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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.
Back to topWhile our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day route printed below, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary and overnight stops and sightseeing may vary from those suggested. Summer can be very hot and winters can be cold. The Western Cape, in particular, and Southern Africa is under going adverse winter weather conditions. Please come prepared for colder than anticipated temperatures and bring appropriate clothing.There are some long drives, but the scenery through which you travel more than makes up for it.
Back to topPlease note that the camping nights on this tour will be on a participation basis, and you will be expected to help with putting your tent up and down.
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Please note on this tour you will have a driver / guide for the first section of the tour from Johannesburg
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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Plettenberg - Robberg Nature Reserve £3, Outeniqua train ride £15.
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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. If you are able to pay by card please note that any credit card transactions may attract an approximate rate of 5% per transaction.
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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.
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Accordingly, you should allow for tipping of £20-£25 for the ZK and £20 for the CP sections of the tour.
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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: Both GBP and USD are readily exchanged. Please note that the banks and Forex Bureaus do not accept US Dollar notes pre-2002. Take your money in a combination of cash and travellers cheques and take an ATM card. Where to Exchange: On arrival.
ATM Availability: Cash can be conveniently drawn on credit/debit cards from ATM’s in most South African towns.
Credit Card Acceptance: Credit cards are usually accepted in large shops and restaurants.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currency-express.com/explore/
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| UK | South Africa | |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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.
Important note for all visitors to South Africa: Please note that with immediate effect, 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 30 days after the date of departure from South Africa. Passengers travelling to South Africa 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 USA travellers to Swaziland or Lesotho. Please check current visa requirements prior to travel.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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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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 malaria, hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
Special Note: Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. 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.
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 lowlands with temperatures sometimes up to 40°C. Winters (June-August) are much drier and colder, but still pleasant for travel. The high veld has a temperate climate. Average daily sunshine hours are high throughout the year. 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 from 22 to 34 degrees C. 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.
Additional information and climate charts can be accessed at http://www.explore.co.uk/ weather. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. Up-to-date information on the weather worldwide can be found by following the BBC weather link on this page.
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: 33lbs/15kg maximum (due to weight restrictions on our vehicle). Also take a day sack 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 few warm fleeces and long trousers are strongly recommended as nights can be very cold, especially from May to August and in the highlands of Swaziland. A waterproof and windproof jacket are also recommended, particularly between October and April. Avoid brightly coloured clothing for game viewing. Take a swimming costume. Please note that it is forbidden to wear camouflage clothing in Swaziland.
Back to topComfortable shoes or lightweight boots, trainers or sandals for relaxing/travelling.
Back to topBring a 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. You will need a towel for camping nights on the tour.
Please note that for the camping nights mattresses and sleeping bags will be provided for you.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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 topElectricity supply: 220v, 3 round pin South African plug. Please bring an adaptor to charge cameras etc.
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