Botswana & Victoria Falls Adventure - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  This trip highlights witnessing the immense Kalahari Desert and Victoria Falls, experiencing wildlife walks and wilderness camping, floating past hippos in a traditional canoe, learning about the San people, and searching for the 'Big Five'.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  Accommodation includes 2 nights in hotels, 4 nights in lodge/chalet, and 1 night of full-service camping in the Okavango Delta. The camping includes pre-erected safari tents with bedding, a private chemical toilet, and bucket showers.

• What transportation will we use on this trip?

  Transportation includes an air-conditioned touring vehicle, walking, mokoro canoes, and safari vehicles for wildlife viewing.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum number of travelers on this tour is 18, with an average group size of 14.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers or a single supplement?

  No, single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. However, the 'My Own Room' option may include either rooms or tents, with basic camping on Day 4 being an exception where separate tents are not provided.

• What are the age restrictions for this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• Are international flights included in the trip price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

• What health considerations should I be aware of before traveling?

  It is recommended to contact your physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for up-to-date health information. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if traveling from a Yellow Fever endemic country to Botswana or Zimbabwe. Malaria is present in some regions, and preventative medication and insect repellent are recommended.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must include medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue.

• What is the currency situation and how can I manage money during the trip?

  The Namibian currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), equivalent to the South African Rand. In Botswana, you use Pula (BWP), and Zimbabwe uses USD and South African Rand. It is strongly advised to bring ZAR or USD from your home country for Zimbabwe as ATMs can be unreliable. USD notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Visa/Plus system cards are most widely accepted for debit cards; bringing both Visa and Mastercard is recommended. Credit cards may incur a 5-10% fee and are not widely accepted outside major cities.

• How much spending money and emergency funds should I bring?

  Spending money requirements vary based on personal habits for drinks, shopping, and tipping. You should also have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• Is tipping expected on this tour?

  Yes, tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component to show appreciation for exceptional service. Guidelines suggest $5-8 USD per day for the CEO, $2-3 USD per day for local guides and safari drivers, 10-15% of the bill for restaurant staff, and 50-100 BWP for Okavango Delta polers.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for the countries visited?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements. Botswana has a $30 USD tourism levy payable at entry, valid for 30 days and multiple entries. As of April 1st, 2025, Namibia will introduce a mandatory 90-day visa costing USD90 per person on arrival, but travelers are recommended to apply prior to travel to prevent delays.

• What optional activities are available?

  Optional activities include: Maun (Delta Doors-off Scenic Helicopter Flight), Nata (Nata Area Bushwalk, Nata Area Wildlife Safari Drive), Chobe National Park (Chobe River Sunset Cruise, Chobe National Park Safari Drive), Victoria Falls (Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 15 Mins, Victoria Falls Visit, Zambezi Bungee Jump), and Ghanzi (Traditional San People Dancing).

• What safety and security considerations should I be aware of?

  It is important to look after personal items, avoid displaying valuables, and use hotel safety deposit boxes. Always carry passports and important documents securely. The use of drones in national parks is prohibited. During free time, use good judgment for optional activities and travel in small groups or taxis at night in major cities. Be aware that protests can turn violent. Swimming and water-based activities are at your own risk unless accompanied by a guide.

• Who will be leading the group?

  You will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO)/driver throughout the trip, who is a registered and licensed tourism guide, along with local guides at specific locations.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that turns travel into impact by helping local communities earn income from tourism through developing and supporting small community-owned businesses.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about this trip?

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. They encourage visiting their LGBTQ+ page for resources to ensure comfort and safety.

• Do I need to pay a departure tax from Zimbabwe?

  All passengers are advised to check the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe website for updated information on applicable departure taxes for Zimbabwe.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Since the tour involves a lot of movement, there will not be much time for same-day laundry service. You should ask your guide/CEO to advise or make arrangements for laundry if needed.

• What happens if I have problems upon arrival, or need emergency contact?

  If you cannot commence your trip as scheduled, contact your starting point hotel or the local support line provided. If you have a pre-booked airport transfer and the representative doesn't arrive within 30 minutes, take a taxi to the hotel and apply for a refund later. Emergency contact numbers for various regions are provided.