Zanzibar, Victoria Falls & Kruger Trip Notes

Trip Overview

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Onnce the best of East Africa through Zanzibar, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa on a packed 22-day adventure. Soak in the African sun at the sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Zanzibar and Malawi. Then embark on unforgettable safari game drives in search for the Big 5 at astonishing National Parks of Africa, including Mikimu, South Luangwa, Matobo and Kruger!

Duration : 22 Days

Destination : Africa

Start/Ends in : Dar es Salaam / Pretoria

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.

Your tour starts in Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. Close enough to Johannesburg to almost be considered a suburb, Pretoria is known as the Jacaranda City, with purple blossoms covering the streets in October each year. Pretoria boasts many sights of interest – such as the 10m bronze statue of Nelson Mandela standing beside the historic Union Buildings. Various cultural sites, shops, bars, and restaurants are within an easy walk of our recommended hotel (and tour start point).

How do I get to Pretoria? Simple. Book a transfer before you leave home to meet you at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International and take you direct to the hotel in Pretoria. Journey time is about 45 minutes depending on traffic. We particularly recommend a pre-booked transfer if you are arriving late. Alternatively, there is a regular low cost train service called the Gautrain which runs from OR Tambo International to both Johannesburg and Pretoria. If the train interests you, email or ask Travel Talk for more information.

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

Duration: 20 Days
Countries visited: South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho

Tour Preparation

BOOKING INFORMATION

When you make a confirmed booking, you will be sent the tour 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 and your ‘ticket’ for the tour and must be given to the tour leader at the beginning of the tour. Kampala (Entebbe – EBB) is well served by several airlines and your travel agent can advise on flights to the start of the tour.

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 Pretoria. The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 07:00 on day 1 and ends in Cape Town on day 20.

Meeting Point:

Tour start point in Pretoria:

Court Classique Suite Hotel

Address: 743 Francis Baard Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0007

Contact details:

Tel. +27 12 344 4420
Email: [email protected]

Tours starts: 07:00 on Day 1

Finishing Point:

Tour end point in Cape Town:

Ashanti Lodge, Gardens

Address: 11 Hof Street Gardens Cape Town, 8001

Contact details:

Tel +27 (0)21 423 8721
Email: [email protected]

Tour ends: Late afternoon/ early evening on Day 20

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.

Chobe NP Fish Eagle Cruise √
Chobe NP Game Drive √
Okavango Delta Excursion √
Sossusvlei 4×4 Shuttle √

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 power bank is useful for recharging electronic devices.

NB TANZANIA PLASTIC BAG BAN – Tanzania has a ban on single-use plastic. Prohibited items include single-use plastic carrier bags, shopping bags/packing plastic carrier bags. Ziplock bags and storage compartment bags (e.g toiletries) will be permitted as they are expected to remain in possession of traveller. We do however suggest that you leave these items behind in your country of origin.

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.

Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm fringed beaches; romantic winding cobbled alleys and lush tropical forests. You will find all 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 here is centuries old: Zanzibaris have traded with the people of the Arabian Peninsula for many generations, navigating 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 so 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 3 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, fabrics and wooden carvings, or 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 (B&B) is included 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 two 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.

Accommodation : Stone Town – Mazon’s or similar – twin/ triple rooms with en-suite facilities

Meals Included : No

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, in the 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.

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: 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 2

We have the morning to do any last-minute shopping or enjoy one last swim before catching the ferry back to the African mainland and 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.

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

Meals Included : Breakfast, Dinner

WIFI : Yes

Optional Activities: No

Leaving the bustling city and warm Atlantic coast, we drive inland through the Mikumi National Park where we may, with luck, spot forest elephant or giraffe feeding near the side of the road. 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.

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

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI : Yes

Optional Activities : Mikumi Game Drive US$150

We continue our journey heading to the town of Iringa and the Kisolanza Farm. At an altitude of 1600m Kisolanza ensures a pleasant fresh climate in one of the most scenic areas in the Southern Highlands 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 Dar es Salaam. The farmhouse is a well-known spot to camp and is the overnight near our mid-way point for our journey from the ocean to the Malawi border.

Accommodation: Kisolanza Farmhouse – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI : Yes

Optional Activities : No

After our last night in Tanzania, we head through lush mountain passes, rich grazing land, and banana and tea plantations to the Songwe border post into Malawi. Lake Malawi formerly ‘Lake Nyasa’ covers almost a fifth of the country’s area and provides the source of livelihood for many of the Malawi 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. The lake also has the highest number of endemic freshwater fish species of any in the world.

Accomodation : Chitimba Beach Camp – 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 an 11km hike, 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 from the beach.

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

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : Livingstonia Day Hike US10

Today we take 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 Kande Beach. Try some of the optional water sports typically available, horse riding or else simply relax and enjoy the warm fresh waters of Lake Malawi. There is the opportunity to meet the local people, generally known as some of the friendliest in Africa, to gain insight into their way of life.

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

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : See day 10

Today you’ll have some free time to try some of the water sports available including diving, snorkelling, and horse riding along the beach. Or simply relax and enjoy the warm fresh waters of Lake Malawi. There is the opportunity to meet the local people, by tradition very friendly, on an optional guided Village Walk, or you can simply head out and explore the lakeside, craft market and meet some of the locals.

Accomodation : Kande Beach Camp – 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

Saying our goodbye’s to ‘the Lake’, we head for the border crossing into Zambia to Chipata. Formally named Fort Jamerson, the border town has a population of approx 98,000, and is the capital of Zambia’s Eastern Province. The town has colourful fruit and vegetable markets and an unexpected number of ornate mosques due to its large Indian community. If time allows, we will stop in Chipata before arriving to our campsite situated a short distance from the town centre.

Accomodation : Mama Rula’s Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : No

Today we leave early and take the Great Eastern Road through lush country and small villages, cross the Luangwa River to Lusaka, Zambia’s capital. Lusaka is Southern Africa’s fastest growing city with approx. 1.7m inhabitants. It is located on Zambia’s southern plateau at an elevation of 1300m with four main highways running north, south, east and west to different parts of Africa.
Our campsite for the evening is set in a tranquil and relaxing setting on a farm.

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

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: No

Optional Activities : No

We head south to Livingstone and set up camp at the Waterfront campsite on the banks of the Zambezi River, just a few kilometres from the Victoria Falls. At various times of year, the spray from the ‘Falls’ can be seen from up to 20 or 30 kilometres away, hence the local name Mosi oa Tunya – the ‘Smoke that Thunders’. Don’t forget your raincoat to keep you and your camera dry!

The campsite management provide information on all activities available in the area (typically these include rafting, canoeing, bungee, abseiling, gorge swinging, horse riding, scenic flights, river cruises), allowing you to plan your time accordingly over the next four nights.

Accomodation : Waterfront – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : See day 14

We have a free day in Livingstone today to explore the town, pop over to neighbouring Zimbabwe or enjoy the many optional activities on offer such as rafting, bungee jumping, river cruises, flights over the falls, just to name a few.

Accommodation: Waterfront – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : Bungee Jumping US$160, Full Day Abseil US$190, Mosi Oa Tunya National Park Game Walk US$110, Chief Mukumi Village Tour US$50, Gorge Swing US$95, Zambezi Jet boat and Cable Car from US$120, Half Day Canoe US$110, Zambezi Sunset Cruise US$75, Full Day White-water Rafting US$160, Helicopter/Microlight Flights from US$185, Half Day Fishing US$145, Bridge Tour US$65

Getting an early start, we leave the Lesotho highlands and cross back into South Africa and through stunning diverse country to the Mountain Zebra National Park. At 284km², this park is home to over 700 animals including eland, cape buffalo, cheetah, lion, caracal, black rhino and the bat eared fox, not to be missed! However, the highlight of the park’s mammalian fauna is the over 700 Cape mountain zebra after which the park is named.  With a camera and binoculars at hand, we game drive in our overland truck in search for these animals en-route to our camp for the evening located inside the National Park.

Accomodation : Mountain Zebra National Park Rest Camp – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : No

Today, we drive to the Addo Elephant National Park where we spend the day exploring the park for some serious animal spotting. Addo can exclusively claim to be the only national park in the world to conserve the “Big 7” – the Big 5 as well as the southern right whale and great white shark off the Algoa Bay coast. This wonderful park is sanctuary to over 600 elephants, lion, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species – so you are sure to spot many animals during your time here! After an enjoyable day’s safari, we make our way to our accommodation, which is situated a few metres from the beachfront just outside of Port Elizabeth.

Accomodation : Willows Resort or similar – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: No

Optional Activities : No

We rise early and make our way over to the exciting adventures at Storms River within the Tsitsikamma forest. Tsitsikamma National Park is a multi-dimensional destination with dramatic coastal scenery, reefs, rivers, lush forest and delicate Fynbos. A hiking and birders paradise, this region forms the top section of the magnificent Garden Route National Park. It’s here you have the option to choose from a selection of optional activities depending on your energy and interests. From boat cruises and canoe trips to nature hikes and bird watching, the forest has something to offer for most visitors’ curiosity and exploration desires. Alternatively, visit the famous Bloukrans Bridge where you could be tempted to a jump off one of the highest bungee jumps.

Accomodation : Tube and Axe Boutique Lodge or similar – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : Bungee Jump R1000, Bridge Walk R150, Half-day Tubing R610

After breakfast we’re off to Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains. Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world with a number of farms based in the dry Karoo. This region is home to the spectacular Cango Caves, Africa’s largest show cave system. Situated in a limestone ridge parallel to the well-known Swartberg Mountains, here we find the finest dripstone caverns, with their vast halls and towering formations. After exploring the caves, we enjoy the night in the old settlers’ town in the Karoo.

Accomodation : Kleinplaas or similar – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

WIFI: No

Optional Activities : No

Relaxed and revitalized from the wonderful Oudtshoorn hospitality, we board our vehicle and head south across the farmlands of the Cape to the coastal town of Hermanus, famous for its whale and dolphin sightings. En route we stop off at Cape Agulhas, the place where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, lying at the southernmost tip of Africa. Historically, the ‘Cape’ coastline has been recognised by sailors as extremely hazardous, notorious for winter storms with huge rogue waves reaching a spectacular height of 30 metres. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the coastline is littered with lonely ship wrecks. We visit the gigantic lighthouse built as early as 1848 before enjoying a lunch break. The afternoon is spent exploring Hermanus, a haven for the outdoor enthusiast! We spend the night enjoying the town’s atmosphere, inhaling the cool breeze.

Accomodation : Hermanus Backpackers or similar – Shared dorm with shared facilities

Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch

WIFI: Yes

Optional Activities : Hermanus Whale Watching/Cruise from R800

A free morning in Hermanus gives us ample opportunity to join a whale watching tour or explore the town’s variety of shops and boardwalk on foot or visit the Old Harbour Open-Air Museum that is a provincial heritage site. This museum is unique as it is only one of two fishing harbours in the world that has been conserved intact and remnants of the vibrant fishing industry can be seen everywhere. The museum is the axis around which the fishing village of Hermanus was developed. We leave Hermanus before lunch and follow the rough coastal route taking a leisurely drive through small fishing towns. We visit a winery en route to Cape Town where we enjoy wine tasting. The tour draws to an end towards late afternoon at the foot of Table Mountain in the popular mother city of South Africa, Cape Town.

Inclusions & Exclusions

The tour price covers the following services:

Accomodation : 18 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 3 nights tourist class hotel

Meals : 21 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 14 Dinners

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

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

Activities : Shangaan Cultural Evening, Matobo National Park, Open Vehicle Game Drive and Wilderness, Walk with Resident Guide

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 in Zanzibar are not included.

Accommodation

We use 2-person dome tents with fly sheets, sewn-in ground sheets, 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.

PRE/POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION

This tour departs Dar es Salaam early on Day 1; we strongly recommend therefore that you plan to arrive the day before departure to overcome any jetlag and to acclimatize to Africa. We would be happy to book pre-tour accommodation and transfers 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 pre-book this with Travel Talk Tours. There is a variety of activities and excursions in the Pretoria area’s that can be arranged locally.

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.

Kenya E-VISA: Should you wish to have your visa before arrival, Kenya now offers the option to pre-apply for an e-visas online. This may take up to 7 days to process. Alternatively, qualifying passport holders can obtain an entry visa on arrival in Kenya. To check whether you qualify, please check with the Kenyan Embassy or Mission in your country of origin.

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: South Africa – Rand; Zimbabwe – US Dollars; Zambia – Zambian Kwacha; Malawi – Malawi Kwacha; Tanzania – Tanzania Schilling

ATM machines are found in Southern Africa, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. 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.

travel to Africa

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