Wagon Trails | Pre-departure information
Pre Departure information
Joining Point/s
Johannesburg
Amadwala Lodge - Cabins
203 Pierre Road
Wilgespruit, Honeydew
Johannesburg
Gauteng
South Africa
Phone: +27 82 822 9407
Livingstone
The Zambezi Waterfront
Sichango Rd
Livingstone
Zambia
Phone: +260 3 320 606/7/8
or:
Waterberry Lodge
off the Kazungula Road
Livingstone
Zambia
Maun
Crocodile Camp
Maun
Botswana
Phone: (+267) 680 0222
Fax: (+267) 680 1256
Cape Town
Tudor Hotel
153 Longmarket Street
Greenmarket Square
Cape Town
South Africa
Phone: +27 (0)21 424 1335
Fax: +27 (0)21 423 1198
Joining Point Instructions - Johannesburg
We recommended that if this is your first time to Jo'burg or you are travelling alone, that you pre book an arrival shuttle transfer.
If you have pre-booked a transfer, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs. Please look for our driver who will be holding a card with your name on it. The driver will wait for an hour after your scheduled arrival time. If you are unable to find your driver please phone 011 675 0767 or 011 675 0768 Mondays to Fridays between 8am - 5pm or alternatively on 082 822 9407 after hours. If you are delayed beyond one hour after your scheduled arrival time, please make your own way to the hotel.
Metered official Airport Taxis are also available. The cost to the Lodge will be approximately ZAR400 (400 South African Rand) which is payable to the driver. The taxi rank is located just outside the arrivals area.
Johannesburg is a very spread out city and depending on the time of day and traffic conditions it will take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to cover the 75kms from the airport to the Lodge.
Our Joining Point Hotel
Amadwala Lodge is a wonderful escape from hassles of urban Johannesburg- a safe and relaxing start or conclusion to your trip. Amadwala lodge has the feel of being in the country but yet is only a 20 minute trip by roadto the bustle of Soweto. Our tents are extra large (you can stand inside them) and are quite comfortable containing two single beds and a bedside table. Each tent comes with its own wooden deck which is a great place to chill out with a book. All tents are close to the amenities block which has flush toilets and hot showers as well as the Overland clubhouse where there is a bar and where our welcome meetings are held. The property also features a lovely pool area, a second bar and a restaurant where meals and snacks are available. Best of all, all of the guests are fellow travellers so there is always someone to chat to if you are travelling solo.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation:
Exciting news! We are now also offering our own Pre and Post tour Accommodation at Amadwala Lodge. This lodge complete with its up-market wooden a-frame thatched chalets, each with its own Jacuzzi and fireplace is a wonderful option at a reasonable rate.
Amadwala Accommodation Rate - Room only
Bush Camp - 15 twin bedded dome tents - shared ablutions
Cabins - 7 sharing en-suite Cabins
We are also offering airport transfers from Amadwala lodge for clients staying at Amadwala.
OR Tambo Airport Shuttle Timetable
DEPARTING
Amadwala to OR Tambo Airport
05:00
09:00
13:00
17:00
OR Tambo Airport to Amadwala
07:00
11:00
15:00
19:00
Clients need to book their seat on the Shuttle due to availability and there will only be a shuttle if there is a confirmed booking made for the shuttle. The meeting point will be at the Information Desk in the International Arrivals Hall.
It is important to advise your clients to book the shuttle at least an hour after their flight is due to land. For international flights, the client should book the shuttle that departs an hour after they land and for domestic flights at least half an hour. This is to ensure that they have enough time to get through customs, collect their luggage and make their way to the International Arrivals Hall for the shuttle pick up. We cannot guarantee that their will space on the next shuttle if they miss the one that they originally booked.
Scheduled Shuttle (as per above times) -Cost R180.00 p/p - Needs to be paid upon booking.
We can also arrange Meet and Greets at the Airport for clients who would like a private collection or if they don't want to wait for the shuttle or for clients who are arriving after 19:00.
Cost R300.00 p/p - (min of 2 pax) needs to be paid upon booking.
We can drop off at the Airport on the way back from Tours. Times are not guaranteed due to any unforeseen delays. Due to this we recommended that clients book their onward travel arrangement for the day after.
Estimated Airport drop off times: Kruger tours: 19:00 - 19:30 Overland Tours: 19:00 - 19:30
Finishing Point - Johannesburg
Amadwala Lodge - Bedded Tents
203 Pierre Road
Wilgespruit, Honeydew
Johannesburg
Gauteng
South Africa
Phone: +27 11 675 0767
Finishing Point Instructions
At the end of the tour we usually arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon of departure day so we recommend that you overnight after the tour. Why not take the chance to stay a couple of days and take a Soweto tour, or visit the moving Apartheid Museum. We are able to help you with day trips as well as transfers from the Lodge to Johannesburg airport in time for your departing flight. Please ask your tour leader for more details.
Styles
Overland.....
Big adventures through big landscapes; these journeys take you well off the beaten track to experience the sights, sounds and smells of remote regions up close. Travelling in purpose built vehicles along rugged roads, you'll search for wildlife, visit isolated communities and camp in tents. On an Overland journey you're more than just a passenger, you're part of the crew, pitching in to set up camp, shop for food and even cook. And, like all great adventures, the more you put in the more you'll get out!
Small Group
Independent
Group Size
Maximum of 16 travellers per group
Accommodation
Our camp sites are in great locations. When we stay in public camp sites the bathroom facilities can be VERY basic (the toilets may be squat style hole in the ground) and not as clean as Intrepid would hope for. There is rarely toilet paper provided and shower facilities can be a hose pipe spurting out cold water. Once again, the spectacular serenity and chance to sleep inside National Parks so close to nature makes a little inconvenience all worthwhile and part of the African safari experience. Plus not all campsites are as basic as this description, it's just to make sure there are no surprises for you.
Meals
While camping on Overland journeys, all meals will be included. You may be required to share in cooking and shopping duties for the group's meals. When you are not camping you will have the freedom to decide where, what and with whom you eat. Please check the itinerary for details of meals included.
Allow USD $140 for meals not included.
Meal Inclusions
13 Breakfast, 5 Luches and 12 Dinners
Single Travellers
With the exception of our Comfort trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
Transport options
Safari vehicle, boat, mokoro (dugout canoe), walking, ferry
Optional Activities
We list the following optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Intrepid nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with us.
Scenic flight, Okavango Delta - US$75
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans trip, Okavango Delta - US$
Dawn game drive, Chobe National Park - US$50
Gorge swing and abseil, Livingstone - US$95
Zambezi jet boats, Livingstone - US$90
Canoeing Zambezi, Livingstone - US$90
Horse riding (2 hours), Livingstone - US$70
Elephant riding, Livingstone - US$140 (plus Park Fee)
White water rafting, Livingstone - US$135
Flight over the falls, Livingstone - US$110-220
Night game drive, Kruger National Park - US$30
Physical Rating
Activities include treks of 3 to 4 hours per day in hilly terrain, flat water kayaking or a long day's bike ride, in conditions which are likely to be hot and muggy. You will raise your heart rate on these trips, so a basic level of aerobic fitness is required.
Culture Shock Rating
Expect to rough it every now and again, whether it's very simple group-share accommodation at a homestay, a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, the odd cold shower or an encounter with a squat toilet.
Important Notes
As this is a combination tour, the composition of your group may change on day 7 in Livingstone.
Please note the minimum age for this trip is 18 years old and bookings for minors, even if accompanied by a parent, are not accepted.
We are able to provide sleeping bag hire for a nominal fee. These bags must be pre booked and are subject to availability. Please enquire at time of booking.
On occasion, especially during the peak months of May June and July we are unable to secure campsites within the Kruger National Park. In this instance we will camp in a bordering private game park.
Please note this trip is operated by our experienced local partners. In case of emergency ONLY you can reach our local operators under the following numbers: +27 11 675-0767/8 or +27 82 822 9407.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the Bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Visas
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.
Citizens of Australia, UK, and USA do not need visas to visit Botswana as a tourist for up to three months. Citizens of other countries, including most EU countries, should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required.
Citizens of Australia, UK, and most EU countries do not need visas to visit South Africa as a tourist for up to three months. Citizens of other countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required.
Zambian visas are required by most nationalities, including from the EU, US and Australia. All nationalities should check with the Zambian Embassy for more information. For most nationalities, Zambian visas are available at the point of entry but if you plan to purchase your visa on arrival, you will need American dollars cash.
Health
All Intrepid travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If, in the opinion of our group leader, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Intrepid reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in these trip notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required if arriving within 6 days from or via an infected area. You may be required if asked to present this on arrival at the airport. Other vaccinations including Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Polio are recommended but we advise you to discuss this with your doctor. Consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Africa. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses). Please be aware that for legal reasons our leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
Money Exchange
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.
The best way to manage your money in Africa is a mixture of USD cash in clean crisp, post 2003 notes, an ATM card (best to have both Visa and Mastercard) and some travellers cheques.
Cash is easily changed at exchange bureaus and offers the best rates. Appropriate currencies to bring your cash in are the USD, EUR or GBP. The South African Rand can also be used widely in countries of Southern Africa.
Any other currencies may prove impossible to change in Africa.
When changing money, only use reputable authorized money exchange vendors and never anyone on the street. There are many instances of travellers being given counterfeit notes or being tricked when money is being counted out.
With ATMs being increasingly available in the many major towns and cities, credit or debit cards are a convenient way to access money. A charge is made for each international transaction - please check with your bank how much this fee will be. We recommend travelling with both a Visa and Master card as sometimes only one type of card will work in certain countries. ATMs distribute the currency of the country you are travelling in.
Double check with your bank before departure that your card can be used as a debit card in Africa. You may also want to notify your bank that you are visiting Africa as it is not unknown for banks to freeze cards which show sudden transactions in other countries.
There have been incidents of travellers fallen victim to common scams at cash machines. Always go to the machine knowing how much cash you intend to withdraw (so the transaction is quick) never accept help from anyone while at the machine and walk away if anyone is hanging around/watching you. Before leaving your home country we strongly recommend you contact your bank and notify them of your travel plans if you are planning to use a credit card or withdraw finds from a foreign bank / ATM. Transactions can be blocked if they are not notified.
You should also carry some travellers cheques for back up and emergency cash. Please only bring well known cheque brands (ie American Express/Barclays) in USD or Euro currency. While travellers cheques are undoubtedly the safest way to carry money, they are becoming harder to cash around the world and can often result in unfavourable exchange rates. It can also be tricky to reach banks during banking business hours which are often short in many African countries.
If you are on a multi country tour, your tour leader will be able to give you an approximate idea of how much money you may need for your stay in each country.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Any tip that you wish to give your local guides or leader in recognition of excellent service is always appreciated.
Local Payment
A local payment amount will be collected by your leader on day 1 of your trip.
Most of our trips require a compulsory local payment, which is part of the contract with you (the customer) and Intrepid Travel Pty Ltd. This amount is the final payment for your trip and is to be paid in the specified currency, in cash to your leader upon arrival. The local payment is non-refundable, and is considered part of the total trip payment.
Further details and information on your local payment are shown in our brochures and on our website at http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/faq/#localpmt
Departure Tax
Please allow US$40 for departure tax (although it may be included in your international air ticket).
Emergency Funds
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route. This change may have to be decided prior to departure. This is a rare occurrence but it is well worth being prepared!
Keeping in Touch - communication while on the road
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on snail mail. Email has quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch and email cafes are commonplace throughout the regions we visit. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
Emergency Contact
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's South African Office can be reached on In case of emergency ONLY you can reach our local operators under the following numbers: +27 11 675-0767/8 (South African business hours)or 27 82 822 9407 (24/7) For all other enquiries please contact our Reservations department which is open 24 hours, 6 days per week. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Your Fellow Travellers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.
Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.
Group Leader
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible.
Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting, especially when tracking and identifying game - we think it's the best of both worlds. Our guides are chosen for their leadership skills, and most importantly have a passion for Africa and its people.
Everyone participates with camp chores, including cooking, putting up tents, cleaning the truck, flapping the dishes dry and packing/unpacking.
Responsible Travel
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Intrepid's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
The Foundation
Since we commenced operating in 1989 we have been committed to giving something back to the communities we visit. One way has been through our support for local humanitarian, development and conservation projects. Many of our travellers want to contribute something too. To make things easier we established The our Foundation Inc.
Responsible Travel Project
Through choosing to travel with us you are assisting local businesses, job creation, cultural development programs and various environmental groups. Some of the various projects we are proud to support are: The Rally to Read which invests in the improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the teaching of literacy skills in rural schools throughout South Africa, and the Chipgingale Wildlife Sanctuary based in Bulawayo Zimbabwe.
Laundry
There are few laundry facilities outside of the large cities in Africa. We recommend you bring non-polluting, biodegradable laundry soap and hand wash while travelling in this region. You may wish to bring a piece of rope to tie between trees to act as a line and maybe even a couple of pegs. Our trucks carry tubs which can be used for cold water hand washing.
What to Take
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking though, you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage (please see below for exceptions), and though you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Suitcases are not recommended for Intrepid travellers! Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags with wheels are acceptable, although we recommend your bag has carry straps as well, as you may be required to negotiate bus and railway station steps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day walks and day trips.The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by bringing a water purification method. Some of the options are:
- Refill from water dispensers when available at some of our accommodation.
- Water purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies.
- 2% tincture of iodine available from pharmacies - used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes. Longer in very cold weather.
- Personal water filters available from camping stores. (Bottles with filters built into the cap are lightweight and easy to use. Water is forced through the filter by squeezing the bottle as you drink.)
You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing, some warm items for the evenings, and long shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes in malarial areas.
Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe and the safe on the overland truck to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. It's also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden.
You must also bring a sleeping bag (unless you have rented one- see Important Notes) and a travel pillow.
A torch is a must - a head torch allows you to use both your hands and the light at the same time!
Checklist
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, vouchers
Health requirements arranged
Any Vaccination Certificates required
Money: travellers cheques/cash/credit card
Travel plug / international adapter
Money pouch
First Aid kit and personal medication
Sleeping bag (4 season)
Travel pillow
Swimming costume and towel
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
Alarm clock and torch/flashlight
Mosquito repellent
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Refillable water bottle and water purification method
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
Tampons are difficult to buy in most parts of Africa
Toilet paper (the truck will have some but if you would like your own soft stuff....)
A padlock for locker/tent/bag
Wet Wipes (disinfectant hand tissues)and/or hand sanitizer
Warm clothes for the cooler nights
Waterproof jacket or umbrella
Camera
Binoculars
Mobile phone- check you have international roaming access
Photos or postcards of your home country/family/pets to show with locals
Local Dress
When packing, be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Africa. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no short shorts. We recommend a mixture of loose, lightweight clothing and warm clothing for the evenings. Shorts should be knee-length. Singlets and tank tops are not suitable. Topless sun bathing is unacceptable.
Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Pick-pocketing is very common in some of the larger cities.
While staying in national parks, please listen to the advice your tour leader and the park rangers give you on how to behave responsibly.
Travellers must exercise common sense and caution at all times. You should stick to set travel arrangements and avoid unknown areas.
Participation Form
All travellers are required to sign a Participation Form on day 1 of the trip. Please note that signing the form is a prerequisite of travelling with us. The wording of this form follows:
"I understand that travelling may involve risks (and rewards) above and beyond those encountered on a more conventional holiday, and that I am undertaking an adventure trip with inherent dangers. I understand that I am travelling to geographical areas where, amongst other things, the standard of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, cleanliness, medical facilities, telecommunications and infrastructure development may not be of the standard I am used to at home or would find on a conventional holiday. I have read and understood the trip notes for the trip I am undertaking and have provided details of any pre-existing medical conditions I have to the company's representatives.
I accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel. I release IWagon Trails from any liabilities connected to these risks to the maximum extent permitted by law."
