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PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION FOR YOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT TRIP

GENERAL

The following information is provided to assist you in preparing for your trip.  Please familiarise yourself with the note in this document to prepare yourself properly for your trip.  This trip does not operate like a conventional overland safari and does NOT make use of an overland truck!

Travelling in Africa is unpredictable.  Expect the unexpected.  Our trips are not luxury tours and trips of this kind do not always proceed as planned.  At times it may be dusty, dirty, wet, hot or all of these at the same time!  There will be days where we may have to improvise or alter the itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control like floods, droughts, political instability, etc.  Bear in mind too, Africa is made up of mainly Third World Countries and your train, bus, ferry schedules will not always be adhered to.  If you approach your trip with a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude, you and your fellow passengers will get the most out of the journey. 

Our trips are designed with people who have an adventurous spirit in mind, who’d like to visit East Africa on their own, but only have limited time and resources to research and plan their trip.  There is the added benefit of having a Trip Leader to help you with arranging your transport and activities along the way.  Your Trip Leader is generally either European or Australasian.  They have travelled through Africa, either independently or as a passenger on one of our trips.  Most have been on the road for a number of years and have vast experience in running successful trips throughout the route we travel.  They are not experts in all aspects of the culture, history and wildlife of each area.  They are employed to ensure the smooth running of your trip.  That said, all of our crew have a passion for Africa and have acquired much knowledge of each area, which they’ll happily share. 

Please Note that there is a minimum group size of 4 people.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Some days are long and arduous travel days, where long periods of waiting may be involved.  Much of our travel is in various modes of public transport, which can, at times, be crowded and somewhat uncomfortable.  However this is a great way to meet the locals and of getting an authentic African experience.  There are a few days spent at your leisure, giving you some time to explore the local area or to participate in various Optional Excursions.  These days also allow you some flexibility in your itinerary, should it be required.  Some of the Optional Excursions on offer include the 3 Day/2 Night Serengeti/Ngorongoro Excursion, village and school visits, Domwe Island in Malawi, as well as snorkelling, diving and hiking.  Please see the Optional Excursions list and budget appropriately for the activities you’d like to do.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation on these trips varies considerably from town to town.  Along the coast we make use of traditional bandas - huts made out of wood and covered with palm fronds.  In some of the towns, we make use of backpacker dormitories and bungalows.  On the Serengeti/Ngorongoro and South Luangwa Excursions, our accommodation is in two person dome tents, while when we’re crossing Lake Malawi on the Ilala Ferry, we’ll overnight on the open deck of the ferry.  You are to provide your own sleeping bag (we advise you also bring a mosquito net).  Most bathrooms are shared and hot showers can not be guaranteed.

MEALS

Most meals are NOT included on this trip - except where specified like the Serengeti/Ngorongoro Excursion and on the South Luangwa Excursion.  We suggest you bring along basic cutlery and a bowl/plate for days where you do your own catering.  Fresh fruit and vegetables like tomatoes, cabbages, carrots and bananas, which are always in season, are available at the local markets and roadside stalls.  Other fruit and veg is seasonal but readily available. Local stores stock dry goods and proteins like meat, eggs and cheese.  Local restaurants also provide a variety of traditional foods like chicken, stews, rice and chapatti and are reasonably priced.  Bottled water, soft drinks and beer are readily available from the local markets and stalls.

LOCAL PAYMENT

All passengers contribute to the Local Payment for each of our trips equally.  It is payable directly to your Trip Leader at the start of your trip in US dollars cash.  Please check our brochure/website for the highlights that are included in your trip and for excursions that are for your own expense.

We have calculated the Local Payment amount from our experience in running trips in and around Africa.  However, we often have to publish Local Payment amounts a year or two prior to the time your particular trip enters a country, and it is impossible to anticipate exactly how exchange rates, local inflation and price rises may change, so far in advance.  It very rarely happens that extra contributions have to be made, but if it does prove necessary, it is usually by only a few dollars.

PRE-DEPARTURE MEETINGS AND DEPARTURES

The Pre-Departure Meetings usually last for approximately one hour and are a great opportunity for you to meet your fellow travellers.  The meetings cover a range of topics and important information that should make you feel a lot more comfortable with how your trip will operate as well as ways for you to maximise your experience.  Please make every effort to attend this meeting or advise us if you know you will be unable to attend.

KENYA - NAIROBI

For all trips departing from Nairobi, we have a Pre-Departure Meeting at 17h00 on the day prior to your trip’s departure at the Departure Point.  On the day of departure, check- in is at 08h45 for departure at 09h30.

Departure / Check-In Point:    Hotel Boulevard

                                                Harry Thuku Road, Nairobi

TANZANIA - DAR ES SALAAM

For all trips departing from Dar Es Salaam, we have a Pre-Departure Meeting at 17h00 on the first day of your trip at the Departure Point.  On the day of departure, check- in is at 17h00.

Departure / Check-In Point:    Kipepeo Beach Camp

                                                Plot 4, Mjimwema, Kigamboni, Dar Es Salaam

ACCOMMODATION - PRE- & POST- TRIP

Our ground operator is the only overland company with offices in Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa and we can therefore easily arrange pre/post trip accommodation for you.  Rates and standards obviously vary from city to city and from country to country. 

We recommend you pre-book, at least, one night’s accommodation at the Departure Point before your trip begins.  This way you won’t have to worry about finding your feet in a foreign city or making your way to the Pre-Departure Meeting and joining the group on the morning of your departure.

We can recommend somewhere for you to stay at your journey’s end.  However, we don’t pre-book post-trip accommodation as it is our experience that most passengers change their minds while on route, preferring to stay where their new friends stay.  Bear in mind that when travelling during peak season the major centres will be very busy and you may not be able to book the accommodation you want on your arrival.  Your Trip Leader can usually recommend somewhere that will suit your budget and standard at the end of your journey.  We generally finish our trips in the mid-afternoon, which gives you plenty of time to source suitable accommodation. 

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

It is your responsibility to ensure you have all the correct documentation to complete your trip.  The Trip Leader can not stop or alter a trip because you don’t have the correct paper work.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip.  You should have at least one blank page for each country to be visited.  TIP:  We advise you to bring a photocopy of the first 4 pages of your passport, which you store away from the original, just in case you lose it.

Most visas, for most nationalities, are obtainable on arrival at each border.  However, you must check with each consular office of each county we visit prior to your departure as to what the visa requirements are.  Make sure you check this, way in advance of your departure, so that, if required, you have enough time to get them.

MEDICAL / HEALTH

We strongly advise you to bring your own medical kit, which you’ll be able to get at any reputable medical store.

Suggested contents include:

MALARIA

Malaria is endemic in most parts of Africa.  It is your responsibility to take precautions against catching it.  First and foremost, don’t get bitten!!!  Wear long sleeved shirts and trousers when mosquitoes are most active - early in the morning and evening!  Use plenty of insect repellent with a high level of DEET on any exposed areas – neck, wrist and ankles!!!  Consult your doctor prior to leaving for Africa so that they can prescribe suitable anti-malarial medication.

VACCINATIONS

Please consult your doctor / immunisation centre for the relevant vaccination requirements for the countries through which you will be travelling.  All of the countries you visit will require a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if you’ve been into an area that’s infected.  Your home country will also probably need the Vaccination Certificate if you’ve been into an infected area.  Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Meningococcal meningitis, Diphtheria and Tetanus are all prevalent in much of Africa and while it is not compulsory to be vaccinated against these, all precautions should be taken to prevent them.  TIP:  We advise you to bring a copy of your yellow fever vaccination certificate, which you store away from the original, just in case you lose it.

INSURANCE

Personal travel insurance is compulsory to join all of our trips.  This should include, at least, comprehensive medical cover including the cost of airlifting you to a specialist hospital.  Make sure that you will be covered when participating in Adventure Activities, like white water rafting.  We recommend you make sure your possessions are covered for both theft and damage.  We also recommend you cover yourself for Cancellation and Curtailment Fees if you are unable to travel due to sudden illness, airline strikes, etc.  NB:  A copy of your Insurance Policy must be handed to your Trip Leader at the start of your trip.

LUGGAGE AND WHAT TO BRING

As a guide, we recommend you keep to your airline's restriction – no more than 20 kg.  You will have to carry your own luggage, so we recommend you bring along a backpack (preferably with built-in frame) and a day bag.  Suitcases are not recommended for this trip as we may have to walk from some bus stops/train stations to our accommodation.  Most people make the mistake of bringing too much.  Clothes should be easy to wash and dry, but avoid nylon and other synthetics as they can be very uncomfortable in hot weather.  Please remember that Africa can be much colder than you might expect, particular at night and in the early morning, so pack accordingly.  The following is a suggested list:

PASSPORT & photocopy, VACCINATION CERTIFICATE & photocopy, TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY & photocopy, MONEY AIRLINE TICKETS

SECURITY

We cannot stress enough, the need for you to be alert whilst travelling in Africa, as petty theft is common.  Don't bring any unnecessary, expensive jewellery with you.  Keep an eye on your belongings, at all times.   

Your Trip Leader’s advice should be adhered to at all time.  We recommend you photocopy all of your travel documents, which you keep separately from the originals.

SPENDING MONEY

Only you know to what extent your spending habits will tax you!  Africa is not as cheap as a lot of the travel books would have you believe and as such we would recommend that you allow for between U$25.00 to U$40.00 for meals and items like bottled water, snacks, drinks and curios.  This obviously depends on how much of curio shopper and drinker you are!!!  Bottled water costs approximately U$1.50 per bottle, while a beer will cost between U$1.50 and U$3.00 per bottle.  You will also have to budget for any Optional Excursions you’d like to do.

We advise you to bring your spending money in both cash and traveller’s cheques, in US dollars.  U$ notes should be clean, un-torn and printed after 2001.  Larger denomination notes attract a better exchange rate, but we suggest you bring along a mix of both small and large denomination notes.  You may need to change only a small amount to tide you over in a country and you should try to get rid of each countries currency before you leave that country as you won’t be able to change it anywhere else!  Credit Cards are not widely accepted except in the major cities.  When withdrawing money, you’ll need t have your PIN and the money will always be in the local currency.

TIPPING

We are often asked about gratuities.  These are always at your discretion, of course, and then only for, at least, satisfactory service.  If you found the service to be unsatisfactory, you are obviously not obligated to leave a tip.  However, we would ask that you let us know (on our Client Feedback Form) in what way the service was unsatisfactory so that we can rectify the problem for future clients.  The tips below are a guideline only.  Scale your tips according to your satisfaction – average service should equate to an average tip.  Local guides (on optional excursions) between U$3.00 and U$5.00 per day.  Assistants to the guides, between U$2.00 and U$3.00 per day.  Others who have provided a service (like housekeeping staff when staying in lodges for a few days), about U$1.00 per day.  When eating out, satisfactory service usually warrants a tip of about 10% of the total bill.

ITINERARY FLEXIBILITY

This information and the itinerary we’ve given you, are intended to serve as guidelines only.  Each trip must be flexible to allow for all variables that are beyond our control - such as adverse road conditions, complications caused by the weather, unstable political situations, etc.  Our trips generally run as planned, and you’ll, more than likely, get see everything listed, if not more.

Due to circumstances beyond our control, like impassable roads or group safety, it may be necessary to make alterations to the planned itinerary.  If this is necessary, the Trip Leader will discuss the issue with the group and alter the itinerary accordingly.  The Trip Leader will obviously consider the wishes of the group, but there may be occasions where they have to make an unpopular decision.  In ALL matters relating to the trip’s running, the Trip Leader’s decision will be final.

"TAKE ONLY PHOTOS, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS".

Africa is a diverse and unique continent with both a very beautiful and a very ugly side to her.  Wherever possible, we try to let you experience Africa first hand so that you may get a better understanding of what makes her so unique.  We ask that you leave her as you find her.  Respect the locals.  Ask before taking a photo.  You probably wouldn’t enjoy suddenly being accosted by a group of tourists taking pictures of you!  Some people believe that you take away their spirit when you photograph them, so ensure you show them the same courtesy you would appreciate, and ask for permission.  Bargaining for curios is the norm.  It is a great way to interact with the locals, but bear in mind they’re trying to make a living, so don’t bargain just for the sake of it.  Be prepared to pay what you think the item is worth.  You will see some of the absolute poverty that grips much of the continent, but will amazed at how people with seemingly so little are able to triumph over their circumstances to come out on the other side with such a generous spirit.  In many of the places you visit, you will experience begging in some form or another.  Whether or not to give has caused many a heated debate.  The answer is entirely personal, but consider the long term consequence of your decision.  If you’d like to distribute goodies, why not ask for permission to take a photo, a smile or a song from the kids and as payment you could let them have a goodie.  Please bear in mind that while the kids in your hometown may find sweets a real treat, their moms and dads haul them off to the dentist regularly to get their cavities filled.  Many of the areas you visit will not have access to dentists, so instead of sweets, why not bring along some fruit or pens/balls/old clothes/etc. which will be happily received by the kids but won’t leave them toothless. 

LOCAL LAWS

All passengers are required to obey the laws of the countries we travel through.  Any passenger found in possession of contraband, non-prescribed narcotic drugs or firearms will be asked to leave the trip immediately, with no refund of the Trip Price.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Africa is a photographer’s paradise.  There will be a few opportunities to download your photos, but these will only be in the bigger centres.  We therefore suggest you invest in an extra memory card with a high storage capacity so that you won’t have to delete your precious memories.  If your camera still uses film, bring along a good stock, as film can be scarce (and, when available, expensive).  Consider bringing along a re-sealable polythene bag to protect your camera from the dust.

If you’re planning on videoing your trip, make sure you bring along an extra battery as it isn’t always possible to re-charge you batteries.

WARNING - Under no circumstances should you attempt to photograph government buildings (including borders), police, military personnel or any government official.  It is not unknown for people to have cameras confiscated if officials even suspect a photo has been taken.  If in doubt, ask.

CHARGING OF BATTERIES

Most of the overnight accommodations have electrical points, so you should be able to charge your batteries every few days, provided they have electricity, which is not always guaranteed.  We recommend you bring along 2 sets of rechargeable batteries as well as 2 sets of normal batteries, so you can be guaranteed of having working batteries at all times as while there may be electrical points.  South Africa, Namibia and Botswana use round 3-pronged plugs, while all countries from Zimbabwe north use square 3-pronged plugs, so make sure you bring along a Plug Converter/adapter.

RECEIVING MAIL

Most people no longer receive posted mail whilst on tour, preferring instead to catch up on news from home via email.  Internet access is available throughout Africa, but this is generally only in the major centres, and then only when the connection is working!  You’ll probably have access to the internet once every week/week and a half.  Connection speeds are a lot slower than you’ll experience at home and the fees are relatively high.

You should be able to check your mail at the following points:

KENYA:                        Nairobi & Lake Nakuru

TANZANIA:                    Arusha, Dar Es Salaam & cheaply in Zanzibar

MALAWI:                      Lilongwe but intermittent connectivity

ZAMBIA:                        Lusaka

ZIMBABWE:                   Victoria Falls but intermittent connectivity

Bear in mind that checking your email will cut into your excursion time.

BOOKS AND MAPS

Many people like to read up on an area before visiting it.  We have compiled a selection of books and maps, which we feel, will reflect much of what you are going to experience and see.

LONELY PLANET GUIDES - AFRICA

A FIELD GUIDE TO THE MAMMALS OF AFRICA by T. Holtenorth & H. Diller

A FIELD GUIDE TO THE LARGER MAMMALS OF AFRICA by J. Dorset & P. Dandelot

A FIELD GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF EAST AFRICA by J. Williams & N. Arlott

AFRICA'S TOP WILDLIFE COUNTRIES by Mark Nolting

 THE SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA by Thomas Pakenham

VENTURE INTO THE INTERIOR by Laurens Van der Post

OUT OF AFRICA & LETTERS FROM AFRICA by Karen Blixen

GREEN HILLS OF AFRICA by Ernest Hemingway

THE SERENGETI SHALL NOT DIE by B. & M. Grzimek

THE INNOCENT ANTHROPOLOGIST by Nigel Barley

THE FLAME TREES OF THIKA by Elspeth Huxley

THE AFRICANS by David Lamb

FACING MOUNT KENYA by Jomo Kenyatta

LONG WALK TO FREEDOM by Nelson Mandela.

To follow your trip, we recommend the Michelin 955, which covers East and Southern Africa.

ONWARD TRAVEL

As already mentioned, conditions in Africa are constantly changing and we can therefore not be held responsible for disruptions and delays that may cause you to miss your connections.  We recommend that you allow 1 to 3 days after the completion date of your trip before flying out.