East African Explorer Trip Notes

Trip Overview

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A perfect balance of adventure and beach safari combined! Uncover the gems of East Africa on an epic 21-day adventure. Embark on game drives in search of the Big Five at the famous game reserves of South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Cross in Tanzania to roam the magical Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Recharge atop the gorgeous beaches of Malawi, relaxing with a cocktail at hand. Soak in the incredible Victoria Falls and get a full taste of adrenaline through a myriad of activities.

Duration : 21 Days

Destination : Africa

Start/Ends in : Livingstone / Nairobi

Group Size : 5-15 Pax

Age Req. : 18+

Trip Theme : Adventure, Discovery

Hotels : Camping

Departs : All Year Around

Intended Itinerary


It is our intention to adhere to the route described below but a certain amount of flexibility is built into the tour and on occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations to the published itinerary. Please, therefore, treat the following as a guide only. This is a participation tour. Our accommodated tour option travels together with the camping counterpart.

The description below assumes you have purchased the optional Adventure Pass for the tour.

Duration: 21 Days
Countries visited: Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya

Tour Preparation

BOOKING INFORMATION

When you make a confirmed booking for your tour you will be sent the booking documents and a pre-departure booklet with detailed information to help you prepare for your trip. Once you have paid in full you will receive a Travel Voucher giving details of your joining hotel. Livingstone (LVI) and Nairobi (NBO) are well served by a number of airlines and your travel agent can advise on flights.

GAME PARK VISITS

To maximise the quality of game driving and to comply with local authority rulings, some of our National Park visits and game viewing is carried out using services provided by local African ground handlers. As well as enhancing our experience using local guides and smaller vehicles it also allows us to contribute at a ‘grassroots’ level to local economies from which local people benefit.

JOINING INFORMATION

This tour starts in Livingstone. The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour ends in Nairobi on Day 21.

Meeting Point:

Tour start point in Livingstone:

The Victoria Falls Waterfront (LVI)

Address: Sichango Road, Livingstone

Contact details:

Tel.+260 332 0606/7/8
E-mail: [email protected]

Tours starts: 7:00 am on Day 1

Finishing Point:

Tour end point in Nairobi:

Hotel Boulevard, Nairobi

Address: Harry Thuku Rd PO Box 42831, Nairobi

Contact details:

Tel. +245 722 200 755
Fax: +245 233 4071
E-mail: [email protected]

Tour ends: late afternoon/ early evening on day 21

Adventure Pass :

Every adventure camping tour has an Adventure Pass which is paid to your tour leader in Africa at the beginning of the tour (or pre-paid by arrangement prior to your tour). This is separate and in addition to the Tour Price, which is paid before travel, and is paid in the currency listed in the brochure or on the website (usually US dollars in clean, un-torn post 2008 edition notes). The Adventure Pass covers
selected park entries, activities and excursions along the way where payment goes directly to the supplier. The purpose of the separate payment is to ensure local suppliers benefit directly from the income.

Paid in the currency listed in the brochure or on the website (usually US dollars in clean, un-torn post 2008 edition notes) directly to your Tour Leader in Africa at the beginning of the tour, or pre-paid by arrangement, the Adventure Pass of this tour covers the following.

South Luangwa NP Game Drive √
Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater Excursion √

Luggage

Please try to keep your luggage to a minimum, bearing in mind that most airlines impose a 20kg limit. It should be brought in a soft holdall or rucksack along with a smaller day bag. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing and warm clothing for the evenings and early morning game drives. You also need a sleeping bag (and small pillow if preferred). We recommended you pack a small torch or headlamp, mosquito spray and a money pouch/ belt that can be easily hidden. Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables and use your hotel safe to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. A powerbank is useful for recharging electronic devices.

Itinerary

Please note that the itinerary may be subject to small changes depending on the conditions during the tour. Alternative accommodation of similar standards may be used depending on the group size and hotel availability.

A visit to the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park to see the Victoria Falls is included in your tour.  Due to time constraints on day 1 and to be sure not to miss it please ensure you arrive in Livingstone at least one day beforehand so your tour leader can arrange the visit for you. River levels vary with season but at high water (Feb-July) the Victoria Falls are over a mile wide with water falling some 100 metres into the Batoka gorge. It is the largest curtain of falling water in the world with spray is visible from 20 kilometres away, hence the local name Mosi Oa Tunya, (‘Smoke that Thunders’). At low water season (Aug-Jan) the river level drops considerably and the bottom of the Batoka gorge becomes visible. It remains an awesome sight.

Departing early, we head through lush country and small villages to Lusaka, Zambia’s Capital city. Lusaka is Southern Africa’s fastest growing city with approx. 1.7 million people and is located on the southern plateau at an elevation of 1300m with four main highways running north, south, east and west to different parts of Africa. This city is the commercial hub as well as the centre for the government. Our campsite for the evening is set in a tranquil and relaxing setting on a farm.

Accommodation : Eureka Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: No

Optional Activities : No

We leave early and take the Great Eastern Road through lush countryside and small villages, crossing the Luangwa River to the South Luangwa National Park, which is known to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River, and its oxbow lagoons, is among the most intense in Africa. There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species inhabiting the area. Hippo’s, elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffe with many other species flourish in the 20,000 sq miles of savannah woodland watered by this 500 mile–long river. The river itself is the most intact and unaltered major river system in Africa and covers 9059 km2. The changing seasons add to the Park’s richness, ranging from; dry, bare bushveld in the winter, to lush green lands in the summer months. On arrival we set up camp and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the many optional activities from walking safaris and village walks.

*Driving times vary dependent on the number of stops en route. While we try to get to the camp in daylight, today is a long day on the road and we may arrive in the early evening.

Accommodation : Wildlife Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI : Yes

Optional Activities: See day 3

Relax around the pools edge, which is the best place to be in the hot hours of the day. Later that afternoon we embark on an open vehicle game drive with a local ranger along the river’s edge to see the abundance of animal and birdlife inhabiting the area.  Your tour includes one guided gamedrive during our stay.

Additional walks and drives can be booked on arrival.

  • Accommodation: Wildlife Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI : Yes

Optional Activities: Village Tour US$35, Walking Safari US$60, Game Drives from US$55

Leaving Zambia behind, we cross the border to Malawi. Please be patient as the officials process the group’s visas as this may take some time to complete. Lake Malawi formerly ‘Lake Nyasa’, covers almost a fifth of the country’s area and provides the 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 hollowed out tree trunk) fishing on the lake at the break of day or with lanterns by night. The lake also has the highest number of endemic freshwater fish species of any in the world and attracts divers globally to seek out the many colourful Cichlid species. We arrive at camp on the lake’s shore in the afternoon and have the rest of the day to swim and explore the beach and surrounding area.

NB: Although it is our intention to adhere to the campsites described, a certain amount of flexibility is built into our time in Malawi and the crew may make alterations to the published itinerary. Please therefore treat the Malawi section of the dossier as a guideline only.

Accommodation : Kande Beach – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI : Yes

Optional Activities: See day 5

Today you’ll have some free time to try some of the water sports available including diving and snorkelling, take a horse ride along the beach or simply relax and enjoy the warm fresh waters of Lake Malawi. There is the opportunity to meet the local people, generally known as amongst the friendliest in Africa, to gain insight into their way of life on an optional guided Village Walk, or you can simply head outand explore the lakeside, craft market and meet some of the locals.

Accommodation : Kande Beach – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI : Yes

Optional Activities : Horse Riding US$55, Village Walk US$10, Snorkelling Day Trip from US$15, Fresh Water Scuba Diving From US$45, Canoe Hire from US$10

Taking a nice scenic drive through rubber plantations to Mzuzu – the capital of the northern region and the third largest town in Malawi, where we stop for a short while to grab supplies and check out the markets before arriving to Chitimba Beach where time is at leisure in the afternoon to enjoy a game of beach volleyball or relax in the various lounge areas at this beach-side camp.

Accommodation: Chitimba Beach – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI : Yes

Optional Activities : No

Relax on the beach, take a leisurely village walk or do the full day trip to Manchewe Falls where after 11km of hiking you can cool off in a natural bath. The surrounding hills are home to the Livingstonia Mission where David Livingstone worked from for a time while staying in Malawi. The views from here are simply magnificent and well worth the effort of hiking to. For those staying at the campsite, there is a local craft market where you can enjoy learning the ins and outs of woodcarving your own souvenir, or learn to play the game of Bao, haggle for some souvenirs or enjoy a relaxing day admiring the shimmering waters on the beach.

Accomodation : Chitimba Beach – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : Livingstonia Day Hike US$10

Leaving Chitimba Beach, we travel the short distance north to cross the border into Tanzania. We steadily climb in altitude through Tanzania’s Southern Highlands all the way to Kisolanza Farm House. This farm is at an altitude of 1600m ensuring a pleasant fresh climate in one of the most scenic areas of Tanzania. Home to the Ghaui family for over 70 years, Kisolanza remains a working farm providing organic meat (beef, lamb and chicken) and vegetables to the surrounding markets as well as further afield in Dar es Salaam.

Accomodation : Kisolanza Farm House – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : No

Leaving the Southern Highlands, we make our way east to Mikumi National Park. Our campsite is located a short stone’s throw from the park and we enjoy sundowners at the local bar/ restaurant followed by the evening around the open fire under the blanket of stars.

If time allows we can go on an optional game drive in the afternoon to explore the magnificent park – Tanzania’s 5th largest. Expect to see Elephant, hippo, crocodiles, antelope and with some luck some buffalo or lion.

Accomodation : Tan-Swiss Lodge – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : Mikumi Game Dive US$150

We continue towards the Indian Ocean coast and the port city of Dar es Salaam (‘Haven of Peace’). This route runs through the Mikumi National Park and we may, with luck, spot forest elephant or giraffe feeding near the side of the road. ‘Dar’ is Tanzania’s hub of commerce and industry – a hot, humid and bustling seaport city of high rises, colourful markets and Arab influenced architecture on the coast accessing one of the most important sea routes on earth (with an interesting history too). To a majority of travellers, this city is the port of call to the more exotic Zanzibar and the remaining of the Archipelago islands. We set up camp at our campsite on the beach just outside of the city centre, usually having time to browse curio markets – best known for ebony wood – and prepare for our trip to Zanzibar.

Accomodation : Kipepeo Village – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : No

Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm fringe beaches; romantic winding cobbled alleys and lush tropical forests. You will find all of these here – and an intriguing history. Zanzibar was the base of the great 19th century explorers such as John Hanning Speke, Richard Burton and David Livingstone and once was a major trading centre of spices. Indeed, the spice trade is centuries old: Zanzibaris have traded with the people of the Arabian Peninsula for generations, plying the ocean in simple dhow sailboats relying on the annual trade winds for passage. The Arab influence is evident in the architecture and diverse street stall offerings of the capital, Stone Town This influence can be seen right along the Eastern coast – the Swahili language itself is a result of the mixing of Arab and African languages and cultures over many centuries.

Zanzibar’s other history is not romantic. The island was also a staging post for slaves bought from the African interior being held before shipping to slave owners in the Middle East. You can still see the places where these men and woman were held – and even a short visit is enough to convey the appalling conditions they had to endure.

Our time on the island over the next 4 nights is not structured and your time is at leisure. Perhaps the best way to see Stone Town is on foot: explore the bazaars for old maritime trinkets, cloths, wooden carvings, visit mosques, palaces, courtyards and alleyways of the old town. Spices are grown in plantations nearby and you can take day tours to visit some and have your senses dazzled by the tastes and scents experienced. If it’s white sand, sparkling ocean and hot sun you prefer – head to the northern beaches and enjoy the Indian Ocean at its best. Try snorkelling and diving, indulge in some sumptuous seafood, or simply relax beneath a coconut palm with a cocktail and a good book.

NB: As we leave the truck on the mainland, basic tourist class accommodation and breakfast on Zanzibar are included in the tour price, but for the sake of flexibility other meals are left for your own account. Typically we spend one night in Stone Town and the next three nights in the north of the island at one of the beaches. Your tour leader will be available to assist if you if you have any questions or need activities arranged.

Please note that some group members may be starting their tour in Dar es Salaam today.

Accomodation : Stone Town – Safari Lodge or similar – twin/ triple rooms with en-suite facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : Spice Tour US$35, Slave Markets US$15, Arabic Fort US$5, Palace Museum US$10

Enjoy free time on Zanzibar and transfer to the northern beaches from Stone Town. Relax on the sun kissed beaches of Kendwa, northwest part of the island, take an optional diving trip to the rich colourful reefs or grab a snorkel and goggles to explore these from above

Please note that some group members may be starting their tour in Dar es Salaam.  Both old and new are invited to join in any group outings

Accomodation : Kendwa Northern beaches – Sunset Bungalows or similar – twin/ triple rooms with en-suite facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast is included with hotel accommodation

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : Spice Tour US$35, Scuba Diving local US$150, Yacht Trip US$120, Snorkelling Safaris from US$40, Massages from US$20

Browse markets or enjoy hanging in a hammock with a cocktail and a good book. The beach is a great place to catch up with the locals who will pass by selling their wares, offering henna tattoos and inexpensive massages. Round the day off with a sunset dhow cruise or chilling to the tunes from the nearby beach bars.

Accommodation : Kendwa Northern beaches – Sunset Bungalows or similar – twin/ triple rooms with en-suite facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast is included with hotel accommodation

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : See day 12

Adjusting to the lazy ways of the northern beaches is easy to do in such picturesque surroundings. Enjoy your last day on the island swimming in the warm ocean, snorkelling in the crystal turquoise waters and enjoy time at leisure in this tropical haven.

Accommodation: Kendwa Northern beaches – Sunset Bungalows or similar – twin/ triple rooms with en-suite facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast is included with hotel accommodation

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : See day 12

We have the morning to do any last minute shopping or enjoy one last swim before catching the ferry back to the African mainland to Dar es Salaam and onwards to our campsite on the coast for the evening.

Please note that some group members may be ending their tour in Dar es Salaam.  Both old and new are invited to join in any group outings.

Accomodation : Kipepeo Village – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Dinner

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : No

Departing early from Dar es Salaam, we head north past the Usambara and Pare Mountains in the Eastern Arc Mountain Range to Marangu, nestled at the base of the famed Kilimanjaro. The camp takes its name from the surrounding area.  “Marangu” means “full of water” in the local Chagga language, and the lush green surroundings demonstrate the truth of this. If weather is clear we will gain a view of the magnificent snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain (5895m).

Accomodation : Marangu Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: No

Optional Activities : No

We drive past the town of Moshi and eventually reach Arusha; a city situated exactly mid-way between Cape Town and Cairo. This is Tanzania’s ‘safari capital’, a city of some 2 million people, a bustling melting pot of markets, vehicles and people – all nestling in the shadow of the brooding Mt Meru (4556 m). With time to explore town we head out to our camp just outside the city at the edge of the Masai plains.

This afternoon we enjoy a walk to one of the local Masai villages, a local school and clinic, a small but highly interesting Masai museum, and the snake enclosure at the Meserani Snake Park.

It is from here that we prepare for our two night/three day excursion to the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Accomodation : Meserani Snake Park – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: No

Optional Activities : Camel Ride US$10

This morning we transfer to smaller more ‘game park friendly’ vehicles and drive west across the Great Rift Valley, passing through Mto Wa Mbo (‘mosquito creek’) and enter the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. We pass into the park and drive around the ‘Crater’s rim and down onto the Serengeti plains. Green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry, this is home to an enormous variety of grazing animals, predators, and birdlife. Flatter and larger than the Masai Mara the Serengeti is simply huge – indeed the name derives from the Masai word Siringitu – ‘the place where the land moves on forever’. We game drive to our designated (but unfenced) campsite for the evening where lion and hyena roam nearby for an unforgettable experience.

Accomodation : Serengeti National Park: Bush Camp – Camping in twin share tents with basic shared facilities (no shower, pit latrine)

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: No

Optional Activities : No

We drive out of the plains, game driving en route, and after lunch ascend the outer wall of the Ngorongoro Crater. We spend the night camping on the rim (you may need a jacket; it can be cold at night due to the high altitude here), where wildlife also roams free. At 326 square kilometres in area the Ngorongoro is Africa’s largest intact caldera and a World Heritage Site. If the view from the rim (2400 metres above sea level) is spectacular, the site from the Crater floor (some 600 metres below) is equally enjoyable

Accomodation : Simba Camp – Camping in twin share tents with basic shared facilities

Meals Included :  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: No

Optional Activities : No

We wake early and descend the steep dirt road of the Ngorongoro Crater for a morning of game driving in this spectacular wildlife haven. All of the major mammals are present except giraffe (which cannot manage the steep slopes leading down onto the Crater floor). After our game drive we ascend to our campsite on the rim for a final view over the Ngorongoro Crater, pack up our camp and have lunch before retracing our steps to Arusha and our campsite at the Meserani Snake Park where we will overnight.

Accomodation : Meserani Snake Park – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included :  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: No

Optional Activities : No

We make our way across the Maasai Steppe to the Kenyan frontier. Completing formalities at Namanga border post, we drive the last stretch of road to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, where our tour ends in the late afternoon.

Accomodation : Meserani Snake Park – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included :  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: No

Optional Activities : No

Inclusions & Exclusions

The tour price covers the following services:

Accomodation : 16 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 4 nights twin share tourist class hotel

Meals : 20 Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 16 Dinners

Transportation : Fully equipped safari vehicle, All road tolls and vehicle taxes, All ground transportation

Highlights : Mosi Oa Tunya NP, Victoria Falls Visit, South Luangwa NP, Open Vehicle Game Drive with Resident Guide, Zanzibar, Return Ferry & Accommodation

Activities : Maasai Village Walk with Resident Guide, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion in Purpose Built, Vehicles, Game Drives with Resident Guide, The Great Rift Valley

What is NOT included in the tour price?

  • Adventure Pass activities
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not stated above
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips & gestures
  • Airport transfers
  • Optional activities
  • NB Lunch & Dinner in Livingstone

Tour Style

Adventure Camping Tour

Travelling on a camping adventure tour is great fun, but it can also be challenging! This is a participation tour and your help will be needed in setting up the camp each night and assisting (usually on a rota basis) with the various day to day campsite duties, such as shopping, cooking and keeping the vehicle and camp tidy. But don’t worry it’s not all hard work and it’s a great way to meet the local people and get to know your fellow travellers. Your contribution benefits the success of the tour – most people find the greater their involvement, the greater their enjoyment of the whole trip. Our accommodated tour option travels together with the camping counterpart.

Africa is an adventure destination and travelling here is not always predictable so be prepared to ‘expect the unexpected in difficulties or delays which might come our way! However, you’ll soon find that the diversity of the African landscape, the wildlife, and the communities we pass on our way, make the sometimes-rough travel and long driving days worthwhile. Come with a sense of adventure and a flexible attitude and you will be sure to enjoy your African adventure across this amazing continent.

Africa provides an ever-changing environment, power failures, water, and fuel shortages, temperature fluctuations, and other uncontrollable/unplanned situations do occur. You will need to remain flexible understanding and good-humored. “African time” can be difficult and frustrating for those who are used to a very structured life, so this is something to keep in mind!

What’s Included:

All tour highlights, 2-person dome tents, fully equipped safari vehicles, camping and cooking equipment, mattresses, service of two crew, all road and vehicle taxes, all ground transportation, and meals as indicated.

What’s Not Included:

Adventure Pass activities, visas, travel insurance, flight departure taxes, airport transfers, optional activities, tips, drinks, sleeping bag and items of personal nature. NB Lunches and dinners in Livingstone and on Zanzibar are not included.

Accommodation

We use 2-person dome tents with fly sheets, sewn-in groundsheets, zip-up insect screens and foam mattresses. We mainly use campsites, which usually have reasonable wash and shower facilities, electricity points and sometimes even a small shop, bar or swimming pool. In the Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater there are basic facilities. On Zanzibar we use basic tourist class local hotels.

PRE/POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION

This tour starts in Livingstone on Day 1; we strongly recommend therefore that you plan to arrive at least the day before departure to overcome any jet-lag and to acclimatise to Africa and enjoy the vast array of activities that the Victoria Falls area is famous for. We would be happy to book pre-tour accommodation and transfers (LVI) for you – please call or email us (or speak to your agent) with your arrival details and accommodation requirements. However please book early to avoid disappointment and the risk of having to find more expensive (or less convenient) lodgings

If time allows, we also suggest planning a night or two extra (after your tour) to make the most of this part of Africa. Accommodation is usually available locally on arrival, but you can also pre-book this with Travel Talk. There is a variety of activities and excursions in the Nairobi area you can arrange locally or with your Tour Leader.

See below for a guide to extra accommodation costs. These prices are a guideline only and are subject to change so please check with Travel Talk for current prices.

Transport

24-seater, self-contained, custom-built vehicle with on-board tables, plug sockets, freezer, water tank, library, safety features and 70-litre individual lockers, mokoro (dugout canoe), river boat, 4×4 safari, vehicle and fast ferry. Vehicle changes may occur on this route. Travel times indicated are approximate, and do not include stops en-route.

Game Park Visits

To maximise the quality of game driving and to comply with local authority rulings, some of our National Park visits and game viewing is carried out using services provided by local African ground handlers. As well as enhancing our experience using local guides and smaller vehicles it also allows us to contribute at a ‘grassroots’ level to local economies from which local people benefit.

Travel Advice, Visas & Insurance

The table below indicates the visas required for travel to the countries on this tour but should be treated as a guide only. At least one month prior to travel seek confirmation from embassies or a visa specialist, that these requirements are still current. For UK citizens the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) offers free up-to-date travel info: www.fco.gov.uk.

This information is provided as a guidance, we strongly advise that you check with the consulate or embassy as this information can change. Please note, visa costs can change at any time and with little notice depending on the political climate of the region. It is your responsibility to make sure that all the required travel documents are ready when travelling.

NB Certain nationalities travelling to South Africa are required to apply for a visa in advance of arrival. Please check your itinerary carefully as you may be exiting and re-entering South Africa and so require a MULTIPLE ENTRY visa. Obtaining the correct paperwork is the responsibility of the traveller and Travel Talk will not be able to assist where the correct visa is not obtained. Please contact Travel Talk should you be unsure and require any assistance with visa application letters in this regard.

Travel Advice

We are closely monitoring the latest travel updates to Africa and follow the advice of the UK Foreign Office (FCDO). For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/

We recommend all travellers to check their Government National Travel Advisory prior to their departure:

Australia – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

Canada – https://travel.gc.ca/

New Zealand – https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

USA – https://travel.state.gov/

Travel Insurance

All passengers travelling with Travel Talk are required to have personal travel insurance before participating in any of our tours. Your guide will collect your travel insurance details on the first day of your trip. It is your responsibility to make sure you have an adequate and suitable travel insurance for you in place, you may read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/travel-insurance

Health & Safety

The health and safety of our passengers, staff and communities visited is of utmost priority. As we monitor and comply with the official advice from the UK Foreign Office, as well as World Health Organization and government authorities regularly, we have implemented several policies and precautions on our tours for your wellbeing. You may find our Safe Travels Protocols at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels

Travel Talk Adventures has received the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which allows travellers to recognise companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers canexperience ‘Safe Travels’.

Please make sure to regularly check your Government’s travel advice before travelling and be well-informed of any requirements. Your tour guide will also notify you of the regulations and protocols to follow throughout your trip with us.

Please note that if any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary or possess a potential risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to remove them from all or part of a trip.

Please consult with your doctor for the latest medical travel information and any vaccinations you may need. We recommend that you bring any personal medical requirements and medications with you as these may be difficult to obtain while on tour.

VACCINATIONS

The table below indicates the vaccinations suggested for travel on this tour but should be treated as a guide only. You should seek professional medical advice from your GP or clinic at least six weeks prior to departure. Please note some areas visited are malarial. We recommend you speak to your doctor or travel clinic about appropriate anti-malarial tablets.

C = Compulsory, R = Recommended, * = If travelling from infected countries a certificate of proof may be required. NB: To be used as a guide only.

Please see your GP or travel clinic for up-to-date medical advice. Alternatively, contact TravelTalk for any queries or advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Weather

The best time to visit Africa is from September to December, when the dry and warm weather across the continent offers the ideal conditions for safari trips in the southwest, sightseeing in the Cape region, and adventures in East Africa. 

It is also the best time for game viewing in the wilderness areas stretching from west to east. Southern Africa’s majestic animal migrations take place during these months, creating fascinating views of wildlife for the best photographic experience. 

Your chances of witnessing animal births are high, especially in Southern Africa’s national parks. Trips to Africa from September to December have a lot to offer if you wish to witness the incredible wildlife diversity and the intriguing local life.

Check out our weather guide for the best time to visit Africa.

Money Matters

PERSONAL EXPENSES

Naturally you will require extra money for your own personal spending on the tour, for Activities and Excursions, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, tips and items of a personal nature. Everybody has different spending habits but as a guideline we suggest you budget US$15-30 per day. Also keep US$ cash for relevant airport taxes and visas needed, optional activities and any additional accommodation before or after your tour.

Spending money is best carried as cash in either US dollars(US Dollars in clean, un-torn, post 2008 edition notes), South African Rand, Sterling or Euro which can be exchanged on arrival and as you travel. Your guide will give general guidance
about spending during the tour.

Currencies are as follows: Uganda – Shilling

ATM machines are found in Kampala. Please note they are sometimes unreliable (and therefore should not be relied upon).

Credit cards can be used to pay for optional activities although charges may be may be high by western standards (+/- 5%).

TIPPING

As in many areas where tourism is an important contributor to the economy it has become customary to offer a small gratuity to local staff at the end of the tour if service has been of a high standard. Naturally, this always remains at your discretion.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS

To give you maximum flexibility on the tour we offer a number of optional activities on the tour. To help budget, approximate prices are listed below in US$ unless otherwise stated. All prices are subject to change and availability.

Essentials to Bring & Internet

-Face mask/cover and hand sanitiser enough for your personal use throughout the trip – See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/

-Travel Documents: Passport, Visa (if required), flight or transport ticket (and photocopies)

-Travel Talk Tour Voucher (printed or digital)Travel Insurance Policy (and photocopy)

-Personal medical kit and medicine

-Money (cash, credit card, travellers’ cheques)

-Power Adapter

-Reusable water bottle

-Ear plugs and eye mask

-Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

-Comfortable, closed walking shoes

-Wind/water proof jacket

-Warm clothes, hat, and gloves for cold weather

-Sandals, swimwear, shorts for warm weather

Solo Travellers

We have many solo travellers joining our tours. Solo travellers will be roomed with another traveller of the same gender. If you would like a private solo room, please contact us. You may see out solo travels page for more details.

Rules to Follow

We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We do not tolerate any form of violence (physical or verbal), bullying or harassment involving customers, partners, Travel Talk staff or locals. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a passenger are forbidden.

We will not tolerate any illegal activity, including but not limited to: use and possession of illegal drugs, trespassing, and disrupting public order. If you consume alcohol, please ensure that you drink responsibly and follow the local laws and regulations.

You must follow the advice of your tour leader and local officials regarding health and safety measures. We operate all tours under Safe Travels protocols for the wellbeing of our passengers, staff and communities visited. Please ensure that you have read the https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/ and are fully prepared for your trip.

If someone is acting inappropriately regarding these matters, please notify your tour leader immediately or contact us on the emergency contact number provided below.

Your tour leader has the right to remove from the group anyone not abiding by these rules, with no right of compensation or refund. See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/booking-terms/

Please remember that our travellers come from different parts of the world and will have various needs and preferences. Be understanding and patient with your fellow travellers, and always strive to be on time.

Responsible Travel

We strongly believe that you get the most out of a journey by respecting the culture and people of the places you visit. On our tours, we try to travel in a way that benefits the communities we pass through and minimizes the negative impact on the environment. This can be from ensuring the campsites and accommodation we use are clean when we leave and dressing respectfully in conservative areas to getting involved with local charity projects. We ask that you are open to this when you travel with us. Being proactive in responsible travel helps develop cross-cultural understanding and friendships with the local people and will greatly enhance your experience in Africa.

Read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/responsible-travel/

Get Connected

WIFI on tour:

While WIFI is becoming more common in some areas of Africa we cannot guarantee the speed, cost or reliability during your tour.

Open until midnight

+44 20 809 995 96
[email protected]

Monday - Friday: 09:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
W. Europe