24 DAYS
PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Tour Cost
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Local Payment
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The local payment is paid in cash on departure and covers camping, food, entrance fees and excursions whilst on tour. Any balance outstanding at the end of the tour is refunded.

Dear Traveller
Thanks for choosing Wagon Trails. Below is some general information put together to help you prepare for your trip. If there is anything further you need to know, please give us a call.

For many years Botswana was listed as one of the world’s 25 poorest countries, however with the discovery of its vast mineral wealth it now has one of the most rapidly expanding economies in the world.

The Botswana people are proud, with a great respect for their nationality and traditions. In Botswana the immensity, variety and untamed vitality of the old Africa are still there to be experienced.

The Okavango Delta
The Okavango River comes down from Angola. The flatness of the land in Botswana causes it to fan out into an inland delta covering an area of some 16,000 km².

Your trip into the Delta should be regarded as much a cultural experience, as a wildlife one. The majority of the polers who will guide you and the people you will meet in this area are a mixture of baNoka and baYei. These people still live on corn, sorghum, melons; herding cattle and goats; fishing and hunting and gathering to supplement their livestock and agriculture. This is your opportunity to live in the bush for a few days - the opportunity to “get back to nature” with no showers, toilets and electricity. Take off your watch and relax! Whilst in the Delta the polers are in charge of your day which usually consists of early morning walks, some free time to swim, relax, read a book, explore the bush, followed by an afternoon mokoro and or game walk.
Don’t panic when given the time to spend with yourself!

Climate
The rainy season begins late October to November and ends in March. The northern areas receive up to 700mm while the Kalahari Desert area averages as low as 225mm. During the summer months temperatures can rise to over 40º C and usually drop to 25º C during the night.

Language
The national language is Setswana, English is the official language. Each tribe speaks a different language.

Zambia lay untouched by Europeans for many centuries. It was in the mid nineteenth century that Western explorers, missionaries and traders moved into Zambia, of which David Livingstone is said to be the first in 1855.

After becoming a British Protectorate in 1924, Zambia’s struggle for independence was a long one. After eventually gaining independence in 1964, most of their problems only began. There were only a few trained and educated Zambians capable of running the government, and the economy was largely dependant on foreign expertise.

The copper industry used to be responsible for more than 90% of Zambia’s foreign exchange earnings. After a sharp decline in world copper prices in 1975 and prolonged drought, Zambia’s economy has suffered severe damage for more than a decade. Tourism is now becoming a major earner, and is helping revive the economy.

Climate
Zambia’s climatic year can basically be divided into three seasons: a cool dry season (April to August), a hot dry season (August to November), and a warm wet season (November to April). Temperatures are generally moderate. Maximum temperatures very rarely exceed 35º C, while there can occur minimum temperatures in the cold months of between 5º C and 10º C at night.

Malawi, covering an area of 118,484 km², is landlocked and is bordered in the North and East by Tanzania, on the east, south and Southwest by Mozambique and to the west by Zambia.

Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi, the county's centrepiece, covers 20% of Malawi and is 360 miles long and about 1,500 ft above sea level. Like an inland sea it has endless palm fringed beaches, blue water and is enclosed by sheer mountains, making it a breathtaking place to visit.

Climate
The winter months (May - July) are cool and dry with temperatures around 20oC. The summer months (November - March) are generally hot and wet as the rainy season extends from October to April.

What to wear:
Light clothing and warmer clothes in the mountain or on winter evening.

Mozambique has had a turbulent past but is diligently striving towards a brighter future. Colonised in the late 15th century by the Portuguese, the country finally gained independence in 1975. It was gripped by civil war until recent years, which has left it one of the poorest countries on the continent. However with international help, the country was managing to improve its infrastructure vastly until the floods hit in February 2000. Much of the damage has now been repaired, but it has been a major set back in development and tourism in the country.

Mozambique has warm, friendly people, some of the greatest unspoilt beaches in the world, fantastic diving and fishing resources, and the ability to offer its visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. The total area of Mozambique is 800,000 km² and the capital is Maputo.

Bazaruto Archipelao (Paradise Island)
This is one of Mozambique’s most famous national parks. There are 4 main islands – Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque and Santa Carolina. Bazaruto, the largest of the 4 islands has a number of freshwater lakes and exotic butterflies. Benguerra, south of Bazaruto, is smaller but with similar geography and wildlife.

For wildlife lovers one of the chief attractions must be the prospect of seeing dugong, now threatened with extinction in many other parts of the world. These mammals are seen regularly in the waters around the islands as are dolphins, turtles and humpback whales.

We travel out to the islands by traditional dhow and camp on the islands. We take all our supplies with us from Vilanculos including drinking water, food, and snorkelling equipment.

Tofo
A remote beach on the Indian Ocean side of Inhambane, offers many great activities for visitors including diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, parasailing and more. This area is rapidly developing as a very popular spot in Mozambique. We camp on the beach, sheltered by the dunes and you get the chance to watch the sunset over the ocean from the beach bar.

Maputo
The capital city has wide tree lined avenues and tall buildings overlooking the Indian Ocean. It also has some great nightlife and restaurants, and has all the hustle and bustle of a thriving port town.

Climate
October to March are the hot and wet months. April to September are warm and dry months with cool sea breezes.

What to wear
It is recommended that you take lightweight clothing for all year round, with warmer clothes for evenings and cooler months. We suggest that you bring light rain gear throughout the year

LOCAL TIME
Local time Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique is the same as South Africa (G.M.T plus 2 hours).

CURRENCY
Each country has its own currency as follows:

Money can be changed into local currency once we arrive in each country.
Note that local currencies cannot be changed into other currencies outside of the country, so do not leave these countries with any local currency. Your tour guide will assist you in calculating the correct amount to change.

It is important that you have spending money in USD cash preferably in small denomination notes. Please also note that it is advisable to only take Dollars printed after 1995 (i.e. big face with watermark & magnetic strip) as money of the countries visited will not take any notes that are from before 1995 due to the high incidences of fraud.

US$ travellers cheques and credit cards can only be used in Livingstone and for the Okavango Delta.

VISA’S
Visa requirements change often, so you should consult your nearest embassy prior to departure. The following is to be used as a guide only.

South Africa
Visiters entering South Africa are required to have a minimum of two blank pages in their passports to enable the entry visa to be issued. If there is insufficient space in the passport entry will be denied and the person is likely to be detained pending return to their country of origin.

Botswana
At the time of printing the following countries DO NOT REQUIRE visas:
Nationals of all commonwealth countries, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Samoa (Western), San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, USA and Yugoslavia.

Zambia
Wagon Trails can generally obtain a waiver of the visa charge if you notify us of your passport details prior to the departure of the trip. This is a typically African system, which a few times a year doesn’t work. In this case you can obtain the visa on the border.
Please fax us a copy of your passport at least one week prior to departure.

Malawi
At the time of printing the following countries DO NOT REQUIRE visas:
Nationals of Commonwealth countries, Luxembourg, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Ireland, South Africa, Sweden and the USA.
Please note that should you require a visa that it must be obtained prior to departure.

Mozambique
All foreign visitors to Mozambique must have a valid passport and visa. A visa can be obtained at any Mozambican consulate or embassy, with cost depending on the type required and the speed at which you require it. You will need to produce your passport, a copy of your passport, plus 2 passport size photographs. Please note that the visa must be obtained prior to departure.

The law requires you to carry identification at all times and you may be asked to produce your documents at any time. Rather than carry original documents, make a copy of your passport and other important documents and have them notarised if possible.

Visas are the responsibility of the client when required.

HEALTH
All countries visited on this tour require valid vaccination certificates for cholera and yellow fever.

Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique are all malaria zones. Please ensure you are taking anti-malaria medication. Please consult your doctor or local pharmacy in plenty of time.
The best precaution to avoid being bitten is by using Mosquito nets and repellent spray and wearing protective clothing particularly in the evenings. Please note that if you will be taking Larium, you will be unable to scuba dive.

MONEY OUTSTANDING
Your money will collected in cash by your driver at the point of departure. If you need to pay by credit card, there is a 5% surcharge and we will need to know this in advance so that we can make arrangements to take an imprint of the card.

DEPARTURE POINT JOHANNESBURG
Backpackers Ritz
1a North Road
Dunkeld West
Johannesburg
Phone: (011) 325-7125 & 327-0229
Time: 5 am

ONWARD TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Due to unforeseen problems we recommend onward travel arrangements be made only for the day after the tour ends. If arrangements are made for the same day the tour ends, Wagon Trails cannot be held responsible for any delays, and the clients must take the risk for themselves. If you are making further bookings for busses/trains/flights the day the tour ends we strongly recommend you make them the latest time possible and that you inform our reservation staff and the tour guide at the beginning of the tour.

Meals included are camp meals prepared by your guide with your assistance.
On days where lunches are not included we stop at places where you can buy food at a reasonable cost.

PARTICIPATION
Our tours are based on client participation and as an active member of the group, everyone helps out with the running of the tour, e.g. Making campfires, cooking, setting up camp, dishes etc. It’s all part of the African experience. Remember the more you put in, the more you get out!

CAMPSITES
We stay in a variety of campsites, from basic facilities only to ones with restaurants, swimming pools, bars etc. All campsites have shower and toilet facilities, however it is advisable to bring a small supply of your own toilet paper.

EQUIPMENT
You are provided with  the following equipment:
2 - person dome tent. These tents are very easy to put up and down.
The tents have mosquito netting over the entrances. You may choose to bring your own mosquito netting if you wish.
If travelling on your own you may share with another single person of the same sex.
Thin sleeping mat.
All cooking equipment for the group and utensils etc.
Camping stools.
Sleeping Bags may be hired for R50 per tour. Please notify us in advance if you will require one.

VEHICLES & GROUP SIZE
We offer budget tours, whilst trying to keep group sizes small and personal. For this reason we travel in a microbus with a trailer for luggage. The vehicles have either 2 rows of seats (seating up to 4 across) or 3 rows of seats (seating max 3 across). This varies according to group size. The vehicles do not have air conditioning, but do have opening windows. The game drive in Chobe is done in an open vehicle.

WHAT TO BRING
For comfort reasons luggage is limited on each trip to 1 small bag, sleeping bag and camera per person. Soft bags only may be used (i.e.: no suitcases) Please note there are storage facilities available at Backpacker Ritz. We provide you with your tent & sleeping mat.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS
• 2 Days Okavango Delta
• Rhino Sanctuary
• Chobe game drive
• Zambezi sunset cruise
• Entry to Victoria Falls (Zambia)
• Lake Malawi
• Kande Beach
• 3 Day Dhow Sailing
• Bazaruto Islands
• 2 Mile Reef
  
  

These may be booked directly with your guide, or with us prior to departure. Please note that these prices are meant only as a guideline as they change seasonally.