Welcome to Intrepid real life experiences... we hope that you enjoy exploring the world as much as we do.
Travel from the German-inspired capital of Namibia to Zambia's impressive Victoria Falls, getting a real taste of the African wilderness and bushland on the way. Meet friendly San bushmen, the original inhabitants of Southern Africa, who still maintain their hunter-gatherer ways. Explore the watery labyrinth that is the Okavango Delta in Botswana and go on safari in the Chobe National Park before following the Zambezi on its mighty journey into the sunset.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Tipping
Important Notes
Group Size
Accommodation
Meals
Meal Inclusions
Comfort is your kind of style if you want a few little extras, but don't want to compromise on the whole grassroots travel experience. You get to stay in better hotels and guesthouses, all with plenty of local character, and may travel in private transport as well as joining locals on public transport. You're as likely to find yourself paddling a kayak as relaxing on a cruise along the Yangtze River. These are real life experiences, just with a softer landing. And all for just a little more than our Original adventures.
Halo! Welcome to Namibia.
An arrival transfer is from the airport to your hotel is included in your tour. If you have confirmed this transfer by providing your flight details at least 15 days prior to departure you will be met at the airport and transferred to the joining point hotel.
You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting tonight. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. After the group meeting there is the option of joining the group for dinner.
Windhoek is the capital of Namibia. The city is a melting pot of the many different ethnic groups that live in Namibia and its colonial past is still highly evident in its German-style architecture. After the group meeting you can taste this melting pot by heading out for dinner and perhaps afterwards experiencing the nightlife of the capital.
Meals included: None
Overnight: Our hotel in Windhoek is comfortable. All rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, heating/air-conditioning, tea/coffee facilities, tv and electronic room safes. There is a pool, sauna and unique rooftop bar and restaurant.
Crossing into Botswana, we arrive in the town of Ghanzi, an area well-known for the San Bushman people. We travel for approximately 540 km which will take us about 8-9 hours (including border crossing and lunch break)
The tribespeople of this area are part of the oldest hunting and gathering societies known to man and they number around 100,000 today. To protect their culture, the Kuru Cultural Centre, founded in 1991, works alongside the Kuru Art Project in order to preserve and promote age-old San and Bushman traditions. While in Ghanzi, there's an opportunity to take part in traditional Bushman dancing and time here is spent gaining an insight into the lives of these unique people.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: We stay tonight in simple twin share accommodation.
Today we drive from Ghanzi to Sepupa (approx. 4-5 hours, 260km), arriving between 12noon-1pm. We then have an hour to relax on the river bank while all our luggage is packed onto speedboats. The water transfer from Sepupa to our house boat at Serongwe takes approx. 2 hours.
After breakfast the following morning, we head into the Delta by mokoro, a local canoe, followed by a game walk (around 2-3 hours in duration), before returning by mokoro to our houseboat base for lunch. There is time this afternoon for an optional scenic flight over the Delta or perhaps to visit a local village before we head off on another cruise.
Meals included: Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners
Overnight: Houseboat
Our houseboat has twin share rooms and a dining area on board the deck.
Please note that on occasion our houseboat will not be available due to regular servicing and maintenance requirements. If this occurs the program will be replaced with alternate land based accommodation.
We take a water transfer back to Sepupa (approx. 2 hours). Reboarding our vehicle we drive to Tsodilo Hills, where we take a guided walk around some of the bushman paintings with a local guide. Once through the border we take a river drive through Mahango Game Reserve with the possibility of spotting Sable and Roan antelope which the area is famous for. Elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffe, etc also occupy this park.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Accommodation with en suite facilities
The following day we drive through the Caprivi National Park to stay on the banks of the river close to the town of Katimu Malilo. The distance travelled today is approximately 300 km which is around 4-5 hours driving time.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Our accommodation in twin share rooms, set amongst a very verdant garden with en suite shower and toilet, mosquito nets and fans.There is a pool to swim in and a bar and restaurant area.
We leave for Kasane going through the Caprivi National Park. En-route there is a border crossing back into Botswana at Ngomo Border Post. The last 70 km is through Chobe National Park with a possibility of seeing large herds of elephant. It is about 6-7 hours driving today.
This afternoon we embark on the Chobe River Sunset Cruise. We'll keep a look out to spot birdlife, hippos and crocodiles as we glide along the Chobe River on a relaxing sunset cruise.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Enjoy the swimming pool and bar at your lodge before retiring to your comfortable accommodation with en suite bathrooms.
This morning there is the chance for an optional open vehicle game drive into the Chobe National Park. This park has an enormous number of elephants and there is a good chance we shall spot some of these magnificent creatures.
Crossing into Zambia by ferry, we then make our way to Livingstone. Please note - In normal circumstances the crossing is quite smooth and quick if both ferries are running. Sometimes only one ferry is operational and there might be some delays in these circumstances.
This afternoon we head out for a grand conclusion to our tour- a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls. The falls are an enormous curtain of water, about a mile wide, falling 108 m into a narrow chasm below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400 m and the falls are an impressive raging torrent. The spray from the falls can sometimes be seen from kilometres away. It's no wonder the local name 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 remainder of your time in Livingstone is free time to consider taking part in the many optional adrenaline activities that this area is famous for. Jet boating or taking a scenic helicopter over the falls make for an exhilarating end to your African adventure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: Your accommodation for tonight is a Lodge.
There are no activities planned for your final day and you are able to depart the hotel at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
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
You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.
Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.
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.
Arrival airport transfer
Entrance, mokoro tours and game walks - Okavango Delta
Game drive Mahango Game Reserve - en route to Caprivi strip
Chobe River Cruise - Chobe National Park
Entrance to Victoria Falls (Zambian side) - Livingstone
Local interaction with San Bushman - Ghanzi
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.
Game drive, Chobe National Park - US$25
White water rafting (full day), Victoria Falls - US$145
Jet boat, Victoria Falls - US$95
Kayaking, Victoria Falls - US$150
Abseil Full Day, Victoria Falls - US$95
Gorge Swing (2 jumps), Victoria Falls - US$65
Flying Fox, Cable Slide, Rap Jump - Victoria Falls - US$35 each
Horse riding (2 hours), Livingstone - US$75
Flight over the falls (Microlight), Victoria Falls - US$120-240
Flight over the falls (Helicopter), Victoria Falls - US$130-260
Elephant Ride, Victoria Falls - US$150 (plus Park Fees)
Canoeing Upper Zambezi (half day), Victoria Falls - US$95- 120
Bungy jumping, Victoria Falls - US$110
Sunset Cruise, Victoria Falls - US$45-55
Discounts are available for multi activity packages at Victoria Falls
Scenic flight, Okavango Delta - -prices vary depending on plane size, and number of passengers.
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.
Local Partner:
Intrepid Bundu run all of Intrepids' trips between Livingston and Johannesburg in South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland.
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.
Please note that on occasion our houseboat will not be available due to regular servicing and maintenance requirements. If this occurs the program will be replaced with alternate land based accommodation.
From 1 Jan 2011 this trip will be 14 days rather than its current 9 days.
The new itinerary is as follows:
Day 1 Windhoek
Days 2-3 Damaraland
Days 4-5 Etosha National park
Day 6 Rundu
Days 7-8 Okavango Delta
Days 9-11 Caprivi Strip
Day 12 Chobe national park
Days 13-14 Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Full details of the revised itinerary will be available on our website from 1 November 2010.
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Hotels/lodges (6 nts), houseboat (2 nts)
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we are arriving prior to normal check in time. However this is not always possible which means we will not be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
If you have purchased pre or post trip accommodation you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
While 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 $180 for meals not included.
8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners
Safari vehicle, boat, walking
On this trip you will be accompanied by 2 crew members, a Group Leader, and a Driver.
Your Intrepid Group Leader’s role involves organizing the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip and managing trip logistics.
Your Group Leader will work towards making the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible for all travelers. Intrepid trips are built around the co–operation and participation of all the group members under the supervision of the group leader.
While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting, especially when tracking and identifying game - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Our Group Leaders are chosen for their leadership skills and are wonderful ambassadors for our company and our beautiful continent and its people.
Your Driver’s main responsibility is to get you to your destination safely; they are also responsible for the maintenance of the vehicles along the way.
We endeavor to provide the services of an experienced leader and driver; however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.
Roof of Africa
124-126 Nelson Mandela Avenue
Windhoek
Namibia
Phone: +264 61 254 708
Fax: +264 (61) 248048
Roof of Africa Hotel is a small friendly hotel, situated within 15 minutes walking distance from the vibrant city centre. The Hotel has 27 well appointed rooms overlooking the swimming pool. There is also a restaurant on site.
An arrival transfer is from the airport to your hotel is included in your tour. Complimentary transfers are only applicable if on day 1 of your Intrepid trip or if going to pre tour accommodation booked through Intrepid (please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided). Please look for our representative holding an Intrepid sign/sign with your name. Please do not go with anyone else. If for some reason you do not make contact with the Intrepid representative at the airport please call +27 11 675 0767/8 or +27 82 822 9407. If you are unable to call these numbers, please take an airport shuttle to the starting point hotel. Keep your receipt and we will provide you with an immediate reimbursement.
The Windhoek airport is approximately 48 km from town. Shuttle buses from the airport are the best option as they are generally safer, know where the hotels are and have fixed prices (as opposed to the taxis).
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.
The Zambezi Waterfront Chalet
Sichango Rd
Livingstone
Zambia
Phone: +260 213 320606
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's South African Office can be reached on: +27 11 471 7400 (South African business hours) or +27 828229407 (24/7). For all other enquiries please contact our Reservations department which is open 24 hours, 6 days per week. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary
depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible,
but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.
NAMIBIA
Currently visas are not required for most nationalities to enter Namibia but please check there has been no charge with the relevant visa office before your departure.
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.
ZAMBIA
Zambian visas are required by most nationalities, including from the EU, US and Australia. All nationalities should check with their nearest Zambian Embassy for more information. For most nationalities, Zambian visas are available at the point of entry. If you plan to purchase your visa on arrival you will need US dollars cash.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a small charge. Self-service laundries are scarce in Africa. If you would like to wash as you go, we recommend you bring bio-degradable laundry soap. 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 eveningwear 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 bringing a personal water bottle to use on the trip as we do provide treated water on all our camping trips.
LUGGAGE
There is a maximum baggage allowance of 15kg per person on the vehicles. Excess baggage may be left at the starting point hotel in their baggage storage room.
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.
VALUABLES
Please avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden.
We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.
When packing, be aware that dress standards can be conservative in some parts of Africa. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no short shorts in culturally sensitive areas (mosques, small villages, etc). We recommend a mixture of loose, lightweight clothing and warm clothing for the evenings. Topless sun bathing is unacceptable through out the whole of Africa.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Passport
Any Visas required for this trip
Vaccination Certificates
Travel insurance including insurer details, 24 hr emergency contact telephone number and policy number
Flight Tickets
Intrepid trip confirmation voucher
Photocopies of important documents to be kept separately (we recommend you keep a copy at home as well)
Latest trip notes (this information)
Money (travellers cheques/cash/credit cards)
Travellers' cheques- keep a note of the serial numbers of your Travellers cheques and also the emergency contact numbers. Keep these details separately from the cheques.
Your local payment/Kitty ( where applicable)
Money belt or pouch (to be worn under clothes)
Personal First aid kit
Personal Medication/prescriptions
Prescription glasses
Contact lens solution
High protection sunscreen
Lip balm
Hat/wide brim hat
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Antihistamine/insect bite cream
Water purification solution
Antibacterial gel / wipes
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Alarm clock
Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
Night clothes/sleepwear
Travel pillow
Travel sickness tablets
Swimming costume
Swimming towel
Sarong for bathing
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
Refillable water bottle
Camera
Film, memory cards
Binoculars
Spare batteries
Comfortable daypack to carry your personal needs during the day
Local language phrase book
Personal audio player
Portable games / playing cards
Reading material
Luggage lock (and keys)
Smarter clothes for nights out
Warm clothes for the cooler nights
Waterproof jacket or small umbrella
Long trousers with the zip off (are the most recommendable ones for hikes)
Toiletries
Bath towel
Travel plug / international adapter
Mobile phone - check you have international roaming access
Rubber flip flops for showers
Please refer to Trip Notes (What to Take) for more details
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website:
www.oanda.com.
The best way to manage your money in Africa is a mixture of USD cash, an ATM card (best to have both Visa and MasterCard) and some traveller’s cheques.
Cash
Cash is easily changed at exchange bureaus and they generally offer the best rates. USD large bills, in good condition, 2003 series onwards only, are more widely accepted; any old or damaged notes may not be accepted.
EUR or GBP are also widely accepted. The South African Rand can also be used widely in countries of Southern Africa.
When changing money, only use reputable authorized money exchange vendors and never anyone on the street. There are many instances of travellers being given counterfeit notes or being tricked when money is being counted out.
Travellers Cheques
You should also carry some traveller’s cheques for back up emergency cash.
While traveller’s cheques are undoubtedly the safest way to carry money, they are becoming harder to cash around the world and can often result in unfavorable exchange rates. It can also be tricky to reach banks during banking business hours which are often short in many African countries. Note: Receipts for traveller’s cheques are required by banks and money changers.
Visa and MasterCard
With ATMs being increasingly available in the many major towns and cities, credit or debit cards are a convenient way to access money. A charge is made for each international transaction - please check with your bank how much this fee will be.
Check with your bank before leaving home that your card can be used as a debit card in Africa. You may also want to notify your bank that you are visiting Africa as it is not unknown for banks to freeze cards which show sudden transactions in other countries.
If you are on a multi country tour, your tour leader/local guide will be able to give you an approximate idea of how much money you may need for your stay in each country.
The current departure tax from Zambian airports is US$25 for international flights and US$8 for domestic flights
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All Intrepid travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If in the opinion of our group leader or company representative any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Intrepid reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in these trip notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
Yellow Fever
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries in Africa. You may be needed to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It is also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home. Please check with your doctor before leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you will be visiting.
Drinking water:
As a rule we recommend you do not drink tap water, even in hotels, as it contains much higher levels of different minerals than the water you may have at home. For local people this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for travellers from other continents, drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally this is not serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it is enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Bottled water is widely available but we recommend that you fill up from your vehicle (we treat our water) if you are on a camping trip. Water consumption should be about 3 litres a day (this should be easy for most).
First Aid:
The leader will be carrying a basic First Aid kit, but can not administer any drugs. Re-hydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhoea blockers are available from many pharmacies.
Please inform the leader of any specific medical requirements on day 1 at your group meting.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips: www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy at www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in Africa differ from those in the western world and not all hotels have a fire exit or smoke detectors. You may stay at hotels with unfenced pools and no life guard on duty. Some hotel balconies do not meet UK standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm.
Pick-pocketing is very common, especially in larger cities. We strongly recommend that you do not carry large amounts of cash and use a secure neck wallet or a money belt.
Travellers must exercise common sense and caution at all times. You should stick to set travel arrangements and avoid unknown areas. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and a record of your travellers' cheques and credit card numbers separate from where you keep the originals. You should avoid carrying large amounts of cash, or walking by yourself at night.
While staying in National Parks it is important that you listen to any advice given by your tour leader and the park rangers regarding responsible and safe behavior.
On some trip you will at times stay in unfenced campsites within National Parks. While this is a fantastic experience, there are a few safety rules to follow. Please listen to the safety advice of your leader and park rangers.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the Bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Please go to www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php for links to various travel insurance providers.
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the
frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and
likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group
- patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time,
ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best
trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on
your part.
Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information
about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.
Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On a selection of our Comfort and Original style trips you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you will have your own room (where available). Please refer to the important notes if this trip has a single supplement and any accommodation on the trip that the single supplement will not apply to. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour, pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.intrepidtravel.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Intrepid travellers. Intrepid's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Since Intrepid Travel commenced operating in 1989 we have been committed to giving something back to the communities we visit. One way has been through our support for local humanitarian, development and conservation projects. Many of our travellers want to contribute something too. To make things easier we established The Intrepid Foundation. All donations to The Intrepid Foundation will be matched by Intrepid Travel dollar for dollar, up to AU$5,000 per donor and a total of AU$300,000 for all donors in each financial year. And every cent gets there as Intrepid Travel pays for all the administration costs. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your group leader for information on the projects we support in the region, through The Intrepid Foundation; or go to our website: www.theintrepidfoundation.org
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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