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If you've ever wanted to 'do Africa', this is the definitive trip. In 121 action-packed days, cross the continent's entire length from Cairo in the north to Cape Town at the southern tip, taking in a dizzying array of natural wonders and cultural encounters. Be humbled by the welcoming smiles of local villagers, wander vibrant modern cities and feast your eyes on iconic African animals in the wild. This challenging expedition demands a truly adventurous spirit, but is absolutely rewarding in return.
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, in Nairobi on day 77 and in Livingstone on day 100. 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, in Nairobi on day 77 and in Livingstone on day 100.
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 Tutankhamun 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 activites 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 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
It is a further 6 hours and 120km today to Axum.
We take a guided city tour of Axum 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 Axum we stay in a basic hotel.
It is a full days journey from Axum 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).
Refered 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 Abiyata.
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 Konzo 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 extaordinary people.
We stay tonight in a hotel.
Today we make our grand enterance 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.
Welcome to Nairobi - a Masai word for 'Place of Cool Waters' has a cosmopolitan atmosphere. There are plenty of good bars and restaurants. Markets and shops have most things you could need or want, as well as various arts and crafts from the region.
Please note that as this is the joining of two tours, from the afternoon of Day 72, until the welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 77 you are at free at your leisure in Nairobi. While your leader will assist in organising your accommodation, this and your food is an extra cost and will not come from the trip Kitty.
As this is a combination trip, the composition of your group will change in Nairobi and there will be a welcome meeting at 6pm on the evening of day 77. Please look for a note in hotel reception for the location of this important meeting where your travel insurance will be re-sighted, the next part of your kitty money collected and you will meet your new travelling companions and crew.
Please note no accommodation is provided in Nairobi until Day 77. On Day 77 we stay in a simple hotel with swimming pool, restaurant and ensuite rooms.
We set off early today, heading for the border with Tanzania. We are able to spend some time in Arusha, before heading to our campsite in the village of Mto We Mbu. We travel about 393km which will take approximately 8 hours.
Tonight we stay at a campsite with flush toilets and hot/cold showers.
This morning we participate in a local community Mto We Mbu village program. A local guide will take you on a leisurely stroll around the farming areas visiting a kindergarten, milling machine, church, local homes, and farmlands. A great way to have fun and find out more about the life of the locals!
After lunch we head to Karatu, our base for launching into our Serengeti safari (approx. 1 hour).
On day 80 we are up very early, leaving our truck behind, putting our camping and personal gear into 6 person jeeps and heading off for our three day excursion.
Our basic program is to arrive into the Serengeti in the afternoon of day 4 and game drive all the way to our camp. We'll be driving about 8 hours total. The following day we enjoy a full day game drive before we arrive in the Ngorongoro area in the late afternoon.
The wide open plains of the Serengeti, green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season and home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators, is perhaps the quintessential image of Africa. Flat and rolling with long grasses the plains get their name from the Masai word siringitu, "the place where the land moves on forever". Game viewing in the Serengeti is amazing and as you camp out at night, don't be surprised to hear lions in the distance as you recount your amazing sightings during the day. The Serengeti Plains usually live up to everyone's expectations. The classic East African scenery of rolling grasslands is dotted with Acacia trees. In normal circumstances we would expect to see the Big 5 during our stay in the Serengeti.
An optional balloon ride over the Serengeti at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. If you have pre-booked this activity (please see Important Notes) you will be picked up and driven to the launch site, receive a safety briefing from your pilot and will help inflate the balloon. You then glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height providing amazing wildlife photography opportunities, sometimes ascending to get an overview of the enormity of the Serengeti and the teeming herds of early morning wild life movements. Upon landing and before being returned to your accommodation you'll be treated to a five star bush breakfast!
The bush camp where we stay is very simple but its location in the middle of the plains, surrounded by animals and the nocturnal noises, is something to experience.
Responsible Travel Note:
You will notice many Masai villages in the region of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater. While it is of course fascinating to visit different cultures, past experience has shown that these villages exist primarily as businesses. You will be charged an entry fee of approx. US$20 and the Masai will try very hard to sell souvenirs to you. While many clients still enjoy the experience, others have found it artificial and uncomfortable. We would very much prefer that Intrepid clients choose to by-pass this activity as we feel it negatively impacts the Masai culture and your perception of this culture. Unfortunately the tourist village business is such a high earner that we have been unable to find an "Intrepid" Masai experience in Tanzania s, which is disappointing for all.
We are up with the sun as we make an early start, exiting the Serengeti and heading for the world famous Ngorongoro Crater (approximately 3 hour drive). After a picnic lunch we descend onto the floor of the Crater.
Sometimes called the "Garden of Eden," we make the most of our safari in the crater, spending between four and five hours exploring. There is an excellent chance of spotting many of the Big Five as well as many, many other species.
Departing the Crater late in the afternoon, we return to our campsite at Karatu for an evening relaxing at the campsite's bar reliving our safari experience. There may be the opportunity tonight for you to enjoy an optional traditional dinner accompanied by local dancers and acrobats.
Another very early start as we make our way back through Arusha and onwards to the town of Moshi in the foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro. We travel 293 km which will be total driving time of 6 hours over this day.
In Moshi we will meet the very special kids of the Amani Children's Home. Amani supports street children giving them a safe place to stay and educational and emotional support. Check out the new school which has been built with the help of donors and be inspired by this project which is changing these children's lives. For more information on this project visit www.amanikids.org.
Before lunch we climb even higher onto the slopes of Kilimanjaro to reach the village of Marangu where we set up camp.
Tonight we camp in the grounds of the family run Marangu Hotel, a wonderful old German colonial hotel with beautiful gardens.
We spend this morning with the team at the Village Education Project. Beginning with a walking tour of Mshiri Village, the base for the Village Education Project, we can witness the day-to-day life of the Chagga people, long established as crop-growers on the fertile slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. We visit their homes, walk around the shamba (farm), visit the primary school as well as the other institutions where local young people are taught various skills. Lunch provides opportunity to sample the local Chagga food, which is very filling. We also visit nearby waterfalls and stop to admire the view of the plains below. For more information on the Village Education Project visit www.kiliproject.org.
Then it's time to get off the beaten track and head into the remote Tanzanian mountains. Our travel distance from Marangu to Lushoto is 265 km which will take around 4 hours.
We have a two night stop in the beautiful Usambara Mountains to explore this lovely unspoilt area of Tanzania. Unlike the coast and the north, very few tourists visit this area and so it has a freshness that can be hard to find elsewhere. The mountains are located in the north east of Tanzania between Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean and overlook the vast Masai steppe. They are wonderfully lush and green and the area has been dubbed the Galapagos of the plant world. The forests stretch across the mountains and are ideal for easy hikes and guided walks. As beautiful as the place is, its real jewels are the local peoples and villages. The area has a reputation for gentle hospitality and we will visit some of the small communities. From our base we will organise a short day's walking trip out to the beautiful Irente viewpoint. On our way back we visit a local village cultural and ecological project based at Irente farm where we will have a picnic lunch.
We base ourselves at the old German colony of Lushoto where we stay in the grounds of one of the earliest hotels in Africa.
Today is a long travel day as we head to Dar es Salaam. If the weather is clear we may get a view of Kilimanjaro, the magnificent snow-capped mountain and Africa's highest peak at 5,895m (19,340 ft). Approximate distance driven today is 380 km which will take around 8 hours.
The port city of Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's commercial heart and a hot, humid, bustling city. We set up camp on a balmy beach just outside of the city centre.
Today we catch a ferry to the "Spice Island" of Zanzibar (approx. 1.5-2 hours), filled with idyllic beaches, winding cobblestone alleyways and fragrant bazaars. Zanzibar's rich history involves everything from slave traders to Arabian sultans and fruit exporters. The sight of traditional dhows sailing along the coast makes it easy to imagine what the island was like back in the days of Livingstone.
Our first night is spent in the exotic port town of Stone Town.
The best way to see Stone Town is on foot exploring the bazaars, shops, mosques, palaces, courtyards and myriad intricate alleyways. When the sun is setting, why not enjoy a sundowner from a bar overlooking the water, before trying a local seafood curry for dinner at one of the town's many restaurants.
The famous spices are grown in plantations outside of Stone Town and we head out on a Spice Tour where you can dazzle your senses by touching, tasting and smelling them. This will include a local meal and a tour around the sites of Stone Town, including some history on its former slave market. Next will be the drive to the spice plantations where you will receive a guided tour and the opportunity to touch, smell and taste various spices such as cinnamon, vanilla and ginger, and teas made with these spices. At the end of the day there will also be an opportunity to buy some of the locally grown spices.
On our second and third days here we head to the northern beaches and enjoy white sand and sparkling blue sea - the Indian Ocean at its best. Try snorkelling and diving, eat sumptuous seafood, or simply relax in a hammock underneath a coconut tree with a good book.
Our accommodation on these nights is in twin share rooms with en suites.
After spending a final morning in Zanzibar, we jump back on board the ferry (approx. 1.5-2 hrs) to return to the mainland where we will camp once again at our palm fringed beach on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam.
Making our way towards Malawi, today we head through Mikumi National Park. The journey today is 550 km which will take approximately 11 hours of drive time.
Situated at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains, Mikumi is home to large herds of elephant, buffalo and giraffe, together with lions and leopards. It is Tanzania's third largest national park and we spend a couple of hours travelling through the park. Although we will not make an off road safari into the depth of the park, we usually see a good selection of the wildlife that resides in the park on our way through to the southern Tanzanian highland town of Iringa where we set up camp on the grounds of a farmhouse on the outskirts of this pleasant settlement.
Day 31 is another travel day as we enter Malawi, the 'warm heart of Africa', covering the 667 km (approx. 10 hours travel time including the border crossing) to our lakeside campsite at Chitimba.
Today we travel from Chitimba to Chinteche beach on the shore of Lake Malawi, (approx. 6 hours/210 km).
Malawi is dominated by Lake Malawi which covers almost a fifth of the country. The lake provides a source of livelihood for many of the Malawian people. Fishermen, fish traders, canoe and net makers all ply their trade, and a common sight is that of a fisherman in his bwato (a dugout canoe made from a hollowed out tree trunk), fishing on the still lake at the break of day.
We head away from the commercialism and crowds and enjoy a few days on the lake's more peaceful beaches. As well as chilling on the beach and participating in the many optional water activities on offer, make sure you take the opportunity to meet some local Malawians, easily some of the friendliest people in Africa.
Our campsite is right on the shore of Lake Malawi, at Chinteche beach.
We travel for approximately 6 hours/320 km today from Chinteche to our lodge in Luwawa Forest.
Luwawa Forest is in the Viphya Mountains of Malawi at about 1200m above sea level. The forest has claim to be the largest man made forest in Africa and is made up of conifers and native trees of Malawi. There are many optional activities to choose from here - mountain biking, canoeing and fishing or taking forest walks.
We will enjoy a village community visit and you can choose to stay overnight in the village or to return to our lodge.
Situated at 1650m above sea level, our lodge, Luwawa Forest Lodge, is nestled in amongst the wooded mountain side, in one of the most tranquil and beautiful locations in the north of Malawi.
Departing Malawi, today we cross into Zambia. Travelling through rural villages, we cross the mighty Luangwa River and, bypassing Lusaka, we camp nearby. These are long travel days with a total over the two days of 900 km and 16 hours of driving time.
In Chipata and in our campsite near Lusaka we stay in campsites with flush toilets and hot/cold showers.
Another long driving day on day 99 as we push on to Livingstone near the Victoria Falls where we set up camp in the late afternoon (approx. 8 hours driving time for the 490 km from Lusaka).
The following morning we head off for one of our journey's highlights - a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls. The falls are an enormous curtain of water, about a mile wide, falling 108 m into a narrow chasm below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 m and the falls are an impressive raging torrent. The spray from the falls can sometimes be seen from kilometres away. It's no wonder the local name for the falls, Mosi oa Tunya, means the "smoke that thunders". In the dry season, the view of the falls is unobstructed by spray and it's possible to see little islets in the river below.
After lunch the remainder of our time in Livingstone is free to allow you to participate in some of the many optional activities on offer. Choose from white water rafting and canoeing, or go horse riding, abseiling or gorge swinging. You could also take a ride in a micro-light, helicopter or small plane for a bird's eye view of the falls.
Our campground is centrally located on the Zambezi River only four kilometres from the falls; the perfect place to use as a base for the vast array of adventure activities on offer in the area. It has clean ablution blocks, comprising hot and cold showers and toilets. Please note that no meals are included in Livingstone.
Please note that this is a combination trip and the composition of your group and leader may change on day 100. There will be another short group meeting at 6pm where you can meet your new travelling companions and hear more about the next part of your trip.
This morning is free for you to continue enjoying all that Livingstone has to offer before we make our way in the afternoon to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Travel time including the border crossing is around 3 hours (150 km).
This massive park is home to an amazing array of animals, especially huge populations of elephants. Our second day here we enjoy an early morning game drive and get up close to the wildlife, hopefully spotting lions, buffaloes, birds and of course elephants. In the afternoon we take a cruise down the Chobe River - one of the best ways to enjoy the animals of Chobe. Keep an eye out for swimming elephants, a huge variety of bird life as well as wallowing hippos and crocs sunning themselves by the water's edge.
Our camp in Chobe National Park has flush toilets and hot/cold showers.
Another day, another country! This morning we drive from Kasane to Ngoma Bridge and our camp at Bagani in Namibia. The trip from Chobe to Bagani is around 432 km which will take approximately 7 hours.
In Bagani we have time to relax from the rigours of the road a little and take part in the various activities that are available at this charming place. Various boat trips, fishing or hikes are possible from Bagani, as well as the chance to play soccer with the locals.
Our camp has flush toilets and cold showers.
Today we drive across the border into Botswana and join our transport for the journey into the Delta from Seronga (140 km, approx. 4 hours). We head south along the 'Pan Handle' (the narrowest part of the Delta) to Seronga, where we leave our vehicle.
This intricate network of channels began life as the Okavango River in Angola. The river finishes its journey as an inland delta unlike anything else in the world and creates a 16,000 sq km maze of wetlands. The Delta is formed by the Okavango River, which flows into a basin on the edge of the Kalahari Desert. The river has no outlet from the desert and spreads out into thousands of small streams to form a wilderness that is totally unspoilt. It is a wonderland of meandering clear waterways, green islands, lush plains and prolific wildlife. This ecosystem is filled with a diversity of flora and fauna that includes hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and the big cats. However, it is not for the game that we come, as this cannot always be found. The Delta is about exploring one of the world's most fascinating ecosystems.
We board boats out into the swamps, travelling to Gao Island where we will meet our mokoro team to explore the Okavango Delta. Each mokoro (small dugout canoe) takes two people and is poled along by a local tribesman through the meandering waterways. Reeds and lily pads line the streams, and birds startled by the mokoros rise out of the long grasses. Punting along, the peace of the Delta may be shattered by the deep grunting of hippos.
You will be in the middle of a wilderness area and on the first night you will camp out on an island away from civilisation.
On day 106 we continue our trip around the Delta and then return to Gao Island and head to the relative civilisation of Umvuvu Camp with its hot showers (usually) and small bar.
Travelling back up the Pan Handle of the Delta, we have a full day's drive of 400 km to Rundu which should take around 7 hours. We spend the night in a camp at the beautiful n'Kwazi lodge, situated 20 km north of Rundu, a tranquil spot set in lush vegetation on the banks of the Kavango River on the border with Angola.
On day 108 we have the morning to relax in Rundu and then it is another 5 hour and 300 km drive to our San Bushmen camp.
We have the opportunity to go out tracking and gathering with the San Bushmen and to spend a night listening to the stories and songs of these fascinating people, presented in their fascinating and unique 'clicking language'. The Bushmen are the oldest ethnic group in Namibia, having inhabited southern Africa for an estimated 20,000 years. Around 30,000 San live in Namibia, but only 2,000 of them still follow a traditional way of life. The San have a deep understanding of nature and the ecology, living in harmony with their environment. Taking part in their everyday lives, you will stay overnight in the village, helping the men track animals and watch the women gather and prepare seeds and plants.
Our bush camp tonight is very basic, no showers and drop toilets.
We spend the morning with the Bushmen and on the afternoon of day 109 head back to the pleasant market town of Grootfontein (90 km, approx 2 hours) to camp just outside town for the evening.
It is approximately 6 hours' drive today (290 km) from Grootfontein to Etosha National Park.
Etosha is home to a wide range of Southern Africa's wildlife, including all the big carnivores and five rare or endangered species: black rhino, Hartmann's mountain zebra, black faced impala, roan antelope and the tiny Damara dik dik. The wildlife is prolific and Etosha has every right to proclaim itself as one of the world's pre-eminent wildlife areas. Game viewing in the park is relatively easy due to the man made water holes and the large sparsely vegetated pans. The bushland surrounding the pans is difficult to see through but there are enough clearings, pans and waterholes to usually allow for some sightings. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching and there are large herds of elephants, antelope and other herbivores. We will stay in the park for a couple of days giving us plenty of opportunity for game drives.
We stay at two different campsites in the park, one of which, Okaukuejo, is particularly spectacular as it overlooks a floodlit waterhole visited by many different species throughout the day and night.
The drive today is about 9 hours (500 km).
Located in the harshly beautiful and sparsely populated Damaraland region, the spectacular rock formations of the Spitzkoppe are ideal for hiking and we have plenty of time to wander amongst them and visit the ancient Bushmen paintings they hide.
We bush camp for the night in the midst of this remote region and have the chance witness the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises as the colour of the landscapes take on remarkable oranges and reds.
Experience the sight, sound and smell of thousands of olive-coloured seals on the shores of Cape Cross while travelling up the eerie Atlantic Coast.
From the desert, we continue on to the old German colonial town of Swakopmund (approx. 5 hours/320 km). Swakopmund is a lovely oasis between the desert and the ocean, and there's plenty of adventure activities on offer. Go dune-bashing by quad bike, sand boarding or even skydiving over the town and surrounding desert. Then spend lively evenings in the town's many good restaurants and fun bars.
Our accommodation for these nights is in a simple lodge.
It's an all day drive today as we travel from Swakopmund to Sesriem, our base for exploring this incredible desert region (480 km, approx. 8 hours).
Filled with the highest sand dunes on earth, the Namib-Naukluft National Park holds some amazing sights. It's also the oldest desert in the world and we get the chance to appreciate it in all its glory on a sunrise climb to the top of one of its sand dunes.
We wake before dawn on day 117 and scramble to the top of these dunes for a dramatic sunrise view across a vast sea of sand. The colour changes are just incredible and provide another spectacular meal setting, as we enjoy our brunch with a view of the dunes.
Afterwards we jump in the back of a pickup truck for a day trip to Sossusvlei (approx. 30 minutes each way). Here we meet an incredible local with a passion for the desert and all that lives in it, who is dying to show you the hidden amazing mysteries this area contains. He really is the Steve Irwin of the desert.
We camp in the Sesriem region at a campsite.
This afternoon we head to the small town of Keetmanshoop (640 km, 9 hours). Whilst being one of the oldest towns in Namibia, Keetmanshoop is perhaps best known for the quiver tree, or 'kokerboom', forests and we set up camp close to the famous quiver trees.
We begin the day by exploring Keetmanshoop's Giant's Playground and Quivertree Forest.
Lying 14 km to the north east of Keetmanshoop, the quiver tree forests derive their name from the ancient San Bushmen tradition of hollowing out the branches and using the tough outer bark as a sheath (known as a quiver) to carry their arrows. At The Giant's Playground there is a short trail which guides you past the most striking formations.
Heading further south in the desertlands of Namibia we drive towards Fish River Canyon. Today's travel time is approximately 3 hours, covering 275 km.
At 500m (1,640 ft) deep and over 160 km (99 miles) long, Fish River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world. There are remarkable photographic opportunities here, as we take in the orange sunset glows before heading to our campsite.
Departing Fish River Canyon, it is 5 hour transit (275 km) to Noordoewer. Here there is the chance for an optional canoe adventure on the beautiful Orange River - a great way to discover the beauty of this region.
We pitch our tent on the scenic banks of the Gariep (Orange) River before departing first thing the following morning to Citrusdal. If there is time we will have the opportunity to takes mountain walks around the surrounding countryside and farms.
Please note - in the current political climate, on occasion our Zimbabwean cooks experience difficulty obtaining their temporary work permit for South Africa. If this occurs our tour leader will help organise meals for our time in South Africa with the group.
After a 7 hour drive via the Cape of Good Hope our safari ends in the late afternoon in charming Cape Town. With its stunning coastline, dominating mountain and modern cityscape, Cape Town is one of Africa's most appealing cities. With vineyards on its doorstep, adventure activities around every other corner and plenty of restaurants and cafes to while away the time, Cape Town is a very easy city to spend some extra time in.
Our tour finishes at the Saasveld Lodge in Cape Town. There is no accommodation provided for tonight but we are able to organise additional nights, which we recommend as there is plenty to see and do in Cape Town. Please request at time of booking.
Please do not book international departure flights until after 9pm on departure day.
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 - Axum
Palace and church ruins - Axum
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
Village cultural activity - Mto wa Mbu
Game drives - Serengeti National Park
Game drive - Ngorongoro Crater
Visit to Amani Children's Home - enroute to Marangu
Visit Village Eduction Project, village walk and lunch - Marangu
Day walk and lunch - Usambara Mountains
Ferry, accommodation and spice tour - Zanzibar
Entrance - Mikumi National Park
Village visit - Luwawa Forest
Visit Victoria Falls - Livingstone
Game drive - Chobe National Park
Fish Eagle cruise - Chobe National Park
Mokoro and walking tour - Okavango Delta
San Bushman cultural experience - San Bushman Camp
Game drives - Etosha National Park
Visit Cape Cross Seal Colony - enroute to Swakopmund
Visit sand dunes - Sesriem
Guided desert walk - Soussesvlei
Visit Giant's Playground and Quiver tree forest - Keetmanshoop
Visit Fish River Canyon - Fish River Canyon
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
White water rafting (full day), Victoria Falls - US$145
Jet boat, Victoria Falls - US$95
Kayaking, Victoria Falls - US$150
Abseil Full Day, Victoria Falls - US$95
Gorge Swing ( 2 Jumps), Victoria Falls ; US$65
Flying Fox, Cable Slide, Rap Jump - Victoria Falls - US$35each
Horse riding (2 hours), Livingstone - US$75
Flight over the falls (Microlight), Victoria Falls - US$120-240
Flight over the falls (Helicopter), Victoria Falls - US$130-260
Elephant Ride, Victoria Falls - US$150 (plus Park Fees)
Canoeing Upper Zambezi (half day), Victoria Falls - US$95- 120
Bungy jumping, Victoria Falls - US$110
Sunset Cruise, Victoria Falls - US$45-55
Discounts are available for multi activity packages at Victoria Falls
Museum, Swakopmund - US$2
Tandem Skydive, Swakopmund - US$270
Sand boarding, Swakopmund - US$50
Seal & Dolphine Cruise, Swakopmund - US$60
Parasailing, Swakopmund - US$70
Quad Biking, Swakopmund - US$80
Hansa Brewery Tours, Swakopmund - Admission free
Scenic Flight, Swakopmund - US$385
Flying Fox, Swakopmund - US$65
Balloon flight, Swakopmund - US$150
Sea Kayaking, Swakopmund - US$85
Fishing Trip, Swakopmund - US$115
Camel Riding, Swakopmund - US$15
Horse Riding, Swakopmund - US$65
Scenic flight, Okavango Delta - -prices vary depending on plane size, and number of passengers.
Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi - US$14
Giraffe Centre, Nairobi - US$12
NNP Animal orphanage & Safari walk, Nairobi - US$20
Carnivore Restuarant, Nairobi - US$30-35
Bomas, Nairobi - US$10
National Museum, Nairobi - US$14
Snorkelling day trip, Zanzibar - US$35
Scuba dive, Zanzibar - US$80
Dhow trip, Zanzibar - US$40
Prison Island tour, Zanzibar - US$25
Scuba dive, Lake Malawi - US$75
Horse riding, Lake Malawi - US$50
Guided village walks, Lake Malawi - US$3-10
Mountain Biking, Luwawa Forest - US$20
Canoeing, Luwawa Forest - US$10
Fishing rod hire, Luwawa Forest - US$6
Canoe trip (3 hours), Orange River - US$35
Traditional dance performance, Rundu - US$8
Horse riding, Rundu - US$20
Boat trip, Bagani - US$20-25
Fishing boat trip (per boat- up to five passengers), Bagani - US$40
Balloon ride, Serengeti National Park - US$500 (must be pre-booked see Important Notes)
Dinner with dancers/acrobats, Karatu - US$15
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 $3260 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.
There is no accommodation provided for days 72-76 (inclusive) in Nairobi. Your tour leader will be able to help supply you accommodation options for this time. Food and accommodation are at clients own expense during this period.
This is a combination tour. The composition of your group and leader may change in Khartoum, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and Livingstone.
An optional sunrise balloon ride in the Serengeti National Park is possible on this itinerary. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited and must be booked in advance. Please enquire when booking your trip to book this optional activity.
Maximum of 21 travellers per group
Hotels (38 nts), camping with facilities (65 nts), bush camping without facilities (12 nts), non-inclusive accommodation (5 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 $1,210 for meals not included.
All meals while camping (except when in Nairobi and Livingstone)
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, 4WD, boat, ferry, mokoro (dugout canoe), donkey, 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.
Saasveld Lodge
73 Kloof Street
Gardens
Cape Town
8001
South Africa
Phone: +27 21 424 6169
Fax: +27 21 424 5397
Saasveld Lodge is central located in the lively and vibrant Kloof Street with its large variety of restaurants, coffee shops, cafes and bars and is only 3 minutes from Long Street as well as the bustling city centre. Rooms are simple yet clean and comfortable and feature private bathrooms.
At the end of the tour we usually arrive in Cape Town in the late afternoon of Day 43. We recommend you plan to spend at least a few additional nights to explore Cape Town.
Please note that Intrepid code share the operation of this trip with our experienced local partners Dragoman Overland. Your departure may be run by either Dragoman or Intrepid. If you are travelling on an Intrepid Guerba Kenya departure in the case of an on ground issue or problem Intrepid's Kenya Office can be reached on +254-20-892126/7/8/9 during business hours and +254-733-523-813 (24 hours) This is where all all reservation/ transfer, late arrival or general enquiry issues should be directed. In case of genuine crisis or emergency (ONLY), you can reach our local operator on: +254-736-213-383. If you are travelling on a Dragoman operated departure in the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, please call 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. For all other enquiries please contact our Reservations department which is open 24 hours, 6 days per week. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
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.
TANZANIA
A visa is required by visitors of most nationalities including from the EU, USA and Australia. It is recommended you purchase your visa in advance. The cost is approximately US$75 depending on nationality. At the present time you do not require a multi entry visa to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda due to an agreement between the three countries (ie if you exit Kenya to Tanzania you can re enter Kenya on the same visa). However if your trip visits Tanzania twice after a visit to a country other than those listed above, you may need to purchase two visas.
MALAWI
Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the UK and USA do not require a visa to enter Malawi for stays of up to 90 days. All nationalities should check with the respective embassies for more information.
ZAMBIA
Zambian visas are required by most nationalities, including from the EU, US and Australia. All nationalities should check with their nearest Zambian Embassy for more information. For most nationalities, Zambian visas are available at the point of entry. If you plan to purchase your visa on arrival you will need US dollars cash.
BOTSWANA
Citizens of Australia, UK, and USA do not need visas to visit Botswana as a tourist for up to three months. Citizens of other countries, including most EU countries, should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required.
NAMIBIA
Currently visas are not required for most nationalities to enter Namibia. Please check with the relevant visa office before departure to make sure there has been no change.
SOUTH AFRICA
Citizens of Australia, UK and most EU countries do not need visas to visit South Africa as a tourist for up to three months. Citizens of all countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is 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$40 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 7 projects in 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.
7 In South Africa the Intrepid Foundation supports the Thusanani Children's Foundation who work to prevent and treat developmental delay in orphaned and vulnerable children.
More information can be found at: www.theintrepidfoundation.org
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/
