Johannesburg to East Africa Overland Safari Adventure Tour

Take off for 27 days and adventure through seven countries on an epic overland journey from Johannesburg to Nairobi. Bump along in the wild savanna of Ngorongoro and the Serengeti on safari drives before going deep into the Okavango Delta by traditional canoe for an overnight bush excursion. Feel the mist of Victoria Falls and smell the fragrant air of Zanzibar's spice plantations. Travel by rugged Lando and camp your way through a uniquely diverse continent for a ride you will never want to end.

Group Size Notes  

Max 22, avg 18.

Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Group Leader Description  

On this tour, you will be accompanied by two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs). The Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will be the group manager and leader, cook and driver. They will provide information on the places where we are travelling, offer suggestions for things to do and see, and introduce you to our local friends. They will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure.

All of our CEOs in southern and East Africa are experienced group leaders, with a broad knowledge base of the region's history, cultures, and wildlife. Your leader will be from either southern or East Africa depending on which part of the tour you are on.

All of our overland adventure vehicle (OAV) drivers are experienced in the routes travelled, and highly skilled in dealing with different terrains. All of our cooks will organize and lead the meal preparation, and have experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.

In the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to round out the team, along with your CEO, you will be accompanied by a local safari crew consisting of an expert driver/guide and camp cook. Your driver/guide is skilled and experienced driver and a certified safari guide, and is an integral part of the team. As well, your cook will prepare the camp meals to add some further local flavour to the trip.

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

Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Departure Tax  

USD40, may be included in the international air ticket

Max Pax  

22

Health  

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. Travellers should also carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling with the group. Your tour leader will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.
 
 
Yellow Fever Certificate Note: (Updated: May 2023)
 
It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are travelling to the following G Adventures-visited countries from a Yellow Fever endemic country:

-           Botswana
-          Ethiopia
-          Kenya
-          Madagascar
-          Malawi
-          Mozambique
-          Rwanda
-          South Africa
-          Swaziland
-          Uganda
-          Zambia
-          Zimbabwe
 
For some of these countries, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is also required for passengers who have travelled more than 12 hours through the airport of an endemic country. If other countries not endemic to Yellow Fever have been visited after visiting an endemic country, then a Yellow Fever certificate may still be required on entry. Please check country-specific regulations before your departure.
 
 
Malaria
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is present in some regions in Africa. Risk of malaria can increase during periods of heavy rain, during the rainy seasons, and in densely populated areas of Southern & East Africa. To prevent malaria, we recommend speaking to your doctor about taking preventative medication (prophylaxis), combined with regular use of insect repellent spray/cream. Please check updated travel health advisories specific to malaria before your departure.

Travel Insurance  

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Accommodation  

Participation camping (19 nts), full-service camping (2 nts), simple hotels (4 nts, twin-share), bush camping (1 nt).

Detailed Trip Notes  

Anyone who is generally active and in good health should enjoy this trip. 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, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a comfortable and safe customized safari truck for the long open road drives. This is a true African experience for outdoor enthusiasts interested in culture, adventure and wildlife, who enjoy simple campsites and basic wild camps. We will get dusty on occasion; but this is Africa!

Language
There are multiple official languages in southern and East Africa, although English is widely spoken. There are also numerous dialects spoken throughout different parts of these lands.

ZAMBIA
Full country name: Zambia
Area: 752,615km2 (17th largest in Africa)
Population: 10.4 million
Capital city: Lusaka
Largest Towns: Lusaka, Ndola, Victoria Falls, Kabwe, Kitwe.
People: Bemba, Tonga, Nyanja, Ngoni, Lozi plus many other different groups as well as Colonial ex-pats and people of Asian descent
Official Language: English
Other Languages: Bemba, Tonga, Nyanja, Lozi
Religion: Christian, ZCC and Islam
Government: Multiparty parliamentary democracy
President: Levy Mwanawasa
Currency: Kwacha
Major industries: Agriculture (mainly subsistence farming), mining, tourism

• Formally called Northern Rhodesia, Zambia gained its independence from colonial Great Britain in 1964.
• By the end of 1970, Zambia has become one of the poorest countries in the world due to corruption, mismanagement of the economy and a fall in the world copper price.
• In the 1990s Kuanda, the president since independence, was forced to amend the constitution, legalizing opposition parties and setting full elections in 1991. They were defeated by Frederick Chiluba. However, Zambia's situation has not improved.
• The country has three distinct seasons: cool and dry from May to August, hot and dry in September and October and rainy between November and April.
• The majority of the population are subsistence farmers and there are also some large commercial farms growing sugar cane.

INTERESTING FACTS
1. Zambia is the fourth-largest supplier of copper in the world and the leading producer of cobalt. Combined the mining of these two minerals accounts for 75% of Zambia's foreign exchange and 5% of employment in the country.
2. There are 73 officially recognized ethnic groups living within Zambia's borders, each with their own culture and language.
3. Unlike many African countries, Zambia's borders do not adhere to any logical language or tribal boundaries.
4. Unlike neighbouring Botswana the Zambian government does not have a comprehensive anti-poaching policy and poaching remains a major problem facing Zambia's wildlife.
5. Approx 750 different species of bird have been recorded in Zambia. 6. The Victoria Falls on the Zambian side is known as “Mosi oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders)

ZIMBABWE
Full country name: Republic of Zimbabwe (and formerly Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia, the Republic of Rhodesia, and Zimbabwe Rhodesia)
Area: 390,757 km²
Population: 16 111 699
Capital cities: Harare
People: The country is made up of Bantu-speaking ethic groups, with the majority of the population comprised of the Shona and Ndebele groups.
Languages: Zimbabwe has three official languages: English, Shona (the Bantu language with the most native speakers), and Ndebele (also a Bantu language). In total Zimbabwe as 16 officially recognized languages.
Religion: The majority of Zimbabweans are Christian.
Major industries: Mineral, gold and agricultural products make up the majority of Zimbabwe's exports.
Currency: The Zimbabwean Dollar

Officially the Republic of Zimbabwe and formerly Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia, the Republic of Rhodesia, and Zimbabwe Rhodesia) is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe began as the British crown colony of Southern Rhodesia, created from land held by the British South Africa Company. President Robert Mugabe is the head of State and Commander in Chief of the armed forces. Morgan Tsvangirai is the Prime Minister. Mugabe has been in power since the country's internationally-recognized independence in 1980.

MALAWI
Full country name: Republic of Malawi
Area: 118,500km2 (35 that)
Population: 10.4 million
Capital city: Lilongwe (pop 260,000)
People: Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian, European
Languages: English, Chichewa, regional languages
Religion: 55% Protestant, 20% Roman Catholic, 20% Muslim, traditional indigenous beliefs
Government: Multi-party democracy
President: Bakili Muluzi
Major industries: Tea, tobacco, sugar, sawmill products, cement, consumer goods, tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, cassava (tapioca), sorghum, pulses, cattle, goats
Major trading partners: US, South Africa, Germany, Japan, Zimbabwe, UK Currency: Kwacha (K)

TANZANIA - Official Statistics
Full country name: United Republic of Tanzania (Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania)
Area: 945,087 km2
Population: 38,329,000-July 2005 est (34,443,603-2002 census)
Capital city: Dodoma
People: 99% native African (over 100 tribes), 1% Asian, European and Arabic
Languages Swahili, English, indigenous.
Religion: 40% Christian, 33% Muslim, 20% indigenous beliefs
Government: Republic (multi-party state)
President: Benjamin William Mkapa
Major industries: Tobacco, sugar, sisal, diamond and gold mining, oil refining, cement, tourism
Major trading partners: India, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Rwanda, the Netherlands, South Africa, Kenya, U.K., Saudi Arabia, China Currency: Tanzanian shilling

TANZANIA - Interesting Facts
• The name is name made up from an amalgamation of TANganyika and ZANzibar.
• Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa (although not in Africa as a whole, the Sudan is 3 times larger); it's landmass covering an area of just over 945,087 sq. km (including Zanzibar).
- This makes Tanzania about the size of France, Germany and Switzerland combined; 3 times the size of the entire British Isles or one-tenth the size of the whole of the USA.
- Tanzania's population at the last official census was 31.3 million, with approximately one third being classified as “urban”.
- Agriculture forms roughly half of GDP and agriproducts (e.g.: coffee, tea, tobacco, cashew nut, sisal, cotton) some 75% of export earnings. • Dodoma, in central Tanzania, is the political capital of the country although Dar es Salaam is the effective trading and business capital, with its safe harbour (""Dar es Salaam” means “Haven of Peace”), international airport and population of some 1.75million.

KENYA - Official Statistics
Full country name: Republic of Kenya (Jamhuri Ya Kenya)
Area: 580,367 km2
Population: 34,256,000-July 2005 est. (31,138,735- 2002 Census)
Capital city: Nairobi
People: 22% Kikuyu, 14% Luhya, 13% Luo, 12% Kalenjin, 11% Kamba, 6% Kisii, 6% Meru, 16% other
Languages: English, Swahili, indigenous.
Religion: 35% Protestant, 30% Roman Catholic, 30% Muslim, 5% Animist
Government: Republic (multiparty state)
President: Uhuru Kenyatta
Major industries: small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, beer, batteries, textiles, flour), agricultural processing, oil refining, chemicals, cement, tourism.
Major trading partners: Uganda, Tanzania, UK, Germany, UAE, South Africa

KENYA - Interesting Facts
• At 580,367 km2 the country is two and a half times the size of Britain.
• The population is over 30 million and has one of the world's fastest growth rates.
• Kenya gained independence in 1963 after 80 years of British rule. • Most Kenyans are subsistence farmers.
• Coffee and tea are grown commercially and tourism is also a huge income for the country. The country is still in huge debt though and has few mineral resources and corruption is again a problem.
• The country lies on the equator and has good national parks and Mount Kenya the second highest peak in Africa. It also has good beaches and colourful people. Nairobi is the capital and Mombassa the countries port city.

Tipping  

Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. The gesture serves as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service, and amounts given are up to your discretion.

Tipping 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 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 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 person format:

CEO: $5-8 USD (per day, per person)

Local guides: $2-3 USD (per day)
Safari Guide/Driver: $2-3 USD (per day)

Restaurant Staff: 10-15% of cost of bill

Okavango Delta polers: 50-100 BWP (Botswana Pula)

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

Group Leader  

2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout as head guide/cook and driver, certified safari guides/drivers, local guides.

Finishing Point Instructions  

The tour ends upon arrival to Nairobi. Your flight must depart no earlier than 21:00.

Meals Included  

25 breakfasts, 22 lunches, 18 dinners

About our Transportation  

This trip is done a combination of vehicles - a larger 24 seat overland vehicle named the Lando for most of the trip, and in private 6-7 seat safari vehicles for the safari section in Tanzania. Both styles of vehicles have their advantages - the allows the entire group, including your CEO, to travel together, and sits higher, great for wildlife viewing and to enjoy the scenic landscape.

The smaller safari vehicles will be used when the group is in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. With sliding windows and a large pop-up roofs, an open 360-degree view of area, great for wildlife viewing. If there is a large group, 2-3 vehicles will be used, and the group will be split up. This style of travel is by no means luxurious, but the seats are comfortable and having our own private vehicles allow us the flexibility of making stops when needed, and to stay and watch that crouching lion prepare for an attack.

For your time in Zanzibar, please note that the overland adventure vehicle (OAV) will stay in Dar es Salaam, on the mainland. We use a large public ferry with in indoor seating area to cross to the island, and while there, our transportation will be in minibuses.

Here's a quick look at the unique features of the well-equipped G Adventures overland adventure vehicle (OAV):
- Storage for your main luggage is accessible from inside the vehicle
- Day packs can be stored at your feet or on the luggage shelf above
- Onboard safety box for valuables
- Front viewing windows and large sliding windows, both great for wildlife viewing
- Reclining seats
- Fully equipped mobile kitchen
- Access to a 250L tank of drinking water
- Air-conditioning
- Charging station, when available in camp (South African plug - 220-240V)
- USB charging ports for every traveller at their seat

Please note that our Landos do not have on-board bathrooms.

This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary, and consider that this is often on poor quality, bumpy roads. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience.

Solo Travellers  

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Transport  

Lando (overland adventure vehicle), 4x4 safari vehicles, ferry, mokoro, walking.

Laundry  

Laundry can be done at most campsites if you wish to do your own washing.

While in Victoria Falls, there is the opportunity to get your laundry done through the G Adventures supported Princess Laundry and Sewing Co-op. This service provides the cooperative with much-needed income to support their families, and in particular, support their children's school fees.

Meals  

As mentioned above, most of the meals on this tour are included in the tour price. When a meal is not included, this is because there are often many options available - we would like to give you the opportunity to explore a bit and test the local cuisine yourself. In these cases, your CEO will be able to suggest some good local restaurants or options for you to choose from.

All included meals will be prepared from fresh local produce. The majority of the shopping for foodstuffs will be done before the trip departs, and fresh goods, such as meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, will be bought en route during the trip from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes.

Our cook will organize the meal preparation and lead the way here, but will prepare a duty schedule for ensuring a fair, rotating participation from you and your group members in the meal preparation and dish washing duties.

Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival. Please note all bottled drinking water will be at your own expense.

Highlights  

Feel the mist of Victoria Falls, Set of on wildlife safari drives in Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, Bush camp overnight in the Okavango Delta, Spend time at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Sleep beneath the ancient baobab trees

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Rooming and "My Own Room" Exceptions  

Day 4

Joining Instructions  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

If you would like to book an airport Arrival transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.


Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Optional Activities  

Johannesburg
- Apartheid Museum (180ZAR per person)

Soweto
- Soweto Tour (1100-1650 per person)

Chobe National Park
- Chobe River Sunset Cruise
- Chobe National Park Safari Drive

Victoria Falls
- Victoria Falls Visit (50USD per person)
- Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 15 Mins (150USD per person)
- Zambezi Bungee Jump (168USD per person)
- Princess Laundry Service (20USD per person)
- Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 25min (284USD per person)
- Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park
- Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting (120USD per person)

Victoria Falls
- Bridge Swing over the Zambezi (168USD per person)
- Zipline over the Zambezi (50USD per person)

Mfuwe
- South Luangwa Wildlife Safari Drive (50USD per person)
- South Luangwa Walking Safari (65USD per person)

Kande Beach
- Village Walk (20USD per person)
- Snorkelling (25USD per person)

Chitimba
- Swimming in Chitimba Bay
- Village Walk through Chitimba (15USD per person)
- Carving Skills Workshop (25-35USD per person)
- Kayaking Chitimba Bay (35USD per person)
- Explore Livingstonia (35USD per person)

Kendwa
- Safari Blue - Sailing Day Trip (60-100USD per person)

Jambiani
- Swahili Cultural Tour (70-200USD per person)
- Snorkelling (40USD per person)

Nungwi
- Scuba Diving (130USD per person)

Stone Town
- Stone Town Walking Tour (15USD per person)
- Zanzibar Express Northbound

Serengeti National Park
- Serengeti Balloon Safari

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Lusumpuko Women's Club Lunch, Victoria Falls
Your G for Good Moment: Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe, Mfuwe
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Victoria Falls
Your Local Living Moment: Kande Beach Local Dinner, Kande Beach. Khama Rhino Sanctuary Drive. Okavango Delta overnight bush camping excursion. Zanzibar excursion. Spice plantation tour. Entrances and wildlife safari drives in Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Important Notes  

1. In the instance that you are a parent or guardian traveling with a minor under the age of 18 and you do not share the same gender as the minor child, you will accommodated together in a private room instead of the multi share option.

2. Please note that this trip is a combination of multiple G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.

3. This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a comfortable and safe customized safari truck for the long drives.

4. YELLOW FEVER
According to the WHO and CDC, there is no risk of yellow fever in Botswana. It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are travelling to Botswana from a Yellow Fever endemic country, or have recently travelled to a Yellow Fever endemic country (with entry stamps in your passport), including the following countries (but not limited to): 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.

**We advise all travelers to Botswana who are coming from one of the above countries, or who have visited them in the last 10 years, to be prepared with a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate or letter from your doctor with proof of vaccination. Yellow Fever inoculations need to be administered at least 10 days prior to your entry into the country. Border officials in Botswana have been strictly enforcing these requirements. Travelers without the correct documentation run the risk of being denied entry, and will not be able to continue with the tour. (Any additional travel expenses will be on your own account.) **

5. RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Feb 28th - Mar 29th 2025, and Feb 17th - Mar 19th 2026. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.

6. An essential part of your safari is participation. The group is usually divided into small groups and given different tasks which change on a day to day basis, from kitchen duty group (helping in prepare meals and clean up afterwards), the packing group (sets up all tables and chairs outside) and the cleaning group (which cleans the truck by emptying the rubbish bin and brooming). it is all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your CEOs will do all the meal preparation, but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun! All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. All tents have built-in insect nets. Mattresses are also available, which are approximately 4cm thick, warm and comfortable.

7. Your CEO aims to provide you with the best service possible during your tour. They will be joining you in the back of the truck for a maximum of approximately 50% during driving, to answer questions and provide more information about the areas that you visit. They will spend the remainder of the driving time in front with the driver to enable them to make bookings, do planning and to fulfil other organizational requirements of the tour. During wildlife safari drives, your CEO will ensure to accompany you in the passenger area of the truck. This is of course because they have a lot of knowledge to share with you during these exciting wildlife safari drives. Please do not hesitate to ask your CEO any questions.

8. According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between May 5th and June 4th, 2019. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. In Zanzibar and other Muslim areas in Africa, it is important to note that there may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan. Generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-muslims throughout the day. It is important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan, particularly in Zanizbar. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.

9. MONEY EXCHANGE
We strongly advise that you bring ZAR or USD from your home country or exchange money before the start of the tour, to avoid delays on tour. Please see the Money Exchange section for more details.

10. DRONES
The use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.

11. ARRIVAL AIRPORT
Please note, if you're arrival airport in Johannesburg is NOT 'Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport' and you have pre-booked an arrival transfer, please contact us as soon as possible so we can pass this information onto our local office and transfer provider. This may incur additional costs.

Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Packing List  

Additional Items:
• Sleeping bag (required)

Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: Seasons in Africa are quite extreme. Winters can be really cold and summers will be really hot. If you travel during winter months (May to October) please ensure that you bring warm clothing and a suitable sleeping bag.

Trip Specific Safety  

NAIROBI and Dar es Salaam and Lusaka
…aren't classed as safe cities. Some precautions you should take are:
*Always leave your passport (It's better to carry a photocopy of it instead), traveller's cheques, flight tickets and money that you won't be using in the safe deposit at the hotel reception. This is free of charge to G Adventures clients.
*Remember that like in any other city, you should never leave your bags unattended, nor flaunt jewellery, cameras etc.
*Please don't wander through the city to unknown areas especially at night. Stick to the main streets only during the day, and after sundown, please take a taxi. Taxis can be organised from reception. Also, take the address of the hotel with you.
*People are generally friendly, but don't let people take advantage of you, especially the sales people!
* Beware of people approaching you on the street with an apparent interest of where you are from, and want to sit down and have a chat with you. These people are con men and will ask you for money.
* People on the street who ask you if you want a safari and have a brochure are often con men, best to avoid these folk. Besides, you're already on safari. Zanzibar can be unsafe to single female travellers. Please always have a male companion with when walking in Stone Town.

ARUSHA and Lilongwe:
many of the above precautions should be taken in these cities, however these towns generally have a more relaxed and friendly vibe, there are many beggars, street sellers and safari touts. These are best avoided by a polite but firm NO THANK YOU!

PHOTOGRAPHY:
Please do not take photo's of Police stations or at Cross borders Airports, army barracks and personnel or any Government building. It is against the law and will result in the minimum of your film and camera being confiscated.
Please note that the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.

Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

What to Take  

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, or sports bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags.

For our camping style tours you will need to provide your own sleeping bag, small pillow and sleeping sheet (if you would like). We provide the tent and the sleeping pads.

Please note that the seasons in Africa is quite extreme. Winters (especially South Africa) can be really cold and summers will be really hot.
If you travel during winter months please ensure that you bring warm clothing and a suitable sleeping bag.

A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.

Please be advised that if you plan to bring a drone with you, the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.

About Accommodation  

Camping in Africa is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites in national parks and outside towns. Campsite facilities in southern Africa are generally good, but can be basic in certain places. There are generally small restaurants and/or bars, washing facilities and occasionally telephones available.

The camps have flush toilets, and showers at some camps are outdoors, having simple reed enclosures for privacy. Additionally, warm water is available at most sites, but it is not guaranteed to always be warm when you take your shower; the warm water may be used up others who also use the camp. We usually set-up camp within close proximity to the toilet facilities, though occasionally to reach them you may to walk a short distance.

All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied, including camp mattresses, which are warm, comfortable, and approximately 4cm thick. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person safari canvas tents. Please note that most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents, though most travellers find these more than adequate, as they have a base area of approximately 4 square meters. These tents are regularly treated with a waterproofing agent, but under certain rainy conditions, the tent fabric may become saturated to the point where seepage or leakage may occur. All tents have built-in mesh insect netting on the windows and doors.

We travel with our own portable camp chairs with a comfortable back-rest, and we utilize our own cooking equipment to provide the group good quality camp meals.

In camping within the national parks and conservation areas, some camp sites are enclosed for keeping the resident wildlife out. Other camps are open to the natural environment - care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area.

Despite the challenge that a few days “roughing it” may pose to some, the experience of being that close to nature, camping under the African stars, and seeing incredible wildlife at your tent door-step is not just gratifying but ultimately an experience of a lifetime.

In Swakopmund, we stay in backpacker's (hostels) or small guest houses, which will give us a break from camping and to be better located than the campgrounds in the area. Here, the accommodation is based on several people sharing dormitory-style rooms, with possibly 6 to 8 people sharing a room. There will be a mix of private and shared bathroom facilities. Please be aware that where we use multi-share accommodations, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken.

Please note that due to the high demand for accommodation in the parks, sometimes we will arrange alternative accommodation outside of the park.

In Zanzibar, we stay in standard, twin-share accommodation in Stone Town and on the beach. Please note that our Zanzibar Beach Resort location is subject to change due to availability. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic/Standard Travel Style.

Money Exchange  

The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).

In Botswana, you pay with Pula (BWP) and the official currency of Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha, denoted by ZMK. It is advisable to pay in US$ in Zambia, as it is not that easy to get a good exchange rate. However, change you receive will then be in Kwacha.

Zimbabwe uses the US Dollar and South African Rand.

Malawi uses the Kwacha (MWK) and Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda use the Shilling, denoted by TZS, KES and UGX respectively.

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.

For Zimbabwe, we strongly advise that you bring ZAR or USD from your home country or exchange money before the start of the tour, to avoid delays on tour, as it can be difficult to obtain cash at ATMs.

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 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 to Africa. 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 something unforeseen 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.