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.
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 £20-25 for tipping in Namibia and £20 in South Africa.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Namibia |
South Africa |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
£1.00 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
£1.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.80 |
£1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£1.50 |
£2.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£15.00 |
£10.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£20.00 |
£15.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£7.00 |
£10.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
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
Namibia: Visas are not required by UK, NZ, AUS, USA & CAN citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
In the Western Cape: Visas are NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and US citizens.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Important note for all visitors to South Africa: All nationalities travelling to South Africa must have two consecutive blank pages in their passport which lie side by side when the passport is open (i.e. a left and a right hand page). Passports must also be valid for at least six months. Passengers travelling with passports that do not comply with these requirements will be refused entry.
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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
Namibia: Nothing compulsory, but we do recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis a, tetanus, typhoid and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may wish to immunise themselves against meningitis.
In the Western Cape: Please 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 hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria. According to various travel health sources, the Western Cape is not regarded as a malaria risk area.
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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.
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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
In Namibia: In the western part of Namibia (the Windhoek area), winters are dry and cold but with frequent very cold nights especially in June & July. Summers are warm and rainfall is low. The low humidity and large number of sunshine hours make for a pleasant and healthy climate for most of the year. In the Namib Desert the weather and climate are unusual and quite distinctive. The region receives very little rain and is a complete desert, but temperatures are kept low most of the time by the cold Benguela current.
In the Western Cape: Mild throughout the year and can thus be visited year round. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean-type climate, with warm, dry summers and cold winters with rainfall. Summer runs from November to March, with temperatures averaging 22oC to 34oC. The months of April and October are generally warm and sunny. Winter is also a good time to visit as towns and sites are not so crowded and the countryside is more verdant, but it can be cold.
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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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A soft bag or holdall/kitbag (or rucksack with detachable frame). Total allowance: 33lb/15kg Maximum. There are no porters on this trip to carry luggage.
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Clothing
Clothing should be lightweight, however some fleeces 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. Brightly coloured clothing is not suitable for game viewing. Also take long trousers, a waterproof and windproof jacket. Take a swimming costume and towel.
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Footwear
Lightweight trail boots or robust trainers with a good grip. Comfortable shoes, and trainers or sandals for relaxing/travelling in.
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Equipment
Bring a torch, water bottle, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent. Binoculars are essential for game viewing, as well as for bird watching, and a 300mm lens is recommended for photography. Biodegradable Soap and swimming costume. Mosquito nets are not required as the accommodation provides screening where necessary.
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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
Please note:
Should you wish to go to Robben Island you will need to book and pay for it when you arrive in Cape Town. The trip is weather dependent. Please speak to your tour leader who will be happy to assist you.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
South Africa: 220v. 3 round pin SA plug. Please bring an adaptor to charge any electrical equipment.
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