Wagon Trails | Pre-departure information - small groups

Pre-departure information - Small groups

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

PLEASE NOTE: Tours starts early on day 1  - we recommend you arrive the day before the tour commences.
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. Phone: +27 11 675 0767 / 8 contact for Reservations enquiries for Amadwala Lodge or Airport Transfers Phone: +27 82 822 9407 contact for Tour Operations department.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation: 
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. Please visit the website at www.amadwalalodge.co.za.

Bush Camp - 15 twin bedded dome tents - shared ablutions
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

Style

If you're looking for something different (perhaps group travel isn't for you) or you want an extension to your trip, an Independent adventure could be just the thing. These private itineraries can accommodate a special interest, such as cookery or meditation, or can be as simple as a beach.

Accommodation

Please keep in mind that accommodation as shown in the itinerary is subject to availability at time of booking. The closest available alternative will be substituted if our first choice hotels are not available. Deductions or supplements may be applied to the trip price as a result.

Bedding, whether it is camp beds with sleeping bags, huts or chalets/rooms with en-suites, is included as per the itinerary.

Meals

While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where and what to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.

Allow USD $10 - $15a day for meals not included.

Transport

Safari vehicle, minivan, walking

Optional Activities

As per individual itineraries

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 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.

Health

All 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, we reserve 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.

There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should 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 any 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.xe.com

US$ travellers cheques and cash (notes printed after 2003) are the most readily changeable currency. You should bring new, crisp notes in small denominations. Please ensure that the US$ bills you bring (either for personal spending or for your local payment) are dated more recently than 2003. It has become increasingly difficult to exchange bills older than that. If you bring travellers cheques it is very important that you also bring the encashment receipts, and know that exchange rates for cash are better than for travellers cheques. GBP is also widely accepted in both travellers cheques and cash. It is unlikely that you will be able to get hold of African currencies in your home country. It is also worth bringing along your Cirrus connected ATM card (ie either Master or Visa card), even though machines are limited. 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. Local currencies can be readily obtained at exchanges or with an ATM card at international airports, city banks and most major hotels also have exchanges. You are strongly advised not to walk around with large amounts of cash.

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.

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, our 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.

Group Leader

Independent trips are not accompanied by a Group Leader. Local guides may be used on some itineraries.

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 Intrepid travellers. Our 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.

Responsible Travel Project

When travelling to unique natural heritage areas such as the Kruger, Chobe and Okavango National Parks we use responsible and dedicated local operators and continually asses our trips to minimise our impact. Please listen to the advice of local operators and guides about things that you should do to contribute to the preservation of these special areas.

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.

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 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.)

For this tour you will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing and warm clothing for the evenings. It is also a good idea to purchase a money pouch/belt that is easily hidden. Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables and use your hotel safe to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets.

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
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
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. Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips: www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.

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 Intrepid 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 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 Intrepid 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 Wagon Trails from any liabilities connected to these risks to the maximum extent permitted by law."