From 2009 ZAR 13,235 per person plus local payment of USD 650 per person
Why not arrive early to check out the nearby town of Soweto.
Day 14 Johannesburg
The adventure concludes amid the bright lights of Johannesburg
Departure and arrival dates
Southern Explorer
trip notes: UOQ
validity: 01/01/2009 to 31/12/2009
Discover the allure of Southern Africa as you roam from the golden plains of the world-famous Kruger National Park and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls to the watery wonderland of the Okavango Delta and the teeming game parks of Botswana. Whether it's spotting the Big Five, relaxing by dreamy lagoons, experiencing tribal village life or cavorting near raging waterfalls, this adventure will fill your memories with the wonders of the south.
Welcome to Intrepid real life experiences... we hope that you enjoy exploring the world as much as we do. From the golden plains of the world-famous Kruger National Park and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls to the watery wonderland of the Okavango Delta and the teeming game parks of Botswana, join us as we discover the magic of Southern Africa. Whether it's spotting the Big Five, relaxing by dreamy lagoons or discovering raging waterfalls, this region is sure to bewitch.
To save you money and the hassle of booking multiple trips, this journey is a combination of some of our most popular adventures, Okavango Experience (UOO) and Vic Falls to Kruger (UOP). As this is a combination trip your leader and group may change.
Itinerary Disclaimer
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. As such . It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. Trip Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Johannesburg
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa.
You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting tonight at 6pm. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. Your leader will collect your local payment at this meeting. After the group meeting there is the option of joining the group for dinner.
Please note this is a combination trip. The composition of your group, your group leader and your overland vehicle may change in Livingstone.
Our journey begins in Johannesburg, a sprawling city of remarkable contrasts: in the townships, mansions stand alongside tin shacks and there are as many green parks on the outskirts of the city as there are conglomerations of concrete in the city centre. This is a good place to spend a couple of days to get an insight into South Africa's history and it's a great base for exploring the rest of the country.
In Jo'Burg we stay in comfortable twin share permanent dome tents with two beds, toilet facilities are shared.
Day 2 Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Today we head to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary situated on the edge of the vast Kalahari Desert. This reserve is the result of local communities' efforts in 1989 to convert the Serwe Pan, previously a hunting area, into a conservation area. Now, the area is prime habitat for white rhinos, zebras, wildebeest and giraffes, and game may be observed around its many natural waterholes. A visit to this locally-based wildlife project benefits local communities and you'll also be contributing to the protection of the highly endangered rhinoceros. We head out on a dusk game drive to see the rhinos when they are at their most active.
Tonight we overnight at a campsite with camp toilets and hot and cold showers.
Distance: 600km
Time travelled: 9 to 10 hours
Meals: Dinner
Note: Today we cross the border into Botswana. This border crossing at martins Drift is normally quite smooth but there might be some delay during peak season e.g. school holidays
Days 3-5 Okavango Delta
Day 3: Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Maun
We head to Maun, our base for heading into the Okavango Delta. Our destination today is one of the world's most renowned and complex ecosystems, the Okavango Delta. Springing from the Okavango River which begins life in Angola, this is a natural wetland system formed by the river dividing into an intricate floodplain of thousands of channels, spreading 1,600,000ha over northern Botswana. This fan-like network of waterways forms an inland delta, the only one of its kind in the world.
For those wanting more adventure there is an opportunity to fly over the delta in a small plane for a bird's eye view, a great way to appreciate the immensity of this watery world.
Distance: 520 km
Time travelled: 7 to 8 hours
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Maun - Okavango Delta
Today we traverse the waterways by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe navigated by friendly local 'polers', as well as on foot. With luck, you might spot some of the delta's unusual wildlife and prolific birdlife while on these safaris. We also spend time exploring the maze of lagoons, lakes and streams on foot, led by experienced and knowledgeable guides.
We camp on a remote island in the heart of the wilderness. We dig a bush toilet and go without a shower but it is all part of the Delta experience. At night, the sounds of the African bush are the only things you will hear - a true wilderness experience!
Distance travelled: 60km from Maun to poling station
Time travelled: 2 to 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Okavango Delta - Planet Baobab
We start the morning with a final bush walk before taking down our camp. We mokoro back to the poling station for our transfer back to Maun. After lunch we drive 240km to Planet Baobab, our next camp. Our campsite is situated around an ancient boabab forest- a wonderful chance to get up close to these magnificent trees.
Distance: Maun to Planet Baobab, 240km
Time travelled: 4 Hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Chobe National Park
After breakfast we drive to the town of Kasane through the Chobe Forest Extension with a chance to see animals such as elephants and giraffe.
Nestled in the northern corner of Botswana amid lush forest, Chobe covers a huge area of 12,000 sq km and is home to some of the largest elephant populations in Africa as well as lions and a flurry of bird life, including the famous African fish-eagle. In the late afternoon, we enjoy a fish-eagle cruise on the Chobe River, a very relaxing way to perhaps see hippos in the shallows and maybe even a herd of elephants coming down to the river's edge for bath time
Tonight we camp. There are hot showers and flush toilets at our campsite.
Distance: 420kms from Planet Baobab to Kasane
Time travelled: 7-8 hours including stops and lunch
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 7-8 Livingstone/Victoria Falls
Our day begins early, with the chance of an optional dawn game drive before heading for Zambia, its border naturally formed by the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers and we cross it aboard the Kazangula Ferry.
The powerful Victoria Falls is the perfect place to end this wilderness adventure.
After settling in to our campsite in Livingstone this afternoon we head to the
Falls to experience this wonder of nature. The falls are an enormous curtain of water, about a mile wide, falling 108 m into a narrow chasm below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 m and the falls are an impressive raging torrent. In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and it's possible to see little islets in the river below.
Please note that this is a combination trip and on day 7 the composition of your tour may change. There will be a group meeting at 1pm on day 7 before heading to the Falls so that you can meet your new travelling companions and find out more about the second week of your adventure. Your leader will collect the second part of your local payment at this meeting.
These nights we overnight at a campsite near the mighty Zambezi River.
Distance: Today we travel a total distance of 90km with a Ferry Crossing over the Zambezi.
Time travelled: 4 to 5 hours depending on delays at the ferry
Meals: Breakfast on day 7 only. Please note there are no meals provided on day 8
Notes: Please note that this ferry crossing at Kazangula can get very busy due to the trucks travelling up and down Africa. The trucks use this ferry crossing because of the weight restriction over the Victoria Falls bridge as well as the political situation in Zimbabwe. Normally there are two ferries operating but most of the time only one is operational. In cases like this we might expect some delays crossing the ferry into Zambia
Day 9 Northern Botswana
Departing around 8am, we begin our drive, heading towards the border post where we cross the Zambezi river by ferry. From there we drive through the vast grasslands of Botswana towards Nata. There may be the chance for some great wildlife viewing on our drive as we drive through the Chobe Forest Extension.
Tonight we camp in Northern Botswana. Our campsite has a swimming pool as well as a fully stocked bar.
Distance travelled: 75 km from Livingstone to Ferry at Kazangula, 300 km from Kasane to our campsite
Time travelled: 6-7 hours depending on ferry crossing over the Zambezi River
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Notes: Please note that this ferry crossing at Kazangula can get very busy due to the trucks travelling up and down Africa. The trucks use this ferry crossing because of the weight restriction over the Victoria Falls bridge as well as the political situation in Zimbabwe. Normally there are two ferries operating but most of the time only one is operational. In cases like this we might expect some delays crossing the ferry into Botswana
Day 10 Polokwane Game Reserve
On day 10 it's time to enter South Africa and after a long driving day we reach Polokwane. We drive approximately 460kms to the border via Francistown, taking our lunch break here (approx. 6 hours). It is another 250km from the border to Polokwane (approx. 4 hours), giving us an approximate arrival time of 5pm in the afternoon.
Tonight's campsite has hot water ablution block and washing facilities.
Distance travelled: See notes above
Time travelled: 10 - 12 hours depending on the time spend at the border post at Martins Drift.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Note: Please note today is a long driving day with a border crossing to negotiate at Martins Drift
Days 11-12 Kruger National Park
This morning we begin the day with a dawn game drive in Polokwane Game Reserve. There is the chance to see white rhino, eland and sable - quite rare antelope species!
After breakfast we continue to southern Africa's most famous premier game reserve, the Kruger, where we spend two nights. The distance is about 280km, approximately 3.5 hours on a scenic mountain road. We enter Kruger through one of the central gates and immediately begin game driving enroute to our campsite.
Distance: 280km from Polokwane to Kruger National Park
Time travelled; 3 - 4 hours
Meals: Brweakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On day 12 we explore the diversity of the Kruger landscape ranging form rolling hills with granite outcrops to savannah grasslands during a full day game drive. In the evening, there is the option of taking an additional night drive with park authorities to spot nocturnal animals and perhaps even night-time predators.
Our campsite for these nights has hot water and flush toilets.
Distance: 250 km on game drives in Kruger National Park
Time travelled: We spend all day on game drives spotting of at various rest camps en-route to relax in between game drives
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Please note that trips departing on the 21st and 28th of June 2009 will camp in a bordering game reserve rather than the National Park.
Day 13 Shangaan Cultural Village
We spend most of our day doing game drives and exploring Kruger National Park before we exit the park and head for Mafunyani Cultural Village, arriving in the late afternoon. We enjoy an exciting evening of tribal interaction in the local "boma" and a traditional African dinner.
We overnight tonight in the traditional huts of the village. Mattresses are provided. There are flushing toilets and cold showers provided in rustic ablution blocks.
Distance travelled: We spend most of the day doing game drives and drive about 100km to the cultural village once we exit the Park.
Time Travelled: 1 - 2 hours once out of the Park
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 14 Johannesburg
Today we head for the bright city lights of Johannesburg. There's plenty of time to stop and explore along the way. We stop at the viewpoint over the awesome Blyde River Canyon and take in amazing views over the region.
Our tour ends in Johannesburg in the late afternoon/early evening of day 14 (approximately 6pm). On arrival in Jo'Burg you can be dropped at the airport or at Amadwala Lodge.
Please note accommodation is not provided to tonight - post tour lodging offerred
Distance travelled: 600 km
Time travelled: 8-9 hours including stops
Meals: Breakfast
Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your
group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) 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 in the Trip
Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any
additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
Joining Point
Amadwala Lodge - Bedded Tents
Joining Point Instructions
We recommended that if this is your first time to Jo’burg or you are travelling alone, that you pre book an arrival "meet and greet" transfer.
If you have pre-booked a personal meet and greet transfer, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs.
Please look for our driver who will be holding a card with your name on it. The driver will wait for an hour after your scheduled arrival time.
Metered official Airport Taxis are also available. The cost to the Lodge will be approximately ZAR400-650 (400-650 South African Rand) which is payable to the driver. The taxi rank is located just outside the arrivals area.
Johannesburg is a very spread out city and depending on the time of day and traffic conditions in a shuttle, transfer or a taxi it will take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to cover the 45kms from the airport to the Lodge.
Our Joining Point Hotel
Amadwala Lodge is a wonderful escape from hassles of urban Johannesburg- a safe and relaxing start or conclusion to your trip. Amadwala lodge has the feel of being in the country but yet is only a 20 minute trip by roadto the bustle of Soweto.
Our tents are extra large (you can stand inside them) and are quite comfortable containing two single beds and a bedside table. Each tent comes with its own wooden deck which is a great place to chill out with a book.
All tents are close to the amenities block which has flush toilets and hot showers as well as the Overland clubhouse where there is a bar and where our welcome meetings are held. The property also features a lovely pool area, a second bar and a restaurant where meals and snacks are available.
Best of all, all of the guests are fellow Intrepid travellers so there is always someone to chat to if you are travelling solo.
Amadwala Lodge - Bedded Tents
203 Pierre Road
Wilgespruit, Honeydew
Johannesburg
Gauteng
South Africa
Phone: +27 11 675 0767
Finishing Point Instructions
At the end of the tour we usually arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon of departure day so we recommend that you overnight after the tour. Why not take the chance to stay a couple of days and take a Soweto tour, or visit the moving Apartheid Museum. We are able to help you with day trips as well as transfers from the Lodge to Johannesburg airport in time for your departing flight. Please ask your tour leader for more details.
Style
Intrepid Overland
Big adventures through big landscapes; whether it's a road trip along world famous highways or an off the beaten track adventure along rugged roads, on an Overland adventure you'll experience the sights, sounds and smells of the world up close. Travelling in purpose built vehicles you'll explore bustling cities or isolated communities, search for wildlife, visit vast national parks, see changing landscapes and camp in tents. On an Overland journey you're more than just a passenger, you're part of the crew, pitching in to set up camp, shop for food and even cook. And, like all great adventures, the more you put in the more you'll get out!
Group Size
Maximum of 16 travellers per group
Accommodation
Participatory camping (12 nts), tribal hut (1 nt)
Our camp sites are in great locations. When we stay in public camp sites the bathroom facilities can be VERY basic (the toilets may be squat style hole in the ground) and not as clean as Intrepid would hope for. There is rarely toilet paper provided and shower facilities can be a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Once again, the spectacular serenity and chance to sleep inside National Parks so close to nature makes a little inconvenience all worthwhile and part of the African safari experience. Plus not all campsites are as basic as this description, it's just to make sure there are no surprises for you. Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two person dome tents. Please note there may be times when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own at start, finish or joining point hotels.
Meals
While camping on Overland journeys, all meals will be included. You may be required to share in cooking and shopping duties for the group's meals. When you are not camping you will have the freedom to decide where, what and with whom you eat. Please check the itinerary for details of meals included.
Allow USD $140 for meals not included.
Meal Inclusions
13 Breakfast, 5 Lunches and 12 Dinners
When travelling on an Overland trip you have chosen a participation camping tour. This means that you will be helping your cook or tour leader prepare meals for the group. You may also get the chance to help with the shopping! Your crew will help you with meal ideas and quantities needed for large groups. This is usually done on a duty roster system with group of 5 or 6 people (depending on group size) having a different camp job each day. If you have any dietary requirements please tell us at the time of booking and also remind your crew at your welcome meeting.
A typical camp breakfast might be toast with spreads, cereal and something hot such as eggs or pancakes as well as tea and coffee. Lunch is almost always a sandwich heaped high with healthy salad and assorted fillings, with fruit to follow.
Dinner might be a BBQ, risotto, pasta dish and there is always the chance to try some African food such as ugali and stew. One thing is sure, you definitely won't go hungry or lose weight on your safari! When you are not camping you will have the freedom to decide where, what and with whom you eat.
Single Travellers
With the exception of our Comfort trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
Transport
This itinerary is operated in 16 seater trucks, 13 seater vans and 10 seater land cruisers depending on group size and fleet availability.
There are many long hours spent driving on rough roads on all Africa itineraries. While most people love the chance to watch the changing landscape and daily village life, feedback shows that long periods of inactivity does not appeal to all clients. We provide the approximate daily distance covered and how long this normally takes to drive in hours so that you can choose the safari experience which is right for you.
African conditions are extremely tough on vehicles. While we fastidiously maintain our vehicles at our workshops, you should not expect Africa to be your traditional touring experience. While it is certainly our aim to avoid them, it is important that you set off on your trip knowing that the occasional breakdown can happen and are best treated as part of the Africa adventure.
The step up into the overland truck, while not overly high can become tiring and you need to judge yourself to be physically fit enough to haul yourself up and down at least 8-10 times a day, as can the constant setting and packing up of camp.
Our trucks are purpose-built, self contained safari vehicles.
If your tour travels to/from Johannesburg you will travel in a smaller 16 seat vehicle, changing crew and vehicle in Livingstone.
(please note, some departures may use vans and luggage trailers subject to group size and vehicle availability)
Activities Included
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Game drive - Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Mokoro trip - Okavango Delta
Guided walk - Okavango Delta
Fish-eagle river cruise - Chobe National Park
Victoria Falls - Livingstone
Game drive - Polokwane Game Reserve
Game drives - Kruger National Park
Village stay and traditional dinner - Shangaan
Blyde River Canyon - enroute to Johannesburg
Optional Activities
We list the following optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Intrepid nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with Intrepid.
Scenic flight, Okavango Delta - -prices are on a per plane basis and thus are dependent on plane size, number of clients choosing to fly and and price of aviation fuel . Please ask your leader for the most up to date price.
Dawn game drive, Chobe National Park - US$50
Gorge swing and abseil, Livingstone - US$95
Zambezi jet boats, Livingstone - US$90
Canoeing Zambezi, Livingstone - US$90
Horse riding (2 hours), Livingstone - US$70
Elephant riding, Livingstone - US$140 (plus Park Fee)
White water rafting, Livingstone - US$135
Flight over the falls, Livingstone - US$110-220
Night game drive, Kruger National Park - US$30
Physical Rating
Activities include treks of 3 to 4 hours per day in hilly terrain, flat water kayaking or a long day's bike ride, in conditions which are likely to be hot and muggy. You will raise your heart rate on these trips, so a basic level of aerobic fitness is required.
Culture Shock Rating
Expect to rough it every now and again, whether it's very simple group-share accommodation at a homestay, a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, the odd cold shower or an encounter with a squat toilet.
Important Notes
As this is a combination tour, the composition of your group may change on day 7 in Livingstone.
Please note the minimum age for this trip is 18 years old and bookings for minors, even if accompanied by a parent, are not accepted. There is a maximum age of 70 for this tour.
We are able to provide sleeping bag hire for a nominal fee. These bags must be pre booked and are subject to availability. Please enquire at time of booking.
On occasion, especially during the peak months of May June and July we are unable to secure campsites within the Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp in a bordering private game park.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the Bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Visas
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.
Citizens of Australia, UK, and USA do not need visas to visit Botswana as a tourist for up to three months. Citizens of other countries, including most EU countries, should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required.
Citizens of Australia, UK, and most EU countries do not need visas to visit South Africa as a tourist for up to three months. Citizens of other countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required.
Zambian visas are required by most nationalities, including from the EU, US and Australia. All nationalities should check with the Zambian Embassy for more information. For most nationalities, Zambian visas are available at the point of entry but if you plan to purchase your visa on arrival, you will need American dollars cash.
Health
All Intrepid travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If, in the opinion of our group leader, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Intrepid reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in these trip notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required if arriving within 6 days from or via an infected area. You may be required if asked to present this on arrival at the airport. Other vaccinations including Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Polio are recommended but we advise you to discuss this with your doctor. Consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Africa. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses). Please be aware that for legal reasons our leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
Money Exchange
The best way to manage your money in Africa is a mixture of USD cash in clean crisp, post 2003 notes, an ATM card (best to have both Visa and Mastercard) and some travellers cheques.
Cash is easily changed at exchange bureaus and offers the best rates. IT IS VITAL that you please ensure that the US$ bills you bring (either for personal spending or for your local payment) are dated more recently than 2003. It has become increasingly difficult, and may be impossible to exchange bills older than this. Appropriate currencies to bring your cash in are the USD, EUR or GBP. The South African Rand can also be used widely in countries of Southern Africa.
Any other currencies may prove impossible to change in Africa.
When changing money, only use reputable authorized money exchange vendors and never anyone on the street. There are many instances of travellers being given counterfeit notes or being tricked when money is being counted out.
With ATMs being increasingly available in the many major towns and cities, credit or debit cards are a convenient way to access money. A charge is made for each international transaction - please check with your bank how much this fee will be. We recommend travelling with both a Visa and Master card as sometimes only one type of card will work in certain countries. ATMs distribute the currency of the country you are travelling in.
Double check with your bank before departure that your card can be used as a debit card in Africa. You may also want to notify your bank that you are visiting Africa as it is not unknown for banks to freeze cards which show sudden transactions in other countries.
There have been incidents of travellers fallen victim to common scams at cash machines. Always go to the machine knowing how much cash you intend to withdraw (so the transaction is quick) never accept help from anyone while at the machine and walk away if anyone is hanging around/watching you. Before leaving your home country we strongly recommend you contact your bank and notify them of your travel plans if you are planning to use a credit card or withdraw finds from a foreign bank / ATM. Transactions can be blocked if they are not notified.
You should also carry some travellers cheques for back up and emergency cash. Please only bring well known cheque brands (ie American Express/Barclays) in USD or Euro currency. While travellers cheques are undoubtedly the safest way to carry money, they are becoming harder to cash around the world and can often result in unfavourable exchange rates. It can also be tricky to reach banks during banking business hours which are often short in many African countries.
If you are on a multi country tour, your tour leader will be able to give you an approximate idea of how much money you may need for your stay in each country.
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, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Any tip that you wish to give your local guides or leader in recognition of excellent service is always appreciated.
Tipping
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. We recommend that any tips are given to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:
Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants - leave the loose change. More up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill.
Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest USD 1 per day for local guides.
Your Crew: You may also consider tipping your crew for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline 1-2 USD per person, per day for each crew member can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Local Payment
A local payment amount of USD $650 will be collected by your leader on day 1 of your trip.
Most of our trips require a compulsory local payment, which is part of the contract with you (the customer) and Intrepid Travel Pty Ltd. This amount is the final payment for your trip and is to be paid in the specified currency, in cash to your leader upon arrival. The local payment is non-refundable, and is considered part of the total trip payment.
Departure Tax
Please allow US$40 for departure tax (although it may be included in your international air ticket).
Emergency Funds
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route. This change may have to be decided prior to departure. This is a rare occurrence but it is well worth being prepared!
Issues On Your Trip
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
Keeping in Touch - communication while on the road
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on snail mail. Email has quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch and email cafes are commonplace throughout the regions we visit. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
Emergency Contact
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, our South African Office can be reached on In case of emergency
Your Fellow Travellers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.
Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.
Group Leader
All group trips are accompanied by a group leader. Depending on group size, you may have one or two tour leaders. Your tour leader/s are talented as they drive your vehicle and also provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see - and most of them are great cooks too. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting, especially when tracking and identifying game - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Everyone participates with camp chores, including cooking, putting up tents, cleaning the truck, flapping the dishes dry and packing/unpacking.
Responsible Travel
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our 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 Intrepid travellers. Intrepid's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Responsible Travel Project
Through choosing to travel with us you are assisting local businesses, job creation, cultural development programs and various environmental groups. Some of the various projects we are proud to support are: The Rally to Read which invests in the improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the teaching of literacy skills in rural schools throughout South Africa, and the Chipgingale Wildlife Sanctuary based in Bulawayo Zimbabwe.
Laundry
There are few laundry facilities outside of the large cities in Africa. We recommend you bring non-polluting, biodegradable laundry soap and hand wash while travelling in this region. You may wish to bring a piece of rope to tie between trees to act as a line and maybe even a couple of pegs. Our trucks carry tubs which can be used for cold water hand washing.
What to Take
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking hough, you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage (please see below for xceptions), and though you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Please note that some airlines we use on our trips may have a luggage limit of 10-15kg per person over which excess luggage fees may apply. We advise that you pack to keep your luggage under this weight limit as excess luggage fees are solely the responsibility of the traveller.
Suitcases are not recommended for Intrepid travellers! Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags with wheels are acceptable, although we recommend your bag has carry straps as well, as you may be required to negotiate bus and railway station steps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day walks and day trips.The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by bringing and using a water purification method. Some of the options are:
Water purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies eg. Micropur.
2% tincture of iodine available from pharmacies - used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes. Longer in very cold weather.
You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing, some warm items for the evenings, and long shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes in malarial areas.
Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe and the safe on the overland truck to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden.
You must also bring a sleeping bag (unless you have rented one- see Important Notes) and a travel pillow.
A torch is a must - a head torch allows you to use both your hands and the light at the same time!
Checklist
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Baggage on this tour is limited to (length 64cm, width 28cm, height 36 cm) There is also room in the overhead rack for your sleeping bag and a small daypack.
You will need to bring a good 4 season sleeping bag and travel pillow
It can get VERY cold at night in winter months in desert and mountainous regions.
Clothes should be easy to hand wash and dry. Some people like to take jeans for evenings out but they can be touch to dry and should not be used for trekking. Avoid nylon and other synthetics, which can be very
uncomfortable in hot weather.
Ex-military or military style clothing and equipment is NOT recommended.
Avoid anything easily broken - glass, etc. Re-pack in screw top plastic
containers.
There are occasions when you will need to dress respectfully - visiting churches, mosques, some borders, restaurants, etc.
You are strongly advised not to take any irreplaceable valuables with you.
We have compiled a suggested list of clothing and other items you will need.
You may find you will not use some of the listed items. However, this list includes items that some of our past group members have recommended and we have included them "just in case".
2 sets of comfortable travelling clothes (light, easily washable cotton clothes are best).
1 set of casual but smart clothes for evenings out, visiting centres of religion, etc. Women should bring a skirt that covers their knees and a scarf for visiting mosques, churches and other places of worship.
2 pairs of shorts
1 sun hat
1 pair of sunglasses
1 warm sweater/fleece
1 waterproof jacket with hood (with removable liner if cold weather is expected)
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes/boots
1 pair of sandals or thongs ("flip-flops")
2 small towels
Underwear and socks (warm ones if cold weather is expected)
Swimwear
Washing kit (including a small mirror)
Clothes washing detergent, small scrubbing brush & washing line (just a length of cord)
Torch/flashlight with spare batteries & bulbs (only the 3 standard sizes of round 1.5v batteries are widely available en route)We recommend head torches which leave your hands free.
Good water bottle (at least 1 litre)
Sleeping bag - Nights can be very cold in winter months and at all times in the desert. One that zips down all one side is useful for warm nights.
A pouch or money belt worn inside your clothing, or unobtrusive pocket sewn into the inside of a pair of loose fitting trousers, is a must. Remember that the more difficult it is for you to get to, the
more difficult it is for a thief.
Film, camera & accessories (lenses, flash, batteries, etc.)Most of our trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras every couple of days. We always recommend that you carry an extra battery for your camera just in case.
Tampons can be difficult to get in Africa
A "Day Pack" is useful for short hikes in the countryside, wandering around cities, etc and also for keeping inside the vehicle for items used during the day (camera, towel, sweater etc.)
Alarm clock � THIS IS ESSENTIAL!!!
The following items can be useful but are not essential:
Small sewing kit
Pocket calculator (useful when exchanging money)
Writing materials & notebook/diary
Multi purpose knife (Swiss army type)
Cotton sheet sleeping bag (or sheet folded and sewn up on 2 sides). It will help keep your sleeping bag clean, and can be used on its own on warm nights.
"Wet Ones" (moistened tissues)
Toilet paper - only a couple of rolls as they can be bought almost everywhere en route.
Local people often appreciate photos of yourself and family, and
postage stamps or postcards of your own country.
Assorted sized plastic bags - protects clothing and equipment from
dust and damp.
Personal medical kit
Band aids & sterile dressings/gauze (approx. 2" or 50mm square)
Aspirin and/or Paracetamol
Anti-diarrhoea pills - Consult your doctor for more detailed advice
Water purification tablets (for occasional use in your personal water bottle only - we supply purified water in our vehicle tanks) Iodine taste neutraliser
Anti-Malaria pills and Insect repellent (If recommended by your doctor)
Insect bite cream
Antiseptic paint, powder or spray e.g. "Betadine"
Course of broad spectrum antibiotic tablets (e.g. Ciprofloxacin)
Rehydration powder (salts & glucose e.g. "Rehydrat")
Lip salve
High factor sun cream
Moisturising cream
Any other medicines or toiletries you regularly use e.g. birth control pills
Spare spectacles if worn (some people have trouble with contact lenses and dust)
For the longer expeditions take larger quantities of all the above.
Electrical equipment
Many people bring cameras, phones, music equipment and other equipment that use batteries. Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12 volt �cigarette lighter� socket which may be used at the crew�s
discretion.
However, do bear in mind that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle�s batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel
room wall sockets. We suggest you bring a mix of normal and rechargeable batteries and the appropriate recharging unit.
General
We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.
IMPORTANT: The weight of your luggage should be approximately 44lb (20kg) - the same as most airlines allow. It should be packed in a strong durable backpack (maximum 65 litres), "sausage" bag or small
suitcase not exceeding 26 x 18 x 8 ins. (64cm x 28cm x 36cm). Backpacks should not have an external frame unless it can be removed and stored separately (to avoid damaging other people's luggage).
Books
Many people like to read up on an area before visiting it. We think the best solution is for you to take books about the country or area in which you are particularly interested. Hopefully this will create a wide choice of books and maps with a minimum of duplication.
The Footprint series of guides carry a great deal of information, which is generally up-to-date. The "Rough Guide" series of guide books give more basic practical information but have much more comprehensive information on history, cultures, peoples, etc.
The �Travel Survival Kit� series of guide books (The Lonely Planet guides) are also recommended with books on individual countries being better than the all-encompassing editions.
Local Dress
When packing, be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Africa. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no short shorts. We recommend a mixture of loose, lightweight clothing and warm clothing for the evenings. Shorts should be knee-length. Singlets and tank tops are not suitable. Topless sun bathing is unacceptable.
Safety
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, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however 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 group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes 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. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Pick-pocketing is very common in some of the larger cities.
While staying in national parks, please listen to the advice your tour leader and the park rangers give you on how to behave responsibly.
Travellers must exercise common sense and caution at all times. You should stick to set travel arrangements and avoid unknown areas.
Participation Form
All travellers are required to sign a Participation Form on day 1 of the trip. Please note that signing the form is a prerequisite of travelling with Intrepid. The wording of this form follows:
"I understand that travelling with us may involve risks (and rewards) above and beyond those encountered on a more conventional holiday, and that I am undertaking an adventure trip with inherent dangers. I understand that I am travelling to geographical areas where, amongst other things, the standard of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, cleanliness, medical facilities, telecommunications and infrastructure development may not be of the standard I am used to at home or would find on a conventional holiday. I have read and understood the Intrepid trip notes for the trip I am undertaking and have provided details of any pre-existing medical conditions I have to Intrepid's representatives.
I accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel. I release Travel from any liabilities connected to these risks to the maximum extent permitted by law."
