Wagon Trails - Small group adventure holidays and safaris in Africa

PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

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

Countries visited on this trip are South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. The information below has been divided into each country, with some general tips at the end.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, is among the world’s greatest nature reserves. It is one of the few places on earth where wildlife can be seen in such a great variety and at such close quarters.

The park is densely populated by some 520 bird, 114 reptile and 146 mammal species, including the fabled Big Five - elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo. Although in nature there are no guarantees in Kruger Park you stand the best chance of thrilling sightings of game. From some of Africa’s largest prides of lion, to birds found nowhere else within the country’s borders.

The present Kruger Park is immense, covering 19,685 square kilometres, an area almost the size of Wales or two thirds of Belgium. There are more than 3000 km of roads on which to explore the Park. Obviously in a limited time, one can do only so much, however our experience shows us which are the best roads to take at certain times of year, ensuring you get the most of your visit to the Park. Our tour focuses mainly on the Southern Areas of the park, as it has the largest concentration of game.

Climate

In winter (April to September) the days are mild (average about 23 degrees), with some cool nights (don to 6 degrees). In the summer the days average 30 degrees, but sometimes exceed 40 with the welcome cooling effect of afternoon thunderstorms. Rain in the summer months (October to March i.e. rainy season) varies from about 800mm in the south to up to 500mm in the northern areas.

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.

BOTSWANA

For many years Botswana was listed as one of the world’s 25 poorest countries, however with the discovery of 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 there to be experienced.

The Okavango Delta

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 km2.

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

The rainy season begins late October to November and ends in March. The northern areas receive up to 700mm while the Kalahari Desert area averages as low as 225mm. During the summer months temperatures can rise to over 40º C and usually drop to 25º C during the night.

Language

The national language is Setswana, English is the official language. Each tribe speaks a different language.

LOCAL TIME

Local time in Zambia and Botswana is the same as South Africa (G.M.T plus 2 hours)

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 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 airconditioning.

PARTICIPATION

Our tour 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!

CURRENCY

Each country has its own currency as follows

South Africa:

Rand

Botswana:

Pula

Zambia:

Zambian Kwacha

Money can be changed onto local currency once we arrive in Zambia and Botswana. Travellers cheques can be changed in banks and credit cards are generally accepted for optional activites. Outside South Africa ATM machines are difficult to find. Please note that Kwacha and Pula cannot be changed into other currencies outside of the country, so do not leave the country with any local currency. Your guide will assist you in calculating the correct amount to change.

HEALTH

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

Kruger Park, Zambia and Botswana are all malaria zones. Please ensure that you are taking anti-malaria medication. Please consult your doctor or local pharmacy in plenty of time.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Visa requirements change often, so you should consult your nearest embassy prior to departure. The following is to be used as a guide only.

South Africa

Visitors 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.

Zambia - as of Jan 26th 2008

$50 for all passport holders - single entry

$80 for all passport holders - multiple entry

$20 for day Trips

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

Visas are the responsibility of the client when required. It is also advisable to obtain the visa prior to departure.

CAMPSITES

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

In the Delta you “camp out” in the bush at sites selected by the polers (guides). They light a fire for warmth and safety. In the Delta there are no facilities such as toilets and showers as you are in the wilderness. You can swim in the Delta at spots selected by the polers, however for conservation reasons no soap may be used for washing.

FOOD & MEALS

 

Included in the tour cost are the following meals:

Days

Meals
1 D
2, 3 B, L, D
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 B, D
10, 11, 12 B, L, D
13 B, D
14 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.

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 or 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.

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.

DEPARTURE POINT

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

Time: 5 am

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.

Book here - Backpacker's Ritz

Please ensure that you are at the departure point at least 15 minutes prior to departure time.

MONEY OUTSTANDING

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

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

These may be booked directly with your guide, or with Wagon trails prior to departure. 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. Payment for optional activities may be made in most currencies or by credit card.

If you require any additional information, just give our offices a call.

We look forward to meeting you.