Wagon Trails - Small group adventure holidays and safaris in Africa

PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Thanks for choosing Wagon Trails Travel. Below is some general information put together to help you prepare for your trip. If there is anything further you need to know, please give us a call.

NAMIBIA

Namibia , with its boundless skies, vast open spaces and rich variety of plants and animal life, was one of the first countries to include nature and environmental conservation in its constitution. It is one of the main countries in Africa yet has one of the smallest populations in the world, at approximately 1,7 million.

The natural resources include diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, lead and tin. Farming is limited due to very sparse, natural fresh water resources.

Climate

The climate is mainly desert-type: hot and dry with sparse and erratic rainfall. The terrain is mostly on a high plateau, the Namib Desert along the coast and the Kalahari Desert in the east. Midsummer temperatures can rise to over 35 degrees, while in winter the day temperatures can vary between 18 and 25 degrees.

Language

The official language is English and all documents, notices and directional signs are in this language. German and Afrikaans is also used throughout the country and there are numerous African languages and dialects, which fall into two main groups: Bantu and Khoisan

BOTSWANA

For many years Botswana was listed as one of the world's 25 poorest countries, however, with its vast mineral wealth, it now has one of the most rapidly expanding economies in the world. The Botswana people are proud, with a great respect for their nationality and traditions. In Botswana the immensity, variety and untamed vitality of the old Africa are still to be experienced. The Botswana government has a very clear eco-tourism policy aimed at low impact tourism.

The Okavango Delta (Optional Activity)

The Okavango River comes down from Angola . The flatness of the land in Botswana causes it to fan out into an inland delta covering an area of some 16,000 km 2.

Your trip into the Delta should be regarded as much a cultural experience, as a wildlife one. The majority of the polers who will guide you and the people you will meet in this area are a mixture of baNoka and baYei. These people still live on corn, sorghum, melons; herding cattle and goats; fishing and hunting and gathering to supplement their livestock and agriculture.

Your time in the Delta

Once again, this should be looked upon as a cultural experience to live in the bush for a few days - the opportunity to "get back to nature" with no showers, toilets and electricity. Take off your watch and relax! Whilst in the Delta the polers are in charge of your day which usually consists of early morning walks, some free time to swim, relax, read a book, explore the bush, followed by an afternoon mokoro and or game walk.

Don't panic when given the time to spend with yourself!

Climate

Rainy season begins late October to November and ends in March. During the summer month's temperatures can rise to over 40º C, and usually drop to 25º C in the night. The winter months which last from May to August have beautiful days with temperatures that average 25º C, although the nights can become cold.

ZAMBIA

Zambia lay untouched by Europeans for many centuries. It was in the mid nineteenth century that Western explorers, missionaries and traders moved into Zambia , of which David Livingstone is said to be the first in 1855.

After becoming a British Protectorate in 1924, Zambia 's struggle for independence was a long one. After eventually gaining independence in 1964, most of their problems only began. There were only a few trained and educated Zambians capable of running the government, and the economy was largely dependant on foreign expertise.

The copper industry used to be responsible for more than 90% of Zambia 's foreign exchange earnings. After a sharp decline in world copper prices in 1975 and prolonged drought, Zambia 's economy has suffered severe damage for more than a decade. Tourism is now becoming a major earner, and is helping revive the economy.

LOCAL TIME

Local time is the same as South African time, except for in Namibia from April to September in which it is 1 hour behind South Africa due to Daylight Saving.

HEALTH

If traveling from an infected area, all countries require valid vaccination certificates for cholera and yellow fever. If traveling from South Africa, there are no vaccination requirements. These do change however, so please consult your local doctor or travel agent in plenty of time.

The north of Namibia, including Etosha is a malaria-endemic area. It is, therefore STRICTLY advised that travelers have the necessary medication and carry a lotion or cream to cover the skin. The Okavango Delta, Livingstone and Chobe are all malaria zones.

CURRENCY

Each country has its own currency as follows:

Namibia:

The Namibian & South African Rand (they are equal)

Botswana:

Pula

Zambia:

Zambian Kwacha

Money can be changed into local currency once we arrive in each country. Travelers cheques can be changed in banks, and credit cards are generally accepted although using a credit card can sometimes work out very expensive. If bringing cash all major currencies are accepted. It is important to note however, that Kwacha and Namibian Dollars cannot be changed into other currencies outside of the country, so do not leave these countries with any local currency. Your tour guide will assist you in calculating the correct amount to change.

VISAS

Requirements change often, so you should consult your nearest embassy prior to departure. The following should be used as a guideline only.

South Africa

Visiters entering South Africa are required to have a minimum of two blank pages in their passports to enable the entry visa to be issued. If there is insufficient space in the passport entry will be denied and the person is likely to be detained pending return to their country of origin.

Namibia

At the time of printing the following countries DO NOT REQUIRE visas:
Nationals of all commonwealth countries, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Samoa (Western), San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, USA and Yugoslavia.

Botswana

At the time of printing the following countries DO NOT REQUIRE visas:
Nationals of all commonwealth countries, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Samoa (Western), San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, USA and Yugoslavia.
Please note that if you require a visa for Botswana you need to ensure you get a multiple entry visa.

Zambia - as of Jan 26th 2008

$50 for all passport holders - single entry

$80 for all passport holders - multiple entry

$20 for day Trips

PARTICIPATION

Our tours are based on client participation and as an active member of the group, everyone helps out with the running of the tour, e.g. making campfires, cooking, setting up camp, dishes etc. Its all part of the African experience.

Remember the more you put in, the more you get out!

MONEY OUTSTANDING

Your money will collected by your driver in cash at the point of departure.

DEPARTURE POINT - JOHANNESBURG

Backpackers Ritz
1a North Road
Dunkeld West
Johannesburg
Phone: (011) 325-7125 & 327-0229

Time: 5 am

Book here - Backpacker's Ritz

If you require accommodation the night before at the Ritz the cost is R80 p.p. (multishare). This may be booked through Wagon Trails or directly with the Ritz. Backpackers Ritz offers a free pickup service for clients arriving in Johannesburg prior to the trip. Please let us know your arrival details in advance and phone the hostel once you have arrived to confirm.

DEPARTURE POINT CAPE - TOWN

If you are joining the Pioneers Route from Cape Town, you will board an Intercape Bus at 7pm from the Cape Town Bus Station on the day of departure. This is included in your tour cost. You will travel overnight to Upington where your tour guide will meet you and you will join the group. Your confirmation will have a reference number for you bus trip.

Recommended Accommodation in Cape Town
Ashanti Lodge
11 Hof Street
Gardens
Cape Town
Phone: (021) 424 – 4016

Book here - Ashanti Lodge

If you require accommodation the night before at Ashanti the cost is R80 p.p. (multishare). This may be booked through Wagon Trails or directly with the Ashanti. Ashanti offers a free airport pickup service 8.30am to 4pm (subject to availability) for clients arriving in Cape Town prior to the trip. Please let us know your arrival details in advance and phone the hostel once you have arrived to confirm.

 

FOOD & MEALS

Included in the tour cost are the following meals:

Days

Meals
1 D
2, 3, 4 B,D
5, 6 B, L, D
7, 8 B
9, 10, 11 B, L, D
12 B
13,14,15,16 B,L,D
17 B,D
18,19 B
20 B,D
21 B


Dinners are camp meals prepared by your guide with your assistance. On days where lunches and dinners are not included we stop at places where you can buy food at a reasonable cost.

CAMPSITES

We stay in a variety of campsites, from basic facilities only, to ones with restaurants, swimming pools, bars etc. All campsites have shower and toilet facilities, although it is advisable to bring a small supply of your own toilet paper.

VEHICLES & GROUP SIZE

We offer budget tours, whilst trying to keep group sizes small and personal. For this reason we travel in a microbus with a specially designed trailer for luggage. The vehicles have either 2 rows of seats (seating up to 4 across) or 3 rows of seats (seating max 3 across). This varies according to group size. The vehicles do not have air conditioning, but do have opening windows.

EQUIPMENT

Wagon Trails provides you with the following equipment:

WHAT TO BRING

For comfort reasons luggage is limited on each trip to 1 small bag, sleeping bag and camera per person. Soft Bags only may be used (i.e.: no suitcases) Please note that there are storage facilities at the Backpacker Ritz. We provide you with your tent, sleeping mat and cooking equipment.

ONWARD TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Due to unforeseen problems we recommend onward travel arrangements be made only for the day after the tour ends. If arrangements are made for the same day the tour ends, Wagon Trails cannot be held responsible for any delays, and the clients must take the risk for themselves. If you are making further bookings for busses/trains/flights the day the tour ends we strongly recommend you make them the latest time possible and that you inform our reservation staff and the tour guide at the beginning of the tour.

 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Namibia

Zambia

Botswana

Please note that these prices are meant only as a guideline as they change seasonally, although we do make every effort to keep up to date with the changes. Most activities can be paid by credit card, travelers’ cheques, or most major currencies.

If you have any further questions please give us a call.

We look forward to meeting you!