- > How Strenuous are these Trips?
- > Group Participants and Tour Leader
- > Private Tours and Custom Dates
- > Local Transportation
- > Accommodations
- > Meals
- > Climate
- > Travel Documents
- > Flights
- > Airline Tickets
- > Money
- > Health
- > Luggage & Clothing
- > Resources
- > Communication
How Strenuous are these Trips?
This tour is a limited participation trip, which means that you will occassionally be asked to assist with various aspects of safari duties. Your crew are there to handle all major responsibilities, but they will occasionally ask you for assistance. It is vital that travelers have a positive attitude toward participation, and joining in is what turns a great trip into an unforgettable journey.
You will be required to help with loading and unloading the vehicle. Crew will purchase all the food and prepare all the meals that they are to supply.
Your tour leader and crew will explain all this to you in detail at the pre-departure meeting. If you are in need of further clarification on this please speak to your tour leader.
Group Participants and Tour Leader
Groups are made up of travelers of all ages: singles, couples, friends, and families. On these trips the minimum age is 14. The maximum group size is 20. You will join an international group of English-speaking travelers from Australia, England, Holland, Germany and North America. Fellow travelers will also come from sources other than Djoser. The tours are conducted in English by a local African guide.
Our guides are there to make sure that you have an unforgettable trip. If there is anything that is upsetting you while on tour, you need to approach the guide to give him a fair opportunity to rectify the problem. Dealing with any problems that may arise while on tour, will prevent them from developing into something more problematic. The guide cannot help you if you remain quiet. It will be difficult for Djoser to address any complaint after a tour if you have not discussed this issue with your guide. If a serious matter arises on tour that you feel needs to be brought to our head office’s attention then the contact details are on this information sheet. Please feel free to contact us by mail or by phone in the unlikely event of a serious matter arising that your tour leader cannot deal with.
Our guides are trained extensively, but please also remember that the nature of an adventure safari is to give a very broad range of experiences. Your guide cannot be expected to be an expert on everything throughout many different countries! This is why we also contract the services of local guides and experts to compliment the information that our guides can give you. There will also be occasions where your camp courier will need to sit in the cab with the tour driver to do planning for meals and other aspects of the tour. If you feel that you are not getting enough information please speak with your tour leader and he will rectify the problem.
Private Tours and Custom Dates
Custom dates for private groups can be arranged for 20 or more.
Local Transportation
All of our Adventure vehicles are custom built to suit the African terrain. We use Mercedes Benz or MAN, with large glass windows for game and scenery viewing, which, when open, give the feeling of being in an open vehicle. The interior is spacious with forward facing coach-style seating. There is ample space inside the vehicle to store your daypack. The large enclosed storage area of the vehicle holds the camping gear and luggage, with separate sections for the food. The vehicle has a large water tank and a fully-equipped field kitchen, with fold-down tables. There are two safes on board, one for passengers and one for vehicular documents. Long-range fuel and water tanks keep us self-sufficient. We may use smaller vehicles in the event of smaller groups.
Use the following link to view slides of the transportation we use:
http://www.djoserusa.com/transportation
Accommodations
The facilities in some of the areas that you will be visiting are sometimes primitive and basic. PLEASE COME PREPARED! At times we will stay in camps with good facilities like hot and cold running water and swimming pools. At other times there are only basic facilities. Please note that in some areas there is very little choice of camps that we can use. We sometimes have to make the most of what is available and have no further choice in the matter, and we expect your understanding. Participants are usually very quick to adapt themselves to the conditions of the safari. It’s all part of the adventure! While we have been specific about which camps, lodges or hotels we may use while on tour, please note that accommodations on tour could change from that stated in this dossier or in our brochures. Hotels, lodges or chalets where used will be simple, clean basic traveler’s accommodations. In some cases ablution facilities may be on a sharing basis. Unless you request single accommodations, you will be placed with another traveler of the same sex. If we are unable to match you with a roommate, you will be billed the single supplement charge of $300.Meals
Your guides will make every effort to prepare nutritious and filling meals. If you have any problems with the food please discuss this directly with them. In Africa, especially in the more remote areas, availability of foods and fresh products are often limited. This may result in the duplication of ingredients and meals. The vehicle will be well-stocked with staple foods at the beginning of the trip. We try to maintain as much variety throughout the expedition as possible, restocking from stores and markets along the way. While making no special provisions for vegetarians, we have found in the past that there are ample choices available. Our guides are also trained to cater for vegetarians.
Important: Please do not help yourselves to the food supplies on board as the menu for the tour is carefully planned and budgeted.
Discuss your specific food requirements especially in the case of dietary limitations with your crew. They will wherever possible accommodate your needs.
Please remember also that your crew are working to a specified food budget, which can provide great quality and variety. We are confident that you will be impressed with our meals, but please realize there is a limit to what can be spent on food.
You will be expected to purchase all of your own drinks. Beer, cool drinks, bottled water, local wine and spirits, etc. are usually readily available at reasonable prices. Bottled water is normally available in most large towns. Discuss this in detail with your guide, as this could affect your health.
Beware of dehydration and drink plenty of water. You will probably not be accustomed to African conditions and this can affect you severely.
Climate
The south western region has dry sunny summers with average temperatures around 80 o F. It is often windy, however, and the south-easterly ‘Cape Doctor’ can reach gale force. Winters can get cold, with average min. temperature of around 45 o F and Max 63 o F. There is occasional snow on higher peaks.
The eastern plateau region has a dry, sunny climate in winter with max. temperature around 68 o F and crisp nights around 41 o F. Between October and April there are late afternoon showers often accompanied by spectacular thunder and lightning, but it rarely gets unpleasantly hot. It can, however, get very hot in the Karoo and the far north.
The south coast is temperate but further north the east coast gets increasingly tropical. The KwaZulu-Natal and Transkei regions can be hot and very humid in summer. It’s also a summer rainfall. Mpumalanga and Northern Province lowveld get very hot in summer and in winter the days are sunny and warm.Check the weather for your destination: Check temperature and rainfall for specific cities on your trip, during your month of travel at www.worldweather.org
Travel Documents
All travelers will require a full valid passport, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid visas for all countries visited on your holiday, and / or sufficient blank pages for any visas and for entry/departure stamps. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your holiday. If you have more then one passport, we recommend that you use one passport only for the entire journey. This will save problems and potential delays at border crossings. Requirements differ depending on your nationality - check with the appropriate embassies for details.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas for your holiday and onward travel. WildLife Adventures and Djoser Inc. cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation. Please check the actual requirements with the necessary embassy.
Please also do not assume that any inaccuracies within your documentation will be detected or can be rectified - you must ensure, that your "paper-work" is in order.
There will be times during the trip, when your passport will be collected e.g. by your tour leader, hotel reception staff, or police.
SOUTH AFRICA – Entry Requirements
United States and Canadian citizens visiting South Africa do not need a visa, however, your passport must be valid for at least six months after departure from South Africa. Prior to departure, you should check with the South African Embassy or Consulate to insure that documentation requirements have not changed.
If you need a passport or visa service to process your documents or need rush service, we recommend a service called It’s Easy, located in New York. You can check their website http://www.itseasypassport.com for passport and visa requirements and to download the current forms and rates and processing fees. Or you can call them to fax you forms if you do not have Internet. Please indicate you were referred by Djoser, Inc to get a 10% discount of the processing fee. They provide rush service for an additional fee.
It’s Easy (Passport & Visa Service)
Satellite Airline Terminal
125 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Phone - (212) 286-8500
Fax (212)-490-3224
Website http://www.itseasypassport.com
E-mail mail@itseasypassport.com
Flights
We book our flights with top airlines. Most airlines will honor earned mileage. You will need to submit your mileage credit yourself upon receipt of your flight information. For airlines that allow advance seating reservations, we typically request aisle and adjoining seats unless otherwise instructed on your registration form. It is vital that you arrive at the airport early, according to the airline (often 3 hours prior to flight time). We do provide airport transfers (airport pick-up and drop off) in our destination country for those who book the Land/Air package. Flight times are subject to change. It is recommended that you book your domestic Add-on (connecting) flights through Djoser in association with the international flight. To avoid penalties for flight changes do not book your own domestic add-on (connecting flight) without first receiving a printed copy of your flight record from Djoser confirming your actual departure and return flight times. You will find more about flights in the General Information section. Below you will find the usual flight times for the airline indicated.
|
Northwest Flights |
Virgin Flights | |||
|
Depart NY |
Return to NY |
Depart NY |
Return to NY | |
|
6:25 PM |
4:10 PM |
10:50 PM |
12:10 PM | |
|
Depart LAX |
Return to LAX |
Depart LAX |
Return to LAX | |
|
8:45 AM |
1:45 PM |
8:50 PM |
3:10 PM | |
* Usual flight times – Subject to change
The time difference: +7 hours from the East Coast and +10 hours for the West Coast. Please note that the order of the itineraries of these trips is reversed for certain departure dates. These dates are indicated on the itinerary pages.
Airline Tickets
You will receive your tickets or E-tickets 10-12 days prior to your departure date.
In case the airline uses E-tickets you will receive two documents:
• A document that shows the E-ticket number & flight itinerary (sent by email & mail).
• A receipt of the E-ticket (sent by mail).
The first document listed is needed to check in at the automated kiosks. If you check in at the
E-ticket desk you don’t need any of the provided documents, you can simply show your passport and you’re good to go. Both the automated kiosk and the e-ticket desk insure a much faster check in than at the regular check in desks. It is important to hold on to your e-ticket receipt, as you might need it to claim your mileage credits (if the airline awards mileage for this particular flight).
Money
In the total price quoted in our website, the sum for the Local Payment has been included in the amount of $180. This amount will be deducted from your total on your invoice. You will need to pay this in South African Rand (1280 Rand) directly to the guide for food supplies, certain entry fees and various expenses along the way. Be sure to have cash ready when you travel.
You should budget at least the equivalent of 3,000 Rands (around $500), to cover all of the optional activities you might like to try, as well as your drinks, the restaurant meals, crafts and souvenirs. There are full banking facilities available in the major towns and cities where you are able to change money and withdraw cash from your credit card. Most major currencies are accepted at banks in larger towns and cities. The currency in South Africa is the Rand.
Tipping is obviously entirely at your discretion, and based on how you feel the service has been. Our guides do go to great lengths to provide you with an experience of a lifetime. They often go that extra mile to make that special moment. Remember also that it is hours of behind-the-scenes work that you may not be aware of that will make your tour really special. Please consider all of this when you decide on your tip. It is a 24-hour job that requires dedicated effort.
An indication of what is generally accepted and paid to the guides is:
Drivers/guides/couriers: $2 to $3 per day per client; Trainees $1 per day
National Parks Guides/optional activities: $1 to $2 per person
Bar staff/waiters: 10% of bill if service is excellent
In regard to optional activities, all of our trips are designed so that you can choose, according to your own particular budget, which excursions you wish to partake in. Any activity marked ‘optional’ will be at the client’s expense. Your guides are able to assist with information on all the options offered. Also, they can book these excursions as an extra service to our clients.
Remember these optional extras are operated by third party local companies and not by our land agents. Some activities are adventurous with inherent risk. All activities are undertaken at your own risk and Djoser Inc. will not be held responsible in any way.
Sometimes political or civil unrest and other circumstances beyond the control of our land agents will mean the group has to make alternative travel plans. We recommend that you bring emergency funds or have access to funds that you do not intend to use. Most insurance policies refund only after you have paid out.
Health
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s website at http://www.who.ith/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/iht. Certain inoculations may be mandatory for this area as well as a required cholera statement for Tanzania. Check current requirements carefully.
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).
Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), or have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment.
Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.
Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region.
Yellow fever, if you travel anywhere outside urban areas.
As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11–12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
Malaria tablets. But ask about side effects from certain brands.
Any one participating in an adventure safari must be in good health. Please see our terms and conditions for further information on this. Please note that Djoser Inc. is not qualified to give you medical advice and you must contact your own doctor for information.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection vary from country to country. We recommend that you contact your doctor and gain the correct medical advice about vaccinations.
All clients MUST have full medical and travel insurance cover before joining the tour. See booking terms and conditions for further information.
There is an emergency first aid kit on board every vehicle. This kit is for emergencies or serious medical conditions only. If items are used, clients will be asked to pay for them. Clients are advised to bring a simple personal first aid kit, and details are supplied below.
It must be understood that your crew are not able to administer any drugs. It is the client’s responsibility to administer medication to him or herself, unless incapacitated, in which case that individual’s traveling partner will administer medication.
The most major health risk is Malaria – so take your prophylactics on time. The best way of avoiding malaria is to not get bitten in the first place! Cover up at night and keep your tents closed at all times. Look after your tent zips!!!
Bilharzia is present in Africa. It is not an immediate life-threatening disease! Simply have a test when you get back home and the treatment is simple and effective. Do not let it spoil your swimming!
All water on the truck is clean and drinkable. Beware of any other water in Africa as it can make you sick!
Good personal hygiene is essential! Wash hands as often as you can, and always before eating - but remember water is precious in Africa.
Inform your crew about any medical problems or allergies. This is essential and will be treated confidentially. Be sure to inform them if any medical conditions get serious. There are not always hospitals or doctors everywhere along the route.
Luggage & Clothing
The baggage allowance is one backpack, or duffle bag, a maximum of 26 pounds per person. Travel light and remember clothes should be easy to wash and dry, but avoid nylon and other synthetics that can be very uncomfortable in hot weather. Please also remember that Africa can be colder than you might expect, particularly at night and in the early morning. Be sure to pack what you can comfortably carry.
• Pack lightly. Limit yourself to one piece of luggage and a day pack. The best bag to bring is a canvas duffle bag. Some are available with wheels.
• Bring several short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts, a couple of pairs of light trousers and shorts. During our summer months, the southern regions of Africa can be cool. You will need jeans and a heavy sweater or jacket and clothing that you can layer for chilly nights. It's also best to include some lightweight, long-sleeved clothing (to protect against insects and the sun).
• A poncho or easy-to-fold raincoat.
• Good walking shoes and socks.
• Don't forget insect repellent, sun block, sunglasses, a hat, camera and lots of film, binoculars, animal, field, and bird books, and a flashlight.
Resources
It is extremely useful to pick up a good travel guidebook. We highly recommend Lonely Planet. You will find a wealth of practical information regarding money issues, maps, local customs, history, activities, and much more. There are always great travel journals, historical and political books at your local bookstore as well. The internet is also invaluable for researching and finding great photos. Be sure to check out this trip’s Slide Show (see link above) to get a good feeling for the trip, lodgings and modes of travel.
Communication
With all the modern communications these days, you are very reachable in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia near the populated areas (and definitely in all cities). In some places you may be able to find Internet cafes where, for a fee, you can send and receive emails. On the inlands of Zambia, the reception is quite often very bad. Mobile phone access is possible based on your phone instrument and provider.
