Cape Town, Kruger & Zimbabwe - 13 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the primary wildlife viewing opportunities on this tour?

  This tour offers ample opportunities to spot the 'big five' in Kruger and Hwange national parks, as well as tracking other wildlife in Matobo National Park.

• What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

  Accommodation varies throughout the tour and includes 5 nights in hotels, 5 nights in lodges, and 2 nights in tented lodges. All accommodations provide comfortable twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

• How many meals are included in the tour package?

  The tour package includes 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners. Most other meals are not included, providing flexibility for participants to explore local dining options and manage their budget.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  This tour is designed for small groups, with a minimum of 1 participant and a maximum of 18 participants.

• What is the age range for participants on this tour?

  This tour is suitable for travellers between the ages of 12 and 100.

• What forms of transportation are used throughout the tour?

  The tour primarily uses a private air-conditioned vehicle for overland journeys, a short internal flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg, safari vehicles for game drives, and walking for certain activities.

• What level of physical fitness is required for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2 (Easy). Participants should have an average level of fitness, be able to walk without assistance, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage.

• How does accommodation work for solo travellers, and is there a single supplement?

  Solo travellers are paired in shared accommodation (twin or multi-share) with a person of the same sex without a single supplement. However, if you book the 'My Own Room/Tent' option, you will have a private room/tent for all nights except for days 6, 9, and 10, which may be multi-share.

• What currency should I bring, and what are the recommendations for managing money?

  The main currency in South Africa is the Rand (ZAR), and USD is often accepted in Zimbabwe. It's highly recommended to bring ZAR or USD (notes newer than 2006) from home or exchange money before the tour, as ATMs can be unreliable and credit cards are not widely accepted everywhere, especially in Zimbabwe. A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. An emergency fund of at least USD $200 is also advised.

• Are there any specific health advisories or vaccination requirements?

  A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if you are travelling to South Africa and Zimbabwe from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is present in some regions, so consult your doctor about preventative medication and use insect repellent. It is always recommended to contact your family physician at least one month before departure for the most up-to-date health information.

• What kind of tour leadership and guides are provided?

  The tour is led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and an expert driver throughout the journey. Local guides are also used to provide more specific knowledge at various sites.

• What are some of the optional activities I can participate in?

  Optional activities include visiting Table Mountain by cable car or hike, a wine tour in Stellenbosch, an open vehicle wildlife safari drive in Kruger, ancient cave painting visits in Matobo National Park, and various activities at Victoria Falls such as whitewater rafting or helicopter rides.

• Are there any specific environmental tips for visiting Cape Town?

  Yes, to support water conservation in Cape Town, travellers are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, reuse towels for multiple days, save laundry for full loads, turn off taps when brushing teeth, keep showers short (two minutes or less), and use hand sanitizer.

• Can I use a drone in national parks during the tour?

  No, the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is strictly prohibited.

• What are the recommended tipping guidelines for staff on this tour?

  Tipping is customary. Suggested guidelines are $5-8 USD per person per day for the CEO, $2-3 USD per person per day for local guides and safari drivers, and 10-15% of the bill for restaurant staff.

• What is the main focus of the "Cape Town, Kruger & Zimbabwe" tour?

  This tour focuses on exploring the diverse highlights of Southern Africa, with a strong emphasis on wildlife viewing in national parks like Kruger, Hwange, and Matobo, alongside experiencing the unique regional cultures of Soweto, the Lowveld, and Victoria Falls.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  The tour includes a mix of accommodations: 5 nights in hotels, 5 nights in lodges, and 2 nights in tented lodges. These typically offer comfortable twin rooms or lodge rooms, and permanent tents, all with en-suite bathrooms, except for multi-share accommodations on days 6, 9, and 10.

• Which meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners. For other meals, you will have the flexibility to choose where and what to eat. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be specified prior to arrival for included meals.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2. An average level of fitness and mobility is required, meaning travelers should be able to walk without assistance, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum.

• Are there any age restrictions for participants?

  The minimum age for this tour is 12 years, and the maximum age is 100 years.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The group size ranges from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 18 participants.

• How will we travel between destinations on this tour?

  Transportation for most of the journey is by private local bus, with a short internal flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Safari vehicles are used for wildlife drives, and there will also be opportunities for walking.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  You will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and an expert driver throughout the tour. Local guides are also utilized for specific activities. Our CEOs in Southern Africa are registered and licensed tourism guides with extensive knowledge of the region's history, cultures, and wildlife.

• What are some of the cultural and historical highlights of the tour?

  The tour includes a bicycle tour in Soweto to learn about its history, a drive along the scenic Panorama Route, and a visit to the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Africa's most significant ruins site south of Cairo.

• What wildlife viewing opportunities are available?

  You will enjoy a full-day wildlife safari drive in Kruger National Park, aiming to spot Africa's famed 'big five'. Additionally, there's a guided nature walk in Timbavati Safari Lodge to search for the 'small 5', and opportunities to spot more wildlife in Matobo National Park and Hwange National Park.

• Are there any important health considerations or vaccination requirements?

  It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are traveling from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is present in some regions, and taking preventative medication along with using insect repellent is recommended. It is advisable to consult your family physician or a local travel clinic for up-to-date health information at least one month before departure.

• What currency should I bring for expenses?

  The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR), which is also often accepted in Zimbabwe. It is strongly advised to bring ZAR or USD from your home country, as cash shortages can make obtaining money from ATMs difficult in Zimbabwe, and credit cards are not widely accepted there. Please note that USD notes older than 2006 are generally not accepted in Africa.

• What is the recommendation for tipping on this tour?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, part of your tour as a gesture of appreciation for service. Suggested guidelines per person per day are: CEO: $5-8 USD, Local guides/Safari Guide/Driver: $2-3 USD. For restaurant staff, 10-15% of the bill is customary.

• Are drones permitted on the tour?

  No, the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.

• What are some of the optional activities I can choose from?

  Optional activities include a Table Mountain Cable Car ride or hike, a Wine Tour and Tasting in Stellenbosch, various explorer day tours in Cape Town, additional wildlife safari drives in Kruger National Park or Hwange, a visit to ancient cave paintings in Matobo National Park, and adventure activities at Victoria Falls such as a Microlight Flight, Bungee Jump, Whitewater Rafting, or a Helicopter Ride. A full-day excursion to Chobe National Park is also available.