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13 Day Highlights of Southern Africa

Enjoy Africa and get local as you enjoy traditional meals, a Soweto township bicycle tour, African dancing and, of course, the wildlife of Kruger National Park.

From $2,499 

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StartsCape Town, South Africa
EndsLivingstone, Zambia
RegionAfrica
Duration13 days
Tour OperatorGadventures
Tour CodeDSCZ 22581
Overview PDFDownload PDF
Tour Map
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Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Cape Town & Finishing: Cape Town

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2 - Starting: Cape Town & Finishing: Cape Town

Enjoy a full day in Cape Town with options to visit Robben Island or Table Mountain. Choose to explore Cape Point or embark on a wine tour around Stellenbosch. In the evening, experience an authentic meal in a local home in a nearby township.

Day 3 - Starting: Cape Town & Finishing: Johannesburg

Board the Shosholoza Meyl train at Cape Town station. Enjoy the day with your travel companions playing cards, meeting the locals, and checking out the dining car. Drift to sleep to the rhythm of the train. Wake up and opt for a tasty breakfast on board.

Instructions

Please note that bedding can be rented for a small fee (ZAR60 per person, approximately USD5) in the 4-bed sleeper compartments and may be mixed gender.

Day 4 - Starting: Johannesburg & Finishing: Johannesburg

Scheduled arrival into Johannesburg is noon (this train is often late however). Enjoy a tour of the surrounding area.

Day 5 - Starting: Johannesburg & Finishing: Manyeleti

Take the scenic route between Johannesburg and Shalati, in the Greater Kruger Area. Later, enjoy a traditional dance on the lodge grounds, learning more about the local culture. Opt to go for a swim or sit by a fire in the evening.

Day 6 - Starting: Manyeleti & Finishing: Manyeleti

Enjoy visiting the G Adventures-supported preschool in Shalati. Meet the kids and learn more about how the project is contributing positively to this small community. With free time, opt for a game drive in Manyeleti Reserve in an open safari vehicle. In the afternoon, head out in our touring vehicle to Kruger NP to try to spot Africa's famous animals in the wild.

Day 7 - Starting: Manyeleti & Finishing: Punda Maria

Start early for a long day driving straight up the middle of Kruger National Park. While transferring to the northern part of the park there will be ample opportunity to spot animals from the van.

Day 8 - Starting: Punda Maria & Finishing: Great Zimbabwe Monument Area

Start early for a long day of driving and border crossing. Watch as the landscape changes approaching the Zimbabwe border and beyond. Reach a charming hotel outside the city of Masvingo with beautiful views of the nearby lake and the hotel's garden.

Instructions

Accommodation here includes shared bathroom facilities.

Day 9 - Starting: Great Zimbabwe Monument Area & Finishing: Matobo National Park

Start the day with a visit to the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Africa's most significant ruins site south of Cairo. Learn the history of the ruins and climb to the citadel for a view over the site. Continue on to Matobo National Park.

Day 10 - Starting: Matobo National Park & Finishing: Matobo National Park

Enjoy an included rhino walk, with the opportunity to get up close and personal with this endangered species. In the afternoon, opt to explore ancient cave paintings, visit the grave of Rhodes, hike the unique and stunning landscape, or hang out by the pool.

Day 11 - Starting: Matobo National Park & Finishing: Hwange National Park

Travel to Hwange National Park for one last opportunity to spot wildlife. Enjoy an evening game drive in our touring vehicle.

Day 12 - Starting: Hwange National Park & Finishing: Livingstone

Opt for more game viewing in the morning before continuing on to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Enjoy the spectacular falls before crossing the border to Livingstone, Zambia.

Instructions

Our accommodation here in Livingstone is right on the waterfront, with a gorgeous setting and easy access to the activities in the area. We stay in permanent tents on the property— a cluster of 3m x 3m bow tents on raised platforms. Each tent has a small deck in the front and has 2 cot beds, an electric light, and a fan. There are shared ablutions close by. The property offers a central dining area with sun deck overlooking the Zambezi with a restaurant and bar, wifi, and a swimming pool. Book pre-accommodation and visit our local G help desk at the Livingstone hotel for info and to book optional activities. If you wish to see the falls from the Zimbabwe side, you may have to purchase a double-entry visa to Zambia and will likely need a visa to enter Zimbabwe, as well.

Day 13 - Starting: Livingstone & Finishing: Livingstone

We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience everything Livingstone and the Zambezi area has to offer.

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More Information

What’s Included

Cape Town orientation walk. Traditional meal in a local home. Shosholoza Meyl train experience. Panorama Route drive. G Adventures-supported G Hope Africa preschool visit. Kruger National Park game drive (half-day). Traditional dance experience. Kruger transfer (full-day). Great Zimbabwe National Monument visit. Rhino walk (Matobo National Park). Game drive in Hwange National Park. Victoria Falls visit (Zimbabwe side). Livingstone stay. Border-crossing support. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights

Take the train across the country like a local, search for the Big Five in Kruger and Hwange national parks, savour a local meal with a family, visit the kids at the G Adventures-supported G Hope Africa preschool, walk with rhinos in Matobo National Park.

Itinerary Disclaimer

Important Notes

1. TRANSPORTATION
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 air-conditioned touring vehicle for the long drives.

2. YELLOW FEVER
It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are travelling to Botswana from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Entry into Botswana when travelling from the following countries (but not limited to) will require a Yellow Fever Certificate: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Zambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela

3. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour is a combination of several G Adventures tours. As such, your group CEO, fellow passengers, or vehicle may change between the individual tour sections.

4. EXTRAS
Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Extras! Specially designed for travellers with unique interests, theme packs are optional add-ons to your G adventures trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure, please see details in our optional activities field and ask you sales CEO.

Group Leader Description

On this tour, you will be accompanied by a group Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and an expert driver. The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be the group manager and leader. All of our leaders in southern Africa are registered and licensed tourism guides, meaning they’ve studied to have a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife, and are legally certified to lead/guide tours in the regions visited. 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.

As the group manager and leader, the aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places where are travelling, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. In addition, as an integral part of the team, your driver is skilled and experienced driver who has intimate knowledge of the vehicle and routes travelled.

We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.

Group Size Notes

Max 18, avg 14

Meals

Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in southern Africa. On this tour, we provide only a few meals for you and your group members, so as to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility in you choices. 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 – while in the larger centres, your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.

For the included meals, vegetarian meal requests and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival.

Transport

Train, private van, safari vehicles, walking

About our Transportation

For this trip we use a private local bus for most of the journey and an overnight on the local Shosholoza Meyl train between Cape Town and Johannesburg. With air conditioning, and sliding windows, this style of transportation is a comfortable way to travel through the region. In addition, even with a full group, there will be extra space for the benefit of the group. Having our own private vehicle for most of the tour allows us the flexibility of making stops when needed. In addition, we are able to travel to out-of-the-way locations where public transportation does not reach.

Solo Travellers

Accommodation

Hotels/guesthouses (6 nts), lodges (4 nts), adventure tents (1 nt), sleeper train (1 nt, multi-share mixed gender).

Joining Hotel

Lady Hamilton Hotel
10 Union Street, Gardens
Cape Town
Western Cape
South Africa
+27 (0)21 423 3888

Joining Instructions

On arrival into Cape Town an arrival transfer is not included. Please make your way to the joining hotel. Cape Town International Airport is about 22 km from downtown. There are a variety of ways to get into the city.

To take a taxi, leave the international terminal, cross the first road and you will see the taxi stand. Official taxis have the kilometre rate on the door.

If you wish to take a shuttle to the city centre, when arriving at the international terminal, turn immediately left and walk straight ahead and you’ll see the shuttle services desk. Cost is approximately 80ZAR.

If you have a pre-arranged transfer, upon walking out of the international arrivals look for a transfer person holding a G Adventures sign and your name. Ask him/her what hotel he/she will take you to (do not volunteer this information). Then present your passport for proof of identity.

A brief departure meeting will be held in the hotel reception area in evening on Day 1 of your tour (usually between 5pm and 7pm). Upon arrival, look for information from your CEO regarding meeting time and also the rest of the tour.

Arrival Complications

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 Representative (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 Operator (South Africa)
After Hours Emergency number:
From outside South Africa: +27 82 5757 434
From within South Africa: 082 5757 434

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 labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase (please avoid a hard-top case), 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. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning game drives. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable. During the winter months (May to October), the temperatures can get quite cold. It is wise to bring plenty of layers for cool mornings and evenings. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.

Checklist

-Documents
-Passport
-Insurance info
-Flight info
-Cash, credit and debit cards
-Vouchers and pre-departure information
-Required visas or vaccination certificates
-Yellow Fever certificate​

-Weather-appropriate clothing
-Fleece or wool jumper/jacket
-Windproof/waterproof jacket
-Towel (some accommodation locations on this trip do not provide towels)
-Swimwear
-4 shirts/t-shirts, cool and breathable
-Long-sleeved shirt or sweater for evenings
-1 pair of shorts
-2 pairs of long trousers
-1 pair hiking pants/track pants
-Comfortable shoes
-Sport sandals
-Sun hat, Bandana
-Sunblock
-Sunglasses
-Sleeping bag/sleep sheet
-Watch or alarm clock
-First-aid kit (should contain Lip balm with sunscreen, Aspirin, Ibuprofin , Malaria pills, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamine, Antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
-Toiletries (biodegradable)
-Toilet paper

-Day pack
-Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
-Personal Entertainment
-Binoculars
-Waterproof backpack cover
-Flashlight/Torch
-Outlet adapter
-Insect Repellent
-Moneybelt
-Antibacterial wipes/gel
-Reusable water bottle
-Pocketknife
-Water purification tablets or filter (optional)

Laundry

Please note that you will be on the move a lot, and as such there will not be a lot of time for same-day laundry service. Please ask your guide/CEO to arrange if any laundry needs to be done, so that he / she can advise or make arrangements for you. Most travellers on this trip find that Swakopmund and Windhoek are convenient places to get their washing done, though facilities are available as well in Cape Town, Lambert’s Bay, and Livingstone.

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 are 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 sent 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 your own cost.

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=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.

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 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

CATEGORY B: ZIMBABWE VISA FEES – * See CATEGORY B: Exceptions Table
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
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

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

South Africa
http://www.dha.gov.za/Counties%20Exempy%20from%20SA%20Visaa.html

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.

**Please note for those traveling with minors: Effective June 01, 2015, anyone under the age of 18 will not be allowed entry without an unabridged birth certificate. If they are not travelling with both parents or adults who are not the child’s parents, further documentation is required. Please check with your South African embassy or consulate for the most current list of document requirements.

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.

Spending Money

Money Exchange

The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). The South African rand is also often an accepted form of payment in Zimbabwe.

It is advisable to pay in US$ in Zambia, as it is not that easy to get a good exchange rate, however, change will then be in Kwacha.

Each currency can be obtained locally by changing foreign currency or by using ATMs (where available) which will disperse local currency. Your CEO will inform you where you can change money throughout the tour and approximately how much money you will need.

The easiest foreign currency to exchange for locally for any of the local currencies is the $US; however the British Pound and Euro may also be exchanged as well. Please note that due to past problems with forgery, $US notes that are older than year 2006 are not accepted in Africa.
Large note ($US 50, $US 100 etc) can be difficult to change in some places, but will gain you the best exchange rate.

If you plan to rely on cash, please bring foreign currency (Euro, Pound, USD) with you, as it is often expensive to buy these currencies locally. And in more rural areas, it is often not likely.
If you plan to buy your visas at borders, you will need to bring $USD cash to pay for these visas. Please note you cannot use the local currency or any other currency to buy these visas- they must be purchased in USD.

Please do not bring Travellers’ cheques toAfrica. They are difficult if not impossible to exchange in many places.

Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. it is harder to find machines Mastercard/Cirrus cards. We highly recommend that if you hold a Mastercard, you obtain a Visa card prior to departure and travel with both. This is also useful should somethingunforeseen happen to one of your cards during your travels.
While there are many ATMs in the major centres, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Africa. Check with your bank.

Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns ONLY but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. The majority of our optional activities can also be paid by credit card. Your CEO will advise on these.

Please note that in many areas there may be occasional power-outages, where there will be no electricity for hours at a time. In addition, ATMs outside of larger centers often run out of cash or can be out of order unexpectedly. These factors could affect your ability to access money from ATMs. As such, please do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money.
A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

Emergency Fund

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: up to the discretion of the guest.

Optional Activities

All prices are per person, are in US dollar amounts, are subject to availability and are only an indication due to currency fluctuations. The optional activities in South Africa need to be paid in Rands.

SOUTH AFRICA
Cape Town
Home Dinner- $50 p/p (Incl. Transfer&Guide)

Table Mountain Cableway- one way ticket- $12 p/p
Table Mountain Cableway- return ticket- $23 p/p

Township tour $77

Robben Island (Tour times are: 9:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00) $30 p/p (3 hrs)
For bookings: +27 21 413 4263/4 (Credit card details required). In peak season it is recommendable to book 3 days in advance.

Boulders Beach (where the Jackass Penguins can be seen)
Entrance- $5 p/p

Cape of Good Hope (Cape Point)
Entrance- $10 p/p

Two Oceans Aquarium
Adults- $13 p/p
Children (14-17 yrs)- $8 p/p

Table mountain hike to Platteklip (3 hrs) $60

City sightseeing bus tour (hop on hop off bus) One day pass- $20 p/p

Winetasting Stellenbosch (8hrs, min3 pax)
$85

ZAMBIA
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
Lion Encounter (AM/PM Walk): USD160
Chobe Game Park (Kasane – Botswana) Day Trip (Excludes Visa Fees) USD190

VICTORIA FALLS:
Falls Tour (Zambia) (Excludes Visa Fees and USD20 park fee) USD35

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, hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes. Travellers to South Africa, Namibia, 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. 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.

ZAMBIA: Vaccinations for cholera and tetanus are advised. Malaria is virulent in the low lying areas of the country which include most of the good wildlife destinations. Take prophylactics two weeks before arrival and continue two weeks after leaving. Your chemist or doctor can advise you of the most suitable drug available as certain drugs lose their effectiveness.

ZIMBABWE:

Tap water in the major towns is purified and perfectly safe to drink. In the more remote areas always boil it first, except if you’re staying at a lodge or hotel where drinking water is boiled already. Bottled water available in bigger cities.

Safety and Security

Trip Specific Safety

GENERAL: Look after your personal items. Do not leave your valuables visible in a car or hotel room. Lock your hotel room door when you enter and when you leave. Do not carry large amount of cash on you. Avoid displaying flashy jewellery and carry your camera in its pack on your shoulder rather than around your neck. Keep your passport, airline tickets, money, important documents locked up in your room/safe – do not carry it with you.

Vital Information for staying Kruger NP or any reserve: Please ensure that your stay is happy and safe by taking note of a few simple warnings. You will be sharing your stay with many exciting and unusual creatures but without a little knowledge, some of them could be dangerous. Example: Bats, spiders, snakes, scorpions and mosquitos in a malarial zone. If you must walk around at night please DO NOT DO SO WITHOUT A TORCH. Remember: by feeding any wildlife, you are signing their death warrant as they become aggressive.

ZAMBIA: Theft, however, is rife in the bigger towns and cities. Don’t walk around with things you can’t do without, like your passport or airline tickets. Carry minimum amounts of cash and keep it hidden or in a money belt and if possible, don’t leave your car unattended. This is less of a problem in the rural areas.

ZIMBABWE:

Medical Form

A Couple of Rules

Travel Insurance

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

Associated Planeterra Project

In South Africa, Planeterra supports the following community project:

Shalati Community Project
The HIV/AIDS epidemic is having a devastating effect on the lives of millions of children worldwide especially in Africa. South Africa has one of Africa’s strongest economies, but the HIV pandemic has weakened the nation and has taken a severe toll on its adult population. South Africa has the sixth highest prevalence of HIV in the world, with 18.8% of the population estimated to be infected. As children lose one or both parents to the epidemic, they are often either taken into care by other family members or find themselves suddenly responsible for the care of their younger siblings. As a result, the fabric of society has begun to shift and change in unprecedented ways.

In the South African community of Shalati 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. Based on the needs of these families and children, we aim to assist the local community with their goal of building and developing a pre-school so that children are provided with a secure and nurturing environment to learn and grow.

How you can help
Donations raised through the Planeterra Foundation will provide funding for the construction and development of the preschool.

For more information about this project and/or to make a donation please visit our website at www.planeterra.org or contact us at info@planeterra.org

Feedback

Newsletter

Travel Forum – The Watering Hole

Max Pax

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides

Day 2 Optional Activities

  • Robben Island Visit -
  • Table Mountain Visit -
  • Stellenbosch Wine Tour and Tasting -

Day 6 Optional Activities

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Day 10 Optional Activities

  • Grave of Rhodes Visit -
  • Ancient Cave Painting Visit -

Day 12 Optional Activities

  • Hwange National Park Wildlife Safari Drive -

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