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Discover ancient treasures and vibrant cultures on this epic 153-day journey. Begin in cosmopolitan Cape Town and finish up in the exotic charms of Istanbul, all the while experiencing the warm hospitality of this amazing region. Spot Africa's legendary wildlife in world-renowned parks, explore some of the planet's most breathtaking scenery, delve into the Middle East's rich history with visits to ancient ruins and historic souqs, be enchanted by the fairy chimneys and underground cities around Goreme and gaze in awe at the iconic Pyramids of Giza. This is truly an adventure like no other and the ultimate way to experience the many cultures of this remarkable region.
This tour is operated by our experienced local partners Dragoman Overland. Dragoman share our ethos for adventure travel and have many years' expertise in overlanding.
To save you money and the hassle of booking multiple trips, this journey is a combination of some of our most popular adventures. As this is a combination trip your leader and group may change.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Physical Preparation
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Tipping
Kitty
Important Notes
Group Size
Accommodation
Meals
Meal Inclusions
The best value adventures on the planet! On a Basix trip, you can expect some amazing experiences, but none of the inclusions or 'extras' that you may not want. Which means simple and often multishare accommodation and a lot of local transport. These trips are ideal for first time travellers seeking fun and independence with the security of a group leader at hand and for backpackers wanting minimum hassle and maximum flexibility at the lowest possible price.
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.
Leaving Cape Town behind we travel up the Western Cape, spending the night on a working farm. (290km, approx 8 hours)
On day 3, we pass through Namaqualand, famous for its wildflowers that spring up from end July to mid September. Flowers like Daisies, Gazanias and Cinerarias are the most popular. We arrive at the beautiful Orange River, the natural border between South Africa and Namibia. It takes about an hour to exit South Africa and enter Namibia. Later we head for our camp on the banks of this river (540 km, approx 9 hours).
Camps have showers and flush toilets.
This morning there is a chance for an optional canoe adventure on the beautiful Orange River - a great way to discover the beauty of this region before we head further west into the desert lands of Namibia towards Fish River Canyon (270 km, approx 4-5 hours).
At 500m (1,640ft) 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 sunset orange glows before heading to our campsite.
Tonight's camp has showers and flush toilet.
It is a long driving day today as we head towards the fabled dunes of Namibia (520 km, approx. 10 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 6 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!
Afterwards we jump in the back of a pickup truck for a 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.
After an early lunch, we break our camp and begin our journey stopping at Solitaire, a unique one shop town, for refreshments. We then head off to our first bush camp of the trip in the desert. Camp has no showers but has a drop toilet (240 km, approx. 5 hours)
From the desert, we continue on to the old German colonial town of Swakopmund. (360km, approx. 9 hours).
Swakopmund is a lovely oasis between the desert and the ocean, and there are plenty of adventure activities on offer. We have a full day here to go dune-bashing by quad bike, sand boarding or even skydiving over the town and surrounding desert. Here you can spend lively evenings in the towns many good restaurants and fun bars.
Our accommodation here is in bungalows. These accommodate 6 people each and share bathroom facilities.
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 (290 km, approx. 6 hours).
This is a place to get away from it all and to appreciate the stunning harsh beauty of this sparsely populated country. We hike amongst these spectacular rock formations and visit the ancient bushman paintings they hide.
We bush camp for the night in the midst of this remote region and should witness the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises as the colour of the landscapes take on remarkable oranges and reds.
Our bush camp has very limited toilet facilities with a drop toilet and no shower or running water on these nights.
Etosha (480km, approx 9 hours) 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 most 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 make most visits well worthwhile. Namibia has protected its game reserves against poaching and there are large herds of elephant, antelope and other herbivores.
We stay at two different campsites in the park that overlook floodlit waterholes visited by many different species at night.
Today we travel to Grootfontein where we spend the night near a Bushmen homestead. On the way we will stop to replenish our food supply (315 km, approx. 6 hours).
We have the opportunity to go out tracking and gathering with the San Bushmen, to spend a night and listen 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.
Our bush camp tonight is very basic - drop toilets and no showers.
We head north on a straight drive and spend the night in the town of Rundu. (285km, approx 5 hours)
Leaving Rundu behind we drive along the 'Pan Handle' (the narrowest part of the Delta that stretches south until the Delta fans out into the vast swamps of the south to Bagani where we will spend the night and leave our vehicle and board the dugout styled canoes (mokoros). The polers will steer and guide us to our camp on the trip (340 km, approx. 6-7 hours).
In our small dugout styled canoes we will be poled out into the reed beds of the Delta. Each 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.
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 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 hippo, crocodile, elephant, 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.
You will be in the middle of a wilderness area and on the first night out you will camp out on an island away from civilisation.
We return to Bagani for the night where we have time to relax and take part in the various activities that are available at this charming place. Various boat trips, fishing or hikes are possible from Bagani.
Our campsite in Bagani has flush toilets and showers.
Bagani to Chobe National Park is quite a long drive; but it is well worth it (430 km, approx 8 hours). We re-enter Botswana at Goma border which is also the gateway to the park.
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 Fish Eagle cruise down the Chobe River- in many ways being on the river is the best way to enjoy the animals of Chobe. Keep an eye out for swimming elephants, a huge variety of bird life as well as hippos wallowing and crocs sunning themselves by the water's edge.
We stay on the outskirts of Chobe near the town of Kasane in a campsite with flush toilets and showers.
From Chobe National Park we travel to Victoria Falls (115km, approx 3 hours) Crossing the border we enter Zimbabwe mid morning in time to have lunch on the banks of the Zambezi.
In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to visit 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 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.
The following day is free for you to enjoy the various activities and excursions. Choose from white water rafting and canoeing, or go horse riding, abseiling or gorge swinging (please see Trip Notes, Optional Activities for more details on what you can see and do around Victoria Falls).
Responsible travel note:
During your visit to the Victoria Falls area you may notice businesses offering an optional "Walk with the Lions" experience. We recommend that Intrepid travellers bypass this activity as it is contrary to Intrepid's Responsible Travel guideline stating that we "Actively discourage the participation of Intrepid groups in activities which exploit animals - wild or domestic." Professional wildlife conservation organisations, including Born Free and the World Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA) advise that habituating lions to humans can shorten their life and may result in lion-human conflict issues. Whilst there is some merit in the argument that the money that you pay for the activity goes towards lion research, we feel that the negative impacts on the lions' rehabilitation far outweigh this.
After breakfast we head towards Hwange National Park (190 km, approx 3-4 hours) stopping en route to visit the Painted Dog Conservation Group for an insight into the plight of the African Wild Dog.
Hwange National Park became the royal hunting grounds to the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19th century and was set aside as a National Park in 1929. Today Hwange boasts a tremendous selection of wildlife with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species. The elephants of Hwange are world famous and the park elephant population is one of the largest in the Africa.
We explore the park in open 4x4 vehicles this afternoon and time permitting the following morning as well.
Stay within the park at one of camp grounds with shared facilities.
This morning we travel towards Bulawayo (310 km, approx 4-5 hours).
Known locally as the 'City of Kings' Bulawayo is Zimbabwe's second largest city and has a very interesting historical past. We will have the afternoon free to explore the city, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore local markets, chat with a local or perhaps find a game of football or rugby to watch.
Up early the following morning we venture out for the day to explore the Matobo National Park, home to a large population of black and white rhinoceros that we are able to track on foot. Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia and De beers Diamond Company. The Matobo area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.
In Bulawayo we stay at a campground with shared facilities, upgrades are available.
A short drive today takes is to Masvingo (360 km, approx 4-5 hours), the oldest colonial settlement in Zimbabwe and the perfect base to explore the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.
Great Zimbabwe is the national monument that Zimbabwe is named after. A Unesco World Heritage site, the ruined city was first constructed in the 11th century where it was thought to be a royal palace for the Zimbabwean monarch.
We will have the whole afternoon to explore the ruins. Our campground in Masvingo has shared facilities.
Harare (320 km, approx 5-6 hours) is Zimbabwe's capital city and also it's largest. Arriving in time for lunch we have the afternoon to explore the city on our own or relax at our campground.
There is plenty to see and do, you might want to head to the National Gallery, the museum, the botanical gardens or simply wander the city centre and explore the shops and markets.
Our next 2 days will vary depending on the local conditions and border crossings. We have approximately 800 km to cover along with two borders crossing to negotiate as we travel from Zimbabwe, down the Tete Corridor into Mozambique finally arriving in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi.
Situated on the Lilongwe River, Lilongwe is the political capital of Malawi, with a population of just under a million people. Lilongwe is a great place to soak up some Malawian culture with lots of coffee shops, bars and restaurants.
Depending on where we spend the night before, we should have the afternoon to explore the town and its many markets and shops. We have a chance to go to the bank and connect to the internet - a short taste of city life, before we head out bush again.
In Lilongwe we camp in a campground with shared facilities.
Today we travel for approximately 7 hours (350 km) from our lodge to Lake Malawi.
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 (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.
Today we drive 235 km (approx 5-6 hours) and camp in Chitimba on the northern shores of Lake Malawi and only 120 km from the Tanzanian border.
Here we overnight at a campsite with showers and flush toilets.
The following day is a long travel day as we enter Tanzania and its southern highlands. Sit back, relax and watch as the countryside passes by.
We set up camp before the town of Iringa (530 km, approx. 9-10 hours) on the grounds of a local farmhouse. The camp has showers and flush toilets.
Heading for Dar es Salaam on the coast we travel through Mikumi National Park. The journey today is 560 km which will take approximately 13 hours of drive time.
Situated at the foot of the thickly wooded Uluguru Mountains, Mikumi is home to large herds of elephants, buffaloes and giraffes, together with lions and leopards. It is Tanzania's third largest national park and although we will not make an off road safari as we drive through, we might see a good selection of the wildlife that resides in the park.
Once in Dar es Salaam, we set up camp on a balmy beach outside of the city. The camp is on the grounds of a hotel and has flush toilets and showers. Feel free to jump in the ocean and have a swim before dinner.
Today we catch a ferry to the "Spice Island" of Zanzibar (approx 45 minutes), 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 in a basic inn with double/twin share rooms.
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 seafront, before trying one of the island's local seafood curries 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 which will include a local meal, a tour around the sites of the 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 in Zanzibar is in twin share rooms.
Today we transfer back to the ferry (approx. 45 minutes) and return to our campsite by the beach outside Dar es Salaam arriving in the late afternoon.
Leaving the beach behind we have a long travel day today we climb high onto the slopes of Kilimanjaro and to the village of Mshiri (560 km, approx 10-13 hours).
Arriving in the late afternoon we camp in the grounds of the Marangu Hotel, a beautiful turn of the century farmhouse set in 12 acres of delightful tropical gardens. Upgrades are available on request and the hotel also has a great bar and pool.
Rise and shine early and on a clear day you'll be greeted with unforgettable views of Kilimanjaro.
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 walk around their shamba (farm) and have the 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.
After an early lunch we head towards Mto Wa Mbu (450 km, approx 8-9 hours) where we camp for the night.
Today we are up very early, leaving our truck behind, putting our camping and personal gear into 6 person jeeps and heading out for our two day excursion.
From Mto Wa Mbu we descend onto the floor of the famous Ngorongoro Crater. We make the most of our safari in the crater, spending between four and five hours exploring this area
A huge, perfectly intact volcanic crater, Ngorongoro is home to some 30,000 animals including endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, impalas, zebras and hippos. The crater floor offers excellent game viewing all year round and the photographic opportunities here are unrivalled.
Departing thecrater in the afternoon we head for the gates of the Serengeti and arrive at our camp in the early evening. The following day we enjoy a full day game drive in the Serengeti.
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 and dotted with acacia trees, 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. In normal circumstances we would expect to see the Big 5 during our stay in the Serengeti.
For an unforgettable experience you might like to do an optional sunrise balloon ride over the Serengeti. If you have pre-booked this activity (please see Important Notes) you will be picked up, driven to the launch site, receive a safety briefing from your pilot and help inflate the balloon. You then float over the Serengeti as the sun comes up, gaining an overview of the immensity of the Serengeti, seeing the abundance of wildlife in their early morning activity, and sometimes descending to tree height providing amazing wildlife photography opportunities. Upon landing and before being returned to your accommodation you'll be treated to a five star bush breakfast.
The bush camps where we stay are very simple (showers and flush toilets) but are located in the middle of the plains, surrounded by animals and the nocturnal noises - something to experience. Your leader will outline the basic safety rules to be followed when camping in an unfenced location where wild animals are present.
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 bypass 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, which is disappointing for all.
Leaving the Serengeti behind head towards Arusha (150 km, approx 2 -3 hours), stopping en route at Mto Wa Mbu to jump back on board our truck and where we will also have the opportunity to to explore the market in this small village. Many crafts and fabrics are found here and the batiks and makonde wood carvings are particularly good.
Tonight we will camp a camp ground on the outskirts of Arusha where we will enjoy our final dinner together.
Today we set off early, heading for the border with Kenya and on to Nairobi (390 km, approx 9-10 hours).
We expect to arrive back in Nairobi around 4pm in the afternoon. Nairobi is a bustling city that is constantly alive with a wide array of restaurants, clubs, pubs and discos. If you are staying on, why not head out to explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum (author of Out of Africa), or Bomas of Kenya which displays the traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes in an outdoor village.
Nairobi is a bustling city that is constantly alive with a wide array of restaurants, clubs, pubs and discos. If you have extra days here, we suggest you head out to explore the National Museum of Kenya or the Karen Blixen Museum (author of Out of Africa), or Bomas which displays the traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes in an outdoor village.
Please note that as this is the joining of two tours, from the morning of Day 46, until the welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 50 you are at free at your leisure in Nairobi. While your leader will assist in organising your accommodation, this is an extra cost and will not come from the trip kitty.
As this is a combination trip the composition of your group and your group leader may change on day 50. 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 next part of your kitty payment at this meeting.
The Nairobi to Cairo sector of your trip will be operated by Dragoman Overland.
This morning we depart for our camp on the shores of Lake Naivasha (140 km, approx 3-4 hours), one of the most beautiful of the Great Rift Valley bodies of water, to relax by the lakeside. Here, there are a wide variety of birds to view in and around the lake, and hippos are usually seen wallowing along the shores.
There is an option here to take an afternoon boat trip along the scenic shallow waters for a closer look at these creatures as well as many other ways to spend your time in this park (please refer to the optional activities list in the trip notes).
Our camp ground has showers and flush toilets.
We have the morning free to explore a little more before departing for Lake Nakuru National Park (120 km, approx 2-3 hours).
Nakuru's small and compact area, based around a flamingo-filled lake, makes it a great location for spotting wildlife. As well as the other members of the Big Five, Lake Nakuru harbours many rhinos and will be the best chance to get a great picture of these magnificent beasts.
Our camp ground has drop/flush toilets and showers.
Leaving the park early this morning, we travel through fantastic scenery as we travel to the slopes of Mt Kenya, spending the night on the grounds of one of the many lodges that are dotted around the area.
We might choose to utilise one of our spare days here to explore nearby Sweet Water Game Sanctuary or take the opportunity to explore the lower slopes of Mt Kenya.
We travel on to Samburu National Park (140 km, approx 4-5hours).
The Samburu region has hardly been touched by tourism and its pristine wilderness is home to a fascinating mix of Kenya's nomadic tribes who still retain traditional ways of life. These tribes include the Samburu, Rendille, Turkana, and Kalenjin.
The Samburu National Park is famous for its reticulated giraffes, Grevy's zebras, graceful gerenuks, and Beisa oryx, whilst crocodiles are often seen in the river. If we are lucky, we may also see lions or leopards here.
We'll take a game drive into the park to see what we can spot. The Ewaso Nyiro River meanders through the reserve forming a ribbon of oases in the parched landscape.
We will visit 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.
The camp is in the heart of the park. Facilities are drop toilets and cold showers.
The following day we travel on to Marsabit (240 km, approx 6-7 hours). We will travel through the black lunar landscape and pass mountain greenery, spectacular craters, watercourses, bush country and termite mounds.
For the following couple of days we must travel in a security convoy because of the dangers of travelling alone in the desert.
The following day we cross the border in to Ethiopia and the border town of Moyale (265 km, approx 7-8 hours), where we set up camp.
We have a full day of travel on towards Konzo (330 km, approx 7-8 hours) home to the local Konso people. We will have time to explore the local market and perhaps take a tour of some traditional houses.
The follow day is a spare day, either being spent in the Konso or travelling on towards the Omo Valley. You will decide this as a group.
In the far south of the country lies the Omo Valley area. We drive down through this remote region (145 km, approx 5-6 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.
The following day we drive to Arba Minch (110 km, approx 2-3 hours).
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 allow 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
We head back down the mountains and spend the night at Shashemene en route to Bale Mountains National Park (280 km, approx. 10-12 hours).
In Shashemene we have the opportunity to visit a Rastafarian community school and museum to learn more about the history of this interesting philosophy.
The follow day is a spare day, either being spent in the Shashemene or travelling on toward Bale Mountains National Park. You will decide this as a group.
From Shashemene we drive on towards the Bale Mountains National Park (280 km, approx. 10-11 hours).
Bale Mountains National Park is situated on a high plateau surrounded by mountain peaks soaring 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 moor lands 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, you may be able to hire horses and follow the riding trails.
In the Bale Mountains we stay in a lodge.
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 (287 km, approx 8-9 hours).
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.
We travel from Lake Abiyata to Addis Ababa (215 km, approx 5-6 hours).
The capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa lies amongst wooded hills at an altitude of about 2300 metres, giving it a pleasant climate. Its name translating as 'New Flower' , the city has many attractions including the National Museum, and Africa Hall; home to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. An interesting modern building, its foyer is dominated by a stained glass window by the famous Ethiopian artist, Afewerk Tekle.
Why not take the chance to head to one of the city's many restaurants for the chance to eat some local food and perhaps listen to some traditional music.
As this is a combination trip the composition of your group and your group leader may change on day 24. There will be a group meeting to meet your new travelling companions and for your new leader to give you some information about the next leg of your journey. Please note your leader will collect the second part of your kitty payment at this meeting.
In Addis Ababa we stay in a hotel.
We spend a night in Dejen (260 km, approx 7-8 hours), visiting the Blue Nile Gorge en route.
We cross the dramatic Blue Nile Gorge which is 1 km deep, taking a couple of hours to drive down to the bottom, cross the river and drive back up the other side.
The following day we travel on to Bahir Dar (270 km, approx. 6-7 hours), located on the shores of Lake Tana and only a few hundred metres from the source of the mighty Blue Nile.
A few kilometres down the river are the spectacular Blue Nile Falls - locally known as Tissisat Falls (literally translating as 'water that smokes'). They are 45 metres high and 400 metres wide. We can walk around the falls and use local reed boats to cross the river upstream. On the lake itself are a number of monasteries on islands and peninsulas and you can take a boat trip to visit two of them. These churches feature the traditional murals and decoration of the Orthodox Church.
In Bahir Dar we stay in a hotel.
Today we drive through more remote parts of Ethiopia, en route to Lalibela (320 km, approx 7-8 hours).
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.
In Lalibela we stay in a basic hotel.
Leaving the town behind we travel around 170 km (approx 7-8 hours) before bushcamping for the night.
From our bush camp it is a full day's journey to Mekele (266 km, approx 8-9 hours).
Capital of the Empire under Yohannes IV in the late 19th century, Mekele is the base for exploring the intriguing rock-hewn churches of Tigray. Sculpted into cliff faces or pre-existing caves, there are at least 120 churches with many of the churches located in clusters; the most famous being Gheralta, Takatisfi, Tembien and Atsbi.
It is a full day's journey from Mekele to Axum (300 km, approx 8-9 hours).
We take a guided city tour of Aksum which will take in the main sights of this fascinating town, the site of Ethiopia's oldest city. The stars here are the impressive obelisks carved from single blocks of granite - the tallest still standing is 23 metres high and was probably transported by elephants from a nearby quarry.
We will also explore the ruins of a palace that is said to have been that of the Queen of Sheba and a complex of several churches, which have been built over the ages around the same site. The most interesting of these is a small unimposing building with a green picket fence that holds the crowns of various former Ethiopian emperors and is said to house the original Ark of the Covenant!
A hotel is our overnight accommodation for two nights.
Leaving Axum behind we travel toward Debark (255 km, approx 13 hours). it is a long travel day, we may chose to break it up and bush camp en route, depending on the road conditions.
The following day we spend the time arranging our trek into the mountains. The process can take quiet some time as we arrange permits, campsites and scouts and guides.
We will trek for the next two days, the route we take and time we trek each day will be decided by you as a group, it is also possible to spilt in to two groups if need be. 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 from 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 will return to Debark for the night.
Leaving the mountains behind, we travel on to Gonder (100 km, approx 4 -5 hours).
Known as Africa's Camelot for its numerous castles and palaces, the historic city of Gonder was once the capital of Ethiopia during the reign of King Fasiladas. On the outskirts of the town there is also Fasiladas' Bath, an interesting building standing in an artificial pool. Another popular sight is Debre Berhan Selassie, the famous church with its ceiling painted with hundreds of faces of angels. Despite raids by Sudanese groups in the late 19th century, and being bombed by the British in World War II, Gonder is very well preserved and easy to get around. We gain a fascinating insight into these ancient times with our guided Gonder tour which includes all these sites.
We spend two nights in Gonder at a small pension.
The following day is a long travel day of about 9 hours and 380km from Gonder to Gedaref. We bush camp near Gedaref.
We make the drive from Gedaref to Khartoum, a drive of about 6 hours and 414km, crossing into 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.
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.
As this is a combination trip the composition of your group may change on day 46. 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 Khartoum we stay at a campsite.
For the next couple of days we head out to visit some of the fantastic Meroe sites. We drive about 13 hours in total over the two days (300 km).
Perhaps the most splendid of all the Kushite temples and pyramids are those at Meroe, Naga and Musawwarat es-Sufra. The pyramids at Meroe are the most impressive in Nubia and the site is very well preserved and restored. By the 4th century BC 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 spend these nights bushcamping.
The next three days we journey across the Nubian Desert. We drive between 5 and 8.5 hours each day, covering a total distance of 1000 km.
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. We camp out in the desert vastness and it is a strange sight to see and hear these 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. Our desert crossing will take approximately four days.
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.
We spend these nights bushcamping in the desert.
Driving a further 10 hours (100 km) today we reach Wadi Halfa. 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 port of Wadi Halfa, our entry point to Egypt, is situated on the southernmost tip of Lake Nasser in the Sudanese Sahara and is the most northerly place in Sudan. Day 10 is free to explore Wadi Halfa.
In Wadi Halfa we stay at a rustic guesthouse.
From Wadi Halfa we board a ferry to cross Lake Nasser. How many days we spend here and when we board the ferry is dependent on ferry schedules.
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 en route.
Accommodation on the ferry is basic. Upon disembarking the ferry we have a short day of 20 km (approx. 30 minutes) to Aswan in Egypt.
Aswan is a beautiful town, situated on one of the most picturesque parts of the Nile with stunning vistas, a great and vibrant souq, 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 souq. The atmosphere of the Aswan souq is second to none and some excellent bargains can be had. At Aswan we can visit the Philae temples, a quarry with an unfinished obelisk, and the high dam, built to control the flow of the Nile thus creating Lake Nasser, the largest artificial lake in the world. There is also an opportunity to trek into the desert by camel to a deserted 6th Century monastery. You may take an option to fly or drive down to Abu Simbel to visit the two magnificent temples. They were moved uphill from the rising floodwaters of Lake Nasser by a Unesco project in the 1960s. Perhaps finish off your days with a visit to the stunning new Aswan Museum, before dinner on one of the many floating riverfront restaurants.
There are so many other activities around Aswan, but you should not miss the opportunity to take at least a short ride in a felucca, the local sailing boat - a great way to experience the ultimate Nile sunset.
In Aswan we stay in a simple hotel.
This morning we head to Luxor, a drive of around 220 km taking around 3.5 hours.
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.
We take a donkey ride on the west bank before visiting 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. We will also go and see the biggest of all Egyptian temples, the mighty Karnak with a local Egyptologist.
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 in a hotel.
Driving about 8.5 hours today (280 km) we reach the El Kharga Oasis.
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.
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.
The following day we drive about 280 km 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 (please see optional activities section for approx. price). The overnight trip is a favourite, heading off into the desert and camping out by hot springs for the night.
The following morning we have a free morning in Dakhla or some may be returning from the overnight camel safari. This afternoon we drive about 5 hours (250 km) to reach our bush camp in the White Desert.
The following day we drive about 6 hours (250 km) through the White Desert to reach Bahariya Oasis. 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 will visit the museum that houses the golden mummies. Just south of the oasis lie the White and the Black Deserts. We will spend a day exploring these as well as visiting Crystal Mountain.
During this part of the trip we spend the nights camping.
We set off this morning to cover the 335 km (approx. 7hrs) which will take us from Bahariya to Cario.
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.
Please note that as this is the joining of two tours, from the morning of Day 118, until the welcome meeting at 10am on Day 123 you are at free at your leisure in Cario. 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 may change on day 124. There will be a group meeting at 6pm 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 next part of your kitty payment at this meeting.
In Cairo we stay in a basic hostel.
We make our way to the centre of the Sinai Peninsula (approx. 6.5 hours, 456km). To the casual eye it is mountainous, arid and forbidding, however it has a wild beauty untouched by the ravages of the modern world. Apart from the coastal towns, the peninsular is inhabited by Bedouins and by the monks of St Catherine's Monastery. We visit the monastery at the foot of Mt. Sinai. It was founded in 527AD and, if local mythology is to be believed, holds what is thought to be an offshoot of the original Burning Bush. You may wish to follow the footsteps of Moses up the 2600m peak of Mt Sinai and spend the night camping at the top in order to catch the spectacular sunset and sunrise.
We head today to Dahab, a short drive of about 2 hours (132km). It's now time for a bit of R & R and so we base ourselves near Dahab. Here you can try some snorkelling or scuba diving in the beautiful waters of the Red Sea. You could even choose to travel down a little further until you reach the Ras Mohammed National Park, which is famed for its stunning dive sites amongst the coral reefs. The diving in this area is some of the best in the world and you can organise trips out to the incredible Red Sea reefs.
We drive to Nuweiba, a major port with a continual flow of people and vehicle traffic on and off the ferry between Nuweiba and Aqaba. The mountain scenery is beautiful and the offshore reefs for which Nuweiba is renowned are spectacular. A ferry then takes us across the Gulf to Aqaba, our port of entry into Jordan. Situated on the Gulf of Aqaba, a continuation of the Red Sea, Aqaba is famed, amongst other things, for the quality of the scuba diving and snorkelling at its nearby coral reefs.
We then drive on to Wadi Rum. Total drive time today is about 3 hours (147km).
Jordan combines world famous historical monuments with outstanding natural beauty and spectacular landscapes. It is a delightful place to visit and the people are enormously friendly and hospitable.
At Wadi Rum we find a desert patrol fort and Bedouin encampment situated in breathtaking desert scenery. It was through this Wadi that Lawrence of Arabia made his unexpected tactical manoeuvre of taking Aqaba from behind. Much of the epic film recreating those scenes was also filmed here in Wadi Rum.
We have the morning in Wadi Rum to tour the desert in jeeps before heading off to Wadi Musa (approx. 2 hours, 110km), our base for visiting Petra. We will spend a day and a half exploring the extraordinary lost city of Petra, which was founded by the Nabateans in the Third Century BC. It became a very rich city based on an important caravan route. It's inhabitants used to emerge from their hidden city between the rocks and take "taxes" from the passing traders. We take horses through the Siq entrance, a narrow chasm about a kilometre long that leads to the city. On emerging into the hidden valley we have an immediate breathtaking view of the Treasury, the most famous and best preserved of the monumental buildings that are carved out of the sheer rock face. We make the climb to El Deir (the Monastery), Aaran's tomb (Abraham's brother) and Wadi Araba can both be seen from here. The last climb is to the High Place and the table where the Nabateans sacrificed animals to their God.
We take a scenic drive down the Kings Highway, through Wadi Mujib - a gorge 1 km wide and 2100m deep. Total drive time today is about 5.5 hours (377km). Our visit to the Dead Sea takes us to 400m below sea level - the lowest land point on earth. Here is your chance to float in salty waters reading a newspaper. Overlooking the Dead Sea is Mount Nebo, the place from which Moses saw the Promised Land. We will make a stop here if time permits and possibly take time to visit the wonderful mosaics in the Byzantine churches of Madaba.
A drive of 2.5 hours (136km) brings us to Jerash. Jerash is perhaps the most famous, and certainly one of the best preserved of the Greco/Roman cities in the Middle East. It was founded by soldiers of Alexander the Great and became one of the ten Roman cities known as the Decapolis and has a well-preserved elliptical forum, colonnaded streets and an excellent theatre. Even to those unimpressed by ruins, the setting is magnificent.
Today we drive (approx. 5.5 hours, 282km) to Damascas, visiting Bosra enroute and crossing the border into Syria. Syria is a country that never fails to impress its visitors. It's effortless hospitality, classic ruins and sites of antiquity, its culture and its great history of trading make it one of the most entertaining countries in the region.
Bosra is both a wonderful and weird backwater town. It has possibly the best preserved Roman theatre in existence and the rest of the town is built in, around or over old sections of Roman buildings, which are made almost entirely out of black basalt blocks.
Damascus is the centre of all the ancient Middle Eastern caravan routes. It is said to be the world's oldest continuously inhabited city. We can follow the footsteps of St. Paul down the "Street called Straight" mentioned in the Bible, and you can visit the Ommayyed Mosque, the fourth holiest place in Islam; the El Azam Palace (folklore museum) and the National Museum are worth taking a look at. Damascus has a great feel about it. It is a busy modern Arabic city but with a wealth of history and culture. Visitors are surprised by the charming and friendly atmosphere of this big city. There is no doubt that this is the centre of a proud Arabic people who love to trade and the city bazaar and souks are fantastic. Make sure you allow yourself time to wander through the bazaar and definitely try out the local food, especially the baklava.
We spend these nights in a hotel.
We leave Syria and cross the border into Lebanon (approx. 150Kms). We have time to explore Beirut and to visit the temple of Baalbeck.
We continue on to the Twelfth Century Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers, known locally as Qalaat al-Hosn. Perched high on a hilltop it commands views over three countries: Syria in which it stands, Turkey in the north and Lebanon just to its south. It is easy to understand why this was such a strategic castle in Crusader times. We have time to explore the battlements, the vaults and towers, the corridors and courtyards of this extraordinarily well preserved castle.
We drive on to Palmyra. Situated in the Syrian desert is Palmyra, a wonderful, extensive ruined city, once the seat of the beautiful Queen Zenobia, and an important and powerful city in the time of the Roman Empire. It's a fascinating place to explore and with a guide you can investigate the Temple of the Bell, underground tombs and the museum, amongst other things. On a hill above the city a Twelfth Century crusader castle shows that it was still considered a strategic location long after the Roman period. It was founded on a large date palm oasis, though much of the land has now returned to desert as the springs have receded into the ground.
We drive on for Aleppo, Syria's second largest city, is a city of commerce and since Roman times it has been an important trading centre between Asia and Europe. The city has a great atmosphere and the sprawling souks and open khans are synonymous with the traditional trading mentality of the Syrian people. The city is renown for its souk, which whilst not the largest or grandest, is one of the most vibrant and natural in the Middle East. Rising up on a high mound at the eastern end of the souks, Aleppo has a very impressive citadel which dominates the city and was at the very heart of its defences. The vast and very well restored towered gateway to the citadel takes you into the medieval heart of Aleppo.
Today we cross into Turkey. Turkey is a rapidly modernising and western orientated secular state with a free enterprise economy. Historically it has its religious routes firmly entrenched in Islam, and the majority of Turks are Islamic. However, the religion does not dominate the country as it does in some of Turkey's neighbours. The Turks are friendly to visitors, the cuisine is a savoury surprise, and the cities are dotted with majestic old buildings. Turkey's topography ranges from Mediterranean coast to the high rugged mountains of Eastern Turkey. The country combines stunning scenery, immense history and wonderful beaches.
In the heart of Cappadocia we reach the town of Goreme and spend a couple of days exploring the area. Known as the Enchanted Valley, this is a fantastic region of cones, needles and columns fashioned by nature from the soft volcanic tuff rock. It is honeycombed with caves scooped out to make churches and dwellings that are known as fairy chimneys and castles. The most interesting are the rock chapels and frescoes of Goreme, the monastic complex of Zelve and the fairy chimneys of Avcilar. Nearby are the remains of underground cities, the most extensive of which housed up to 50,000 people at any one time. These cities could be shut up in the event of an invasion and the population kept safe below ground until the invaders departed. More modern attractions are a local winery, onyx carving and potteries. In Urgup, near Goreme, we can have a traditional Turkish bath, sip tea while playing backgammon with the local men, or enjoy a walk through this unique scenery. We can also arrange a group evening out perhaps in an underground nightclub hollowed out of the soft rock. Entertained by local Cappadocian folk dancers, we sample traditional foods washed down with some of Turkey's excellent wines, beers and Raki.
Today we drive through Turkish countryside bound for Termessos. Even if you are not impressed by ruined cities, Termessos will leave a great impression. It may not be the most spectacular ruin in Turkey, but its precipitous position on the top of a mountain, surrounded by the pine clad slopes and rugged mountains of the Toros Mountains, makes this one of the most memorable of Turkey's ancient monuments. Termessos is situated over 1000m above sea level. It has well preserved ruins tumbling from the summit of the mountain. The site has one of the most dramatically situated theatres in Turkey. A good reason for spending a whole afternoon at this site is that most of the tourist groups avoid it due to the steep trek. Even those that do go there seldom get far up into the ruins and if you trek to the top of the mountain, into the area of the ceremonial burial grounds which are littered with sarcophagi, you will meet very few other visitors. The city was built by a Lycian people, a warlike nation who resisted all outside invaders. Their culture was unmistakably Greek, but neither Alexander the Great nor the Romans managed to conquer this proud city. It met its final demise due to a very large earthquake.
We continue on to the Mediterranean coast where we find the bay of Olu Deniz close by to the town of Fethiye. The town lies at the foot of a hillside overlooking a beautiful bay strewn with islands. The stunning beaches have now become somewhat over popular with tourists, but there are some great optional activities available. We may visit some of the islands by boat and there is the option to scuba dive or water ski. There are also some excellent local hikes, one of which takes you through beautiful hillsides and olive groves from the beach to the remarkable ruined town of Karmylassos. This is not a ancient ruin but a town that was abandoned by its Ottoman-Greek inhabitants after the exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey after the Turkish War of Independence.
We drive on to Selcuk. From here we visit Ephesus and you have free time to soak in the hot springs at Pamukkale or perhaps visit the small museum to see the statuette of the little man with the big secret, found in the well near the brothel at Ephesus.
One of the most spectacular archaeological sites is the city of Ephesus. It is strange to walk the paved streets and realise that here Anthony and Cleopatra rode in procession, and it is even thought that the 'Virgin Mary' may have spent her last days within the city walls. The gymnasium, the stadium (which reputedly held 70,000 spectators), the Great Theatre, the marble avenue and the Arcadian Way are just a few of the sights. Nearby we visit what is left of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Driving to Eceabat today, we stop enroute at Troy on the Aegean coast. Destroyed and rebuilt in its chequered history, it is one of the most famous of the ancient cities. A replica of the Wooden Horse reminds us of the many fables written about Troy.
Gallipoli was the site of the Anzac landings in the 1914-18 war, and the stark memorial at Lone Pine is inscribed with the names of the many fallen Anzacs. The nearby museum with its memorabilia is also well worth a visit.
We drive about 6 hours (412km) to Istanbul. Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents and has a rich mixture of cultures and history. The massive Grand Bazaar is a paradise for souvenir hunters and you may well find yourself drinking tea with the shopkeepers whilst haggling over prices. After a stroll down to the waterfront and the Golden Horn, take a boat ride up the Bosphorus, which gives a fine view of the minarets and towers that give the city its distinctive skyline. There is a wealth of sights to be seen including the Topkapi Palace and Harem, the Blue Mosque, the incredible ancient church of St. Sophia and the Archaeological Museum which contains the tomb of Alexander the Great. Try a visit to the turkish baths where attendants will pummel your body as though it was a lump of meat and walk over your back as a form of massage. Just around the corner is the famous 'Pudding Shop' where you can recover and chat to other travellers at the end of the 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.
Visit Fish River Canyon - Fish River Canyon
Visit sand dunes - Sesriem
Guided desert walk - Sossusvlei
Visit Cape Cross Seal Colony - en route to Spitzkoppe
Game drives - Etosha National Park
San Bushman cultural experience - San Bushman Camp
Mokoro and walking tour - Okavango Delta
Game drive - Chobe National Park
Fish Eagle cruise - Chobe National Park
Visit Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls
Game drive - Hwange National Park
Guided walking safari - Matobo National Park
Great Zimbabwe Ruins - Masvingo
Ferry, accommodation and spice tour - Zanzibar
Visit Village Eduction Project, village walk and lunch - Marangu
Game drive - Ngorongoro Crater
Game drives - Serengeti National Park
Game drive - Lake Nakuru National Park
Samburu community activities - Samburu National Park
Guided excursions to tribal markets and villages - Omo Valley
Rastafarian school and museum - Shashemene
Driving and game excursions - Bale Mountains
Entrance and guide - Lake Abiyata National Park
Ura Kidane Mereth Monastery and Kebran Gabriel M KChurch - Bahir Dar
Entrance Blue Nile Falls - Bahir Dar
½ Day Lake Tana reed boat trip - Bahir Dar
Guided tour of churches - Lalibela
Tigray Rockhewn Churches - Mekele
Guided city tour - Axum
Palace and church ruins - Axum
Entrance - Simien Mountains National Park
2 days guided trekking - Simien Mountains National Park
Castle Complex and Fasilidas' Bath - Gonder
Church of Debre Berhan Sellassie - Gonder
Guided trip to Meroe Pyramids, Naqa Temples and Musawwarat Temples
Visit to Temple of Sulb, Nubian Desert
Kushite temples and pyramids at Jebel Barkal, Nubian Desert
Guided tour of Karnak Temple, Luxor
Guided visit to Valley of the Kings and other West Bank ruins, Luxor
Visits to Bahariya oasis, Crystal Mountain, Black Desert and White Desert
Guided tour of the Egyptian Museum, Cairo
Guided visit to the Giza and Saqqara Pyramids, Cairo
Saqqara Pyramids & Memphis - Cairo
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.
Harbour Cruises, Cape Town - from ZAR100.00
Cycling, Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope Cape Town - from ZAR100
Diving, Cape Town - from ZAR550 without gear & ZAR400 with own gear
Hiking/Rock Climbing, Table Mountain - from ZAR600
Abseiling and Kloofing, Cape Town - ZAR320
Botanic Gardens, Cape Town - admission free
Tour of Robben Island, Cape Town - ZAR75
Bo-Kaap Museum, Cape Town - ZAR27
SA National Gallery, Cape Town - ZAR35
District Six Museum, Cape Town - ZAR20
Table Mountain, Cape Town - from ZAR180
South African Museum, Cape Town - ZAR85
Canoe trip (3 hours), Orange River - US$35
Museum, Swakopmund - US$2
Tandem Skydive, Swakopmund - US$270
Sand boarding, Swakopmund - US$50
Seal & Dolphin 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
Boat trip, Bagani - US$20-25
Rafting/River boarding combo, Victoria Falls US$155
Half Day Canoe Trail - Victoria Falls US$100
Jet boat, Victoria Falls - US$95
Kayaking, Victoria Falls - US$150
Abseil, Flying Fox, Gorge Swing, Victoria Falls - US$115
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
Full Day Canoe Trail, Victoria Falls - US$115
Bungee jumping, Victoria Falls - US$110
Wine route canoe trail, Victoria Falls - US$55
Sunset Cruise, Victoria Falls - US$40
Tour of Local Village & township, Victoria Falls - US$50
***Discounts are available for multi activity packages in Victoria Falls
Natural History Museum, Bulawayo US$10
Railway Museum, Bulawayo - US$1
National Art Gallery, Bulawayo - US$2
National Archives of Zimbabwe, Harare - US$3
National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare - US$1
National Botanic Gardens, Harare - US$5
Tobacco Auction Floor (April-September), Lilongwe - Free
Scuba dive, Lake Malawi - US$75
Horse riding, Lake Malawi - US$50
Guided village walks, Lake Malawi - US$3-10
Snorkelling day trip, Zanzibar - US$35
Scuba dive, Zanzibar - US$80
Dhow trip, Zanzibar - US$40
Prison Island tour, Zanzibar - US$25
Balloon ride, Serengeti - US$500 (must be pre-booked see Important Notes)
Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi - US$14
Giraffe Centre, Nairobi - US$12
NNP Animal orphanage & Safari walk, Nairobi - US$20
Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi - US$35-40
Bomas, Nairobi - US$10
National Museum, Nairobi - US$14
Mardis tomb & Khalifa Museum Entrance, Khartoum - US$1
Temple of Darfufa, Nubian Desert - US$10
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
Karnak Sound and Light Show, Luxor - EGP75
Luxor Temple, Luxor - EGP35
Museums, Luxor - from EGP40
Hibis temple, El Kharga Oasis - EGP20
Bogawaat Necropolis, El Kharga Oasis - EGP25
Kharga Museum, El Kharga Oasis - EGP20
Western Desert Overnight Camel Safari, Dakhla Oasis - EGP200
Golden Mummies Museum, White Dessert - EGP35
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
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 $3800 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.
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.
If you want to see the Whirling Dervishes on northbound trips you must arrive in Khartoum before the trip starts as this event occurs in Omdurman on Friday PM.
This is a combination trip and the composition of your group may change in Victoria Falls, Nairobi, Khartoum & Cairo.
An optional sunrise balloon ride in the Serengeti National Park is possible on this itinerary. Please see days 42-43 for full details of activity. 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.
For all trips entering or starting in South Africa after the 1st of January 2011
As from the 1st January 2011 a new law in South Africa has been introduced whereby the cross border transport agency are no longer allowing foreign registered vehicles to enter the country. We will be working with a local South African operator for the South African section of this tour whom will be providing the services of an alternative vehicle* and driver vetted by Intrepid. Your Intrepid leader and cook will still accompany you on this section and your itinerary will remain unaffected.
*The vehicle used on this section will be an overland vehicle similar style to that of an Intrepid vehicle. However for smaller groups sizes where a large vehicle is not required smaller land cruiser style vehicles may be used.
Maximum of 22 travellers per group
Hotel/hostel (45 nts), camping with facilities (80 nts) bush camp without facilities (19 nts) non inclusive accommodation (8 nts)
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.
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.
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).
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.
Wild camps have no facilities at all.
Not all campsites are as basic as this description; it's just to make sure there are no surprises for you.
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialties so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section of these notes for details of meals included.
Allow USD $1,210 for meals not included.
All meals while camping (no meals are provided when in Cape Town, Swakopmund or Victoria Falls)
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/pap 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: 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, 4x4, boat, ferry, mokoro (dugout canoe), donkey
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 3 crew members - Group Leader, Cook and Driver.
Intrepid runs some of our basic overland trips in conjunction with our partners Dragoman Overland (please refer to Trip Notes (Important Notes) to see if your trip is run in conjunction with Dragoman) and as such the demographics of the crew may vary on each departure - if you are travelling on an Intrepid-operated departure your crew will usually be Kenyan; if you are travelling on a Dragoman-operated departure your crew will be Westerners with an African cook.
Your 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. (From time to time your leader may drive as well)
Your Group Leader will work towards making the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible for all travellers. 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. Regardless of the country of origin, our Group Leaders are chosen for their leadership skills and are wonderful ambassadors for our company and our beautiful continent and its people.
Your Cook 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.
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.
Everyone is expected participate and carry their share of the workload/duties, making camp chores easier. The duties Rota system is adopted where all members share in general camp duties – cooking, shopping, washing up etc.
If the whole group participates it will be quicker, easier, and more fun.
We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader and crew; however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.
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.
If you have pre-booked a transfer with us your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals section near where you clear customs. The driver will wait for an hour after your scheduled arrival time. If you are unable to find your driver please phone +27 21 424 6169. If you are delayed beyond one hour after your scheduled arrival time, please make your own way to the hotel.
If you are making your own way to the hotel there are safe and reliable airport taxis which will cost around ZAR300. There are also shuttle service available.
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.
Orient Hostel
Akbiyik Caddesi no:13
Sultanahmet
Istanbul
Turkey
Phone: +90 212 517 9493
The Orient Hostel Istanbul is ideally located close by to the Topkapi Palace, Saint Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Yerebatan Cistern, Hippodrome, numerous museums are only 200m away, the Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, Cemberlitas, and Beyazit are an easy walk. It is also in a easily accessible location to transport and public services. Please note the rooms are small at this hostel.
24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER Tel: +44 (0) 1728 862 222 This an answer phone. If outside UK office hours for non urgent questions, please leave a message. There is a number provided to call for a 24 hour manned mobile in case of genuine emergency.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary
depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible,
but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.
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 other 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.
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.
ZIMBABWE
Zimbabwe visas are required by most nationalities, including from the EU, US and Australia. All nationalities should check with their nearest Zimbabwe Embassy for more information. For most nationalities, Zimbabwe visas are available at the point of entry. If you plan to purchase your visa on arrival you will need US dollars cash. The cost is approximately USD30/45.
MOZAMBIQUE
For most nationalities a visa can be obtained on arrival, valid for a maximum of 30 days. The cost is approximately US$80. Some nationalities require a visa prior to arrival. Please check with the relevant consulate prior to departure.
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.
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.
KENYA
Kenyan visas are required by most nationalities. Visas are available at point of entry to most nationalities. Some nationalities require visas to be purchased in advance - you MUST check before departure. If you plan to purchase your visas on arrival you will need new (post 2003), clean American dollars cash and the cost is around USD50. All nationalities should check with the Kenyan embassy in their country for more information.
ETHIOPIA
Most nationalities require a visa for entry to Ethiopia and you must obtain this before travel, please see this website to find your closest embassy or consulate http://www.embassiesabroad.com/embassies-of/Ethiopia.
If you are flying in to Addis Ababa you can obtain a visa on arrival. You will need two passport photos and approximately USD40. 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 will need to obtain your visa in advance.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are travelling on a long combination trip i.e. Starting in Cape Town, you must apply for a 6 month visa to ensure the visa is still valid upon entry. The Embassies in Cairo and Nairobi no longer issue visas to non Egyptian or Kenyan residents so you will NOT be able to obtain one in either of these places. If you do not have the visa this could result in you sending your passport to your country of residency to obtain the visa at an extra personal cost, and could even result in you missing days of the trip waiting for your passport to return.
When applying for the visa the form will ask you for a contact in Ethiopia please put:
Soramba Hotel
Belay Zeleke road, near Minelik Sq.
Ethiopia
Email: sorambahotel@ethionet.et
Web: www.sorambahoteladdis.com
Arada Sub city Woreda 01 Kebele 03/09 House # New
Addis Ababa
Tel: +251-11-156-56-33,
Fax: +251-11-157-57-05
SUDAN
All nationalities require a visa to enter Sudan. This visa must be obtained before travel: -
For US citizens please visit the Embassy of Sudan in Washington on details of how to apply for the visa www.sudanembassy.org
For UK nationalities please visit the Embassy of Sudan in London for details on how to apply for the visa http://www.sudan-embassy.co.uk
For Australian nationals please visit the following website for details of your closest Sudan Mission http://protocol.dfat.gov.au/Mission/list.rails
All other nationalities must check their respective Embassies for the latest information on how to apply for a Sudan visa & latest costs.
Once in Sudan all nationalities are required to register with the Aliens Department within three days of your arrival in the country (2 passport size photos are needed and the fee is the Sudanese Pound equivalent of around £35). Once registered, you are not required to obtain an exit visa to leave the country. You are required to pay US$20 per person airport tax.
EGYPT
Most nationalities are able to obtain this visa on arrival at the airport in Cairo, Aqaba ferry port, Aswan Ferry port and Khartoum. All nationalities must check with their respective embassies.
The approx. cost on arrival is currently USD15 paid in cash but please check 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.
JORDAN
We enter Jordan on a group visa which is organised by your leader on arrival. You are not required to obtain your visa in advance.
SYRIA
Citizens of all nationalities require a visa to enter Syria. We will obtain a group visa for entry to Syria. You will pay a visa fee directly to your leader. The cost varies depending on your nationality. Please budget USD50. Please note that it won't be possible to enter Syria with Israeli stamps in your passport. If you have an Israeli stamp in your passport you will need to obtain a new passport before travelling or applying for any visas for this trip.
TURKEY
An entry visa is required for citizens of the US (ESD20), Canada (USD60 on arrival, CAD75 for advance application), the UK (USD20, GBP45 for advance application, and Australia (USD20 on arrival), while a valid passport is sufficient for citizens of most other countries, including New Zealand, for stays up to 3 months. The visa costs can change depending on the political climate of the region. It is unnecessary to acquire an entry visa prior to departure as visas can easily be obtained on arrival. Visas obtained on entry must be paid in cash. A number of currencies are accepted including Euro, Pounds and US Dollars.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels but can be quiet expensive. 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.
Ask your leader/guide who can point out the best places to do your laundry on the trip. They are usually at any 2 night stop to allow enough time for drying. Note that laundry is often done by hand possibly resulting in some damage to clothes. Leave your delicate evening wear at home.
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. While we provide a mattress for each client, some travellers find they like the extra comfort of a double layer and choose to bring their own mattress.
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
Trip confirmation voucher
Photocopies of important documents to be kept separately (we recommend you keep a copy at home as well)
Money (travellers cheques/cash/credit cards)
Your Kitty (where applicable)
Money belt or pouch (to be worn under clothes)
First aid kit
Personal Medication/prescriptions
Prescription glasses
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
Night clothes/sleepwear
Travel sickness tablets
Swimming costume
Swimming towel
Walking shoes with good grip
Refillable water bottle
Camera
Film, memory cards
Binoculars
Daypack to carry your personal needs during the day
Luggage lock (and keys)
Smarter clothes for nights out
Warm clothes for the cooler nights
Comfortable travelling clothes (light, easily washable, quick dry)
Waterproof jacket or small umbrella
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 (optional)
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 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. US$ 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 unfavourable exchange rates and commission charges. 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
We recommend that you organise cash for your kitty before arriving at your destination. If this is not possible, money exchanges can be found at the Airport upon arrival, or close to the starting point hotel.
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.
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight 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.
When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that the Tour Operator, Intrepid, reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
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 liters 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.
We have become aware of passengers being approached outside of our starting point hotels by 'helpful' locals who want to show you where to go or claiming to be Intrepid employees selling Urban Adventures or Intrepid trips.
Please note these people are not employees of Intrepid nor registered guides and will try and get as much money from you as they can. A friendly ‘no thank you’ should suffice.
If this does happen to you, please advise your leader or the reception of your hotel immediately so that the person can be reported to the appropriate authorities.
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
DFAT
When booking this tour we ask you to consider that it travels to areas which are currently classified by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) at a Level 5, "do not travel".
While there are many reasons for an adverse travel warning and not all National Governments classify these reasons to the same degree, travelling in spite of a warning is a serious decision and we strongly advise you to consider the potential ramifications to you and your family before booking.
We also recommend that you check before departure that your travel insurance is valid for travel in these regions.
Where we use a local partner to fully operate one of our itineraries we use the travel advisory of the country where that operator is based rather than the Australian DFAT advisory. This itinerary is operated by our local partners Dragoman and as such will follow the British Government (FCO) Travel Advice. To view these travel advices please log on to http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/
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.
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