(19 Days) Botswana, Vic Falls & Kruger Safari (Comfort)

Min: 2-100

Duration: 19 Days

Price: EUR 5620

(19 Days) Botswana, Vic Falls & Kruger Safari (Comfort)

Itinerary

Day 1

Johannesburg to Kalahari Gateway

Today we leave Johannesburg, the City of Gold, to make our way northward to Botswana where we travel on the Trans-Kalahari highway and spend our first evening in a small village of Kang, the gateway to the Kalahari.

A landlocked country located in Southern Africa, the Republic of Botswana is approximately the size of France. Its population consists of around 1.9 million people, most of whom reside on the more abundant eastern side of the country. The official language and dominant culture is Setswana and the people are known as the Batawana. There are also various San communities that have made the desert area their home. Botswana has a tradition of democracy in the form of the kgotla system, which is rooted in Setswana culture and is based on a democratic system in which every person has the right to freedom of speech. Previously a British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana got its current name following its independence from the Commonwealth in 1966.

It is surrounded by South Africa in the south and southeast regions, by Namibia to the west and north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. It joins Zambia at one singular area. Botswana is renowned for it’s stable politics, hospitable residents, and it’s wealth of diamonds. The country is, in fact, the biggest diamond exporter in the world. Botswana is mostly flat, and in addition to the delta and desert regions, there are also enormous grasslands and savannas. Blue Wildebeest, various antelope and a range of other wildlife live in the lush vegetation of this country. Majority of Botswana is covered by the Kalahari Desert and as a result water is a scarce resource. The local currency is Pula, meaning ‘rain’ in Setswana which shows just how cherished water is. Drops of rain were believed to be the closest currency to actual money. Seventeen percent of the country has been reserved for game parks which is more than the international suggestion of just ten percent. Northern Botswana houses one of the few remaining concentrations of the threatened African Wild Dog. Botswana also contains the biggest concentration of elephant in all of Africa.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Kang Ultra Stop
Facilities: En-suites Per Room, Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Route: Johannesburg to Kang ±680 km
Border Post: Botswana Pioneer Gate Tel: + Open: 06h00 – 24h00, South Africa Skilpadshek Tel: , Open: 06h00 – 24h00

Day 2

Kalahari Gateway to Ghanzi

After breakfast we travel deeper into the Central Kalahari where we find our camp for the evening in the Ghanzi district. We will spend some time getting to know the San People and learn the secrets to their survival in the Kalahari Desert. Your evening is filled with traditional song, dance and storytelling.

Accommodation: Two Per Room Dqae Qare San Lodge or Ghanzi Trail Blazers
Facilities: En-Suite Bathroom, Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Kang to Ghanzi ±262 km
Included Highlight: San Evening Dance Performance
Optional Activity: San Guided Walk (late afternoon)

Day 3

Khwai Conservation Area, Botswana

We start the day early and make our way to the gateway of the Okavango Delta. An optional scenic flight over the Okavango Delta.

For the next 2 nights, you will be separated from your vehicle. Therefore, it is imperative that you pack/gather your personal belongings just for the next 2 nights (don’t pack a lot). You will be able to re-pack and store the rest of your clothes.

The fifth biggest town in Botswana, Maun is renowned as the tourism capital and gateway into the Okavango Delta. It is a diverse contrast of modern structures and traditional huts. Presently home to over some 30,000 people, the town was established in 1915 as the tribal capital of the Batawana people. Maun initially serviced the local cattle ranching and hunting industries and gained a reputation as a ‘wild west’ town. Maun grew rapidly with the swift development of the tourism industry and the completion of the tar road leading from Nata.

After your optional flight, you will be collected from Maun and will be transferred to the Khwai Conservation area in smaller safari type vehicles. This evening our guide will prepare us on what to expect for our mokoro excursion into the Okavango Delta and our game drive in Khwai.

Accommodation: Two per Room : Magotho / Boga Campsite (no website available)
Facilities: Two per permanent tent with En-suite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities: Scenic Flight over Okavango Delta
Route: Ghanzi via Maun to Khwai Conservation area

Day 4

Khwai Conservation Area, Botswana

We get up and hop in the safari vehicle to head to the water which houses the poling station. Get ready to be steered through the tranquil waters waterways and lagoons of the Delta.

After reaching one of the many islands, we may go for a nature walk with your pole and then return by mokoro through the channels back to the poling station.

Mokoro trails are not primarily a game viewing activity, but a variety of wildlife may be seen here, such as elephants, giraffes, kudus, impalas and zebras.

After lunch, we will return to Khwai Conservation area for our afternoon game drive which will be conducted in open 4×4 safari vehicles.

During high floods, the game viewing routes selected by the professional guide may vary, especially if certain roads are closed or impassable.

A maze of lagoons, lakes and concealed channels spreading over 17,000 square kilometres, the Okavango Delta is the world’s biggest inland delta. Originating in Angola, countless rivers merge to form the Cubango River which flows through Namibia, becoming the Kavango River and finally entering Botswana where it turns into the Okavango.

Eons ago, the Okavango River flowed into a massive inland lake named Lake Makgadikgadi which is now known as the Makgadikgadi Pans. Tectonic activity disturbed the currents of the river, resulting in it backing up and thus creating what is now recognised as the Okavango Delta. This has formed a complex network of waterways that sustain a large variety of fauna and flora. There are approximately 200,000 large mammals living in and around the Delta. On the mainland and amidst the Delta islands, lion, elephant, hyena, wild dog, buffalo, hippo and crocodile gather with an assortment of antelope and other smaller animals such as warthog, mongoose, spotted genet, monkey, bush baby and tree squirrel.

Remarkably, the endangered African Wild Dog lives within the Okavango Delta, displaying one of the richest pack densities throughout Africa. The Delta is also home to over 400 species of bird including the majestic African Fish Eagle. Plenty of these creatures live in the Delta, but most simply pass through during their migrations with the summer rains to seek out renewed lush fields ready for grazing. During the beginning of winter, the countryside dries up and these animals head back to the Delta, making for spectacular game sightings as the massive numbers of prey and predators are forced together. Specific regions of the floodplains provide some of the most magnificent predator action seen anywhere in the world.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Magotho / Boga Campsite (no website available)
Facilities: Two per Permanent Tent with En-Suite Bathroom
Route : Overnight accommodation – poling station – Okavango Delta – Khwai Conservation Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Okavango Delta Morning Mokoro Excursion / Khwai Conservation Afternoon Game Drive

Day 5

Savuti Game Reserve, Botswana

Savuti Game Reserve lies between the Okavango Delta to the west and Chobe National Park to the east.

Known as a big game area, Savuti has the largest concentration of wildlife in Southern Africa.

The majority of our day will be spent driving through the Savuti Game Reserve in search of the animals that roam the plains.

There is a range of habitats available, ranging from wetland, open water, grasslands, and woodlands in the Savannah.

The truck will be re-united with us in Kasane this afternoon when we reach the banks of the Chobe River

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Thebe River Safaris
Facilities: En-suites Bathroom Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Moremi South Gate – via Savuti Game Reserve – Kasane
Included Activity: Full Day Game Drive through Savuti Game Reserve in 4×4 safari vehicles

Day 6

Chobe National Park, Botswana

In case you choose to participate in the optional game drive in Chobe National Park, you will be picked up early from camp in open safari vehicles.

Then you will have lunch and take a quick siesta before we venture out in the afternoon to explore Chobe National Park from the river, taking a leisurely boat cruise that allows us to get up close and personal with elephants and hippos in the game reserve.

The second biggest park in all of Botswana, Chobe National Park spreads over approximately 11,700 square kilometres of northern Botswana. The Park forms part of the medley of lakes, islands and floodplains created from the river systems of the Kwanda, Linyanti and Chobe Rivers. This region is well-known for it’s enormous buffalo and elephant herds – the population of which is presently around 120,000. The Chobe elephants migrate often and travel up to 200 kilometres from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers, where they gather during the dry season, to the pans in the southeast portion of the park during rainy season. These Kalahari elephants are identified by their frail ivory and short tusks which is possibly due to the lack of calcium in the soils. Because of their high population, much damage to vegetation is caused in certain areas and therefore, culls have been considered but never carried out due to the enormous controversy surrounding the act.

The initial inhabitants of this region were the San people, known in Botswana as the ‘Basarwa’. They were nomadic hunter-gatherers who traveled from place to place searching for the next source of food and water. The San were eventually forced out by groups of the Basubiya people and, in 1911, a congregation of Batawana moved to the area. It was decided in 1931 that a national park would be erected in order to guard the wildlife from extinction as well as to attract tourists. In 1932, an area of approximately 24,000 square kilometres in the Chobe region was declared as a non-hunting zone. Throughout the years, the boundaries of the park have been modified and the people who have settled in the region have been progressively relocated. Chobe National Park was eventually completely rid of human occupation in the year 1975, and in 1980 (and once more in 1986) the boundaries were once again altered to it’s current size.

Accommodation: Two per Room Thebe River Safaris
Facilities: En-suites Per Room Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Nata to Kasane
Included Highlight: Chobe National Park Boat Cruise
Optional Activity: Chobe National Park Game Drive

Day 7

Kasane – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

We make our way to Victoria Falls town where we have some time to prepare our activities for the following day, before visiting the incredible Victoria Falls and experiencing the thunderous and powerful Zambezi. There is a craft market in the town as well as a delectable high tea on offer at the Victoria Falls Hotel. In the evening you have an opportunity to enjoy an optional dinner out. The following day can be spent participating in some thrilling activities on offer here at this magnificent place.

At 1700 metres wide and 108 metres high, Victoria Falls are said to be the biggest falls in the entire world. According to popular beliefs, Scottish explorer David Livingstone was the very first European to stand witness to the mighty Victoria Falls and wrote: “It has never been seen before by European eyes, but scenes so wonderful must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” The local name of Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’, is used as the official name in Zambia. Because of its enormous power and size, the Falls are embellished with countless mythologies. It is believed by the local Tonga people of Zambezi that a river god, Nyaminyami, lives in the water in the shape of a gigantic snake. The Zambezi River flooded thrice when the Kariba Dam was constructed in the 1950’s, causing numerous deaths and much devastation. The locals believe that Nyaminyami became angry with the building of the Dam and thus was the entity that caused the horrendous floods. The peculiar form of Victoria Falls allows its entire width to be seen face-on from as near as 60 metres to the Falls due to the Zambezi River dropping into a deep and narrow slot-like fissure connected to a lengthy sequence of ravines. There are very few waterfalls in the world that permit this close of an approach on foot.

The Falls are created by the entire width of the river plummeting in a solitary vertical drop into a 120 metre wide chasm, whittled by the cascading waters along a breakage area in the basalt plateau. The chasm called the First Gorge varies from 80 metres deep at its west end to 108 metres in its centre. The only opening to the First Gorge is through a gap 110 metres wide, approximately two-thirds of the way across the width of the Falls from the western end, through which the entire volume of the river spills into the gorges of the Victoria Falls. Two islands, Boaruka and Livingstone, are situated on the peak of the Falls. They are big enough to divide the sheet of water, even at full flood. At less than full flood, other islands perform the task of dividing the curtain of water into dispersed parallel streams. The main streams are known as Leaping Water, Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls (the tallest) and the Eastern Cataract.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Shearwater Explorers Village
Facilities: En-suites Bathoom Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Kasane to Victoria Falls ±100 km
Optional Activity: Visit to the Victoria Falls, Bungee Jump, Gorge Swing, Sunset Cruise, Helicopter Flights, Boma Dinner Experience
Border Post: Zimbabwe: Kazangula Road, Open: 06h00-20h00, Botswana: Kazangula Road, Tel: +267 62 50330, Open: 06h00-20h00

Day 8 – 9

Kasane – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

We make our way to Victoria Falls town where we have some time to prepare our activities for the following day, before visiting the incredible Victoria Falls and experiencing the thunderous and powerful Zambezi. In the evening you have an opportunity to enjoy an optional dinner out. The following day can be spent participating in some thrilling activities on offer here at this magnificent place.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Shearwater Explorers Village (From 01 April 2020)
Facilities: En-suites Bathoom Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route: Kasane to Victoria Falls ±100 km
Optional Activity: Visit to the Victoria Falls, Bungee Jump, Gorge Swing, Sunset Cruise, Helicopter Flights, Boma Dinner Experience
Border Post: Zimbabwe: Kazangula Road, Open: 06h00-20h00, Botswana: Kazangula Road, Tel: +267 62 50330, Open: 06h00-20h00

Day 10 – 11

Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Leaving Victoria Falls, we make our way to the Hwange National Park. After lunch we set out to explore the park. The national park is home to a large variety of elephant populations as well as other mammalian species. Also it is one of the largest parks in Zimbabwe. The evening is spent around campfire.

The following day you will be collected from the accommodation and spend the day game driving in an open 4×4 vehicle through the Hwange National Park in search of the Big-5.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Hwange Main Camp
Facilities: En-Suite Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered
Route: Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park ±119km, Hwange National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch x2, Dinner x2
Included Highlight: Full day Hwange National Park game drive
Optional Activity: Victoria Falls National Park Entry, Hwange Sundowner Drive

Day 12

Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

The following day we make our way to the Matobo National Park which is situated in the magnificent Matobo Hills. The Hills have been sculpted a million years ago and is the site of various exquisite Bushman paintings. We explore the park in the afternoon with our guide before making our way to the accommodation for the evening which is located in Bulawayo.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Travellers Guest House
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Hwange National Park to (Bulawayo) Matopos National Park ±317 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Afternoon Game Drive in Matobo National Park

Day 13

Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Zimbabwe

Your tour would not be complete without paying a visit to the famous Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a world renowned site. Also home to eight carved Zimbabwe birds, which is represented on the Zimbabwean National Flag. We spend the afternoon on a guided walking tour of the ancient site, taking us back to the Iron age, this UNESCO world heritage site was previously the capital of Zimbabwe.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Norma Jeans Lake View Resort
Facilities: En suites Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: (Bulawayo) Matobo National Park to Great Zimbabwe Ruins (Masvingo) ±340km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Visit to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Day 14

Tshipise, South Africa

Making our way across the border out of Zimbabwe, we enter the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Developed in 1936, the name originates from the word chia fisu which means ‘burn, be hot’ referring to the hot springs at 65°C. We spend the night at the hot springs of Tshipise.

Accommodation: Two Per Room: Forever Tshipise Resort
Facilities: En-suite Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Great Zimbabwe Ruin (Masvingo)s to Tshipise ±422km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Tshipise Hot Springs
Border Post: Beitbridge Border Post +263 862 2303 / 2366 +27 (015) 530-0066 / 71 website: http://www.zimra.co.z

Day 15

Johannesburg, South Africa

Waking early this morning we make our way to the City of gold, most commonly known as the heartbeat of the country. The city has been rebuilt four times within a century and has evolved from tented camps to four story high buildings. We arrive in the late afternoon at Belvedere Estate.

Accommodation: Two per Room Belvedere Estate
Facilities: En-suites Bathroom Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Tshipise to Johannesburg ±485 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16

Johannesburg – Kruger National Park, South Africa

Leaving Johannesburg early this morning, we make our way through the Province of Mpumalanga on our way to the magnificent Kruger National Park. Enjoy a sunset game drive before we indulge in a traditional meal and local dancing by the camp fire this evening. We spend the following three nights here.

(Please note: During the next few days (while we are visiting Kruger National Park), the order of activities could change without prior notice and a degree of flexibility is needed. This is to allow for maximum game viewing opportunities and experiences)

Accommodation: Permanent Tent: Nkambeni Safari Camp
Facilities: En-suites per tent Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger National Park Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Sundowner drive

Day 17

Kruger National Park, South Africa

In the morning we make our way back into the Kruger National Park and enjoy a full of game driving through the park. We explore the park in an open game viewing vehicle providing you with many incredible photographic opportunities, all the while keeping our eyes peeled for wildlife. Keep a lookout for Africa’s ‘Big 5’ (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) as well as a wide range of other animal and bird species.

Accommodation: Permanent Tent: Nkambeni Reserve
Facilities: En-suites per tent Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: Full-Day Kruger Park Game Drive in 4×4 Vehicle

Day 18

Kruger National Park – Panorama Route, South Africa

Rising early, we start the day enjoying on a guided game walk through the park before making our way to our last stop on tour. After our walk, we make our way out of the the Kruger National Park passing through the Panorama Route, making a stop at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window. Returning to our camp, we enjoy dinner and spend the evening relaxing.

Accommodation: Camp: Nkambeni Reserve
Facilities: Shared Ablutions Please visit the website of the accommodation provider for a full list of the facilities offered.
Route: Greater Kruger National Park to Kruger National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Highlight: The Panorama Route – God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Three Rondavels
Optional Package: Morning guided bush walk

Day 19

Kruger National Park to Johannesburg

We embark on a last drive as we exit the park before making our way to our last stop on tour. Upon arrival in Johannesburg your tour comes to an end. An optional traditional “braai” is made available to travellers wanting to spend the last evening in South Africa and can be booked through your guide.

Accommodation: Own Arrangements / Post tour accommodation can be booked through us.
Route: Kruger National Park to Johannesburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Half-Day Morning Game Drive in Truck (4 hours)
Optional Activity: Traditional meal Belvedere Estate

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.

Pre Departure

Important Touring Tips:

The itinerary is a guide ONLY and is subject to change
There is a mix of different nationalities, ages and cultures on every tour
Space in the truck is limited – PLEASE DON’T BRING TOO MUCH LUGGAGE!
The tours are high adventure tours, so don’t expect European Coach tours or lodge safaris
The tours are often created in a circular route i.e. where one tour ends, another begins
The rate is the same throughout the year
Should you be travelling to Kenya. The Kenya government has instituted a Zero Tolerance on usage of All Plastic Bags. On the spot fines (400 USD) are being issued.

What are adventure tours?

These are adventure tours perfect for people who enjoy camping and the outdoors. You get to experience the “real Africa” by camping out at night, sitting around the campfire, taking in beautiful scenery, visiting local shops and getting to know the locals.v

What is a typical day?

A typical day on either your camping or accommodated Africa overland tour starts with an early morning wake-up call and a cup of tea or coffee followed by breakfast. Campers pack-up their campsite while comfort travellers check-out of their accommodation and hit the road.

We set off to our next destination travelling through a vast variety of landscapes, making our own new memories with new friends. Each day in Africa offers a new experience from an early morning sunrise hike, quad biking, sky dive or guided nature walk. The options are endless!

We have shorter travel days arriving at our campsite by midday or early afternoon, to enjoy lunch before joining our afternoon activity or simply enjoying a relaxed afternoon at your own pace.

On our longer travel days an early start ensures an earlier arrival at our campsite. We stop off at scenic spots to stretch our legs and take in the scenery, before lunch is enjoyed at a shady spot en-route. A mid- to-late afternoon arrival at our campsite allows us to set up camp, enjoy a beautiful sunset and end the day sitting around the campfire, under the stars.

Our best advice: expect the unexpected as this is Africa! We travel mainly on gravel roads and poorly kept tarmac roads – both setting the pace at which we travel. We do our best to arrive at our next destination, safety is our number one priority and while our overland vehicles are comfortable and spacious, they are not sports cars!

What type of vehicles do we use?

A custom-built, comfortable, safe and self-sufficient Africa overland truck to withstand the rugged African terrain.
Various vehicles are used on varying tours, with each offering comfortable seats with ample leg room.
Each vehicle has large glass windows for uninterrupted views and perfect for game drives.
Smaller 4×4 land cruiser type vehicles are used for game viewing in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, due to the roads being tougher and too narrow for the overland trucks.
Each overland vehicle includes a passenger safe to safely keep money + passports + flight tickets + credit cards. The keys are kept with your Tour Leader who will advise of safety requirements in place concerning the safe.Who is suited to go on an adventure tour?
Almost anyone can go on an adventure.

Some level of fitness is required due to accessing the vehicle and spending long days on bumpy roads (can take it out of you).EAST AFRICA TOURS require a more adventurous, fearless attitude and are suited to a younger traveller.
If you are planning to trek with the Mountain Gorillas or climbing Mount Killi you will need to have a higher fitness level.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON A CAMPING OR ACCOMMODATED TOUR

Camping Tours:

A camping safari is for travellers who want a hands-on experience of Mother Nature. The guide(s) will do most of the work, but you will be required to assist with various tasks such as preparing the food, washing up, cleaning out the truck and setting up the campsite and your tent. If you dream of a lifetime African adventure, embark on a journey with us sleeping under the stars while listening to the sounds of wildlife in the distance.

We offer camping safaris suited to travellers who may prefer to travel in a younger group (aged 18 to 39). Or, you can choose a mixed age group (18 to 60). A camping safari must not be underestimated and will require active participation which means good health and a fair degree of fitness. We have a tour to suit what you have in mind, so please do not hesitate to enquire with us.

During an African camping safari you will stay in large two-man dome canvas tents which are spacious enough for two adults and your luggage. Or, you can opt to have your own tent by including the single supplement (valid on select camping tours).

Your tents are put up and taken down easily – your Tour Leader will show you exactly how to do this and help out when you are unsure. All tents are well-ventilated by means of a tent-door and window, covered with mosquito net. They also include a fly-sheet for the rain.

Most camping safaris include a sleeping mat (please do check with us upon enquiry). You need to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towel. All meals are prepared at the truck and you will be required to assist with the preparation.

The African campsites are basic and comfortable and you will be able to upgrade your accommodation at most of the places, but this is subject to availability. Most have warm showers and flushing ablutions, while others may have natural ablutions. Some places visited are bush camps where there are no facilities.

Accommodated Tours:

Accommodated safaris are ideal for travellers who prefer to experience African wildlife and adventure with extra comforts. You are surrounded by vast landscapes and wildlife, curiously roaming at your door-step. It is comfort, without the price tag!

Our accommodated safaris make use of a combination of lodges, hostels, bungalows, chalets, permanent safari camps, hotels and traditional huts. Our properties are ideally located at each destination for an authentic experience with incredible views.

We book Twin rooms if you are travelling with a partner or friend and Single rooms for single travellers (including single supplement). Most of the time we stay in 1-3 star properties with en-suite bathrooms in Southern Africa. In Eastern Africa we offer a combination of en-suite and shared bathrooms. In the case of shared bathrooms, you will be sharing with friends on your tour. Please bring your own towels as these are not always provided.

Select accommodated safaris include a camp assistant to help out with the smaller aspects of your vacation.

The standard of the properties varies along the trip. The Southern Africa properties are much more established than the East Africa accommodation. They vary from basic (but comfortable) to lovely properties. Due to the remote nature of the trips, accommodation choices are limited.

Distances and Road Conditions:

Our tours cover long distances so you can see significant amounts of Africa this means that there will be long days spent on the road often with nothing to look at except vast open plains. You can spend between 350km and 650km a day in the truck so it is important to be prepared.

What will you eat on safari?

Our Africa overland vehicles are fully stocked with dry goods at the start of each tour. We buy fresh produce (fruit and vegetables) almost daily to ensure fresh, good quality and tasty meals. Over the summer months fresh produce is not always available due to the heat and humidity, especially in East Africa and Mozambique – so we may have to skip tomatoes from lunch or opt for rice instead of potatoes at dinner.

Each Africa overland camping and accommodated tour include meals as per the itinerary. Often, we may only include breakfast and lunch, allowing you to enjoy dinner at a local market or restaurant. Drinks such as tea, coffee and fruit juice is included with every meal, but exclude bottle water, beer, soft drinks, alcohol etc. – these can be bought en-route or at your campsite bar.

We do cater for most dietary requirements (allergies, vegetarian, lactose-intolerant). Other requirements (gluten-free) may be more challenging on remote routes (i.e. East Africa) where starch is a stable-food in Africa. Please do speak to us about your dietary requirements and we will advise according to your trip. You will be amazed by the variety of tasty meals prepared on an open-fire!

Almost all your meals are pre-prepared over an open campfire or on the gas stove in your overland vehicle. All cooking equipment such as pots, pans, cutlery and crockery is included for you. Excellent hygiene standards are maintained at all times preparing food and washing up of kitchen equipment. Your guides will provide you with a separate washing up basin to wash hands in warm soapy water before and after each meal.

Our camping tours are limited participation tours, whereby we ask you to help out with daily chores (putting up / taking down tents) and help out your guides at meal times (rinsing, chopping vegetables).

So what are the meals like on tour? We have included a few meal options as a guideline:

Breakfast:

Tea/coffee and juice + cereals + bread/toast + fruit. Take 2 fruits and keep one for a mid-morning snack. An occasional cooked breakfast (bacon, pancakes, eggs) is made when you have more time to allow for this (normally when you spend 2 nights at the same destination).

Lunch:

Juice + bread + cheese + cold meats + salads + fruit (make a sandwich for a mid-afternoon snack)
Juice + fresh rolls + green salad (or rice salad or pasta salad) + fruit.

Dinner:

Tea/coffee and juice + chicken curry + rice, grilled or roast chicken + salad + garlic roll, grilled chicken + vegetables + salad, fish braai + salad, steak + veggies, pasta, stir-fry + rice, casserole, braai (barbeque) + salads + jacket potatoes, soup + fresh rolls.

Drinks:

Tea, coffee and cordial drinks are supplied with meals but other cooldrinks and alcohol can be purchased along the way.

What about children on tour?

Due to the nature of overland tours the minimum age limit is 18. Younger travellers (10 to 17) travelling with a parent(s) will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the tour, time of travel and tour availability. We do have select tours offering Family Departures, suited for children aged 10 to 17.
Privately arranged charter tours’ age limits will be assessed based on the route and type of tour you choose.
Please bear in mind that the Gorilla Trekking tours have a minimum age limit of 16 years.

Packing for your tour:

Packing sensibly is essential for your Africa Overland trip. One backpack and one daypack are needed and these can weigh no more than 25kg. A duffel bag is preferable as it will fit into the lockers on the truck, but you can also take a backpack with a compact, flexible, soft shell (without a hard frame). Please do not take suitcases. The airlines implement a 20kg per person limit on international flights for your luggage (your main bag) and a further 5 kg for carry-on luggage (your day bag). A good idea is to include a spare bag for curios that you may purchase, but don’t forget to include this in your weight for your trip home. A moneybelt is a useful item for keeping your money safe and hidden.

Take along comfortable, casual and semi-casual “wash & wear” clothes. Cotton is a good material for when it is hot, and fleece for when it gets cold. Pack clothes that don’t crease easily as the laundry facilities are limited. Find clothes that can be mixed and matched easily and are colour co-ordinated. A great item of clothing is zip-off pants. These double-up as shorts or trousers and are useful for when the weather changes. Reversible clothes are also very convenient and will help to reduce space in your bag.

Locker Sizes:

Overland Truck Locker Size

Clothes:

3-4 short sleeved shirts or T-shirts
2 pairs of trousers or 1 pair and 1 skirt – try not to pack jeans as they take a long time to dry
¾ pants
Warm sweater or fleece top
1-2 pairs of shorts
Tracksuit pants
Light sweater or sweatshirt (can also be used as an additional pillow)
Warm fleece top
Underwear and socks
Hat/peak cap/bandana
Gloves
Scarves
Water/wind-proof jacket
Boots or sturdy trainers

Beachwear:

Swimsuit
Sunglasses
Beach towel and/or sarong
Sandals or thongs (need to be waterproof if you want to go white-water rafting)

Toiletries:

Personal toiletries
No electric shavers
Hand sanitiser/wipes (waterless sanitisers are convenient)
Baby wipes/wet wipes
Tissues
Moisturiser
Face wash
Facecloth

Sleepwear:

Pyjamas
Travel pillow
Spare pillowcase
Sleeping Bag
Fleece blanket

Medication/first aid kit:

Prescription medication
Anti-histamine cream or tablets
Antiseptic cream
Sunscreen (high factor) and lip balm
Water purifying tablets
Pain killers
Eye drops
Diarrhoea medication
Moisturiser
Dehydration salts
Elastoplasts/band aids
Insect repellent (Malaria is a big problem in Africa, so the more protection the better)
Sterile dressings

Extras:

Water bottle
Book (you can swap with the rest of the group)
Extra memory/film for your camera (remember to set at the highest resolution as you might want to enlarge the pictures)
Head torch
Pens
Zip-lock bags (medium sized for cameras, snacks, trash etc.)
Extra batteries
Travel power strip ( a compact three-plug unit that includes two USB connections. With just one wall plug you can charge five gadgets) Buy on Amazon and will help to reduce space in your bag.
Penknife
Watch
Biodegradable laundry detergent
Vaccination certificates for some areas
Cash
Small scrubbing brush
A padlock for your luggage locker in the truck
The power plugs in SA have 3 round pins. East Africa has British power plugs.

Laundry:

There will be washing facilities at most campsites which you can make use of.
Please remember to bring some environmentally friendly washing
We suggest you take along crease-free clothing as the facilities available for ironing are limited

Safety on Game Drives:

When on safari be as quiet as possible at all times and don’t make any sudden movements, this will ensure you don’t disturb the animals and get the most out of your game drive.
Do not jump off the truck at any time.

Accommodation (Pre Tour):

It is highly recommended to arrive a day before your tour starts so that you do not miss out on the pre departure meetings as it covers important information you need to know for your trip.
It is strongly advised that you arrive a day before the tour starts.
We do advise letting us know as soon as possible in order for us to make the best hotel reservation for you.
Post accommodation can be very easily arranged.

Personal Health:

Ensure that the guides know of your medical conditions!!!
Let them know how you are feeling.
AIDS is an enormous problem in Africa so please be careful and practical, condoms are cheap and freely available.
A First Aid Kit is available on the truck for any emergencies.

Vaccinations:

Please ensure you seek medical advice from your travel doctor before visiting Africa.
You should consult your travel doctor or travel clinic for the latest requirements for Hepatitis A (Havrax), Yellow Fever, Tetanus Booster Shot, Rabies
If you are entering a Yellow Fever infected area, you will be required to have a vaccination which can be done at Travel Clinics.
Obtain an international Certificate of Vaccination with a valid stamp.
Yellow Fever – Valid for 10 years and mandatory for most African countries. It is compulsory to produce a yellow fever certificate when entering Kenya, Zanzibar and Malawi and for taking part in the Gorilla Trek. Failure to present this may result in entry being refused.
We also recommend that you ask your doctor about: Typhoid, Tetanus, Hepatitis, Meningitis, Polio, Hepatitis A&B, Cholera
Tents have mosquito nets in the vents and it is not generally necessary to bring a separate mosquito net unless you plan to sleep outside, under the stars(in which case you are recommended to bring one)

Malaria:

Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes and is more prevalent in areas where there are high concentrations.
Malaria is a serious problem in Africa, but if you are cautious and use mosquito repellent and take your malaria tablets you will be safe.

Main points to keep in mind about malaria:
o Cover your skin with long shirts, pants and socks as most mosquito bites occur below the knee.
o Make sure your mosquito net is tightly closed and doesn’t have any holes in it.
o Use an effective prophylactic and speak to your doctor about options for anti-malarial tablets
o Always cover yourself with mosquito repellent, especially at sunset.
o Please know that malaria cannot be cured!

Water:

Dehydration is a common ailment on tour.
You should be drinking a minimum of 2 litres of water per day
It is preferable to drinking bottled water to avoid diarrhoea, but your guide will advise you as to whether you can drink the water or not.

How others can reach you:

The easiest option to keep in touch with your loved ones at home is to buy a SIM card of the respective country you are travelling in.

Photography:

You are not permitted to take photographs at the border crossing, government buildings and military institutions.
No photographs of the army, police are allowed.
Some tribes do not allow their pictures to be taken so please ask your guides before photographing whether it is permissible or not.
A fee may have to be paid for photographing the local people.

Crew and Guides

Tour Crew:

Your tour crew are people with a heart of gold and love living in Africa! With an in-depth knowledge of the local culture, history and wildlife, your crew are committed to ensuring a memorable African overland tour, 24/7.

Most overland tours include two crew members (Driver and Tour Leader) working as a team managing tour finances, planning activities, preparing meals and ensure you safely experience Africa.
Our larger group overland tours (maximum 26 to 30) include a third crew member (Camp Assistant or Cook or Translator – tour depending).
A pre-departure meeting is held the day before your tour, where tour crew will brief you on the nature of your tour and what to expect. At this point they would also collect any local payments needed for your tour.
We have select shorter small group tours including one crew member, responsible for driving and tour management. It is perfect for an exclusive, personalised African experience.

The Guides:

All overland guides and crew undergo extensive training courses, lectures and field instruction on an on-going basis. Specialised guides are contracted for special interest tours (including school and University group tours) or language tours (Spanish and German) or private overland tours (on request).
Although overland guides are trained and qualified, remember they are still human. The nature of their work and duration of overland tours, places an enormous demand on them and can be taxing at times. Please treat them with respect and enjoy getting to know them. They are great people!

Climate and Weather Conditions:

The weather in Africa can be unpredictable and extreme so be prepared for this.
You can find out the type of weather to expect on your tour from your consultant.
Always wear sunscreen from October to April.
Temperatures can drop to below zero from June to September.
It does rain in Africa!

Street Vendors:

Like with any 3rd world country you will encounter informal vendors offering you better rates than the banks. We suggest you don’t work with them for security reasons.
Please do not display your foreign currency in public.

Passport:

A valid passport is required for all international travel.
Having all the necessary documentation for your trip is your own responsibility therefore you need to find out by your travel agent what the essential documents for the trip are in order to avoid any complications on tour.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after returning from your trip.
In certain cases foreign passport holders require entry, re-entry or departure permits and/or visas to enter a country.
Have enough pages for all visas, at least 2 pages free for every country visiting – the Border Security is strict with this rule
A copy of your passport should be given to your guides for safety reasons.
Must be valid for 6 months after the date of departure from Africa.
Avoid using more than one passport to avoid visa payments when travelling

Visa:

Please note that visas are the responsibility of the traveller and African Overland Tours will not be held responsible for the traveller being denied entry should they not be in the possession of the relevant visas.
Ensure you have a valid onward/return ticket to leave the country when the tour ends, otherwise you need sufficient funds in your bank account.
Visiting the Okavango Delta, you may need a double entry visa for Namibia and or Botswana
Botswana Tourism Levy: As of 1 June 2017, Botswana has implemented a tourism levy of US$ 30 per person to be paid in US Dollars cash once you enter.

Insurance

Medical Insurance:

Compulsory! No one will be allowed on a trip if you don’t have this. It is for your safety should anything happen while on tour (especially when in a remote location).

Travel Insurance:

It is compulsory to have comprehensive adventure travel insurance, on all overland tours. We require your travel insurance details upon booking your vacation, to include on the passenger list.
Most travel insurance policies do not include cover for adrenaline sports and adventure activities. These include white-water rafting, sky diving and bungee jumping. So double check your policy inclusions.
WorldNomads Insurance offer adventure travel insurance and, most importantly, cancellation insurance. We strongly recommend your travel insurance includes cancellation and curtailment insurance. The majority of tour departures are guaranteed (confirmed to depart) but in the unlikely event of a tour departure being cancelled, you would be protected.
In the case of credit card insurance, we recommend you check the fine print to ensure you have adequate cover as credit card companies offer a standard option. Sometimes, just for a simple problem, you may have to be airlifted to South Africa as many public hospitals in Africa are below western standards.
If you choose to use your credit card insurance, you will need to call your bank to obtain your policy details. This is how:
• Phone your bank
• Give them your Bank Card Number
• They will ask you to verify your account
• Then you need to ask for the insurance company name
• Then you need to ask for the policy number
• Remember to keep the telephone number you dialled

Single Supplements:

A single supplement is an additional charge you will pay for your own room. Single supplements are optional on camping tours, but compulsory on accommodated tours if you are a single traveller. Single supplements do not cover Activity Packages.

Optional Activities:

Optional activities are not included in the tour price because not everybody wishes to do them. Sometimes the activities are not available due to time, season or weather conditions

What is a Local Payment?

A number of adventure overland tours are made up of a Tour Price + Local Payment.
The Tour Price is pre-paid to secure your tour seat and include operational costs associated with each tour, such as; guide salaries, fuel, vehicle servicing, maintenance, road tolls and taxes.
The Local Payment is a portion of your overall tour cost paid on the morning of tour departure, in either US Dollars cash or ZA Rand cash (tour depending). It includes “on tour” expenses which cannot ordinarily be pre-paid such as: food, camping, national park entry, included activities.

Activity Package:

A selection of tours are made up of a Tour Price + Optional Activity Package.
The Tour Price is pre-paid to secure your tour seat and include operational costs associated with each tour, such as; food, camping (or accommodation), national park fees, guide salaries, fuel, vehicle servicing, maintenance, road tolls and taxes.
The Optional Activity Package combine the popular activities available on the tour, giving you the option to pre-pay this package (and so carry less cash while travelling) or; you can pay it on the morning of departure to your Tour Guide in ZA Rand cash.
Activity packages are optional 98% of the time and covers what we consider to be ‘essential activities’ on the tours.
It is more convenient to pay these upon your arrival or on the first day of the tour.
If you do not pre-book a particular activity it may not be available and you may be disappointed.

Money Matters:

Your spending money, visas and optional activities needs to consist of a combination of Cash and Traveller Cheques in the currency quoted (tour specific). Credit cards are only accepted at some places (mostly larger cities) and throughout South Africa.
Visas are not accepted in East Africa.
In Southern and East Africa, additional credit card surcharges from 5% to 8% may be charged when using your card. It is best to use it only in case of emergency.
US Dollars, GB Sterling, Euro and select international currencies are used within Africa, with US Dollar being the most popular. You will find food, taxi, accommodation and optional activity prices are all quoted in US Dollars.
US Dollars cash notes must be issued POST 2005. No notes pre-dated are accepted due to fraudulent notes rife in East Africa. You can pre-order US Cash notes from your local bank or foreign exchange office prior to arriving in Africa.
It is best to bring a combination of larger denominations (USD100 and USD50) to pay for your Local Payment and smaller denominations (USD50, UDS20, USD 10 and USD5) for spending money, visas and optional activities.
ATMs are found throughout South Africa and other major towns and cities through Africa. However, you may not have access to an ATM for a few days, or they may be out of order. Please note that when drawing money from a local ATM, you will receive local currency. In Zimbabwe the ATM’s limit the amount of USD that can be withdrawn (it ranges from 50 USD – 200 USD a day).
ZAR is mostly used in South Africa and Namibia. We recommend USD for Botswana, Mozambique, Livingstone and Victoria Falls area.

Credit Cards:

Most of the major Southern and East African cities do have credit card facilities available however they may charge you a surcharge to use the facility.
Visa and Mastercard are the two most widely used accepted credit cards in Africa, while diners or American Express may not always be accepted

Banking facilities:

There are full banking facilities in the major towns based on weekly business hours. Here you can change money and withdraw cash from a credit card. Visa and Master Card are preferential, as other cards may not be widely accepted.

Tipping:

It is recommended to tip for various activities on tour – we suggest a tip of 1-3 euro (or whichever local currency is acceptable) per client, per half day activity.
Tipping your tour leader is also highly recommended as he / she works really hard to ensure you have the best experience on your tour. A tip of 2 – 5 Euros per client per day is a reasonable fair.
The amounts quoted above are only guidelines for the clients.

Departure Tax:

Various countries require you to pay an Airport Departure Tax (Zimbabwe is one) when departing on an international flight.
Varies from US$10 – US$60 depending on the departure time

Security:

The truck has a safe for passports, money, credit cards and flight tickets only!
Keep your cameras, cell phones, iPad’s and other digital equipment close to you at all times (preferably in your day pack) as the operator will not be held responsible for anything that goes missing.
Leave your valuables at home!
Be vigilant and cautious at all times.
Always walk in a group, especially at night.
It is advisable to have travel insurance for your personal items.

Quality and Protection:

We are proudly bonded SATSA members. Our membership number is 1712.
We are also insured by SATIB.
SATSA is the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association and offers protection to international travellers against the possible loss of deposits (or monies paid) to a SATSA member (tour operator, car rental company, accommodation provider etc.), in case of liquidation. It is underwritten by Lombard Insurance and Lloyds of London.
SATSA is the driving force behind improving standards of tourism in South Africa, as offered by its various members (tour operators, car rental companies, accommodation provider etc.).
“Should a SATSA member who is a South African tourism business operation, run into financial problems, the bonding scheme allows the client to claim back their deposit without having to prove in a court or to the liquidator whom or what was paid, but simply to produce the relevant documentation to SATSA.” – Michael Tatalias, CEO SATSA.
Satsa Bonding Offers financial protection on all monies paid.

Quick Checklist

Make sure your vaccination requirements have been done at least 4 weeks prior to your tour
Remember to make sure your VISA is valid for you to go on tour
Remember to reconfirm your flights. Airlines vary in their requirements but we suggest you reconfirm 48 – 72 hours before your departure homebound
Remember to take your passport, vaccination certificate and flight tickets with you ( a photocopy of these is a good idea)
Remember to take a copy of your insurance policy with you
Remember to take your travel voucher to give to your crew at your pre-departure meeting
Remember to take your Adventure Pass in US $ cash (unless pre-paid)

Book Now

Our Trusted Partners