We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Please note that some of the campsites are simple with basic facilities. This is a participatory camping tour and you will be expected to put your tent up and down and help out with some camp chores. This is very much a rugged overland trip and road conditions can sometimes be rough, pot-holed and bumpy in this part of Africa. You will experience a number of long drives, however the ever changing diversity of views and landscapes more than make up for this. You will need to adopt a flexible and open minded approach, participate in the group experience and embrace a spirit of adventure on this tour.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Accordingly you should allow approx. £20 for gratuities for local staff.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Mozambique |
South Africa |
Zimbabwe |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
|
£1.00 |
|
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
|
£1.00 |
|
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
|
£1.00 |
|
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
|
£2.00 |
|
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
|
£10.00 |
|
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
|
£15.00 |
|
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
|
£10.00 |
|
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
|
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
Zimbabwe: U.K., Rep IRL, CAN, US, AUS and NZ citizens all need a visa to enter Zimbabwe. Visas are available through the relevant embassy, through Explore’s recommended visa service, Visa Swift www.visaswift.com/explore.aspx, or on arrival in Zimbabwe. The current charge for a single entry visit visa issued on arrival in Zimbabwe is £35.00 or US$55.00, although this could change. If you have not obtained a visa before travelling, you should bring enough cash with you to pay for your visa on arrival. You should ensure you have small notes as immigration officers may not be able to provide change. Your passport should have at least six months validity and three blank pages.
Mozambique: U.K., Rep IRL, CAN, US, AUS and NZ citizens all need a visa to enter Mozambique and can be obtained through Explore’s recommended visa service, Visa Swift www.visaswift.com/explore.aspx
South Africa: Visas are not required by U.K., CAN, US, AUS and NZ citizens.
Other nationalities should speak to the relevant consulate or consular office, or consult the website of Explore’s recommended visa service at www.visaswift.com/expore.aspx.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Clothing
Pack as for 'All Tours' plus 'Hot Conditions'. Clothing should be lightweight, however a warm fleece and sweater/thick shirts are essential, as nights (and daytime) can be cold, especially from May to September, and game drives tend to take place at dawn and dusk. A waterproof and windproof jacket is recommended during these months. Brightly coloured clothing is not suitable for game viewing.
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Footwear
Lightweight trail boots or robust trainers with good grip, and sandals.
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Equipment
Bring a 2-season sleeping bag (Nov- Mar; temperature 0°C to 5°C) or a (3-4 season from Apr-Oct; temperature –10°C to –5°C), a silk sleeping bag liner, a head torch, a water bottle, a sunhat, sunglasses and high factor sunscreen. Good, thick foam sleeping mats are provided. Binoculars are essential for game viewing and a 300mm lens is recommended for photography. Tents have sewn-in mosquito screening so nets are not required. Bring a battery recharger for your digital batteries on the truck, or alternatively a supply of batteries for the duration of the tour.
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Trip Summary
An overland adventure that takes in some of south-east Africa’s most dazzling highlights, this incredible journey travels from the thundering cascades of Victoria Falls to the bountiful landscapes of Kruger National Park. It is a journey that encompasses a rich mix of culture, history and spectacular natural beauty, as we take in ancient ruins and golden beaches on a journey across Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. We will get an opportunity to enjoy the dramatic wonder of Victoria Falls and the game rich preserves of Hwange and Kruger, bask on the shores of the Indian Ocean and explore something of Mozambique’s colonial past. At the Great Zimbabwe Ruins we discover possibly the most remarkable complex of ruins in sub-Saharan Africa, whilst a chance to sail along the East African coast by traditional dhow takes us back to a time when this coastline was a magnet for Arab traders and slavers. This is a journey of astonishing colour and enchantment, through one of the most fascinating regions of southern Africa.
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Country info
Mozambique
Area: 801,590 km2
Population: 22,894,000
Language: Portuguese
Religion: Roman Catholic 32.8%, Muslims comprised 27.8%, Protestants 17.5%,
16.8% of the people hold other beliefs, mainly animism, and 5.1% have no religious beliefs
Local Time: GMT+1
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220V 50 Hz C & F
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Zimbabwe
Area: 390,757 km2
Population: 12,521,000
Language: English
Religion: 70% Christian
Local Time: GMT+1
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220V 50 Hz D & G
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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