Welcome to Intrepid real life experiences... we hope that you enjoy exploring the world as much as we do.
Want Africa with the lot? That's just what you'll get on this epic adventure across nine countries, amid landscapes of ethereal beauty. Get breathtakingly close to animals more often seen in zoos and nature documentaries: from endangered mountain gorillas to lumbering elephants, ferocious lions to tiny dik-dik antelopes. Along the way, meet people from a range of cultures and communities: the spice growers of Zanzibar, friendly fishermen on Lake Malawi, the coffee-farming Chagga of Kilimanjaro and the San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert. This trip will leave you humbled and amazed by the breadth of life and culture in this ancient and spectacular continent.
To save you money and the hassle of booking multiple trips, this journey is a combination of some of our most popular adventures. As this is a combination trip your leader and group may change.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Physical Preparation
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Tipping
Kitty
Important Notes
Group Size
Accommodation
Meals
Meal Inclusions
Big adventures through big landscapes; whether it's a road trip along world famous highways or an off the beaten track adventure along rugged roads, on an Overland adventure you'll experience the sights, sounds and smells of the world up close. Travelling in purpose built vehicles you'll explore bustling cities or isolated communities, search for wildlife, visit vast national parks, see changing landscapes and camp in tents. On an Overland journey you're more than just a passenger, you're part of the crew, pitching in to set up camp, shop for food and even cook. And, like all great adventures, the more you put in the more you'll get out!
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa.
You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting tonight at 6pm. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. After the group meeting there is the option of joining the group for dinner.
IMPORTANT: Due to the lack of accommodation available during the 2010 football world cup, the trips departing from the 17th June through to the 10th of July 2010 will hold the first meeting at 10AM on day 1 of the trip. Your group will leave Cape Town after this meeting and the first night will be spent on-route to the Orange River.
At this meeting, your leader will collect your kitty money. Please bring USD notes/bills printed after 2003 in large denominations.
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.
We stay in a hotel situated in Cape Town's popular, lively and vibrant Kloof Street with a large variety of restaurants, coffee shops, cafe's and bars all within walking distance.
This morning we drive to the famous Cape of Good Hope as well as the nearby Cape Point where the two oceans - Atlantic and Indian - meet. Later this day we enter the Western Cape where wheat and fruit farming is abundant. We cover 280 km (approx. 8 hours driving time) on day 2.
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.
Day 5 is a long driving day as we head towards the fabled dunes of Namibia (500 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. It's a short day drive and we hope to be in town for lunch (200 km, approx. 4-5 hours).
Swakopmund is a lovely oasis between the desert and the ocean, and there's 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 town's 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 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
We cover approximately 480 km on our drive from Spitzkoppe to the Etosha National Park which should take approximately 9 hours.
Today we head towards our second bush camp 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.
The following morning we head off to Rundu, our launching pad for our Okavango Delta experience, aiming to arrive at lunch time (320 km, approx. 6 hours). It is a great place to relax and if there is time, to watch traditional dances, go horse riding or simply interact with the locals of the area.
We camp at a beautiful & tranquil spot set in lush vegetation on the banks of the Kavango River on the border with Angola.
Tonight we have flush toilets and showers.
We head north on a straight drive and enter Botswana. Afterwards 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 Seronga where we leave our vehicle and board the dugout styled canoes (mokoros). The polers will steer and guide us to our third bush camp on the trip (340 km to Seronga, 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.
On day 16 we continue our trip around the delta and then negotiate our way to Umvuvu Camp and unite again with our truck. Our camp for the night has showers and small bar.
Today we re enter Namibia and, heading back up the Pan Handle of the Delta, we drive to Bagani (130 km, approx. 4 hours)
Here we have time to relax away from the rigours of the road a little and take part in the various activities that are available at this charming place. Various boat trips, fishing or hikes are possible from Bagani.
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 (430km, 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.
Moving on from the Chobe, we cross the river by ferry and enter into Zambia. It's only a short drive to the town of Livingstone, located very close to the mighty Victoria Falls. Travel time today excluding the border crossing is 100 km, approx. 3 hours.
While here we experience one of our journey's highlights- a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls. The falls are an enormous curtain of water, about a mile wide, falling 108m into a narrow chasm below. In the wet season, the spray created can rise up an incredible 400m 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 our time in Livingstone is free to allow you to participate in some of the many optional activities on offer. There are various activities and excursions to choose from both on the water, on land and high above it all. Choose from white water rafting and canoeing, or go horse riding, abseiling or gorge swinging. You could also take a ride in a micro-light, helicopter or small plane for a bird's eye view of the falls.
As this is a combination trip the composition of your group and your group leader may change on day 22. There will be a group meeting to meet your new group members and to get information from your group leader for the next leg of your journey. Please note your leader will collect the second part of your kitty today.
Our camp ground is centrally located and has clean ablution blocks, comprising hot and cold showers and toilets.
Meal plan: Day 20 - B.L
Meal plan: Day 21 -No meals included
Meal plan: Day 22 -No meals included
Meal plan: Day 23 -No meals included
From Livingstone, we continue with our journey through Zambia - in a couple of long travel days. Our first stop is at a camp just before Zambia's busy capital, Lusaka (480 km, approx 9 hrs).
Tonight's camp has flush toilets and showers.
The following day we continue to make our way through the heartland of Zambia to the border with Malawi (590 km, approx. 9-10 hrs).
Tonight's camp at Chipata also has flush toilets and showers.
Part of what makes travelling with Intrepid special is that we get you off the well beaten beach track and give you the opportunity to meet the people of Africa. Today we drive from Chipata to reach Luwawa Forest (450 km, approx. 8-9 hrs).
Luwawa Forest is in the Viphya Mountains of Malawi at about 1200m above sea level. The forest has claim to be the largest man-made forest in Africa and is made up of conifers and native trees of Malawi. We will enjoy a village community visit here and there are many options to also choose from here - mountain biking, canoeing, fishing or taking forest walks.
We will enjoy a village community visit with the option of overnighting in the village or you may choose to return to our lodge.
Here we camp on the grounds of the Luwawa Forest Lodge, situated at 1650m above sea level, nestled in amongst the wooded mountain side, in one of the most tranquil and beautiful scenic locations in the north of Malawi.
Today we travel for approximately 4 hours (250 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 in Africa.
Our campsite is right on the shore of Lake Malawi.
Today we drive 235 km, approx 5 hrs and camp in Chitimba. 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 on the grounds of a farmhouse. The camp has showers and flush toilets. Distance travelled today is about 530 km, approx. 9-10 hours including the border formalities.
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 elephant, buffalo and giraffe, together with lions and leopards. It is Tanzania's third largest national park and today we drive through it. Although we will not make an off road safari, 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. We spend two nights here.
On day 33 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 in 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 where you can dazzle your senses by touching, tasting and smelling them. This 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.
On day 36 we transfer back to the ferry (approx. 45 minutes) and return to our campsite by the beach outside Dar es Salaam.
After all that beach time, it's time to get off the well beaten track and head into the remote Tanzanian Mountains. We drive about 11 hours (380 km) from Dar es Salaam.
We have a two night stop in the beautiful Usambara Mountains to explore this lovely unspoilt area of Tanzania. Unlike the coast and the north, very few tourists visit this area and so it has a freshness that can be hard to find elsewhere. The mountains are located in the north east of Tanzania between Kilimanjaro and the Indian Ocean and overlook the vast Masai steppe. The wonderfully lush and green forests stretch across the mountains and are ideal for easy hikes and guided walks.
As beautiful as the place is, its real jewels are the local peoples and villages. The area has a reputation for gentle hospitality and we will visit some of the small communities. From our base we will organise a short day's walking trip out to the beautiful Irente viewpoint. On our way back we'll visit a local village.
We make camp at the old German colony of Lushoto.
Today we climb even higher onto the slopes of Kilimanjaro and to the town of Moshi. It is here that we will meet the very special kids of the Amani Children's Home. Amani supports street children, giving them a safe place to stay and educational and emotional support. Check out the new school which has been built with the help of donors and be inspired by this project which is changing these children's lives. For more information on this project visit: www.amanikids.org
Afterwards we drive to Mshiri village in Marangu. Our camp has showers and flush toilets. Distance travelled today is 265 km, approx. 5-6 hours drive time.
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.
In the afternoon we head to our campsite at the village of Karatu, the base for our Serengeti safari (270 km, approx. 4-5 hours).
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 three day excursion.
Our basic program is to arrive into the Serengeti in the afternoon of day 41 and game drive all the way to our camp. We'll be driving about 8 hours total. The following day we enjoy a full day game drive before we arrive in the Ngorongoro area in the late afternoon.
The wide open plains of the Serengeti, green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season and home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators, is perhaps the quintessential image of Africa. Flat and rolling with long grasses the plains get its name from the Masai word Siringitu, "the place where the land moves on forever". Game viewing in the Serengeti is amazing and as you camp out at night, don't be surprised to hear lions in the distance as you recount your amazing sightings during the day. The Serengeti Plains usually live up to everyone's expectations. The classic East African scenery of rolling grasslands is dotted with Acacia trees. In normal circumstances we would expect to see the Big 5 during our stay in the Serengeti.
An optional balloon ride over the Serengeti at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. If you have pre-booked this activity (please see Important Notes) you will be picked up and driven to the launch site, receive a safety briefing from your pilot and will help inflate the balloon. You then glide through the dawn, sometimes at tree height providing amazing wildlife photography opportunities, sometimes ascending to get an overview of the enormity of the Serengeti and the teeming herds of early morning wild life movements. Upon landing and before being returned to your vehicle and group 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 by-pass this activity as we feel it negatively impacts the Masai culture and your perception of this culture. Unfortunately the tourist village business is such a high earner that we have been unable to find an "Intrepid" Masai experience in Tanzania, which is disappointing for all.
We are up with the sun as 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, sometimes called the "Garden of Eden". There is an excellent chance of spotting many of the Big Five as well as many, many other species.
Departing the Crater we return to Karatu for an evening relaxing at the campsite's bar reliving our safari experience.
Back on to our truck, the following morning we drive for an hour to the small town of Mto Wa Mbu where we participate in a local community village program. A local guide will take you on a leisurely stroll around the farming areas visiting a kindergarten, milling machine, local homes and farmlands. A great way to have fun, interact and find out more about life of the locals.
Later we take time 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. Depending on the time, we may either camp here or drive a further 100 km to Meserani for the night. Both camps have showers and flush toilets.
Today we set off early, heading for the border with Kenya. We travel 393 km which will take approximately 8 hours including border crossings.
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 arrive early, 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 this is a combination trip and the composition of your group and leader may change this evening. There will be another short group meeting at 6pm tonight where you can meet your new travelling companions and hear more about the second part of your trip.
In Nairobi we stay in a simple hotel with swimming pool, restaurant and en suite rooms.
We depart Nairobi this morning and head to the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park in time to do an evening game drive. Distance driven today is about 170 km which will take about 5 hours.
Nakuru's small and compact area based around a lovely flamingo filled lake makes it the ideal location for wildlife spotting. As well as the other animals counted in the Big Five, this Park harbours many rhinos and will be your best chance to get a great photo of these magnificent beasts.
Tonight's campground is beautifully located, but it is very basic, having drop toilets and basic showers.
Our first stop today is the town of Gilgil where we will learn more about the Kariandusi School Community Project and visit one of the schools involved. This project was started with the aim of improving rural schools and the educational opportunities for disadvantaged rural children. Our visit to the school will be a mixture of helping in small construction or learning projects and meeting the children and their families within the local community.
We drive 250 km, approx. 5-6 hours, to reach our campsite around Eldoret. This camp has showers and flush toilets and is set in a very beautiful area.
The following day we make the full day journey from Eldoret to our camp near Kampala crossing the border into Uganda en route (390 km, approx. 8-9 hours).
Our journey today from our campsite near Kampala to Kibale is 350 km, approximately 6-7 hours' travel time. The most accessible of Uganda's major rainforests, Kibale Forest National Park lies 35 km south of Fort Portal. This equatorial rainforest is home to the highest concentration of primates in the world. Twelve different species have been recorded. However the major attraction are the 500 chimpanzees, which have been habituated to human visitors. These delightful animals, more closely related to humans than to any other living creature, are tremendous fun to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees.
We'll take a 2-4 hour walking safari that gives us the amazing opportunity to watch the way the chimps feed, climb trees, respond to humans and care for their young ones. It is a phenomenal experience and a real highlight. The primate walk is a guided walk through thick hilly jungle. You will need to take water bottles, rain coats, good walking boots and perhaps a walking stick.
When not trekking there is plenty to do in this beautiful area including walks to villages, rivers, lakes, or just kick back and enjoy.
We camp in the beautiful grounds of an old colonial bungalow, surrounded by tea plantations with views of the hills and mountains. This camp has showers and flush toilets.
We travel to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, beautifully set between the Great Rift Valley lakes of Edward and George, undertaking a game drive on our way to the camp (200 km, approx. 5.5 hours).
We take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, well-known for pelicans, eagles and other wonderful birdlife as well as its healthy population of hippos. During our time in the park we also hope to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, Uganda kobs and waterbucks.
Tonight we camp. The campground is basic and has drop toilets with basic showers.
Today we travel on to Lake Bunyonyi, a drive of 300 km, or about 6-7 hours. Here we find some of the most picturesque scenery in all of Uganda. One of the best ways to admire the landscape is from on the lake itself by hiring a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro). They can be hard to master at first but great fun.
Tonight's campground has flush toilets with basic showers.
This morning we cross the border into Rwanda. Once in our new country, we head to Ruhengeri, gateway to the gorillas and our base for the next three days. We will travel via the capital city of Kigali where we will organise a visit to the very moving genocide memorial. Travelling time is about 6-7 hours.
We allow two days for gorilla visits as you are assigned a trekking group/time on your permit. The group may be split up into different trekking groups during the day or even over two days depending on time of permit issue and group size. There is a maximum group size of 8 on each gorilla visit.
This region is one of the last remaining sanctuaries for the mountain gorilla. Each day after a full briefing, three small groups will head off early in the morning with local trackers. No more than eight per day can visit any one habituated family and visits are strictly controlled to minimise the possibility of disturbance or transmission of disease to the animals.
Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid, but the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours - up and down hill. We can usually get very close to the mountain gorillas, who are placid and gentle, and watching their movements is like seeing a mirror image of yourself. Your visit with the gorillas will last one unforgettable hour.
When you are waiting for, or have completed your gorilla visit, your leader will provide you with options and ideas on how you may wish to spend your time in the area around Ruhengeri.
We stay in dormitories at a local church mission.
Today we travel to the border with Uganda where we will complete the border formalities. It is possible for most nationalities to purchase a re-entry visa at this land crossing but please check before travelling. We will then head to Lake Mburo (420 km, approx 9-10 hours).
The flora of Lake Mburo National Park is acacia woodland, different to most other parks in East Africa, which also means its fauna is different to other reserves. It is the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope and has about 68 different species of mammals including zebra, impala, buffalo, leopards, hyenas and jackals. There are five lakes within the park which are home to hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, while the papyrus swamps provide cover for the sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek. This small park is less well-known among tourists and so is much quieter than some of the more famous East African parks.
Tonight we will camp on the shores of the lake at a stunning location surrounded by wildlife. While tonight's campground is beautifully located, it is very basic, having drop toilets and basic showers.
Before breakfast today we have a two hour guided walking safari through the Lake Mburo National Park allowing us to see some of the animals and spectacular birdlife. Afterwards we travel from Lake Mburo to Jinja via Kampala, stopping at the equator (375 km, approx. 7-8 hours).
In Jinja we visit the nearby Bujagali Falls, one of the many different sources of the Nile, the world's longest river. Afterwards, there is plenty of time to relax or hunt for souvenirs or perhaps you might want to try white water rafting or a bungee jump.
We camp at scenic riverside retreat with showers and flush toilets.
We begin our journey back to Nairobi with our first stop being the cheese town of Eldoret, where we camp for the evening (320 km, approx. 8 hours)
We then make our way back to the bright lights of the big city of Nairobi, arriving in the late afternoon of day 60 (300 km, approx. 7-8 hours). We finish the tour back at our start point hotel. A departure transfer to the airport is available, please enquire at time of booking.
Please note that no accommodation is provided on the evening of day 60 but we are able to arrange additional accommodation for you. Please enquire at the time of booking.
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
Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.
This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.
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 - Soussesvlei
Visit Cape Cross Seal Colony - enroute 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
Entrance Victoria Falls - Livingstone
Village visit - Luwawa Forest
Entrance to Mikumi National Park - enroute to Dar es Salaam
Ferry, accommodation and spice tour - Zanzibar
Day walk and lunch - Usambara Mountains
Village walk and lunch at Village Education Project - Marangu
Visit Amani Children's Home - enroute to Karatu
Community cultural activity - Mto Wa Mbu
Game drives - Serengeti National Park
Game drive - Ngorongoro Crater
Hands-on work at Kariandusi School Trust Project - enroute to Nakuru
Entrance and game drives - Lake Nakuru National Park
Chimpanzee trek, entry and permit - Kibale Forest National Park
Entrance and game drives - Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel boat cruise - Queen Elizabeth National Park
Mountain Gorilla Trek and permit - Ruhengeri
Entrance and walking safari - Lake Mburo National Park
Visit Bujagali Falls - Jinja
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.
White water rafting (full day), Victoria Falls - US$145
Jet boat, Victoria Falls - US$95
Kayaking, Victoria Falls - US$150
Abseil Full Day, Victoria Falls - US$95
Gorge Swing ( 2 Jumps), Victoria Falls ; US$65
Flying Fox, Cable Slide, Rap Jump - Victoria Falls - US$35each
Horse riding (2 hours), Livingstone - US$75
Flight over the falls (Microlight), Victoria Falls - US$120-240
Flight over the falls (Helicopter), Victoria Falls - US$130-260
Elephant Ride, Victoria Falls - US$150 (plus Park Fees)
Canoeing Upper Zambezi (half day), Victoria Falls - US$95- 120
Bungy jumping, Victoria Falls - US$110
Sunset Cruise, Victoria Falls - US$45-55
Discounts are available for multi activity packages at Victoria Falls
Habour Cruises, Cape Town - from ZAR100
Cycling, Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope Cape Town - from ZAR100
Diving, Cape Town - from ZAR450
Hiking/Rock Climbing, Table Mountain - from ZAR600
Abseiling and Kloofing, Cape Town - from ZAR120
Botanic Gardens, Cape Town - admission free
Tour of Robben Island, Cape Town - from ZAR75
Bo-Kaap Museum, Cape Town - ZAR15
SA National Gallery, Cape Town - US$2
District Six Museum, Cape Town - US$2
Table Mountain, Cape Town - from US$30
South African Museum, Cape Town - US$15
Museum, Swakopmund - US$2
Tandem Skydive, Swakopmund - US$270
Sand boarding, Swakopmund - US$50
Seal & Dolphine Cruise, Swakopmund - US$60
Parasailing, Swakopmund - US$70
Quad Biking, Swakopmund - US$80
Hansa Brewery Tours, Swakopmund - Admission free
Scenic Flight, Swakopmund - US$385
Flying Fox, Swakopmund - US$65
Balloon flight, Swakopmund - US$150
Sea Kayaking, Swakopmund - US$85
Fishing Trip, Swakopmund - US$115
Camel Riding, Swakopmund - US$15
Horse Riding, Swakopmund - US$65
Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi - US$14
Giraffe Centre, Nairobi - US$12
NNP Animal orphanage & Safari walk, Nairobi - US$20
Carnivore Restuarant, Nairobi - US$30-35
Bomas, Nairobi - US$10
National Museum, Nairobi - US$14
Snorkelling day trip, Zanzibar - US$35
Scuba dive, Zanzibar - US$80
Dhow trip, Zanzibar - US$40
Prison Island tour, Zanzibar - US$25
Scuba dive, Lake Malawi - US$75
Horse riding, Lake Malawi - US$50
Guided village walks, Lake Malawi - US$3-10
Mountain Biking, Luwawa Forest - US$20
Canoeing, Luwawa Forest - US$10
Fishing rod hire, Luwawa Forest - US$6
Canoe trip (3 hours), Orange River - US$35
Traditional dance performance, Rundu - US$8
Horse riding, Rundu - US$20
Boat trip, Bagani - US$20-25
Fishing boat trip (per boat- up to five passengers), Bagani - US$40
Dugout Canoe hire (per day), Lake Bunyoni - US$10
Golden monkeys, Ruhengeri - US$100
Diane Forsey's Memorial, Ruhengeri - US$75
Mountain hiking Visoke (full day), Ruhengeri - US$75
Nature walk, Ruhengeri - US$55
Village walk, Lake Mburo - US$10
Bungee Jumping, Jinja - US$65
Full Day rafting, Jinja - US$125
Balloon ride, Serengeti National Park - US$500 (must be pre-booked see Important Notes)
Dinner with dancers/acrobats, Karatu - US$15
Please note - some of the above optional activities require you to hire your own means of transport (4 x 4). The prices vary but start from about US$$80 per day.
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, 5-10% 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 (or instead of a leader on some independent itineraries). We suggest US$ 1 per person, per day for local guides/porters.
Your Crew: 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 $2810 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 had many years' expertise in overlanding. While Dragoman will run the West Africa and North African sectors of our Overland program, our Nairobi to Cape Town (and reverse) departures are codeshared, with alternate departures run by Intrepid (Intrepid Guerba Kenya) in one of our vehicles and the others by Dragoman in one of theirs. This allows us to run many more departures so you have more choice when you want to travel. You'll get the same itineraries, activities and accommodation on both Intrepid and Dragoman departures.
If you would like to know who is running your departure, Dragoman or Intrepid, please ask at the time of booking.
For our trips running between Livingstone and Johannesburg all departures are run by Intrepid Bundu.
Flexible Itineraries:
We must emphasise that the routes, activities and places visited described in these Trip Notes are intentions and are meant as a rough guide only. We intend following the route detailed but exact night stops cannot be guaranteed. It sometimes happens that we decide to make a change to our basic planned itinerary. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, road or bureaucratic conditions may demand it, or it may be because we find a better, more interesting route. While actually en route, unexpected hospitality, a local festival or a great place to chill out can determine our exact route and itinerary on any given trip.
Overnight stops and driving distances each day may vary to best suit the needs of the group.
Group composition:
The minimum age for this trip is 18 years old and bookings for minors, even if accompanied by a parent, cannot be accepted. The upper age limit on this trip is 70 years of age.
Gorilla Permit
Gorilla Permits need to be brought in advance. In order to secure this, an additional non-refundable deposit has to be paid at the time of booking. Please note that we need to confirm availability of a gorilla permit if you are booking within 90 days of departure. The additional deposit paid at time of booking will be credited to the final balance of your booking.
Travellers must be a minimum of 15 years of age in order to visit the gorillas. This is a government requirement when buying permits.
Kitty
Rather than bringing the full amount of your kitty in cash, it is possible to pay half in USD travellers cheques. These must be issued by either American Express or Barclays Bank. Please note, it is important that you are aware that if you decide on this option you are prepared to go with your leader to the bank sometime during the trip for the countersigning necessary to cash the cheques. You will also be asked to cover any exchange or commission fees - ie if you cash a cheque for USD500 your leader needs to receive exactly USD500 (not USD500 minus the commission or charges)
Kitty does not cover food while staying in hotels and hostels.
This trip has a revised itinerary from 16th Dec 2010.
Days 1-3 South Africa
Days 4-14 Namibia
Days 15-19 Botswana
Days 20- 29 Zimbabwe
Days 30 -33 Malawi
Days 34-44 Tanzania
Day 45 Nairobi (Kenya)
Days 46-60 remains unchanged
Full details of the revised itinerary will be available on our website from 1 November 2010.
This is a combination tour and the composition of your group may change in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam or Livingstone.
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. T Please enquire when booking your trip to book this optional activity.
Maximum of 21 travellers per group
Hotel (7 nts), participatory camping (52 nts)
The type and variety of accommodation is determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different - on some we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others we also use hotels. In Africa it is not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities so we use hotel accommodation and eat out in local restaurants. The frequency and regularity of hotel stops depends on the route and area.
There may be the occasional night stop, when staying in the grounds of a hotel, or at a campsite which may also have cabins available. In this case there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room (at additional cost). Some areas demand longer stretches without hotels than others.
Standards of hotels will obviously be different to those of western countries and an African 3 star hotel is more likely to be comparable with a European or Australian 1 star.
Nights spent camping may be in a recognised campsite, in the grounds of a hotel, or wild camping in the countryside. For these days, the duties rota system (Overland only) is adopted and all members share in general camp duties - cooking, shopping, washing up, collecting firewood, etc.
Campsites do have facilities but are usually not to the same standard as you would find in western countries. For example the bathroom facilities can be very basic (the toilets may be squat style hole in the ground). There is rarely toilet paper provided and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Not all campsites are as basic as this description; it's just to make sure there are no surprises for you. Wild camps have no facilities at all.
Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two person dome tents. Please refer to the Checklist to see if you require a mattress or sleeping bag.
Please note there may be times when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own at start or finish point hotels. If you have purchased pre or post trip accommodation you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
While camping on Overland journeys, most meals will be included. You may be required to share in cooking and shopping duties for the group's meals. When you are not camping you will have the freedom to decide where, what and with whom you eat. Please check the itinerary for details of meals included.
Allow USD $600 for meals not included.
All meals while camping (except when in Livingstone)
When travelling on an Overland trip you have chosen a participation camping tour. This means that you will be helping your cook prepare meals for the group. You may also get the chance to help with the shopping.
Your cook (East Africa only) will come up with meal ideas and quantities needed for large groups. Participating in the camp is usually done on a duty roster system with group of 5 or 6 people (depending on group size) having a different camp job each day. If you have any dietary requirements please tell us at the time of booking and also remind your crew at your welcome meeting.
A typical camp breakfast might be toast with spreads, cereal and something hot such as eggs or pancakes as well as tea and coffee. Lunch is almost always a sandwich with healthy salad and assorted fillings, sometime with fruit to follow. There may be a chance on occasion to buy your lunch. Dinner might be a BBQ, rice dish, pasta dish and there is always the chance to try some African food such as ugali and stew.
One thing is sure; you definitely won't go hungry or lose weight on your safari! When you are not camping you will have the freedom to decide where, what and with whom you eat.
Please Note: On the more remote sections of your trip (for example in West Africa & North Africa), your food and diet will be dependent on what is available locally as well as tinned and dry ingredients.
Overland truck, 4WD, boat, ferry, mokoro (dugout canoe), walking
Our trucks are purpose-built, self contained safari vehicles. Intrepid's fleet of vehicles varies depending on your group size, trip route and style.
Please Note: In South Africa some departures may use vans and luggage trailers subject to group size and vehicle availability
On this trip you will be accompanied by 3 crew members - group leader, cook and driver.
Your group leader’s role involves organising 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 cooperation and participation of all the group members under the supervision of the group leader. The group leader will show the group how to set up and use the equipment.
While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting, especially when tracking and identifying game - we think it's the best of both worlds. Our group leaders are chosen for their leadership skills and are wonderful ambassadors for our company and this 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 organising 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 and duties, making camp chores easier. The duties rota system is adopted so 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 021 447 7333, 082 354 9070 or 082 925 0438. 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 their are safe and reliable airport taxis which will cost around 300 Rand. 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.
Kivi Milimani Hotel
Milimani Road
Nairobi
00100
Kenya
Phone: +254-20-2722358
Fax: +254-20-2724685
The Kivi Milimani hotel is very simple but clean, comfortable and safe. All rooms have en suite with hot water. The hotel's surroundings are lovely with a pool area perfect for relaxing and groovy retro (but original!) 70's bar and restaurant.
If you have pre booked a departure transfer please inform your leader and they will notify you of your departure transfer time.
It is possible to book taxis to the airport via our hotel- please enquire at the reception. The approximate price will be around USD 20 in Kenyan shillings.
Please note that Intrepid code share the operation of this trip with our experienced local partners Dragoman Overland. Your departure may be run by either Dragoman or Intrepid. If you are travelling on an Intrepid Guerba Kenya departure in the case of an on ground issue or problem Intrepid's Kenya Office can be reached on +254-20-892126/7/8/9 during business hours and +254-733-523-813 (24 hours) This is where all all reservation/ transfer, late arrival or general enquiry issues should be directed. In case of genuine crisis or emergency (ONLY), you can reach our local operator on: +254-736-213-383. If you are travelling on a Dragoman operated departure in the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, please call Tel: +44 (0) 1728 862 222 This an answer phone. If outside UK office hours for non urgent questions, please leave a message. There is a number provided to call for a 24 hour manned mobile in case of genuine emergency. For all other enquiries please contact our Reservations department which is open 24 hours, 6 days per week. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary
depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible,
but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.
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.
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.
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 USD25. All nationalities should check with the Kenyan embassy in their country for more information.
UGANDA
Visas are required by most nationalities, including the EU, US and Australia. Visas are available at point of entry to most nationalities. Some nationalities are required to obtain visas 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 US$50. When on one of our gorilla itineraries visiting Rwanda, you may require a double entry visa to Uganda. This is dependent on the border guard of the day and can be easily purchased on re entry from Rwanda for nationalities which qualify for visa on arrival. Please allow USD50.
RWANDA
Visas are required by all nationalities. For all applicants holding national passports from USA, Germany, Canada, South Africa, Great Britain, Sweden and Hong Kong there is no charge and they can be issued at the border. This is due to the bilateral agreement that Rwanda has with these countries. All other nationalities require a visa and we recommend obtaining this in advance. The cost is approximately US$60. For those coming from a country where there is no Embassy or Diplomatic Mission, visas can be obtained at the border as long as passengers have pre-arranged their Entry Facility. This can be done via the website www.migration.gov.rw. Please allow 5 business days for this to come through. You must print this Entry Facility out to present at the border. Please make sure you check to see if there is an embassy in your country because if this is the case you need to obtain your visa beforehand.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a small charge. Self-service laundries are scarce in Africa. There are few laundry facilities outside of the large cities in Africa. We recommend you bring non-polluting, biodegradable laundry soap and hand wash while travelling in this region. You may wish to bring a piece of rope to tie between trees to act as a line and maybe even a few pegs. Our trucks carry tubs which can be used for cold water hand washing.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
WATER
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 liter plastic bottle takes 2 liters of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by using the chemically sterilized water stored in the purpose built storage tank or in water jerry cans in your Overland vehicle. You are free to refill your bottle as many times a day as you like. You are helping the environment and your hip pocket! In some Southern African countries, tap water is treated and good to drink so you can avoid the purchase of bottled water by refilling from the tap.
LUGGAGE
The size of baggage that can be brought on this tour is limited by the locker space on the truck. Different trucks have different-sized lockers however to be safe we recommend that your bag be no larger than 66cm deep, 30cm wide, and 30cm high. The weight limit for luggage on all trucks is maximum 20kg. Backpacks should not have an external frame unless it can be easily removed and stored separately to avoid damaging other people's luggage.
CAMPING EQUIPMENT
A sleeping bag (we recommend a 3–4 season). It can get very cold at night in winter months in desert and mountainous regions. If you are travelling during the hot season you may wish to also pack a sleep sheet so you will be comfortable no matter what the weather. Pillows are not provided so please bring a travel pillow along. 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
Intrepid trip confirmation voucher
Photocopies of important documents to be kept separately (we recommend you keep a copy at home as well)
Latest trip notes (this information)
Money (travellers cheques/cash/credit cards)
Travellers' cheques- keep a note of the serial numbers of your Travellers cheques and also the emergency contact numbers. Keep these details separately from the cheques.
Your local payment/Kitty ( where applicable)
Money belt or pouch (to be worn under clothes)
First aid kit
Personal Medication/prescriptions
Prescription glasses
Contact lens solution
High protection sunscreen
Lip balm
Hat / wide brim hat
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Antihistamine / insect bite cream
Antibacterial gel / wipes
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Alarm clock
Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
Night clothes/sleepwear
Travel pillow
Travel sickness tablets
Swimming costume
Swimming towel
Sarong for bathing
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
Refillable water bottle
Camera
Film, memory cards
Binoculars
Spare batteries
Comfortable daypack to carry your personal needs during the day
Local language phrase book
Personal audio player
Portable games / playing cards
Reading material
Luggage lock (and keys)
Smarter clothes for nights out
Warm clothes for the cooler nights
Waterproof jacket or small umbrella
Comfortable travelling clothes (light, easily washable cotton clothes are best). 2 sets recommended
1 set of casual but smart clothes for evenings out, visiting centers of religion, etc. Women should bring a skirt that covers their knees and a scarf for visiting mosques, churches and other places of worship.
Toiletries
Bath towel
Travel plug / international adapter
Mobile phone - check you have international roaming access
Rubber flip flops for showers
Camping Equipment
4 season sleeping bag (one that zips down all one side is useful for warm nights).
Inner sleep sheet
Travel pillow
Thermarest/Personal mattress (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 US$ cash, an ATM card (best to have both Visa and MasterCard) and some traveller's cheques.
Cash
Cash is easily changed at exchange bureaux 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 authorised 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. 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.
Please allow US$20 for departure tax (although it may be included in your international air ticket).
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All Intrepid travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If in the opinion of our group leader or company representative any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Intrepid reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in these trip notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
Yellow Fever
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries in Africa. You may be needed to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It is also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home. Please check with your doctor before leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you will be visiting.
Drinking water:
As a rule we recommend you do not drink tap water, even in hotels, as it contains much higher levels of different minerals than the water you may have at home. For local people this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for travellers from other continents, drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally this is not serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it is enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Bottled water is widely available but we recommend that you fill up from your vehicle (we treat our water) if you are on a camping trip. Water consumption should be about 3 litres a day (this should be easy for most).
First Aid:
The leader will be carrying a basic First Aid kit, but can not administer any drugs. Re-hydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhoea blockers are available from many pharmacies.
Please inform the leader of any specific medical requirements on day 1 at your group meting.
**Please note that this trip spends time above 2800 metres/9200 feet where it is possible to experience some adverse effects on your health due to the altitude, potentially including Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
Because of this it is very important that you make yourself aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude and monitor your health during this trip. For further information please refer to the AMS information sheet located on the 'Trip Notes' link for your trip on our website or check out the following website http://www.treksafe.com.au/medical/altitude_illness.htm.
Your leader will also hand you a copy of the AMS information sheet during your trip as well as holding a short meeting prior to travelling to altitudes above 2800m/9200ft for the first time.
If you are starting your trip in a destination above 2800m/9200ft we strongly advise reading this information prior to arrival.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips: www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy at www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in Africa differ from those in the western world and not all hotels have a fire exit or smoke detectors. You may stay at hotels with unfenced pools and no life guard on duty. Some hotel balconies do not meet UK standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm.
Pick-pocketing is very common, especially in larger cities. We strongly recommend that you do not carry large amounts of cash and use a secure neck wallet or a money belt.
Travellers must exercise common sense and caution at all times. You should stick to set travel arrangements and avoid unknown areas. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and a record of your travellers' cheques and credit card numbers separate from where you keep the originals. You should avoid carrying large amounts of cash, or walking by yourself at night.
While staying in National Parks it is important that you listen to any advice given by your tour leader and the park rangers regarding responsible and safe behavior.
On some trip you will at times stay in unfenced campsites within National Parks. While this is a fantastic experience, there are a few safety rules to follow. Please listen to the safety advice of your leader and park rangers.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the Bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Please go to www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php for links to various travel insurance providers.
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the
frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and
likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group
- patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time,
ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best
trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on
your part.
Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information
about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.
Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On a selection of our Comfort and Original style trips you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you will have your own room (where available). Please refer to the important notes if this trip has a single supplement and any accommodation on the trip that the single supplement will not apply to. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour, pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.intrepidtravel.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Intrepid travellers. Intrepid's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Since Intrepid Travel commenced operating in 1989 we have been committed to giving something back to the communities we visit. One way has been through our support for local humanitarian, development and conservation projects. Many of our travellers want to contribute something too. To make things easier we established The Intrepid Foundation. All donations to The Intrepid Foundation will be matched by Intrepid Travel dollar for dollar, up to AU$5,000 per donor and a total of AU$300,000 for all donors in each financial year. And every cent gets there as Intrepid Travel pays for all the administration costs. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your group leader for information on the projects we support in the region, through The Intrepid Foundation; or go to our website: www.theintrepidfoundation.org
We currently have 5 projects in East & Southern 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. 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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