More Information
What’s Included
Guided rhino walk and open vehicle game drive in Matobo NP. Kruger NP entrance and game drives. Traditional Shangaan dinner and dance. Visit to the G Adventures-supported G Hope Africa preschool. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Highlights
Spot the Big Five in Kruger National Park, gaze out across Victoria Falls, observe wildlife from a 4×4 in Matobo National Park, witness Shangaan dancing, discover the less-visited Zimbabwe.
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
1. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes
2. This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a comfortable and safe customized safari truck for the long drives.
3. As of January 26th 2011 the Director General of the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism declared a valid Yellow Fever Certificate is required at all points of entry into Zanzibar. This includes the airport, seaport and other points of entry. Failure to provide the correct certification may result in an on the spot vaccination or $50 fine. Please check with your health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.
4. An essential part of your safari is participation. The group is usually divided into small groups and given different tasks which change on a day to day basis, from kitchen duty group (helping in prepare meals and clean up afterwards), the packing group (sets up all tables and chairs outside) and the cleaning group (which cleans the truck by emptying the rubbish bin and brooming). it is all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your CEOs will do all the meal preparation, but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun! All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. All tents have built-in insect nets. Mattresses are also available, which are approximately 4cm thick, warm and comfortable.
5. Sleeping bags can not be rented on any of our Africa overland or safari
6. LUGGAGE COMPLICATIONS: It occasionally happens that luggage on international flights into Cape Town, Livingstone or Johannesburg does not arrive. Please be aware that this may happen, especially if you have a tight connection in either of these centres, are flying with different airlines with a connection, have a last minute flight change or re-route, or fly from or connect through another African centre. Please be prepared and keep all important documentation and valuables on your person. As well we recommend a change of clothes in your hand luggage. If unfortunately this does happen, and your luggage does not arrive, you should be entitled to a limited initial compensation from your airline. In Southern Africa, the arrival of lost luggage normally takes between 10 and 48 hours after the initial plane’s arrival. The airlines technically should be responsible to forward your luggage to you, to your hotel or elsewhere in Southern Africa. You may find that your tour will begin, and you still have not received your luggage. When reporting your missing bag at the airport please provide the airline with the emergency telephone number of our local office in South Africa (+27 71 470 6928). Please do not give out any address (starting point hotel) as on most trips we do not stay long enough for the bag to arrive, the airline should phone our local office to arrange the delivery address. It is recommended that you purchase locally a few needed items, begin your tour. Your CEO or local representative will be able to help you organize this, and once your luggage is retrieved, it should be able to be forwarded to you – depending where you are. Please note that any costs that you may incur for luggage retrieval or sending luggage are not the responsibility of G Adventures, though we will always strive to assist you in any way possible, Please make sure to hand in the reference number of the bag and your flight details to your CEO in order to help with the tracing of the bag. You should always keep all receipts and documentation, and contact your airline or insurance provider for reimbursement.
7. Your CEO aims to provide you with the best service possible during your tour. They will be joining you in the back of the truck for a maximum of approximately 50% during driving, to answer questions and provide more information about the areas that you visit. They will spend the remainder of the driving time in front with the driver to enable them to make bookings, do planning and to fulfil other organizational requirements of the tour. During game drives, your CEO will ensure to accompany you in the passenger area of the truck. This is of course because they have a lot of knowledge to share with you during these exciting game drives. Please do not hesitate to ask your CEO any questions.
8. Please note that on all our Overland adventure vehicle (OAV) safaris there is a maximum of 22 people per vehicle.
9. VISAS. Please read the Visa section very carefully. Visas are your own responsibility. Always double check with the embassies what each countries requirement are.
10. All passengers on this trip must be 18 years of age or older.
Group Leader Description
On your overland tour you will be accompanied by two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs). The Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will be the group manager and leader, cook and driver. They will provide information on the places where we are travelling, offer suggestions for things to do and see, and introduce you to our local friends. They will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure.
All of our CEOs in southern Africa are experienced group leaders, with a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife. Most of our leaders in the region are from South Africa, though it may be possible that you’ll have a leader from another country in the southern African region.
All of our overland adventure vehicle (OAV) drivers are experienced in the routes travelled, and highly skilled in dealing with different terrains. All of our cooks will organize and lead the meal preparation, and have experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
We also use local guides for some included activities where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.
Group Size Notes
Max 22, avg 18.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Transport
Overland adventure vehicle (OAV), walking, 4×4 open safari vehicle.
About our Transportation
Here’s a quick look at the well-equipped G Adventures overland adventure vehicle (OAV):
– Storage for main luggage in a compartment under the seating area (accessed from the outside of the truck). Day packs can be stored at your feet (there is plenty of room).
– Onboard safety box(es) for valuables.
– Front view windows
– Large sliding windows, great for game viewing
– Fully equipped retractable kitchen
– Intercom between seating area and driver
– Inverter for battery charging (South African plug – 220-240V)
Please note that our trucks do not have on-board bathrooms. Nor do they have seats that recline as often reclining seats will break, and thus you will have some seats that recline and some that don’t.
This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary, and consider that this is often on poor quality, bumpy roads. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Accommodation
Participation camping (6 nts), simple hotel (1 nt).
My Own Room
About Accommodation
Our first night will be spent at The Zambezi Waterfront Lodge in Livingstone, located on the banks of the Zambezi river above Victoria Falls.
We will be camping in 2 person safari tents. Camping in Africa is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites in national parks and outside towns. Campsite facilities in southern Africa are generally good, but can be basic in certain places. There are generally small restaurants and/or bars, washing facilities and occasionally telephones available.
The camps have flush toilets, and showers at some camps are outdoors, having simple reed enclosures for privacy. Additionally, warm water is available at most sites, but it is not guaranteed to always be warm when you take your shower; the warm water may be used up others who also use the camp. We usually set-up camp within close proximity to the toilet facilities, though occasionally to reach them you may to walk a short distance.
All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied, including camp mattresses, which are warm and comfortable. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person safari canvas tents. Please note that most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents, though most travellers find these more than adequate, as they have a base area of approximately 4 square meters. These tents are regularly treated with a waterproofing agent, but under certain rainy conditions, the tent fabric may become saturated to the point where seepage or leakage may occur. All tents have built-in mesh insect netting on the windows and doors.
We travel with our own portable camp chairs with a comfortable back-rest, and we utilize our own cooking equipment to provide the group good quality camp meals.
In camping within the national parks and conservation areas, some camp sites are enclosed for keeping the resident wildlife out. Other camps are open to the natural environment – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area.
Despite the challenge that a few days “roughing it” may pose to some, the experience of being that close to nature, camping under the African stars, and seeing incredible wildlife at your tent door-step is not just gratifying but ultimately an experience of a lifetime.
Joining Hotel
Zambezi Waterfront Campground
1942B Sichango Road
Livingstone, Zambia
Tel: +260 33 20606
Joining Instructions
Pre-arranged transfers with G Adventures: You may be approached by random people offering transfers and asked your name. Do not volunteer this information. Your transfer person should have a sign with G Adventures and the hotel name on it (at times the sign will have your name but not the hotel). Ask him/her who they are waiting for (or which hotel they are taking you to) and once they confirm, present your passport for proof of identity.
If you have not booked a pre-arranged transfer, you can make your own way to the hotel by taxi. When arriving at the international terminal, depart the arrival hall and outside you will find taxis to town. It is apporximately 5km from the city centre and takes about 20 minutes (Cost is about USD15 for a taxi).
The tour ends in Johannesburg on Day 8.
Arrival Complications
We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Reprsentative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Local Representative (South Africa)
After Hours Emergency number
From outside South Africa: +27 82 556 4562
From within South Africa: 082 556 4562
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, or sports bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags.
For our camping style tours you will need to provide your own sleeping bag, small pillow and sleeping sheet (if you would like). We provide the tent and the sleeping pads.
It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning game drives.
Please note that the seasons in Africa is quite extreme. Winters (especially South Africa, Namibia and Botswana) can be really cold and summers will be really hot.
If you travel during winter months(May to October) please ensure that you bring warm clothing and a suitable sleeping bag.
A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.
Checklist
Suggested Items:
▪ Fleece top
▪ Warm sleeping bag, travel pillow and optional sleeping sheet
▪ Windproof/waterproof jacket
▪ Small towel and swimwear
▪ 4 shirts/t-shirts
▪ Sun hat
▪ 1 pair of shorts
▪ 2 pairs of long trousers
▪ 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
▪ Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
▪ Sport sandals
▪ Sunblock
▪ Sunglasses
▪ Toiletries (biodegradable)
▪ Water bottle
▪ Pocketknife
▪ Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulbs)
▪ Money belt
▪ First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
-Day pack
-Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
-Personal Entertainment
-Binoculars
-Waterproof backpack cover
Documents:
▪ Passport (with photocopies)
▪ Yellow Fever Certificate (with photocopies)(If traveling from an endemic country).
▪ Travel insurance (with photocopies)
▪ Airline tickets (with photocopies)
▪ USD cash
▪ Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
▪ G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
▪ Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Laundry
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas
All countries require travellers to have a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity), and you are required to acquire the entry visas for each of the countries visited.
Please double check with your agent and/or visa agent what the visa requirements is for each country that you will be traveling to. Some countries do require that you get your visa before arrival. If you show up at a border and should you not have the required visa you will be denied entry to the country and be send back to the closest embassy/high commission to get the visa. All arrangements and expenses for that will be at your own cost. The CEO will assist you with travel arrangements but will not be able to accompany you. You will also have to catch up with the group at their next destination at own cost.
We have been experiencing a lot of problems with people that need visas for Namibia and Malawi. Namibian and Malawian visas is not available at the border, so please make very sure if you do need a visa before arrival.
The information provided here is to be used as a guide only. Please consult with the relevant embassy or your travel agency before you travel. We cannot take any responsibility whatsoever for the use of this information.
Zambia
***Please be sure to visit http://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm to determine if your nationality requires a Visa, can purchase one upon arrival or must apply for one in advance.
Note that Zambia and Zimbabwe have come out with a UNIVISA. This Visa allows holders to cross back and forth between Zambia and Zimbabwe as many times as they would like within a 30-day period (giving the passenger the ability to see Victoria Falls from both sides). These Visa’s can be purchased at Livingstone and Lusaka airports and the border posts at Victoria Falls and Kazangula for 50USD.
We would recommend this Visa to our passengers as a single entry Visa to Zimbabwe costs 30USD and upwards, and a single entry Visa to Zambia costs 50USD and upwards (therefore, the UNIVISA offers more value).
Information below is in regards to Zambian Visas only.
http://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93&Itemid=118
http://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=92&Itemid=117
Most nationals can purchase their visas upon arrival. Some nationals do have to obtain a visa before arriving in Lusaka such as Greek, Turkish, Indian, Chinese. But please double check with your agent and/or closest embassy.
Visas issued at ports of entry or missions abroad
Albania, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Britain, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Congo Brazzaville, Cook Islands, Costarica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, France, German, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourgm, Madagascar, Macedonia, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, Rwanda, Saotome and Prince, Slovakia Republic, Slovenia Republic, South Korea, Spain, St Lucia, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom (UK), United States of America, Uruguay, Western Sahara, Venezuela, Vietnam
Countries not requiring a visa
Anguilla, Antigua and Bermuda, Australian Antarctic Territory, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Cook Island, Cyprus, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Falkland Islands Dependencies, Fiji Islands, Gilbraltar, Grenada, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Niue, Norfolk Island, Pitcairn Islands, Romania, Ross Dependency, St. Helena, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Samoa, Serbia-Montenegro, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Turks and Caicos Island, Uganda, Vanuatu, Western Samoa, Zimbabwe
Types of VISAS and the Applicable Fees – Please use as guideline only.
Single Entry- US $50.
Double Entry- US $80
Multiple Entry- US $80
Zimbabwe
***Please be sure to do your research to determine if your nationality requires a Visa, can purchase one upon arrival or must apply for one in advance.
Note that Zambia and Zimbabwe have come out with a UNIVISA. This Visa allows holders to cross back and forth between Zambia and Zimbabwe as many times as they would like within a 30-day period (giving the passenger the ability to see Victoria Falls from both sides). These Visa’s can be purchased at Livingstone and Lusaka airports and the border posts at Victoria Falls and Kazangula for 50USD.
We would recommend this Visa to our passengers as a single entry Visa to Zimbabwe costs 30USD and upwards, and a single entry Visa to Zambia costs 50USD and upwards (therefore, the UNIVISA offers more value).
Information below is in regards to Zimbabwe Visas only.
http://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/zimbabwe-visa.html
A Visa to enter Zimbabwe is required by several nationalities, please read the full details listed below.
There are 3 categories:
Category A: Countries whose nationals do NOT require a Visa. No action required, you will be granted easy entry at any border post.
Category B: Countries whose nationals are granted a Zimbabwe visa at port of entry on payment of requisite visa fees. These visas are easiest obtained on your arrival at the Airport or border post.
Category C: Countries whose nationals are required to apply for and obtain a Zimbabwe visa prior to travelling. You have to apply through an agency or the Zimbabwe High Commission in your home country.
Find out the Category of your country in the tables below.
If you have purchased a single entry visa upon arrival and then decide to leave Zimbabwe, even for a few hours, you will need to buy another visa to re-enter Zimbabwe. In this instance you should buy a double entry visa upon arrival, it works out cheaper.
NB – Multiple Entry Visas – cannot be obtained at the port of entry into Zimbabwe. You may enter Zimbabwe on a single entry visa and then obtain a Multiple Entry Visa from the town office – but this may take up to 7 working days to be issued.
Alternatively a multiple entry visa can be obtained from the Zimbabwe Embassy in your country prior to departure for Zimbabwe
CATEGORY A:
Countries whose nationals do NOT require a Zimbabwe Visa.
Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Cyprus,
Fiji, Grenada, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Leeward Islands, Lesotho, Malaysia, Malawi, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Samoa Western, Singapore, South Africa , Solomon Islands, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Vincent, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turk & Caicoa Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda
Vanuatu, Zambia
*South Africa – gratis (FREE) visas issued at point of entry
CATEGORY B:
Countries whose nationals are granted a Zimbabwe Visa at port of entry on payment of requisite visa fees. See costs below
Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, *Canada, Cook Island, Denmark, Dominic Rep, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, *Ghana, Greece, Indonesia, Iceland, *Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (South), Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau Islands, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, Seychelles, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, *United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican, Virgin Islands
* See CATEGORY B: Exceptions Table
CATEGORY B: ZIMBABWE VISA FEES
Single Entry US$ 30
Double Entry US$ 45
Multiple Entry US$ 55
CATEGORY B: EXCEPTIONS
British and Irish
Single Entry US$ 55
Double Entry US$ 70
Canada
Single Entry US$ 75
Ghana Free
Canadian Passport holders can ONLY get a Single entry Zimbabwe Visa at the port of Entry. Cost is US$75
Category C nationals can only get a single entry Zimbabwe visa
CATEGORY C:
Countries whose nationals are required to apply for and obtain a Zimbabwe visa prior to travelling.
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde Island, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros Islands, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (DRC), Costa Rica, Cote d’Voire, Croatia, Cuba , Czech Rep, Djibouti Rep, El Salvador, Equator, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Eyrom, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French West Indies, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Gibraltar, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea,Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (DPRK), Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Macau, Madagascar, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Nieu, Niger, Nigeria, Norfolk Islands, Northern Mariana, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Principe, Qatar , Reunion, Romania, Rwanda, Samoa (America), San Marino, Sao Tome, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovak Rep, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen Rep, Yugoslavia
CATEGORY C: ZIMBABWE VISA FEES
Single Entry US$65 to US$100
South Africa
http://www.dha.gov.za/Counties%20Exempy%20from%20SA%20Visaa.html
http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/Applying%20for%20a%20South%20African%20visa.html
http://www.southafrica.info/travel/documents/visas.htm
Visas are not issued at South African ports of entry, and airline officials are obliged to insist on visas before allowing passengers to board. If you arrive without a visa, immigration officials are obliged to put you onto a flight back to your home country.
If you are a passport holder of the following countries/areas you do not need a visa for stays of LESS THAN 90 days:
African Union / Unity Laissez Passes, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, United States of America, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica
If you are a passport holder of the following countries/areas you do not need a visa for stays of LESS THAN 30 days:
Antigua and Barbuda,Barbados,Belize,Benin,Bolivia,Hong Kong,Hungary,Jordan,Lesotho,Malaysia Cape Verde,Costa Rica,Cyprus,Gabon,Guyana,Peru,Poland,Seychelles,Slovak Republic ,South Korea,Swaziland,Thailand,Turkey,Zambia
Visa costs
The visa fee is different for every nationality, so please check this with your agent or closest embassy.
This information is accurate at the time of writing, and please contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements and costs, regarding these, and the other countries visited, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation.
Detailed Trip Notes
REGIONAL INFORMATION
Climate
Southern Africa is renowned for its excellent outdoor living climate. The winter months are from May to September and are characterized by cold nights and pleasant days. Summer is from October to April and starts off with increasing dry heat and dust. Rains generally only start from mid to late December and last until March; this period is hot and humid. Large parts of Southern Africa are desert environment, so you will have to come prepared with a three-season sleeping bag and appropriate clothing for the winter season (nights only).
Local Currency
South African Rand; Botswana Pula; Zambian Kwacha. We recommend that you bring US$ or South African Rand for personal expenses on this trip. Traveller’s cheques are not recommended.
Electricity 220-240V, 50Hz. Electric plug types come in two sizes and are standard throughout the countries. The two and three round pin standard plugs are acceptable in most parts of these countries.
Language
There are multiple official languages in South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, although English is widely spoken. There are also numerous dialects spoken throughout different parts of these lands.
ZAMBIA
Full country name: Zambia
Area: 752,615km2 (17th largest in Africa)
Population: 10.4 million
Capital city: Lusaka
Largest Towns: Lusaka, Ndola, Livingstone, Kabwe, Kitwe.
People: Bemba, Tonga, Nyanja, Ngoni, Lozi plus many other different groups as well as Colonial ex-pats and people of Asian descent
Official Language: English
Other Languages: Bemba, Tonga, Nyanja, Lozi
Religion: Christian, ZCC and Islam
Government: Multiparty parliamentary democracy
President: Levy Mwanawasa
Currency: Kwacha
Major industries: Agriculture (mainly subsistence farming), mining, tourism
• Formally called Northern Rhodesia, Zambia gained its independence from colonial Great Britain in 1964.
• By the end of 1970, Zambia has become one of the poorest countries in the world due to corruption, mismanagement of the economy and a fall in the world copper price.
• In the 1990s Kuanda, the president since independence, was forced to amend the constitution, legalizing opposition parties and setting full elections in 1991. They were defeated by Frederick Chiluba. However, Zambia’s situation has not improved.
• The country has three distinct seasons: cool and dry from May to August, hot and dry in September and October and rainy between November and April.
• The majority of the population are subsistence farmers and there are also some large commercial farms growing sugar cane.
INTERESTING FACTS
1. Zambia is the fourth-largest supplier of copper in the world and the leading producer of cobalt. Combined the mining of these two minerals accounts for 75% of Zambia’s foreign exchange and 5% of employment in the country.
2. There are 73 officially recognized ethnic groups living within Zambia’s borders, each with their own culture and language.
3. Unlike many African countries, Zambia’s borders do not adhere to any logical language or tribal boundaries.
4. Unlike neighbouring Botswana the Zambian government does not have a comprehensive anti-poaching policy and poaching remains a major problem facing Zambia’s wildlife.
5. Approx 750 different species of bird have been recorded in Zambia. 6. The Victoria Falls on the Zambian side is known as “Mosi oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders)
ZIMBABWE
officially the Republic of Zimbabwe and formerly Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia, the Republic of Rhodesia, and Zimbabwe Rhodesia) is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three official languages: English, Shona (the Bantu language with the most native speakers), and Ndebele (also a Bantu language).
Zimbabwe began as the British crown colony of Southern Rhodesia, created from land held by the British South Africa Company. President Robert Mugabe is the head of State and Commander in Chief of the armed forces. Morgan Tsvangirai is the Prime Minister. Mugabe has been in power since the country’s internationally-recognised independence in 1980.
SOUTH AFRICA
Full country name: Republic of South Africa
Area: 1,221,037km2 (447,443mi2)
Population: 47,432,000 (July 2005 estimate), 44,819,278 (Census 2001)
Capital cities: Cape Town (Legislative), Pretoria (Admistrative) and Bloemfontein (Judicial)
People: Zulu, Afrikaners, Xhosa, Basotho (South Sotho), English South Africans, Bapedi (North Sotho), Indian/Asian, Venda, Tswana, Tsonga, Swazi, Ndebele, others
Language: Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Swati, Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Northern Sotho, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda
Religion: Zion Christian 11%, Pentecostal/Charismatic 8%, Catholic 7%, Methodist 7%, Dutch Reformed 7%, Anglican 4%, other Christian 36%, Islam 2%, none 15%
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Major industries: mining (world’s largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metal working, machinery, textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, food stuff, commercial ship repair.
Major trading partners: U.S., UK, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, China, France, Saudi Arabia, Iran (2004).
Currency: Rand (ZAR), consisting of 100 cents
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). The South African rand is also an accepted form of payment in
Namibia.
The Namibian currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is equivalent in value (in Namibia only) to the South African Rand. NAD is not accepted as payment in other countries.
In Botswana, payments at supermarkets, post offices etc are to be with Pula (BWP) but activities and drinks at campsites can be paid for in USD
The official currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha, denoted by ZMK. NO payments in USD are allowed in Zambia anymore (except for activities at the Safpar Waterfront in Livingstone). All other payments need to be with ZMK. Malawi uses the Kwacha (MWK) and Tanzania and Kenya use the Shilling, denoted by TZS and KES.
USD is widely accepted in Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya but some supermarkets might only accept local currencies.
Emergency Fund
Departure Tax
USD20, may be included in the international air ticket.
Tipping
Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory and optional (up to the discretion of the group/guest) – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. It is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, as an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal ‘thank you’, and the action should in no way be awkward. The best method of tipping someone that has served the whole group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group as a whole should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s). You may use the following as a guideline, all given in a per client format: Restaurant/Café servers: 10% of cost of bill, especially when in a large group (no envelope required); Driver / Camp Cook / CEO US$2 each, per day worked, per traveller.
Optional Activities
Livingstone:
Livingstone:
Breakfast Cruise USD55
Lunch or Sunset Cruise USD70
Lady Livingstone Sunset Cruise USD85
White Water Rafting:
River conditions are vary depending on the seasons. Low water season generally runs from August to January each year – this is when the Zambezi is at its very wildest. High water season is from about February to July with a “closed season” for a few months, usually in March, and April, depending on the season’s rains. During this time rafting on the river is not permitted.
Full Day (Low Water) – inc lift USD185
Half Day AM (Low Water) – no lift USD160
Half Day PM (Low Water) or High Water – inc lift USD160
White Water Rafting / River Boarding Combo
Full Day (Low Water) – inc lift USD225
Half Day AM (Low Water) – no lift USD195
Half Day PM (Low Water) or High Water – inc lift USD195
Overnight White Water Rafting
2 Days, 1 Night Rapid 1 – 25 USD345
3.5 Days, 3 Night Rapid 1 to Moemba Falls USD1110
Raft Float on Upper Zambezi USD100
Upper Zambezi Canoe:
Half Day USD120
Full Day USD155
Overnight Canoeing USD285
Abseiling:
Full Day USD162
Half Day USD139
Gorge Swing – (single / tandem) USD95/116
Flying Fox or Cable Slide (excl transfer) USD58
Vic Falls Bungee:
Big Air Experience (Combo) USD198
Bungee jump USD157
Bridge Swing USD157
Bridge Slide USD47
Bridge Tour USD70
*Excludes transfers
River Safaris
Morning / Lunch / Sunset *$10 Park fee to be paid direct USD100
Jet Boating * includes cable car USD116
Fishing Safaris
Half Day AM/PM USD145
Full Day (with lunch) USD296
Game Drive USD65
Zambezi Elephant Trail (AM/PM Ride) USD195
Chobe Game Park (Kasane – Botswana) Day Trip (Excludes Visa Fees) USD190
VICTORIA FALLS:
Falls Tour (Zambia) (Excludes Visa Fees and USD20 park fee) USD35
Falls Tour (Zimbabwe)(Excludes Visa Fees and USD20 park fee) USD50
Flights over the Falls:
Helicopter Short flight (approx 15mins) USD185
Helicopter Long flight (approx 30mins) USD370
Microlight Short flight (approx 15mins) USD175
Microlight Long flight (approx 30mins) USD350
Livingstone Island (Devil’s Pool)
Morning Breezer USD90
Lunch USD150
High Tea USD120
*Excludes transfers
Livingstone Tour USD50
Mukuni Village USD50
Visit a typical African village, purchase food from the local market, enjoy a cooking lesson, interact with the Tokayela people and learn their rich culture while having lunch with them. In your tour prize a donation to the village community project is included.
African Culture tour (markets, cooking lunch, languages) USD60
Learn about the African culture on food and the basic languages used in the Livingstone area. It also offers clients an experience of shopping at an African market the way the Africans do it plus an overview on the history of Zambia and Livingstone town.
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Travelers should also carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes. Travelers to Botswana and Zambia should observe similar precautions to those taken elsewhere in Africa. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your CEO of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling with the group. Be aware that all safaris enter malaria areas. Your doctor should be able to recommend the necessary prophylactics for the country you will visit. Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.
Yellow Fever Certificate Note:
It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are travelling to South Africa from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Entry into South Africa when travelling from the following countries (but not limited to) will require a Yellow Fever Certificate: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. This rule is also applicable to airport transit. If other countries not endemic to Yellow Fever have been visited (such as Botswana and Namibia), after visiting an endemic country such as Zambia, then a Yellow Fever certificate will still be required on entry into South Africa.
According to guidelines effective from October 2011, entry into Zambia, from South Africa also requires a yellow fever certificate although South Africa is a not endemic to Yellow Fever.
A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is also needed for entry into the following countries when coming from a Yellow Fever endemic country:
Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Malawi and Zambia.
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:
www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/
Trip Specific Safety
Travelers must exercise common sense and caution at all times. Tourists should stick to set travel arrangements and avoid unknown areas. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and a record of your travelers’ checks and credit card numbers separate from where you keep the originals. Botswana is relatively safe and your guide knows the area intimately and will endeavour to show you the best parts while looking after you. In the wild areas, your guide will brief you on the necessary precautions, follow this advice and you will be fine. We also recommend that you wear minimal jewellery and that you keep valuable items safely stored.
Medical Form
Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
The medical questionnaire can be found online at:
www.gadventures.com/medical-form.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org
Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our G Adventures for Good projects.
To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking)
Associated Planeterra Project
Planeterra Project Hope Africa Children’s Day School
Planeterra and G Adventures supports a Planeterra Project in this region called Hope Africa Children’s Day School. Over 80 children, under the age of 5, attend Hope Africa Children’s Day School. Planeterra focuses on sustainable solutions, such as early childhood education, to provide access to resources for communities in need. Hope Africa Children’s Day School has one teacher, and two teacher’s helpers that organize activities for the children, as well as provide them with two meals each day. This school provides support to the children and prepares them for the transition into primary school.
Why is this project needed?
In the South African community of Mnisi there are many single parent families and a vast number of orphaned children, often cared for by their grandparents. This is due in part to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Many children do not begin school until the age of eight, and receive no formal education and limited support during their early formative years. Hope Africa Children’s Day School aims to provide children with the opportunity to begin their education, and become involved in organized activities.
Planeterra and G Adventures’ Support
Planeterra is currently fundraising for the most urgent needs of the school. Working with our local community partners, and members of the community and school, a proposal was developed to determine what resources needed to be addressed first. Planeterra is funding the construction of a new washrooms facility, a borehole to provide access to water in the community, as well as a 5000-L holding tank. Planeterra also plans on constructing a kitchen facilities, as meals are currently cooked over an open pit fire.
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Travel Forum – The Watering Hole
Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you’re interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gadventures.com.
Max Pax
22
Group Leader
2 Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, local guides.
Day 2 Optional Activities
- Victoria Falls Visit (Zimbabwe) -
Day 4 Optional Activities
Day 2 Optional Activities
- Victoria Falls Visit (Zimbabwe) -
Day 4 Optional Activities
Day 2 Optional Activities
- Victoria Falls Visit (Zimbabwe) -
Day 4 Optional Activities
