Welcome to Intrepid real life experiences... we hope that you enjoy exploring the world as much as we do.
Embark on a grand adventure across Africa's north-east: from the marvels of ancient Egypt and Nubia and the Horn of Africa's deserts and mountains to the rolling savannah and lush highlands of Kenya and Tanzania. Along the way, encounter friendly Nubian oasis folk, Sudanese market vendors, Ethiopian Rastafarians, Kenya's proud Samburu warriors and the rarely visited tribes of the Omo Valley. This is a memorable overland escapade through a very special part of the continent.
This tour is operated by our experienced local partners Dragoman Overland. Dragoman share our ethos for adventure travel and have many years' expertise in overlanding.
To save you money and the hassle of booking multiple trips, this journey is a combination of some of our most popular adventures. As this is a combination trip your leader and group may change.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Physical Preparation
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Tipping
Kitty
Important Notes
Group Size
Accommodation
Meals
Meal Inclusions
Big adventures through big landscapes; whether it's a road trip along world famous highways or an off the beaten track adventure along rugged roads, on an Overland adventure you'll experience the sights, sounds and smells of the world up close. Travelling in purpose built vehicles you'll explore bustling cities or isolated communities, search for wildlife, visit vast national parks, see changing landscapes and camp in tents. On an Overland journey you're more than just a passenger, you're part of the crew, pitching in to set up camp, shop for food and even cook. And, like all great adventures, the more you put in the more you'll get out!
Salaam! Welcome to Egypt.
You will need to arrive by 10am on day 1 for our group meeting. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information.
Your leader will collect the first part of your kitty payment on day 1. The rest will be collected in Gonder on day 28. Please bring notes/bills in large denominations.
Please note this is a combination trip. The composition of your group, your group leader and your overland vehicle will change in Gonder on day 28.
Situated on the banks of the River Nile, Cairo is the largest city in Africa. There are many amazing sites to visit around this ancient city. The Egyptian Museum, which holds the fabulous Tutankhamen collection, mosques dating back to the time of Mohammed and the famous Khan-el-Khalili bazaar are just a few of the sites that Cairo has to offer. You can spend time visiting the Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza, and at night you can witness the famous sound and light show. Nearby is the Necropolis of Saqqara, which you can visit by horse or camel through the desert. On our guided tour of Cairo we will visit the Pyramids at Giza and Saqqara, and the Egyptian Museum.
In Cairo we stay in a basic hostel.
We set off this morning to cover the 334kms (approx. 3 hours) which will take us from Cairo to Bahariya.
Desert travel is uniquely romantic. No matter what desert you are crossing, being in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by solitude and wilderness, is a fantastic experience. It is even better when you can camp out in the desert and visit true oases. The Egyptian Western Desert has five thriving oases and on our route through the desert we will be able to visit four of these: Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla and Kharga. The added bonus of travelling through this desert is that most of these oases have a long and interesting history stretching back to Pharaonic times.
Situated in Egypt's Great Western Desert, Bahariya is the smallest of the four oases in this area. It used to serve as an artery between Libya and Egypt, but these days people come here to enjoy the hot springs and palm groves, and to get a feel for the Western Desert. There are numerous sites of antiquities including the Temple of Alexander and various Ptolemaic tombs. We can visit the museum that houses the golden mummies. Just south of the oasis lie the White and the Black Deserts.
In Bahariya we camp at a safari camp.
The following day sees us complete approximately 5.5 hours travel and 235kms cover while we explore some of the sites above as well as visiting Crystal Mountain.
Tonight we settle into our bush camp in the White Desert.
Today we drive 235km, taking around 5.5 hours to reach the Dakhla Oasis.
Verdant cultivated areas and a great wall of rose-hued rock across the northern horizon make a feast for the eyes in Dakhla Oasis. Dakhla has Pharaonic, Roman and Coptic antiquities, dunes, palm groves and hot springs to explore. We can also take the optional opportunity to trek out into the desert here for the day or even overnight on camels. The overnight trip is a favourite, heading off into the desert and camping out by hot springs for the night.
The following day we drive about 6.5 hours (280km). En route from Dakhla Oasis we will visit El Kharga Oasis and its surrounding area. Here there are numerous other sites of antiquities. You will have the opportunity to visit a number of these including the Bagawaat Necropolis, Hibis Temple and Kharga Museum.
These nights we will be camping.
This morning we travel to Luxor, a journey of around 8 hours/280km.
Luxor (Thebes), situated on the banks of the Nile, was once the ancient capital of Egypt for 500 years. From the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the unbelievable paintings and hieroglyphs in the tombs of the Valley of the Kings, this open-air museum is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs.
While in Luxor, we'll go and see the biggest of all Egyptian temples, the mighty Karnak with a local Egyptologist.
Another day we ride donkeys over to the west bank to visit some of the tombs in the Valley of the King's. This is one of the highlights of any trip to Egypt. The amazingly well preserved paintings in the tombs of the Pharaohs are brought to life on this guided adventure.
There is also plenty of free time for you to explore. Perhaps hire a bicycle to ride through sugarcane fields and nearby villages to see a different side of Luxor. It is worth visiting the smaller Luxor temple located smack in the middle of town and the small but beautiful Luxor Museum filled with priceless treasures from this amazing area.
In Luxor we stay at a basic hotel.
This morning we head to Aswan, a drive of around 220km and taking around 3.5 hours.
Aswan is a beautiful town, situated on one of the most picturesque parts of the Nile with stunning vistas, a great and vibrant souk, and the whole town is characterised by the Nubian people. It is an ideal place to relax, perhaps by taking an afternoon boat trip, finishing with drinks on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel. Later in the evening take a wander into the souk. The atmosphere of the Aswan souq is second to none and some excellent bargains can be had.
At Aswan you can visit the Philae temples, a quarry with an unfinished obelisk, and the high dam, built to control the flow of the Nile thus creating Lake Nasser, the largest artificial lake in the world. There is also an opportunity to trek into the desert by camel to a deserted 6th Century monastery. You may take an option to fly or drive down to Abu Simbel to visit the two magnificent temples. They were moved uphill from the rising floodwaters of Lake Nasser by a UNESCO project in the 1960s. Perhaps finish off your days with a visit to the stunning new Aswan Museum, before dinner on one of the many floating riverfront restaurants.
There are so many other activities around Aswan, but you should not miss the opportunity to take at least a short ride in a felucca, the local sailing boat..a great way to experience the ultimate Nile sunset.
In Aswan we stay in a basic hotel.
The crossing of Lake Nasser is certainly an experience. Don't expect a Nile cruise boat or you may be disappointed! An old passenger ferry plies the waters between Aswan and Wadi Halfa and it has limited comforts. However, to make up for this you will be travelling through the spectacular scenery of a harsh and craggy desert landscape. The journey usually lasts 17 hours, but it is notoriously unpredictable. Depending on sailing routes and conditions we should pass the beautiful temple of Abu Simbel enroute to Wadi Halfa.
Accommodation aboard the ferry is very basic.
The port of Wadi Halfa, our entry point to the Sudan is situated on the southernmost tip of Lake Nasser in the Sudanese Sahara and is the most northerly place in Sudan.
The friendliness of the Sudanese people is legendary in traveller circles. For a country that has experienced such bad political problems and such a long and drawn out civil war it is amazing that the local people are so welcoming, genuinely warm and always willing to help. This is the country where you want to brush up on your smattering of Arabic. Just a few words can open doors into chai houses, into living rooms and into the world of Sudanese hospitality. People are genuinely curious and pleased to see outsiders.
In Wadi Halfa we stay in basic rooms.
To travel in northern Sudan is to journey across deserts, not on tarmac routes, but off piste, finding your way through the dunes or along the plains. We may be lucky enough to pass some camels, making their way along the infamous '40 Day Camel Route'. These magnificent animals travel in herds of up to 1000 with just two or three herders. They come from either the western province of Darfur or nowadays increasingly from Omdurman and Khartoum, bound for the great camel market in Cairo, as Sudanese camels are highly valued in Egypt.
Our desert crossing will take approximately four days, driving between 7 and 11 hours each day, a total distance of about 1117km.
Wadi Halfa to and from Abri
The road between Abri and Wadi Halfa heads inland from the Nile along a rough piste through rocky terrain. We are well away from civilisation here and you will see few other travellers on this section of the journey.
The Northern Kushite Temples
From Aswan in the north through to Karima in the south, there are a succession of ruined temples along the River Nile. As you would imagine with such a long history of civilisation, these date back to many different periods of Kushite and Egyptian history. Many are in a poor state of repair, but some are classics. They are often quite inaccessible and we will not guarantee visiting any particular temple. However, we will try to visit one or more of the following: the Temple of Sulb, the Temple of Kawa near Dongola and the pyramids and temple complex on top of Jebel Barkal near the town of Merowe (as opposed to Meroe which is near Atbara).
This portion of the trip is rugged. We will be travelling through the desert sands, following the Nile as it cuts through vast fields of sand dunes. Along the Nile small villages and towns cling to a narrow belt of cultivation. Trade routes through the area date back to ancient times, but the roads are mere sandy tracks, often difficult to find and always a struggle to get through. You will be expected to help sand mat the vehicles and to be part of this expedition. There are no passengers here, only people who are prepared to get stuck in to achieve their goal - the exploration of the relics of the Kushite kingdom and the Nile Valley of northern Sudan.
Temple of Sulb Dongola and Abri
The road between Abri and Dongola heads along the River Nile. Oases punctuate the beauty of the desert. Date palms line the shoreline and the traditional plain white houses are all dotted with coloured Nubian doorways. Our route takes us from village to village through deep-sanded tracks. Across the river opposite the small village of Wawa lies the remains of the Temple of Sulb. The temple is spectacular and very much in the Egyptian style. We take a half hour boat trip by small boat along the Nile through stunning scenery. It is the positioning and the remoteness of these sites along the Nile that makes them interesting. We usually stay with a local family in the village of Wawa for the night.
On the road from Dongola to Merowe we explore ruins at of the Temple of Amun at Jebel (Mount) Barkal. On the hill top of Jebel Barkul the Temple was close to the size of Karnak(!) and served as a religious centre for the Kush.
These nights we camp out in the desert vastness and it is a strange sight to see and hear the camel caravans passing as we sit around our camp fire in the middle of this wilderness. Occasionally a nomad will stop and join us for a meal, and the code of desert hospitality means we have a duty to feed and water anyone that asks.
Today we travel the 7 hours and 330km to Khartoum, travelling on our first tarmac road for a week!
While getting organised for our trip to the Meroe pyramids, take the chance to head into town for a restaurant meal and perhaps a cold drink or two.
In Khartoum we overnight at a campsite.
Perhaps the most splendid of all the Kushite temples and pyramids are those at Meroe, Naqa and Musawwarat. The pyramids at Meroe are the most impressive in Nubia and the site is very well preserved and restored. By the 4th Century B.C., the Kushite kings had moved south down the Nile and set up the royal city in and around Meroe. What was once an advanced Egyptian-style civilisation is today virtually unvisited. Scattered across the sands of the desert are numerous steep pyramids with entrance pylons. The guardian of this Nubian site has been there since 1977 and has probably seen every visitor who has passed through since then. While the mainstream tourists flock to the Egyptian ruins to our north, we have this remarkable site to ourselves. Only a few travellers and one or two tour groups a year will come here. South of the site at Meroe are two more sites which we will try to visit, the Lion Temple at Naqa and the palace at Musawwarat es-Sufra. Both sites are unique, and are difficult to get to but well worth a visit.
We travel approximately 530km over these three days (about 12 hours total driving).
These two nights we bush camp.
On day 25 we travel back to Khartoum, driving about 5 hours (200km).
Khartoum cannot be described as a tourist attraction. In fact few tourists ever visit Khartoum, but it does have attributes that make it interesting to travellers and is a fascinating place to explore. The city is really two cities: the colonial city of the British on one side of the river and the sprawling settlements of Omdurman on the other. Here we take the chance to explore one of Africa's most interesting markets visiting the spectacle of the market's Whirling Dervishes. Here the Sufi Whirling Dervishes, dressed in the traditional patchwork clothes favoured by the followers of the Mahdi and his successor the Khalifa, dance themselves into a passion of religious frenzy. Some collapse, others take on a trance-like euphoria as their feet pound the dusty floor of Omdurman market square. The crowd builds up in the afternoon to witness this amazing spectacle, and it is worth spending a few hours exploring the market here. (Please note the dervishes do not whirl during the months of Ramadan.) The best place to find out more about Sudanese history is in the Khalifa Museum in Omdurman, near the Mahdi's tomb.
In Khartoum we stay at a campsite.
We make the drive from Khartoum to the Sudanese town of Gedaref, a drive of 4 hours and 146kms. We bush camp for the evening.
The following day is a long travel day of 9 hours and 380km from Gedaref to Gonder with a border crossing at Metema.
Ethiopia is a country that is as diverse as you can get in Africa. Along the Sudanese frontier it changes from semi-desert into high mountains. The highland area and the Simien Mountains are known as the Roof of Africa and are home to the ancient Ethiopian Christian kingdom. In the far east of the country is a vast desert home to Islamic nomads. In the south is the Rift Valley with stunning lakes and flora and fauna. When passing through the southern area of the country we enter the tribal region of Ethiopia - one of the least developed parts of Africa.
The historic city of Gonder is known as the city of castles and palaces. This was once the capital of Ethiopia in the reign of King Fasilidas who built the first castle. Successive kings added their own castles to the complex. On the outskirts of the town there is also Fasilidas' Bath, which is an interesting building standing in an artificial pool which is still filled for occasional religious ceremonies. At the Debre Berhan Sellassie Church we can see the famous ceiling which is painted with hundreds of faces of angels and hear about the church's fascinating yet violent history. We gain a fascinating insight into these ancient times with our guided Gonder tour.
As this is a combination trip the composition of your group may change on day 28. There will be a group meeting to meet your new travelling companions and for your new leader to give you some information about the next leg of your journey. Please note your leader will collect the second part of your kitty payment at this meeting.
In Gonder we stay in a basic pension.
It is a drive of approximately 7 hours and 150km from Gonder to the Simien Mountains.
We spend a couple of days here on a guided walk through the spectacular mountain scenery. The adventurous may choose to hire mules to trek even further in search of klipspringer, Walia ibex or the gelada baboon and perhaps if you are lucky a glimpse of an endangered Simien fox. This park is very impressive, with huge volcanic cores jutting up from the plateau to form high altitude plains where only grasses, junipers and giant lobelias grow. There are some fabulous views to be enjoyed.
In the Simien Mountains we stay for two nights at a campsite.
The following day we drive a further 6 hours (120km) through the mountains and camp in the wilds near Debark.
It is a further 6 hours and 120km today to Aksum.
We take a guided city tour of Aksum which will take in the main sights of this fascinating town, the site of Ethiopia's oldest city. The stars here are the impressive obelisks carved from single blocks of granite - the tallest still standing is 23 metres high and was probably transported by elephants from a nearby quarry.
We will also explore the ruins of a palace that is said to have been that of the Queen of Sheba and a complex of several churches, which have been built over the ages around the same site. The most interesting of these is a small unimposing building with a green picket fence that holds the crowns of various former Ethiopian emperors and is said to house the original Ark of the Covenant!
In Aksum we stay in a basic hotel.
It is a full days journey from Aksum to Mekele of approximately 6.5 hours and 310km.
Mekele is our base for exploring the intriguing rock-hewn churches of Tigray. Sculpted into cliff faces or into pre-existing caves, there are at least 120 churches with many of the churches located in groups, referred to as "clusters" the most famous being Gheralta, Takatisfi, Tembien and Atsbi.
In Mekele we stay two nights in a basic hotel.
The following day we drive 8 hours and 278km to reach our bush camp.
Today we drive 160km taking approximately 5.5 hours, passing through more remote parts of Ethiopia, enroute to Lalibela.
Hidden in the hills of the north is the small town of Lalibela. This mediaeval village has grown up around 13 monolithic churches hewn from rock in the 12th Century. It's an awe-inspiring feat of engineering which must have taken years and thousands of men to complete. Each of the churches is unique in design and beautifully carved. We walk with a local guide who is able to unlock the fascinating history of both the churches and Lalibela herself.
The church of Asheten Mariam is hidden in the rugged hills behind the village. You may like to trek there on foot or take a mule to this fascinating monastery and enjoy the incredible views on the way.
There may also be the opportunity to visit the local primary school here.
In Lalibela we stay in a basic hotel.
It is a full days drive of 7 hours and 320km to Bahir Dar where we have a 3 night stay. Located on the shores of Lake Tana and only a few hundred metres from the source of the mighty Blue Nile, this is a fascinating place.
A few kilometres down the river are the spectacular Blue Nile Falls - locally known as Tissisat Falls (literally translating as 'water that smokes'). After walking around the falls, we use local reed boats to cross the river upstream. On the lake itself are a number of monasteries on islands and peninsulas and we take the opportunity to visit two on our boat trip. These churches feature the traditional murals and decoration of the Orthodox Church. We cross the dramatic Blue Nile Gorge which is 1km deep, taking a couple of hours to drive down to the bottom, cross the river and drive back up the other side.
In Bahir Dar we stay in a basic hotel.
We spend a night in Dejen (270km, approx 6.5 hours) before travelling on to Addis Ababa (216km, approx. 7.5 hours).
Referred to more commonly as "Addis", the city lies amongst wooded hills at an altitude of about 2300 metres, giving it a pleasant climate. Addis has many sights to offer visitors and we have free time to explore such sites as the fascinating glimpse into Ethiopia's many tribal groups at the Ethnological Museum, stunning fossil collection at the National Museum, and don't miss the chaotic bustle of the Merkato (local market). All manner of arts and crafts can be found in the souvenir shops on Churchill Avenue.
Why not take the chance to head to one of the cities many restaurants for the chance to eat some local food and perhaps listen to some traditional music.
In Addis we stay in a basic hotel.
We drive 5 hours and 215km from Addis Ababa to Lake Abiata.
Just north of the town of Shashemene are two of the most beautiful of the Rift Valley Lakes, Lake Abiyata and Lake Shala. These two lakes make up the Rift Valley National Park.
At Shashemene, we will have time to relax at some hot springs and to visit Lake Abiyata with a guide. This lake is one of the shallowest in the Rift Valley and is a soda lake. Grass and acacia woodlands surround its crystallised white shoreline. The lake is home to vast flocks of flamingos, which from a distance create a pink carpet effect across the lake. This is an excellent place to look for birdlife, as many species come to feed on the prolific algae found in the lake's waters. Usual species include greater and lesser flamingos, white pelicans, white necked cormorants, herons, stocks, ibises, spoonbills and terns. It also has a resident population of fish eagles as well as a few antelope and smaller mammals around the shore.
We spend tonight in a bush camp right in the midst of this stunning setting.
It is a full days drive from Lake Abyata to the Bale Mountains National Park (250km, approx. 6.5 hours).
Situated on a high plateau surrounded by mountain peaks which soar to over 4000 metres, as we climb into the hills the terrain changes from forests on the lower slopes through junipers and heathers to the exotic moorlands of the plateau. There are many fast-flowing streams and the climate is alpine. This beautiful park is home to three species unique to Ethiopia; the Simien red fox, Menelik's bushbuck and the mountain nyala. There are some 200 species of bird within the park including 13 of Ethiopia's 23 endemic species. We will drive high onto the plateau in search of the Simien fox and, time allowing, we may be able to hire horses and follow the riding trails.
In the Bale Mountains we stay in a lodge.
We head back and spend another night at Shashemene enroute to Arba Minch (190km, approx. 6.5 hours). We return to the Rift Valley and the surreal Rastafarian community of Shashemene and visit the school and museum to learn more about the history of this interesting philosophy.
We then head on to a camp at Wendo Genet.
The drive to Arba Minch from Wendo Genet will take us about 7 hours (250km). Arba Minch means 'forty springs'. It takes its name from the streams which are found between the two beautiful Rift Valley lakes of Abaya and Chamo. The town has stunning views over the lakes and the surrounding forested areas and has an excellent vibrant market.
We spend time here to allowing exploration of the area. Options include a five-hour boat trip into Lake Chamo National Park, visiting what the locals refer to as the 'Crocodile Market'. This is a place on the shores of the lake where vast numbers of crocs congregate, some of which reach over seven metres in length. The lake is home to the Guji and Ganjule people who traditionally hunt hippos and are famed for their 'ambatch boats', which resemble the boats carved in the tombs of the ancient Egyptians. For those who prefer a less strenuous day, you can hire bikes and ride around the local area, or perhaps visit the local government-run crocodile farm.
In Arba Minch for two nights we stay in a hotel.
In the far south of the country lies the Omo Valley area. We drive down through this remote region (296km, approx 9 hours) to the settlement of Turmi where we base ourselves for the next four nights.
From here we will visit a combination of markets and small tribal settlements in the surrounding region. The markets that we will try to visit are Turmi, Dimeka and Arbore. During our time down here we will meet the peoples of the Hamer, Arbore and the Dascensch tribes. This area is seldom visited by tourists and hence has a wonderfully untouched atmosphere. There are also other tribal groupings throughout the area and our guide will point out the different tribes and their customs. Life is distinctly tribal throughout the region, with few modern amenities. You should be aware we will be travelling through very remote areas, and road and sanitary conditions will be rough.
In Turmi we stay at a basic camp.
Continuing deep into the south of the country we find the Konso region (145km, about 5 hours drive).
Here the villagers mark their honoured graves with wooden carvings, which are said to represent the people whose graves they mark. The whole way of life in these villages has changed little over the centuries and traditions are strongly upheld. There will be the option of a guided tour around the tribal village to learn more about the lives of these extraordinary people.
We stay tonight in a hotel.
Today we make our grand entrance to northern Kenya where we must travel in a security convoy because of the dangers of travelling alone in the desert. We travel 300km (approx. 7 hours) from Samburu to the Moyale border, where we set up camp.
The following day it is a further 263km and 7 hours to Marsabit. We will travel through the black lunar landscape and pass mountain greenery, spectacular craters, watercourses, bush country and termite mounds.
Tonight we camp at a campsite.
Before arriving at Samburu (222km, approx. 7 hours drive) we will pass through Archer's Post. The park is set in a hot, arid, lowland area just north of Mt Kenya. Wildlife is prolific in Samburu and this is your first chance to spot the iconic Big Five as well as a vast assortment of other wildlife.
We stay at a campsite at the Samburu Cultural Centre outside Samburu National Park. Similar in appearance to the Masai but less known, the Samburu are a proud warrior tribe. Here we watch traditional Samburu dancing, and learn about Samburu tribal life and customs. The project is run by Samburu tribesmen for the benefit of the community.
We travel via Mt Kenya spending a night in an bush camp near the town of Nyahururu (5 hours and 240km).
It is a further 6 hours and 250kms the following day to reach Lake Nakuru.
In Lake Nakuru we'll head out on a game drive with eyes and cameras ready to spot some of its famous residents.
Lake Nakuru National Park was established in 1968 to protect the huge flocks of lesser and greater flamingos that live here. At times there are over one million of these spectacular birds roaming around the acrid waters of the soda lake that is their home. The park has now established itself as one of East Africa's premier parks for big game. Beside the lake, hippo, waterbuck, warthogs, Bohor's reedbuck and zebra can regularly be found. Further up in the forests live a large population of black and white colobus monkeys, and if we are very lucky, the ultimate forest predator, the leopard. The bushland on the floor of the valley is home to a large variety of antelope and gazelle including eland, impala, Chandler's reedbuck and the tiny dikdik. It therefore has the inevitable pride of lions. Another of the impressive residents is the Rothschild giraffe, but Nakuru's rhinos are the biggest drawcard. The vast cliffs towering over the plain have their own population of species, including baboons, rock hyrax and klipspringer.
In Lake Nakuru we stay in a campsite.
We now head to Lake Naivasha (100km, approx. 3 hours).
Here we visit Elsamere, once the home of the Adamsons of 'Born Free' fame, but now a conservation centre. You have the option to walk around a giraffe sanctuary at Crater Lake enabling you to get amazingly close to numerous giraffe. A new activity in the area is to take a guided Hippo Pool walking safari or to go horse riding around the lake. Most visitors to Naivasha will use the time to take a game walk in the beautiful Crater Lake game reserve where you can walk with giraffe and zebra or just relax lake side.
Tonight we stay at a campsite.
Travel from Lake Naivasha to Nairobi is 100km, approximately 3 hours. Nairobi - a Masai word for 'Place of Cool Waters', is our journey's end.
We'll be arriving in Nairobi in the early afternoon. The trip finishes on arrival at Kivi Milimani Hotel at about 16:00. Please note no accommodation is provided in Nairobi. Additional accommodation is available - please enquire at time of booking.
If you are departing today, please don't book a flight before 20:00 to allow for delays, transport to the airport and check in.
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated trip notes please visit our website: www.intrepidtravel.com
The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.
Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional
activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included
activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Giza Pyramids & Sphinx - Cairo
Egyptian Museum - Cairo
Saqqara Pyramids & Memphis - Cairo
Guided walk - Cairo
Visit Crystal Mountain and Black Dessert Viewpoint - White Desert
Visit El Kharga Oasis - enroute to Luxor
Guided tour of Karnak Temple - Luxor
Guided visit to Valley of the Kings by donkey and tomb entrance - Luxor
Temple of Hatshepsut - Luxor
Boat and entrance fee to Temple of Sulb - Nubian Desert
Jebel Barkal - Nubian Desert
Nile ferry - Nubian Desert
Guided trip to Meroe Pyramids - Meroe Sites
Naqa Temples - Meroe Sites
Musawwarat Temples - Meroe Sites
Whirling Dervishes performance - Khartoum
Castle Complex and Fasilidas' Bath - Gonder
Church of Debre Berhan Sellassie - Gonder
Entrance fee - Simien Mountains National Park
2 days guided trekking - Simien Mountains National Park
Guided city tour - Aksum
Palace and church ruins - Aksum
Tigray Rockhewn Churches - Mekele
Guided tour of churches - Lalibela
Entrance Blue Nile Falls - Bahir Dar
½ Day Lake Tana reed boat trip - Bahir Dar
Ura Kidane Mereth Monastery and Kebran Gabriel M KChurch - Bahir Dar
Entrance and guide - Lake Abiyata National Park
Driving and game excursions - Bale Mountains
Rastafarian school and museum - Shashemene
Guided excursions to tribal markets and villages - Omo Valley
Samburu community activities - Samburu National Reserve
Entrance and game drive - Lake Nakuru National Park
Visit to Elsamere Conservation Centre - Lake Naivasha
We list the following optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Intrepid nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with Intrepid.
Entrance Pyramid of Cheops, Cairo - EGP100
Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids & Sphinx, Cairo - EGP60
Entrance Red Pyramid & Bent Pyramid, Cairo - EGP20
Cairo Tower Entrance, Cairo - EGP35
Golden Mummies Museum, White Dessert - EGP35
Western Desert Overnight Camel Safari, Dakhla Oasis - EGP200
Hibis temple, El Kharga Oasis - EGP20
Bogawaat Necropolis, El Kharga Oasis - EGP25
Kharga Museum, El Kharga Oasis - EGP20
Karnak Sound and Light Show, Luxor - EGP75
Luxor Temple, Luxor - EGP35
Museums, Luxor - from EGP40
Felucca trip (1 day, 1 night / incl food), Aswan - EGP65
Philae Temple Sound & Light, Aswan - EGP33
Entrance Abu Simbel, Aswan - EGP80
Transport to and from Abu Simbel, Philae and Dam, Aswan - EGP80
Abu Simbel Flight, Aswan - EGP700
High Dam trip, Aswan - EGP8
Elephantine/Kitchener Island Boat Trip, Aswan - EGP50
Tombs of the Nobles, Aswan - EGP25
Temple of Darfufa, Nubian Desert - US$10
Mardis tomb & Khalifa Museum Entrance, Khartoum - US$1
Mule Trek, Simien Mountains National Park - US$5
Church of St. Mary of Zion, Axum - US$7
Mule Trek to Asheten Mariam or Naktula'ab Monastery, Lalibela - US$6
Blue Nile Falls Boat Trip, Bahir Dar - US$2
Boat trip to Crocodile Market Arba Minch - US$14
Bike Hire (one day), Arba Minch - US$2
Crocodile Farm, Arba Minch - US$2
National Park Entrance, Arba Minch - US$13
Village Tour, Konzo - US$4
Horse riding, Lake Naivasha - US$23
Entrance Crescent Island Wildlife and Giraffe Sanctuary, Naivasha - US$14
Hippo Park Guided Walk, Lake Naivasha - US$20
Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi - US$14
Giraffe Centre, Nairobi - US$12
NNP Animal orphanage & Safari walk, Nairobi - US$10
Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi - Lunch: US$30 or Dinner: US$33
Bomas, Nairobi - US$10
National Museum, Nairobi - US$14
Got extra time before or after your Intrepid adventure? Maybe there is an URBAN ADVENTURE in one of the cities that you're visiting on your trip?
Intrepid's Urban Adventures are the city tour with a difference - there are more than 100 to choose from in over 30 cities around the world, with new trips added regularly. They are a great way to get under the skin of the city you're visiting, in just a few hours. To make a booking contact your local travel agent, Intrepid consultant or visit www.urbanadventures.com
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, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. We recommend that any tips are given to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:
Restaurants: Please check the bill and if there's an addition of 10% service charge, there's no requirement for tipping. Otherwise, 10% of the total bill amount is appropriate.
Local markets and basic restaurants - leave the loose change.
Local guides/porters: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest US$1 per person, per day for local guides/porters.
Your crew (including the leader, cook and driver): You may also consider tipping your crew for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline US$2-3 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
A trip kitty of USD $1520 CASH per person will be required
On some overland trips you contribute to a kitty. The Kitty is an on-ground payment put into a central fund and overseen by travellers and the crew. On some trips it is compulsory while on others it is an optional contribution. It helps fund accommodation, camp meals and some included activities. Kitty amounts are subject to change to reflect local price increases.
Your kitty will be collected when you arrive for your trip either one the 1st day or in stages throughout your trip. Refer to your trip notes for exact details.
Local Partner:
Intrepid runs this trip in conjunction with Dragoman Overland. Dragoman shares our ethos for adventure travel and has many years' expertise in over landing.
While Dragoman will run the West Africa and North African sectors of our Overland program, our Nairobi to Cape Town (and reverse) departures are code-shared, with certain departures run by Intrepid (Intrepid Guerba Kenya) in one of our vehicles others by Dragoman in one of theirs. This allows us to run many more departures so you have more choice when you want to travel. You'll get the same itineraries, activities and accommodation on both Intrepid and Dragoman departures.
If you would like to know who is running your departure, Dragoman or Intrepid, please ask at the time of booking.
For our trips running from Livingston to Johannesburg (and reverse) all departures are run by Intrepid Bundu.
Flexible Itineraries:
We must emphasize that the routes, activities and places visited or described in these Trip Notes are intentions and are meant as a rough guide only. We intend following the route detailed but exact night stops cannot be guaranteed. It sometimes happens that we decide to make a change to our basic planned itinerary. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, road or bureaucratic conditions may demand it. Or it may be because we find a better, more interesting route. While actually en route, unexpected hospitality, a local festival or a great place to chill out can determine our exact route and itinerary on any given trip.
Overnight stops and driving distances each day may vary to best suit the needs of the group.
Group composition:
The minimum age for this trip is 18 years old and bookings for minors, even if accompanied by a parent, cannot be accepted. The upper age limit on this trip is 70 years of age.
Kitty
Rather than bringing the full amount of your kitty in cash, it is possible to pay half in USD travellers cheques. These must be issued by either American Express or Barclays Bank. Please note; it is important you are aware that if you decide on this option you are prepared to go with your leader to the bank sometime during the trip for the countersigning necessary to cash the cheques. You will also be asked to cover any exchange or commission fees – i.e. if you cash a cheque for USD500 your leader needs to receive exactly USD500 (not USD500 minus the commission or charges)
Kitty does not cover food while staying in hotels and hostels.
Maximum of 21 travellers per group
Hotels (32 nts), camping with facilities (27 nts), bush camping without facilities (12 nts)
The type and variety of accommodation is determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different - on some we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others we also use hotels. In Africa it is not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities so we use hotel accommodation and eat out in local restaurants. The frequency and regularity of hotel stops depends on the route and area.
There may be the occasional night stop, when staying in the grounds of a hotel, or at a campsite which may also have cabins available. In this case there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room (at additional cost). Some areas demand longer stretches without hotels than others.
Standards of hotels will obviously be different to those of western countries and an African 3 star hotel is more likely to be comparable with a European or Australian 1 star.
Nights spent camping may be in a recognised campsite, in the grounds of a hotel, or wild camping in the countryside. For these days, the duties rota system (Overland only) is adopted and all members share in general camp duties - cooking, shopping, washing up, collecting firewood, etc.
Campsites do have facilities but are usually not to the same standard as you would find in western countries. For example the bathroom facilities can be very basic (the toilets may be squat style hole in the ground). There is rarely toilet paper provided and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Not all campsites are as basic as this description; it's just to make sure there are no surprises for you. Wild camps have no facilities at all.
Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two person dome tents. Please refer to the Checklist to see if you require a mattress or sleeping bag.
Please note there may be times when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own at start or finish point hotels. If you have purchased pre or post trip accommodation you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
While camping on Overland journeys, most meals will be included. You may be required to share in cooking and shopping duties for the group's meals. When you are not camping you will have the freedom to decide where, what and with whom you eat. Please check the itinerary for details of meals included.
Allow USD $720 for meals not included.
All meals while camping
When travelling on an Overland trip you have chosen a participation camping tour. This means that you will be helping your cook prepare meals for the group. You may also get the chance to help with the shopping.
Your cook (East Africa only) will come up with meal ideas and quantities needed for large groups. Participating in the camp is usually done on a duty roster system with group of 5 or 6 people (depending on group size) having a different camp job each day. If you have any dietary requirements please tell us at the time of booking and also remind your crew at your welcome meeting.
A typical camp breakfast might be toast with spreads, cereal and something hot such as eggs or pancakes as well as tea and coffee. Lunch is almost always a sandwich with healthy salad and assorted fillings, sometime with fruit to follow. There may be a chance on occasion to buy your lunch. Dinner might be a BBQ, rice dish, pasta dish and there is always the chance to try some African food such as ugali and stew.
One thing is sure; you definitely won't go hungry or lose weight on your safari! When you are not camping you will have the freedom to decide where, what and with whom you eat.
Please Note: On the more remote sections of your trip (for example in West Africa & North Africa), your food and diet will be dependent on what is available locally as well as tinned and dry ingredients.
Overland truck, ferry, camel, boat, walking
Our trucks are purpose-built, self contained safari vehicles. Intrepid's fleet of vehicles varies depending on your group size, trip route and style.
Please Note: In South Africa some departures may use vans and luggage trailers subject to group size and vehicle availability
On this trip you will be accompanied by 2 crew members, a Group Leader and a Driver. (Depending on your group size – from time to time your leader will also be your driver) note: in east Africa we have a 3rd crew member on board! Your Cook!
Your Intrepid Group Leader’s role involves organizing the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip, managing trip logistics, coordinating the kitty (where applicable) and will form work groups to take turns cooking, cleaning and shopping.
Your Group Leader will work towards making the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible for all travelers. Intrepid trips are built around the co–operation and participation of all the group members under the supervision of the group leader. The group leader will show the group how to set up and use the equipment.
While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting, especially when tracking and identifying game - we think it's the best of both worlds. Our Group Leaders are chosen for their leadership skills and are wonderful ambassadors for our company and our beautiful continent and its people.
Your Driver’s main responsibility is to get you to your destination safely; they are also responsible for the maintenance of the vehicles along the way.
Your Cook (East Africa only) is responsible for the cooking and will help to coordinate the work groups for preparing the meals and washing up! Cooks are also responsible for organizing food shopping (they are always happy to have you on board) and most importantly, they make sure high hygiene standards are kept at all times while camping.
Everyone is expected participate and carry their share of the workload, making camp chores easier. If the whole group participates it will be quicker, easier, and more fun.
We endeavor to provide the services of an experienced leader and driver; however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.
Sun Hotel
2 Talaat Harb Street
Tahrir Square
Cairo
Egypt
Phone: +20 2 2578 1786
Fax: +20 2 2579 7977
Located in the middle of downtown Cairo. It is a 5 minute walk to the Egyptian Museum, 1 minute walk from the Subway station (Sadat), and a 30 minute drive from Cairo International Airport.
http://www.sunhotelcairo.com/
It is by far the easiest option to take a taxi. Airport taxis shouldn't cost more than 100EGP (be prepared to bargain!). The drive can take between 40 minutes and 1 hour depending on the time of day and subsequent traffic conditions.
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your
group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and 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 in the Trip
Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any
additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
Kivi Milimani Hotel
Milimani Road
Nairobi
00100
Kenya
Phone: +254-20-2722358
Fax: +254-20-2724685
The Kivi Milimani hotel is very simple but clean, comfortable and safe. All rooms have en suite with hot water. The hotel's surroundings are lovely with a pool area perfect for relaxing and groovy retro (but original!) 70's bar and restaurant.
If you have pre booked a departure transfer, please inform your leader and they will notify you of your departure transfer time.
It is possible to book taxis to the airport via our hotel- please enquire at the reception. The approximate price will be approximately US$20 in Kenyan shillings.
24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER Tel: +44 (0) 1728 862 222 This an answer phone. If outside UK office hours for non urgent questions, please leave a message. There is a number provided to call for a 24 hour manned mobile in case of genuine emergency.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary
depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible,
but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.
EGYPT:
Most nationalities are able to obtain this visa on arrival at the airport in Cairo or at Nuweiba ferry port. You cannot get an Egyptian visa at any other overland border crossings. The cost on arrival is currently USD15 paid in cash but please check with your travel agent or embassy before departure. We recommend you arrive with this money in USD to save time. At the airport, you buy your visa on arrival at any of the banks on your left side before proceeding to immigration. You will be given a stamp/sticker that you need to put in your passport yourself. This stamp takes up a whole page in your passport so ensure you have a full spare page in your passport. A single entry visa is valid for three months from date of issue and entitles the bearer to one month in Egypt. Multiple entry visas are not available at the airport or any border crossings.
SUDAN:
Visas will be obtained en route while in Aswan, Egypt. Your crew will help facilitate this process. Please allow approximately USD100. You will also need to obtain a letter from your embassy or your country's representative in Cairo to vouch for your identity. There may be a charge for this letter. Please make sure you know the dates your tour will be in Sudan. You will also need to make sure you have around 6 passport photos.
US citizens MUST obtain visas beforehand. For all the information on how to do this you can visit the website of the Embassy of Sudn in Washington DC www.sudanembassy.org Obtaining the visa in advance can take approx 4-6 weeks.
ETHIOPIA:
Most nationalities require a visa for entry to Ethiopia. Please see this website to find your closest embassy or consulate http://www.embassiesabroad.com/embassies-of/Ethiopia. If you are flying into Addis Ababa you can obtain a visa on arrival. You will need two passport photos and approximately US$40. You may be asked for proof of a return ticket - please carry your tour notes as proof that you are leaving overland. If you are entering at any other border than Addis Ababa airport you MUST obtain your visa in advance.
KENYA:
Kenyan visas can be obtained by most nationalities on arrival at the Moyale border crossing. The cost is approximately USD25. Kenyan visas are required by most nationalities, including the EU, US and Australia. If you plan to purchase your visa on arrival you will need new (post-2003), clean US dollars cash. Currently you do not require a multi-entry visa between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda due to an agreement between the three countries (eg if you exit Kenya to Tanzania you can re-enter Kenya on the same visa). If your trip visits Rwanda and re-enters Kenya you may require a double entry visa to Kenya, depending on the border guard on the day. This can easily be purchased at the border if required.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a small charge. Self-service laundries are scarce in Africa. There are few laundry facilities outside of the large cities in Africa. We recommend you bring non-polluting, biodegradable laundry soap and hand wash while travelling in this region. You may wish to bring a piece of rope to tie between trees to act as a line and maybe even a few pegs. Our trucks carry tubs which can be used for cold water hand washing.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
WATER
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 liter plastic bottle takes 2 liters of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by using the chemically sterilized water stored in the purpose built storage tank or in water jerry cans in your Overland vehicle. You are free to refill your bottle as many times a day as you like. You are helping the environment and your hip pocket! In some Southern African countries, tap water is treated and good to drink so you can avoid the purchase of bottled water by refilling from the tap.
LUGGAGE
The size of baggage that can be brought on this tour is limited by the locker space on the truck. Different trucks have different-sized lockers however to be safe we recommend that your bag be no larger than 66cm deep, 30cm wide, and 30cm high. The weight limit for luggage on all trucks is maximum 20kg. Backpacks should not have an external frame unless it can be easily removed and stored separately to avoid damaging other people's luggage.
CAMPING EQUIPMENT
A sleeping bag (we recommend a 3–4 season). It can get very cold at night in winter months in desert and mountainous regions. If you are travelling during the hot season you may wish to also pack a sleep sheet so you will be comfortable no matter what the weather. Pillows are not provided so please bring a travel pillow along.
In West Africa we do not provide a mattress so please bring your own (a thermarest/inflatable mattress is recommend)
A simple plastic bag/waterproof toiletry bag (that can hang on a nail on the back of a door) will be useful to keep your clothes dry inside basic camp shower structures.
CLOTHING
You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing, some warm items for the evenings, and long shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes in malarial areas. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry. Some people like to take jeans for evenings out but they can be tough to dry and should not be used for trekking. Avoid nylon and other synthetics, which can be very uncomfortable in hot weather. Ex-military or military style clothing and equipment is NOT recommended.
BATTERIES/POWER
Most of our trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras every couple of days. We always recommend that you carry an extra battery for your camera just in case. Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12 volt “cigarette lighter” socket which may be used at the crew’s discretion, however, do bear in mind that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle’s batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel room wall sockets. We suggest you bring a mix of normal and rechargeable batteries and the appropriate recharging unit. Hotels and most campsites have electricity and charging of batteries is advised before checking the following day.
VALUABLES
Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe and the safe on the overland truck to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden.
We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.
When packing, be aware that dress standards can be conservative in some parts of Africa. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no short shorts in culturally sensitive areas (mosques, small villages, etc). We recommend a mixture of loose, lightweight clothing and warm clothing for the evenings. Topless sun bathing is unacceptable through out the whole of Africa.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Passport
Any Visas required for this trip
Vaccination Certificates
Travel insurance including insurer details, 24 hr emergency contact telephone number and policy number
Flight Tickets
Intrepid trip confirmation voucher
Photocopies of important documents to be kept separately (we recommend you keep a copy at home as well)
Latest trip notes (this information)
Money (travellers cheques/cash/credit cards)
Travellers' cheques- keep a note of the serial numbers of your Travellers cheques and also the emergency contact numbers. Keep these details separately from the cheques.
Your local payment/Kitty ( where applicable)
Money belt or pouch (to be worn under clothes)
First aid kit
Personal Medication/prescriptions
Prescription glasses
Contact lens solution
High protection sunscreen
Lip balm
Hat / wide brim hat
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Antihistamine / insect bite cream
Antibacterial gel / wipes
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Alarm clock
Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
Night clothes/sleepwear
Travel pillow
Travel sickness tablets
Swimming costume
Swimming towel
Sarong for bathing
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
Refillable water bottle
Camera
Film, memory cards
Binoculars
Spare batteries
Comfortable daypack to carry your personal needs during the day
Local language phrase book
Personal audio player
Portable games / playing cards
Reading material
Luggage lock (and keys)
Smarter clothes for nights out
Warm clothes for the cooler nights
Waterproof jacket or small umbrella
Comfortable travelling clothes (light, easily washable cotton clothes are best). 2 sets recommended
1 set of casual but smart clothes for evenings out, visiting centers of religion, etc. Women should bring a skirt that covers their knees and a scarf for visiting mosques, churches and other places of worship.
Toiletries
Bath towel
Travel plug / international adapter
Mobile phone - check you have international roaming access
Rubber flip flops for showers
Camping Equipment
4 season sleeping bag (one that zips down all one side is useful for warm nights).
Inner sleep sheet
Travel pillow
Thermarest/Personal mattress
Please refer to Trip Notes (What to Take) for more details
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website:
www.oanda.com.
The best way to manage your money in Africa is a mixture of USD cash, an ATM card (best to have both Visa and MasterCard) and some traveller’s cheques.
Cash
Cash is easily changed at exchange bureaus and they generally offer the best rates. USD large bills, in good condition, 2003 series onwards only are more widely accepted; any old or damaged notes may not be accepted.
EUR or GBP are also widely accepted. The South African Rand can also be used widely in countries of Southern Africa.
When changing money, only use reputable authorized money exchange vendors and never anyone on the street. There are many instances of travellers being given counterfeit notes or being tricked when money is being counted out.
Travellers Cheques
You should also carry some traveller’s cheques for back up emergency cash.
While traveller’s cheques are undoubtedly the safest way to carry money, they are becoming harder to cash around the world and can often result in unfavorable exchange rates. It can also be tricky to reach banks during banking business hours which are often short in many African countries. Note: Receipts for traveller’s cheques are required by banks and money changers.
Visa and MasterCard
With ATMs being increasingly available in the many major towns and cities, credit or debit cards are a convenient way to access money. A charge is made for each international transaction - please check with your bank how much this fee will be.
Check with your bank before leaving home that your card can be used as a debit card in Africa. You may also want to notify your bank that you are visiting Africa as it is not unknown for banks to freeze cards which show sudden transactions in other countries.
Kitty:
West and North Africa
Please ensure you bring EUR and not US$ for the kitty and for personal spending. The exchange of US$ to EUR for the kitty will be decided by the tour leader on Day 1 of the trip. Local currencies can be readily obtained at international airports, city banks and most major hotels. You are strongly advised not to walk around with large amounts of cash.
If you are on a multi country tour, your tour leader will be able to give you an approximate idea of how much money you may need for your stay in each country.
Please allow US$20 for departure tax (although it may be included in your international air ticket).
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All Intrepid travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If in the opinion of our group leader or company representative any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Intrepid reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in these trip notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
Yellow Fever
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries in Africa. You may be needed to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It is also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home. Please check with your doctor before leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you will be visiting.
Drinking water:
As a rule we recommend you do not drink tap water, even in hotels, as it contains much higher levels of different minerals than the water you may have at home. For local people this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for travellers from other continents, drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally this is not serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it is enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Bottled water is widely available but we recommend that you fill up from your vehicle (we treat our water) if you are on a camping trip. Water consumption should be about 3 litres a day (this should be easy for most).
First Aid:
The leader will be carrying a basic First Aid kit, but can not administer any drugs. Re-hydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhoea blockers are available from many pharmacies.
Please inform the leader of any specific medical requirements on day 1 at your group meting.
**Please note that this trip spends time above 2800 metres/9200 feet where it is possible to experience some adverse effects on your health due to the altitude, potentially including Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
Because of this it is very important that you make yourself aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude and monitor your health during this trip. For further information please refer to the AMS information sheet located on the 'Trip Notes' link for your trip on our website or check out the following website http://www.treksafe.com.au/medical/altitude_illness.htm.
Your leader will also hand you a copy of the AMS information sheet during your trip as well as holding a short meeting prior to travelling to altitudes above 2800m/9200ft for the first time.
If you are starting your trip in a destination above 2800m/9200ft we strongly advise reading this information prior to arrival.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips: www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy at www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in Africa differ from those in the western world and not all hotels have a fire exit or smoke detectors. You may stay at hotels with unfenced pools and no life guard on duty. Some hotel balconies do not meet UK standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm.
Pick-pocketing is very common, especially in larger cities. We strongly recommend that you do not carry large amounts of cash and use a secure neck wallet or a money belt.
Travellers must exercise common sense and caution at all times. You should stick to set travel arrangements and avoid unknown areas. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and a record of your travellers' cheques and credit card numbers separate from where you keep the originals. You should avoid carrying large amounts of cash, or walking by yourself at night.
While staying in National Parks it is important that you listen to any advice given by your tour leader and the park rangers regarding responsible and safe behavior.
On some trip you will at times stay in unfenced campsites within National Parks. While this is a fantastic experience, there are a few safety rules to follow. Please listen to the safety advice of your leader and park rangers.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the Bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Please go to www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php for links to various travel insurance providers.
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the
frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and
likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group
- patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time,
ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best
trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on
your part.
Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information
about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.
Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On a selection of our Comfort and Original style trips you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you will have your own room (where available). Please refer to the important notes if this trip has a single supplement and any accommodation on the trip that the single supplement will not apply to. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour, pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.intrepidtravel.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our 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 Intrepid travellers. Intrepid's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Since Intrepid Travel commenced operating in 1989 we have been committed to giving something back to the communities we visit. One way has been through our support for local humanitarian, development and conservation projects. Many of our travellers want to contribute something too. To make things easier we established The Intrepid Foundation. All donations to The Intrepid Foundation will be matched by Intrepid Travel dollar for dollar, up to AU$5,000 per donor and a total of AU$300,000 for all donors in each financial year. And every cent gets there as Intrepid Travel pays for all the administration costs. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your group leader for information on the projects we support in the region, through The Intrepid Foundation; or go to our website: www.theintrepidfoundation.org
We currently have 6 projects in East and North West Africa which you can support through the Intrepid Foundation and have your donation matched by Intrepid Travel:
1 Amani Children’s Home - provides a loving home, education and medical care for street children and orphans in and around Moshi, Tanzania.
2 Village Education Project - provide improved primary and vocational education to Tanzanian children in the Marangu region in the foothills of Kilimanjaro.
3 New Hope Children’s Home - providing a home, care and education for disadvantaged children in the Limuru region, north of Nairobi.
4 Kariandusi School Trust - advancing the education of Kenyan children in the rural Rift Valley region by working with the community to construct, equip and staff schools where they are much needed.
5 Animal Care in Egypt (ACE) - you may visit their centre on the outskirts of Luxor where they work to rehabilitate injured, sick and mistreated donkeys, horses, mules, dogs, camels and other animals; and to educate local people in appropriate animal care.
6 Handicapped Project Horizon - in Ouarzazate, is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of local people with disabilities through rehabilitation, and developing their health, and social and economic empowerment. We may observe their local artisans and assist through making purchases from their wonderful range of handicrafts.
More information can be found at: www.theintrepidfoundation.org
Orphanage Tourism:
In recent times orphanage tourism has become popular in Africa. Intrepid Travel does not support unscheduled or random visits to orphanages and children's institutions, as these are a child's home - a place that should be safe and respect their right to privacy and dignity. Undoubtedly the majority of travellers have best interests at heart, but the reality is orphanage visits can negatively impact the children. For more information on how you can help protect children during your travels, see:
www.intrepidtravel.com/pdf/rt/ChildSafe_Traveller_Tips.pdf
www.childsafe-international.org
This trip may include some pre-arranged visits to organisations that have been vetted by Intrepid Travel, and these will be facilitated by your group leader.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback
Thanks!
Do you want to see your travel photos published? To celebrate all that is travel photography, Intrepid hold an annual Intrepid Photography Competition.
There are five categories - real life experiences, travelling families, local friends, landscapes, icons - each with a fabulous prizes.For more information,
entry form and competition conditions, please visit www.intrepidtravel.com/photocomp. Send entries to
The Editor,
Intrepid Travel,
PO Box 2781,
Fitzroy DC 3065,
Victoria, Australia.
Express is our email newsletter that is full of interesting and exciting regular features, travel tips, competitions, great giveaways, reviews, recipes, travellers' stories and money saving specials! Plus we give you the chance to WIN an Intrepid trip every week - subscribe for free at http://www.intrepidtravel.com/express/
