Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland Safari & Participation Camping - 21 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What types of accommodation are used during the tour?

  The tour primarily involves participation camping (14 nights), along with one night in a permanent tented camp, two nights in backpackers guesthouses (multi-share with up to 10 people), two nights of basic bush camping, and one night in a hostel (multi-share with 3 people).

• What are the facilities like during the camping portions of the tour?

  Campsite facilities are generally good, with flush toilets and showers (sometimes outdoors with reed enclosures), and warm water is usually available. For bush camping in the Okavango Delta, facilities are very basic, with no running water, showers, or built-in toilets. Tents, mattresses, and portable camp chairs are supplied, and tents have built-in insect nets.

• What is the meal plan for this tour, and how are meals managed?

  The tour includes 18 breakfasts, 17 lunches, and 12 dinners. Meals are prepared from fresh local produce by a cook, and guests are expected to participate in meal preparation and dishwashing duties as part of the safari experience. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be accommodated if specified in advance.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3. While not overly demanding, traveling can be difficult with long drives and potentially poor road conditions at times. However, clients generally feel the diverse landscapes, cultures, and wildlife make it worthwhile.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 22 people per vehicle.

• How are solo travelers accommodated on this tour?

  Solo travelers are paired in shared accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, as the tour is designed for shared accommodation and does not involve a single supplement. Rooming requests cannot be taken where multi-share accommodations are used.

• What are some of the main attractions and activities included in the tour price?

  Included highlights are visiting the !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp, Lusumpuko Women's Club for lunch, Victoria Falls, Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei Dunes, Spitzkoppe, and Etosha National Park for wildlife safari drives. An overnight bush camping excursion in the Okavango Delta, including mokoro birdwatching and wildlife walks, is also included. Entrance fees for many parks and attractions are covered.

• What optional activities are available during the tour?

  Optional activities include a South African Wine Tour and Tasting in Cape Town, paddling on the Orange River, a Namib Desert Walk, skydiving, sandboarding, or a scenic flight over the Skeleton Coast in Swakopmund, night safaris in Etosha, walks with San people in Ghanzi, a scenic helicopter ride over the Okavango Delta, Chobe River Sunset Cruise, Chobe National Park Safari Drive, Victoria Falls visit, whitewater rafting, and bungee jumping.

• What kind of transportation is used on this overland safari?

  The primary mode of transport is a custom-built 24-seat overland adventure vehicle called a 'Lando.' This vehicle offers features like accessible storage, front viewing windows, reclining seats, a fully equipped mobile kitchen, a 250L drinking water tank, air-conditioning, and USB charging ports. Mokoros (dugout canoes) and safari vehicles are also used for specific activities.

• Are there bathrooms on the overland adventure vehicle (Lando)?

  No, the Landos do not have on-board bathrooms.

• Who leads the tour, and what are their responsibilities?

  The tour is accompanied by two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) who act as group managers, leaders, cooks, and drivers. They provide information, suggestions for activities, and manage logistics. Local guides are also used for specific included activities to offer specialized knowledge.

• What currencies should I bring for the tour?

  The main currencies used are South African Rand (ZAR), Namibian Dollar (NAD), Botswana Pula (BWP), and US Dollar (USD). It is strongly advised to bring ZAR or USD from your home country or exchange money before the tour, especially for Zimbabwe where obtaining cash can be difficult. Please note that US dollar notes older than 2006 are not accepted in Africa.

• Can I use credit or debit cards during the tour?

  Visa/Plus system cards are most widely accepted at ATMs in major centers, but Mastercard/Cirrus cards are less so. Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns but are not widely accepted elsewhere, and a 5%-10% fee usually applies. Occasional power outages and ATMs running out of cash can occur, so a combination of foreign currency and cards for cash advances is best. Do not rely on cards as your only source of money.

• Is an emergency fund required?

  Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund, to be used for unforeseen circumstances outside of our control.

• Are there any specific health considerations for this tour, such as vaccinations?

  We recommend consulting your physician or a travel clinic for up-to-date health information and recommended inoculations at least one month before departure. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory for travel to Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe if arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever endemic country. Malaria is present in some regions, and prophylaxis combined with regular use of insect repellent is recommended.

• Are drones allowed on the tour?

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

• What should I know about luggage for this tour?

  Travelers should pack as lightly as possible, limiting baggage to one soft compact suitcase or sports bag (maximum 20kg), plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. It occasionally happens that luggage on international flights does not arrive, so keep all important documentation and valuables on your person and consider a change of clothes in your hand luggage.

• What kind of experience can I expect on this tour?

  This is a 21-day overland safari and participation camping adventure through southwestern Africa, focusing on sand dunes, safari drives, and cultural experiences. It's designed to get you close to the action with local guides.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  The tour primarily involves participation camping (14 nights), along with a permanent tented camp (1 night), backpacker's guesthouses (2 nights, multi-share with up to 10 people), basic bush camping (2 nights), and a hostel (1 night, multi-share with 3 people).

• What are the camping facilities like?

  Campsite facilities generally offer flush toilets and showers (sometimes outdoors). Warm water is usually available but not guaranteed. In the Okavango Delta, it's basic bush camping with no running water, showers, or toilets.

• Do I need to bring my own camping equipment?

  All camping equipment, including dome tents and camp mattresses, is supplied, with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow.

• What should solo travelers expect regarding accommodation?

  Solo travellers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. There is no single supplement for group trips.

• How many meals are included in the tour?

  The tour includes 18 breakfasts, 17 lunches, and 12 dinners.

• How are meals prepared, and is participant involvement required?

  Most included meals are prepared from fresh local produce by your Chief Experience Officer (CEO). Participants are expected to help with washing up and may be assigned to kitchen duty groups or other tasks as part of the participation camping experience.

• Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

  Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival.

• What kind of vehicle is used for transportation?

  A custom-built 24-seat overland adventure vehicle (OAV) named a 'Lando' is used. It features front viewing windows, large sliding windows, reclining seats, a mobile kitchen, drinking water, air-conditioning, and USB charging ports at each seat.

• What amenities does the Lando (overland adventure vehicle) offer?

  The Lando provides internal luggage storage, day pack storage, an onboard safety box, front viewing windows, large sliding windows for wildlife viewing, reclining seats, a fully equipped mobile kitchen, access to a 250L tank of drinking water, air-conditioning, and USB charging ports for every traveler at their seat. Please note there are no onboard bathrooms.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  The tour has a physical rating of 3. While not overly demanding, travel can be difficult at times with long drives and potentially poor road conditions.

• What is the maximum group size?

  The maximum group size is 22 people per vehicle.

• Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

  The minimum age for participants is 12 years old, and the maximum age is 100 years old.

• Who will be guiding the tour?

  You will be accompanied by two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) who serve as group managers, leaders, cooks, and drivers. Local guides are also used for some included activities to provide specific regional knowledge.

• Are there any specific health recommendations or vaccination requirements for this tour?

  It is recommended to contact your family physician or local travel clinic for up-to-date health information. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if traveling to Botswana, South Africa, or Zimbabwe from a Yellow Fever endemic country or having recently traveled through one. Malaria is present in some regions, and preventative medication combined with insect repellent is recommended.

• What if I have a medical condition?

  For your own safety, you are strongly recommended to advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while traveling with the group.

• What currencies are accepted during the tour, and what payment methods are recommended?

  The South African Rand (ZAR) is used in South Africa and accepted in Namibia. Namibian Dollar (NAD) is used in Namibia. In Botswana, Pula (BWP) is used for local payments, but USD is accepted for activities and drinks at campsites. Zimbabwe uses USD and ZAR. It's strongly advised to bring ZAR or USD from your home country or exchange money before the tour. USD notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Travellers’ cheques are not recommended. A combination of foreign currency and Visa/Plus system debit/credit cards for cash advances is best, but be aware that credit cards are not widely accepted outside major cities and ATMs can be unreliable.

• What is an 'emergency fund' and how much should I have?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used for unforeseen circumstances outside of the tour operator's control, such as a natural disaster.

• Are there additional activities available that are not included in the tour price?

  Yes, there are many optional activities available at additional cost, such as wine tours in Cape Town, paddling on the Orange River, desert walks in the Namib Desert, skydiving or scenic flights in Swakopmund, night safaris in Etosha, helicopter rides over the Okavango Delta, river cruises in Chobe National Park, and whitewater rafting or bungee jumping in Victoria Falls.

• What are the luggage restrictions?

  You should pack as lightly as possible, with one soft compact suitcase or sports bag (maximum 20kg) plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited.

• Can I bring a drone on the tour?

  The use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.

• Will I be with the same group throughout the entire tour?

  This is a combination tour, meaning the staff and some travel companions may have previously been traveling together or may continue on another tour after this trip concludes, especially in places like Windhoek.

• Are there any water conservation tips for visiting Cape Town?

  When in Cape Town, it is recommended to bring a reusable water bottle, reuse towels, do laundry only with full loads, turn off taps when brushing teeth or shaving, keep showers to two minutes or less, and use hand sanitizer instead of washing hands frequently.