Tracks to Follow
Vehicle Information - Technologies - Fuels and Fuel storage - Information tables and Reference - Techniques - Water and Food - Stuff to do - Tracks to Follow - Preps when traveling - Overland Essentials
| Note: This page is currently a stub with little or no information in it. If you would like to contribute to the site by writing interesting content (with full attribution and links to your site of course) please contact us on contributions@adventurestuff.wiki. Unfortunately because this is a hobby site we don't have the resources to pay for content, but we would be glad to promote you and your content to our audience. |
UK
- The NC500 - 500 mile route around the north coast of the UK
- The NE250 - 250 mile route along the North East of the UK
By Region
Europe
Top 5 Overlanding Routes in Europe
Europe offers a diverse range of overlanding experiences, from technical alpine military tracks to windswept coastal loops. Below are five of the most iconic routes for 2026.
---
1. The High Alps: France to Italy
This route is the "holy grail" for overlanders who love elevation. While many follow the tarmac of the Route des Grandes Alpes, the real overlanding magic happens on the gravel military tracks crossing the border.
- The Highlights: Conquering the Col de Sommeiller (one of the highest driveable points in Europe at 3,009m) and the legendary Assietta Ridge Road.
- Terrain: Winding mountain passes, narrow gravel tracks, and ancient Napoleonic forts.
- Best For: Experienced drivers with high-clearance 4x4 vehicles.
- Duration: 5–10 days.
2. The Trans-Pyrenees: Atlantic to Mediterranean
Running along the border between Spain and France, this route offers a dramatic transition from the humid, green Basque country to the arid, rocky foothills of Catalonia.
- The Highlights: Smugglers’ routes through Andorra, the Ordesa Canyon, and high-altitude "balcony" roads.
- Terrain: A mix of technical off-road tracks (roughly 50%) and scenic, twisty tarmac.
- Best For: Those seeking a "coast-to-coast" sense of accomplishment.
- Duration: 7–12 days.
3. The Balkan Wilderness: Montenegro & Albania
For those seeking a "remote" feel, the Balkans are the answer. This route explores the Accursed Mountains (Prokletije) and some of the continent's last wild frontiers.
- The Highlights: The Theth Valley in Albania (an arduous but stunning descent) and the Durmitor National Park loop in Montenegro.
- Terrain: Very rugged. Expect deep ruts, river crossings, and sections requiring serious focus.
- Best For: Adventure seekers looking for wild camping and off-the-grid living.
- Duration: 10–14 days.
4. The Iceland Ring Road (Route 1)
While the main road is paved, overlanding in Iceland is about the detours. Using the Ring Road as a spine, drivers can branch into the Westfjords or the uninhabited Highlands.
- The Highlights: Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the black sands of Vík, and massive volcanic waterfalls.
- Terrain: Volcanic deserts, river fords (on F-Roads), and dramatic coastal cliffs.
- Best For: Photographers and lovers of raw, prehistoric landscapes.
- Duration: 10–14 days.
5. The Wild Atlantic Way: Ireland
Stretching 2,600km along Ireland’s west coast, this is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. It focuses on the "slow travel" ethos rather than technical off-roading.
- The Highlights: Slieve League sea cliffs, the lunar landscapes of The Burren, and the rugged Dingle Peninsula.
- Terrain: Very narrow, winding coastal lanes and "boreens" (country tracks) that test vehicle width.
- Best For: Van-lifers and those who enjoy cozy pubs and local hospitality.
- Duration: 14–21 days.
---
Route Comparison
| Route | Difficulty | Primary Terrain | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Alps | Challenging | Gravel/Rocky | July – Sept |
| Pyrenees | Moderate | Dirt/Forest Tracks | June – Oct |
| Balkans | Hard | Mud/Rock/River | May – Oct |
| Iceland | Moderate | Tarmac/F-Roads | June – Aug |
| Ireland | Easy | Narrow Tarmac | May – Sept |
Would you like me to expand on the specific gear requirements or border crossing tips for any of these routes?
```
Africa
Overlanding in Africa is the ultimate test of both man and machine. Unlike Europe’s well-defined tracks, these routes require extensive self-sufficiency, mechanical knowledge, and a respect for the vast distances between fuel stops.
Top 5 Overlanding Routes in Africa
Overlanding in Africa offers unparalleled wildlife encounters, massive desert dunes, and some of the most challenging terrain on Earth. Here are five iconic routes for 2026.
---
1. The Garden Route & Wild Coast: South Africa
Starting in Cape Town and heading east, this is the most accessible overlanding experience in Africa, offering a blend of world-class infrastructure and rugged coastal tracks.
- The Highlights: The Knysna Heads, whale watching in Hermanus, and the remote, rolling green hills of the Transkei (Wild Coast).
- Terrain: Primarily tarmac on the Garden Route; broken pavement and muddy tracks on the Wild Coast.
- Best For: First-time African overlanders and families.
- Duration: 10–14 days.
2. The Skeleton Coast & Damaraland: Namibia
Namibia is an overlander's dream, characterized by "the sound of silence." This route takes you through the world's oldest desert and up the haunting Atlantic coastline.
- The Highlights: The towering red dunes of Sossusvlei, the shipwrecks of the Skeleton Coast, and tracking desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland.
- Terrain: Deep sand, salt roads (slippery when wet), and corrugated gravel.
- Best For: Solitude seekers and photography enthusiasts.
- Duration: 14–21 days.
3. The Okavango & Chobe Loop: Botswana
Botswana offers a true "wild" experience with no fences between you and the predators. This route connects the inland delta with the elephant-rich Chobe riverfront.
- The Highlights: Wild camping in Moremi Game Reserve, crossing the Khwai River, and the massive salt pans of Makgadikgadi.
- Terrain: Technical deep sand and seasonal water crossings. A snorkel and recovery gear are mandatory.
- Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts and experienced 4x4 drivers.
- Duration: 10–15 days.
4. The Northern Circuit: Tanzania
This route circles the "roof of Africa" and some of the most famous safari parks on the planet, offering a mix of high-altitude craters and vast savannahs.
- The Highlights: Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, the endless plains of the Serengeti, and the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Terrain: Very dusty "African snow" (fesh-fesh), volcanic rock, and heavy corrugation.
- Best For: Those wanting the quintessential "Big Five" safari experience.
- Duration: 12–18 days.
5. The Nile Route: Egypt to Sudan
For the hardcore trans-continental traveler, the stretch along the Nile offers a journey through ancient history and the stark beauty of the Nubian Desert.
- The Highlights: The temples of Abu Simbel, the Meroë pyramids in Sudan, and the hospitality of the Nubian people.
- Terrain: Severe desert heat, vast sand expanses, and complex border/bureaucracy navigation.
- Best For: Long-haul explorers and history buffs.
- Duration: 20–30 days.
---
Route Comparison
| Route | Difficulty | Primary Terrain | Key Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Easy/Moderate | Tarmac/Mud | Navigation in Wild Coast |
| Namibia | Moderate | Gravel/Sand | Extreme isolation/Fuel range |
| Botswana | Hard | Deep Sand/Water | Wildlife safety/Recoveries |
| Tanzania | Moderate/Hard | Dust/Corrugation | High park fees/Traffic |
| Egypt/Sudan | Extreme | Desert Sand | Bureaucracy/Logistics |
Would you like a specialized packing list for one of these environments, such as a desert recovery kit or a malaria-zone medical guide?
```