at a more
affordable price.
Sample itineraries featuring the new Lando:
Botswana and Falls Adventure – An immersive African experience in a compact eightday package. Soak up the wildlife and
vibrant colours and scenery of Zambia,
Botswana, and South Africa with game
walks and plenty of game drives. Camp
under the stars of the Okavango Delta and
marvel at the immense Victoria Falls.
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.
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.
www.gadventures.com
Canadian World Traveller / Fall 2016