• > 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?

Anyone in good health and in good physical condition is capable of traveling with Djoser. Our trips are not practical for small children or for older seniors. There is plenty of physical activity. The camping safaris are more physically demanding than the hotel/chalet trips. You will have to carry your tent from the safari truck and pitch your own tent.  Participants will all pitch in with the preparation of meals and clean-up on the camping safaris. You must be prepared and able to carry your own luggage from the bus to the hotel.  An energetic and adaptable outlook is a plus. Some aspects of travel in these countries can be unpredictable, which only adds to the experience.

Group Participants and Tour Leader

Traveling with a Dutch Group

On this tour you will join an International Group. Typical groups are 15 to 20 in number, active travelers, mostly from Holland. You can expect only one to four North American travelers in the group. This is recommended for active travelers who welcome the added element (and occassional small challenges) of cultural immersion with the Dutch. On the camping trips, an English-speaking African guide will assist you throughout the trip. As the tour is conducted in English only by the guide, this makes things a little easier for the North Americans. The Dutch travelers tend to be very social and accepting. They are experienced and lively travelers. Dutch travelers of all ages are likely to take hearty hikes, and will take full advantage of the Djoser style of travel taking many opportunities for independent explorations. Almost everyone from the Netherlands has a superb command of English. It is inevitable that the participants will lapse into Dutch from time to time at meals and on the bus, until they get to know you. If you have a travel partner, it will be easier to find your way into the conversations or at least to have a buffer during times when the group is chatting in Dutch. It can be more difficult for singles. For those who love the added international experience and enjoy a high degree of activity and independence, we think you will love “going Dutch”. 

Guide

On our camping safari you will have the assistance of an English-speaking, African guide. He will be assisted by an African camp courier, who will assist with the purchase of food and preparation of meals.

Private Tours and Custom Dates

Available for 10  or more travelers. Please call for more details.

Local Transportation

During this trip we use a specially equipped safari vehicle. These are trucks with storage for luggage, camping equipment and supplies. On the camping safari, we use an open vehicle.  This vehicle requires a large step up to board. As we use this vehicle throughout the trip we are free to make stops along the way whenever we desire. The connecting roads in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia are generally paved and of excellent quality. Some stretches of road are unpaved, for example in the wildlife parks. In the large cities such as Cape Town and Swakopmund we do not have our own transportation. On the hotel/chalet safari, we use closed vehicle with air conditioning.  It is more fun to make use of your own time and to explore on foot or by very cheap taxis. Use the following link to view slides of the transportation we use:
http://www.djoserusa.com/transportation

Accommodations

On the camping trip we spend the night primarily in basic tents, which are equipped with mosquito netting. The tents are quite spacious. The guide will show you how to pitch the tent at the beginning of the trip but then you will be expected to pitch your own tent so it is important that you are comfortable carrying and lifting the tent onto the safari truck. We make arrangements for all the camping equipment, except for your sleeping bag that you have to bring along. The sanitary facilities at most of the camping grounds in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana are of good quality. From time to time there are even splendid hot showers available and you can take a refreshing dive in the swimming pool. Often, you will also find small camp stores. The only place where you will have to forfeit comforts is at the Okavango Delta. Here the facilities are limited but the amazing natural beauty compensates for the lack of creature comforts. We spend the nights in Cape Town in a simple hotel and at Victoria Falls in tents equipped with a bed. In the event you are traveling alone we will generally hook you up with another traveler who will share a tent and rooms with you. It is not possible to guarantee a single tent as space on the safari vehicle is limited. 

Use the following link to view some of our lodgings:  http://www.djoserusa.com/hotels

If you travel alone, you will share accommodations with another group member of the same sex. If you prefer single accommodations, you may indicate your preference on the registration form. If you request a roommate and we are unable to find one for you, there will be no additional charge billed to you for a single.

Meals

During the camping portions of the trip, we cook our own meals. A camp courier travels along with the group and will purchase the supplies and give instructions regarding the preparation of meals. Every participant is expected to pitch in a few times during the safari, to assist with the preparation of meals and clean up. The cost of the food on safari is part of the local charges, which (as of 2008) have been built into the cost of the trip. This amount is spent for the purchase of the food, cooking supplies, fuel, and the salary of the camp courier.  The meals we prepare are based more on Western tastes.  During the nights we stay in hotels, backpacker lodges, and the camp in Livingstone, the meals are not included. This means you are free to determine where you can go for dinner. The guide will give you recommendations. The base ingredient for the local cuisine in these countries is cornmeal. In the south of Africa, this is called Sadza. It is usually consumed together with beef or goat meat with a relish sauce. If you wish to act like the locals, this dish is eaten with your hands. A local specialty in Namibia is Mahango; a type of hops that is turned into a mash. In the better restaurants in these countries you are able to get western dishes such as French fries, pastas, steaks and other familiar dishes. In the larger towns you will also find take-out restaurants. The most popular local snack in southern Africa is Biltong, which is a dried, salted meat of a variety of animals. It is commonly found as a cocktail snack.

Climate

It is ideal to travel throughout the entire year in Southern Africa. In general seasons are opposite to seasons here in the U.S. because they are located on the southern hemisphere. This is especially true for South Africa and Namibia. July is the coolest month and January is the warmest. In general the winters are dry with an average temperature that averages around 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.  In the morning and evening it can cool off substantially so we recommend warm clothing and a warm sleeping bag. In the summer the temperature is between 78 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit.  In Botswana the rainy period falls between November and March. In South Africa and Namibia there is mostly sunshine during this period.

Travel Documents

For all the countries we will visit you need a passport that is valid for six months after departure. If you do not have a U.S. passport you will need to check with the appropriate consulates for visa requirements. You will receive your airline tickets to and from South Africa, and your ticket from Livingstone to Johannesburg, around twelve days prior to departure. Your guide will handle other tickets or transport documents.

BOTSWANA - ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. U.S. citizens are permitted stays up to 90 days without a visa. For additional information on entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, 1531 - 1533 New Hampshire Ave, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 244-4990/1, fax (202) 244-4164 or the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Botswana to the United Nations, 103 E. 37th St., New York, NY, telephone (212) 889-2277, fax (212) 725-5061. There are also honorary consuls in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston. Overseas, inquiries should be made to the nearest Botswana Embassy or Consulate.

NAMIBIA - ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are normally required. Bearers of U.S. passports who plan to visit Namibia for tourism for less than 90 days can obtain visas at the port of entry and do not need visas prior to entering the country. Travelers coming for work, whether paid or voluntary, must obtain their visas prior to entering Namibia. Travelers should obtain the latest information from the Embassy of Namibia at 1605 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone (202) 986-0540, or from the Permanent Mission of Namibia to the U.N. at 135 E. 36th St., New York, NY 10016, telephone (212) 685-2003, fax (212) 685-1561. Overseas inquiries should be made to the nearest Namibian embassy.

For all the countries we will visit you need a passport that is valid for six months after departure. If you do not have a U.S. passport you will need to check with the appropriate consulates for visa requirements. You will receive your airline tickets to and from South Africa, and your ticket from Livingstone to Johannesburg, around twelve days prior to departure. Your guide will handle other tickets or transport documents.

BOTSWANA - ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. U.S. citizens are permitted stays up to 90 days without a visa. For additional information on entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, 1531 - 1533 New Hampshire Ave, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 244-4990/1, fax (202) 244-4164 or the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Botswana to the United Nations, 103 E. 37th St., New York, NY, telephone (212) 889-2277, fax (212) 725-5061. There are also honorary consuls in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston. Overseas, inquiries should be made to the nearest Botswana Embassy or Consulate.

NAMIBIA - ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are normally required. Bearers of U.S. passports who plan to visit Namibia for tourism for less than 90 days can obtain visas at the port of entry and do not need visas prior to entering the country. Travelers coming for work, whether paid or voluntary, must obtain their visas prior to entering Namibia. Travelers should obtain the latest information from the Embassy of Namibia at 1605 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone (202) 986-0540, or from the Permanent Mission of Namibia to the U.N. at 135 E. 36th St., New York, NY 10016, telephone (212) 685-2003, fax (212) 685-1561. Overseas inquiries should be made to the nearest Namibian embassy.

ZAMBIA - ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Americans can obtain a multiple-entry visa at the port of entry for US$135. You will need to list your entry and exit dates. All Americans, except resident diplomats, must pay an airport departure tax of $20.

The Embassy of the Republic of Zambia

2419 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

Washington DC 20008

Telephone: (202) 265-9717

Email: info@zambiainfo.org

In the event you would like to use a passport and visa expediting service, we recommend “It’s Easy”. This company offers Djoser customers a discount. Just identify DJOSER on your It’s Easy Forms as you referral source and they will take 10% off of the service portions of the passport and visa fees. (There is no discount over the government portions of the fees). For download forms and requirements please visit: www.itseasypassport.com. You will need to know the entry and departure dates which we provide for you on an itinerary. You will also need to list a contact name in each country, which you will also find in the literature we send you when you book a trip.  For a higher fee they can process your passport in a few days.

It’s Easy  (Passport & Visa Expeditors)
Satellite Airline Terminal
125 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Phone - (212) 286-8500,
Fax (212)-490-3224
Website    www.itseasypassport.com
E-mail    mail@itseasypassport.com

Flights

Below you will find the usual flight times with Northwest/KLM Airlines (Hotel trip) and Virgin Airlines (Camping Safaris).

These 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.  Add-on rates can be found in our website www.djoserusa.com on the home page (see Add-ons). Read more about flights and Add-ons in the General Information section.

                            * 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 in the beginning of this booklet.

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

Please refer to www.exchangerate.com for current exchange rates.
Currencies: 
South Africa Rands
Namibian dollars.
Botswana Pula.
Zambian Kwacha.

Park fees are included in the cost of your trip. For other expenses, we advise you to bring the bulk of your funds in traveler’s checks in a combination of medium and smaller denominations. Do not bring checks over $100. It is simple in all these countries to exchange money in the larger cities. Credit cards and ATMS are limited to the large cities in South Africa and Namibia. You can get also cash with your credit cards at major banks. Take along at least $150 in small denominations to pay for departure taxes and tips. Your weekly expenses will be a minimum of $250. In addition to the daily events, there are abundant opportunities for optional excursions. For example in Namibia the adventurous can go on a balloon ride, go sand boarding, ski diving or quad biking. White water rafting in Zambia costs around $110. Most activities will require cash payment at Victoria Falls. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Zambia so be sure to have cash handy. It is strongly recommended that you carry your money in a money belt that is worn under your clothing.

Restaurant meals, alcohol, soft drinks and mineral water are not included in the tour cost.  There will however be opportunities en route where you will be able to eat out, and, although this is not compulsory, you should keep this in mind when budgeting. Liquor prices vary considerably, but beer, wine and soft drinks are similarly priced throughout. On the camping safari, the cost of food and meal preparation are included in the local charges which have been built into the cost of this trip (as of 2008).  

The $35 cost of your Zambia visa is included in the cost of your trip. We will have the visa processed for US and Canadian citizens. You will be invoiced for airport taxes but may also be subject to departure taxes upon leaving some countries.

It is typical to tip for services rendered. Keep in mind that no gratuities are included. In order to avoid constant tipping, at the beginning of the trip, a tip pot is organized for drivers, local guides, hotel personnel, etc. (around $30). The tipping of our tour leader is not mandatory, but appreciated. The amount is totally up to you based on your satisfaction of their services.   

Tipping
At the beginning of your trip, your tour leader will collect a “tip pot” of approximately $2 per land day, per person. So that you will not be burdened with tipping those who assist you along the way, this sum will dispersed by the tour leader as for the driver, local guides and hotel staff. The tip pot does not include the tip for the tour leader. A typical guideline for an American tip would be $2-$3 per day but the amount is at your discretion and should be based on his/her efforts and your satisfaction level. Dutch tipping habits are different than North American guidelines. You may feel more comfortable tipping your guide privately to avoid the great cultural tipping debate. However, it’s up to you! We take pride in our Djoser guides who do their utmost to make your experience great. We do ask that you bear in mind their extra challenge of a dual language group.

Health

A reasonable degree of fitness is required to participate in this trip. Participants should be comfortable with the high step up to the truck and must be comfortable lifting, carrying and pitching their own tent. The most up to date information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at telephone 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAX (1-888-232-3299), or by visiting the CDC Internet home page at http://www.cdc.gov/. Doctors or pharmacists will also advise on hepatitis vaccinations and immune system boosters. Although vaccinations are not mandatory, many are highly recommended. Many areas within the African continent carry the risk of malaria and precautions against infection must be taken. Our tents are fitted with mosquito netting over the windows and participants should bring a strong bug repellent. All vehicles are equipped with a basic first aid kit, which is available to travelers in emergencies.

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.
•    Sleeping bag for the camping trip.

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. In most places you will 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 our phone instrument and your provider.