15 Day Southern Africa Encompassed

You will be on the move a lot, so The Operator's advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase or sports bag with a maximum of 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 the camping-style tours, you will need to provide your own sleeping bag, small pillow and sleeping sheet (if you would like). The Operator provides the tent and the sleeping pads.

It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives. Please note that the seasons in Africa are quite extreme. Winters (especially in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana) can be really cold, and summers will be really hot. Therefore, if you travel during the winter months (May to October), 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.

PACKING LIST

Additional Items:

• Sleeping bag and liner (Seasonally appropriate)

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)

• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)

• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:

• 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

• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)

• Watch and an alarm clock

• Waterproof backpack cover

• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:

• Face masks (required)

• Hand sanitiser (required)

• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test

• Rubber gloves

Warm Weather:

• Sandals/flip-flops

• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)

• Sun hat/bandana

• Swimwear

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going.

Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. The gesture serves as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service, and the 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 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:

• Trip Guide 5-8USD (per day, per person)

• Local guides 2-3USD (per day)

• Safari Guide/Driver 2-3USD (per day)

• Restaurant Staff 10-15% of the cost of the bill

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

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate in any of the 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 guide, who will take note of your insurance details.

When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that The Operator requires a minimum coverage of USD200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. They strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance they 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

The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). The South African rand is also an accepted form of payment in Namibia. In Botswana, payments at supermarkets, post offices etc., are to be with Pula (BWP), but activities and drinks at campsites can be paid for in USD. Zimbabwe uses the US Dollar and the South African Rand.

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

The Operator strongly advises that you bring ZAR or USD from your home country or exchange money before the start of the tour to avoid delays on tour. 

Due to past problems with forgery, $US notes that are older than the year 2006 are not accepted in Africa. Large notes (US50, US100 etc.) can be difficult to change in some places but will gain you the best exchange rate.

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 for Mastercard/Cirrus cards. The Operator highly recommends 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 the optional activities can also be paid for by credit card. Your guide 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 centres 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.

Allow USD95-125 for meals not included.

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. The Operator uses a comfortable and safe customized safari truck for long drives.

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 guides will do all the meal preparation, but they 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. The Operator supplies 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. Sleeping bags can not be rented on any of our Africa overland or safari, so you'll need to bring your own. 

The Operator uses a custom-built 24-seat overland adventure vehicle (OAV) named the Lando to criss-cross through Southern Africa. The Lando allows the entire group, including your CEO, to travel together, and because of its height, is great for wildlife viewing and for enjoying the scenic landscape.

Road conditions can run the full gamut from new to being in very poor condition. This style of travel is by no means luxury, but it allows The Operator the flexibility of making stops when needed and reaching some out-of-the-way parts of Africa where the traditional safari crowd would not dare to go.

Features of the well-equipped overland adventure vehicle (OAV) include:

• 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

• A charging station, when available in camp (South African plug - 220-240V)

• USB charging ports for every traveller at their seat

• Wifi in selected countries, depending on the network reception

Please note that the 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.

The first and last nights of this tour in Johannesburg will be spent in simple hotel accommodation. From day two onwards, you will be camping in 2 person safari tents. 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, you'll 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 by others who also use the camp. The group usually sets up camp within close proximity to the toilet facilities, though occasionally, to reach them, you may have 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 and comfortable. The Operator supplies 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.

You will travel with your own portable camp chairs with a comfortable back-rest and utilize the Operator's own cooking equipment to provide the group with good quality camp meals.

In camping within the national parks and conservation areas, some campsites are enclosed to keep the resident wildlife out. However, 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 of "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's doorstep is not just gratifying but ultimately an experience of a lifetime.

Airport transfers

Meals not listed

Optional activities

Departure tax of USD20