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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.
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Whether in swimming pools, rivers, lakes, the sea or the ocean, this icon indicates on which days you will have an opportunity to swim. |
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.
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Mlilwane - Bike hire £5 per hour.
Kosi Bay - Elephant Safari R450; School visit SAR100.
St Lucia - Boat trip on Lake St. Lucia R180; St. Lucia night drive to spot turtles (Nov-Mar) R895; Whale watching (June-Nov) R850; Night game drive in St Lucia Wetland Reserve R350.
The majority of optionals can be paid for by cash only. Please check with your tour leader for the most up-to-date information in this regard.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topAccordingly you should allow approx. £20 for gratuities for local staff.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: South Africa: Rand. Swaziland: Lilangeni.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Take your money in a combination of cash and an ATM card. Both GBP and USD are readily exchanged.
Where to Exchange: On arrival.
ATM Availability: Cash can be drawn on debit cards from ATMs in most South African towns.
Credit Card Acceptance: In large shops and restaurants in South Africa.
Travellers Cheques: Can be exchanged in most major cities and towns in South Africa, but should only be used as a back up in case of emergency.
Additional Information: Please note that the banks and Forex Bureaus do not accept US Dollars pre-2002.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | South Africa | Swaziland | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £1.00 | £1.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £1.00 | £1.00 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.00 | £1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.00 | £2.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £10.00 | £10.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £15.00 | £15.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £10.00 | £10.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
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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South Africa: Visas are not required by UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and US citizens.
All nationalities travelling to South Africa must have two consecutive blank, side by side, pages in their passport (i.e. a left and a right hand page). Passports must also be valid for at least 30 days after the departure date from Souith Africa. Passengers travelling with passports that do not comply with these requirements will be refused entry.
Swaziland: Visas are not required by UK, AUS, NZ and CAN citizens. At present no visa is required for US travellers to Swaziland or Lesotho. Please check current visa requirements prior to travel.
All other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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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.
Back to topPlease note that you will be required to supply a yellow fever certificate that has been issued at least 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa if you have travelled from or via a country where yellow fever is endemic. We recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
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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.
Back to topSingle parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentation confirming that the individual has authority to travel with the minor. It is crucial that you contact the relevant country embassy for further information on exactly what may be required. These details can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Website under the appropriate country www.fco.gov.uk/travel
Back to topWe 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/
Back to topSouth Africa/Swaziland: Can be visited all year round. Most rain falls in the summer months (October-April). The climate during this period is generally hot and humid in the “lowveld” with temperatures sometimes up to 40°C. Winters (June-August) are much drier and colder, but still pleasant for travel. The “highveld” has a temperate climate. Average daily sunshine hours are high throughout the year.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately 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
Back to topTake a tough soft bag or holdall (or rucksack with detachable frame) suitable to be carried by 4WD vehicle. Total allowance: 33lb/15kg maximum (due to weight restrictions on our vehicle). Also take a daypack for items needed during any short walks and game drives (20-30 litre).
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topClothing should generally be lightweight for the day. A warm fleece, a hat and gloves and long trousers are recommended, as nights can be very cold, especially from May to August and in the highlands of Swaziland. It can also be very cold on early and late game drives. A waterproof and windproof jacket is also recommended, particularly between October and April. Avoid brightly coloured clothing for game viewing. Please also note that it is forbidden to wear camouflage clothing in Swaziland. Don't forget your swimming costume and a towel!
Back to topComfortable shoes or lightweight boots, trainers or sandals for relaxing/ travelling.
Back to topBring a head torch, water bottle, sunhat/sunscreen and insect repellent. Binoculars are essential for game viewing and a 300mm lens is recommended for photography. Mosquito nets are not required as the accommodation provides screening where necessary. Please bring a towel for one of the overnight stops.
Back to topAll bedding will be provided on camping nights.
Back to topThen 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.
Back to topArea: South Africa: 1,233,404 sq km. Swaziland: 17,363 sq km.
Population: South Africa: 43,800,000. Swaziland: 1,100,000.
Language: South Africa: Xhosa, English, Tswana, Zulu, Afrikaans. Swaziland: English, Swati.
Religion: South Africa: Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and traditional religions. Swaziland: Christian (60%), indigenous beliefs (40%).
Local Time: GMT +2.
Back to topElectric Supply & Plugs: 220V, 50Hz, 3 round pin plugs. Bring an adaptor to recharge cameras.
Back to topRecommended Maps: Bartholemew: South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland (1:2,000,000).
Recommended Books: Rough Guide: South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland, Credo Mutwa: Indaba, My Children, Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Dervla Murphy: South from the Limpopo, Thomas Mofolo: Chaka, Richard D Estes: Safari Companion, Ernest Ritter: Shaka Zulu, Adrian Greaves: Redcoats and Zulus.
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