Highlights of Southern Africa - 30 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?

  We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Travellers should also carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling with the group. Your tour leader will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor. Yellow Fever Certificate Note (Updated: June 2026) It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are travelling to the following the tour operator-visited countries from a Yellow Fever endemic country, or if you have transited for more than 12 hours through the airport of a Yellow Fever endemic country: Botswana, Kenya*, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda*, Zambia, Zimbabwe. *Kenya and Uganda require a valid Yellow Fever Certificate from all travellers regardless of country of origin, not only those arriving from endemic countries. Travellers to these destinations should ensure they are vaccinated regardless of their travel history. If other non-endemic countries have been visited after visiting an endemic country, a Yellow Fever certificate may still be required on entry into subsequent destinations. This is particularly relevant on multi-country Southern Africa itineraries, for example, a traveller moving from Uganda to Kenya, or from Kenya across a land border into Tanzania, will be required to show their certificate at each entry point. Please check country-specific regulations before departure. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is present in some regions in Africa. Risk of malaria can increase during periods of heavy rain, during the rainy seasons, and in densely populated areas of Southern & East Africa. To prevent malaria, we recommend speaking to your doctor about taking preventative medication (prophylaxis), combined with regular use of insect repellent spray/cream. Please check updated travel health advisories specific to malaria before your departure.

• Are there Itinerary notes?

  Please note on departures for this itinerary over the next 6-8 months, travellers will not be visiting/staying at the the tour operator-supported Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp. During this time, travellers will overnight in different, nearby accommodations. The itinerary will resume normal operations at the lodge before the end of the year.

• Do any exceptions apply to Rooming or “My Own Room” on my tour?

  Day 9, 10, 17, 20, 21, 24, 25.

• Does the tour operator have an email newsletter I can subscribe to?

  Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from the tour operator, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/ Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

• How large will the group be?

  Max 18, avg 14

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

• How old must I be to join this trip?

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

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. The gesture serves as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service, and amounts given are up to your discretion. Tipping is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal 'thank you', and the action should in no way be awkward. The best method of tipping someone that has served the whole group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s). You may use the following as a guideline, all given in a per person format: CEO: $5-8 USD (per day, per person) Local guides: $2-3 USD (per day) Safari Guide/Driver: $2-3 USD (per day) Restaurant Staff: 10-15% of cost of bill Okavango Delta polers: 50-100 BWP (Botswana Pula)l

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Cape Town - Two Oceans Aquarium (235ZAR per person) - Wine Tour and Tasting (1675ZAR per person) - Cape Point Explorer Day Tour (1750ZAR per person) - Urban Explorer Day Tour (1900ZAR per person) - Overberg Explorer Day Tour (3450ZAR per person) - West Coast Explorer Day Tour (1950ZAR per person) - Sandboarding and San Cultural Explorer Day Tour (3630ZAR per person) - Sandboarding Half Day Tour - Atlantis Dunes (1400ZAR per person) - Hout Bay Kayaking Half Day Tour (1500ZAR per person) Table Mountain - Table Mountain Cable Car (420ZAR per person) - Table Mountain Hike (2100ZAR per person) Kruger National Park - Full Day Kruger National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive Matobo National Park - Ancient Cave Painting Visit (10USD per person) Hwange - Afternoon Wildlife Safari Drive (80USD per person) Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 15 Mins - Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 25min (284USD per person) - Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting (120USD per person) - Victoria Falls Visit (50USD per person) - Zambezi Bungee Jump (168USD per person) Victoria Falls - Bridge Swing over the Zambezi (168USD per person) - Zipline over the Zambezi (50USD per person) Chobe National Park - Chobe River Sunset Cruise - Chobe National Park Safari Drive Etosha National Park - Etosha Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive (1200NAD per person) Swakopmund - Sandboarding in the Namib Desert (700NAD per person) - Living Desert Tour (900NAD per person) - Skeleton Coast Scenic Flight (4800NAD per person) - Mondesa Township Tour (750NAD per person) - Swakopmund Skydiving Lambert's Bay - Bird Island Visit (40ZAR per person)

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Search for the "Big Five" across four countries, Take a nature walk in Matobo National Park, Explore giant sand dunes and Victoria Falls, Meet the San people of the Kalahari Desert

• What are the trip specific safety considerations?

  GENERAL: Look after your personal items. Do not leave your valuables visible in a car or hotel room. Lock your hotel room door when you enter and when you leave. Do not carry large amount of cash on you. Avoid displaying flashy jewellery and carry your camera in its pack on your shoulder rather than around your neck. Keep your passport, airline tickets, money, important documents locked up in your room/safe - do not carry it with you. Please note that the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited. Vital Information for staying Kruger NP or any reserve: Please ensure that your stay is happy and safe by taking note of a few simple warnings. You will be sharing your stay with many exciting and unusual creatures but without a little knowledge, some of them could be dangerous. Example: Bats, spiders, snakes, scorpions and mosquitos in a malarial zone. If you must walk around at night please DO NOT DO SO WITHOUT A TORCH. Remember: by feeding any wildlife, you are signing their death warrant as they become aggressive. NAMIBIA: Always be alert of animals that are wandering too close to the road. Both domestic and wild animals frighten easily and can jump directly in front of the moving vehicle. If possible, avoid travelling at night. Some wildlife tends to be more active at dusk. Always be on the look-out for sandy patches, potholes and sharp bends in the road. In rainy or wet conditions beware of slippery roads, washaways, running and or stagnant water. Always have enough water (bottled) for the journey. No matter how beautiful or gentle an animal may appear, the only safe way to look at it is from the safety of your vehicle.

• What do I need to know to about safety and security on my trip?

  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, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions. Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s). Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into the tour operator’ itineraries globally. the tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need. the tour operator Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation. Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment. Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

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

  Hotel/Guesthouse 12 nights in comfortable twin rooms with en suite or shared facilities. Lodge/Chalet 12 nights in standard rooms with en-suite or shared facilities. Basic Camping (participative) 1 night is spent in pitched tents in the Delta with very basic facilities (no shower, dig-out toilet). Tents are twin. Camping (participative) 4 nights are spent in pitched tents in Etosha National Park and Solitaire Area. Tents are twin with shared facilities. Please note that due to the high demand for accommodation in the parks, sometimes we will arrange alternative accommodation outside of the park.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  28 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 9 dinners

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any 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. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). The South African rand is also an accepted form of payment in Namibia. Zimbabwe uses the US Dollar and South African Rand. The Namibian currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is equivalent to the South African Rand. In Botswana, you pay with Pula (BWP). Each currency can be obtained locally by changing foreign currency or by using ATMs (where available) which will disperse local currency. Your CEO will inform you where you can change money throughout the tour and approximately how much money you will need. For Zimbabwe, we strongly advise that you bring ZAR or USD from your home country or exchange money before the start of the tour, to avoid delays on tour, as it can be difficult to obtain cash at ATMs. Please note that due to past problems with forgery, $US notes that are older than year 2006 are not accepted in Africa. Large note ($US 50, $US 100 etc) can be difficult to change in some places, but will gain you the best exchange rate. If you plan to buy your visas at borders, you will need to bring $USD cash to pay for these visas. Please note you cannot use the local currency or any other currency to buy these visas- they must be purchased in USD. Please do not bring Travellers’ cheques to Africa. They are difficult if not impossible to exchange in many places. Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. it is harder to find machines Mastercard/Cirrus cards. We highly recommend that if you hold a Mastercard, you obtain a Visa card prior to departure and travel with both. This is also useful should something unforeseen happen to one of your cards during your travels. While there are many ATMs in the major centres, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Africa. Check with your bank. Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns ONLY but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. The majority of our optional activities can also be paid by credit card. Your CEO will advise on these. Please note that in many areas there may be occasional power-outages, where there will be no electricity for hours at a time. In addition, ATMs outside of larger centers often run out of cash or can be out of order unexpectedly. These factors could affect your ability to access money from ATMs. As such, please do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at the tour operator and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

• What transportation will we take on this trip?

  For all of our standard class trips in southern Africa, including this tour, we use a private local bus for the journey. We will be taking a flight for the leg between Cape Town and Johannesburg. For the buses we will be using, there will be air-conditioning, and sliding windows, allowing for comfortable travel through the region. In addition, even with a full group, there will be extra space for the benefit of the group. Having our own private vehicle through the majority of the tour allows us the flexibility of making stops when needed. In addition, we are able to travel to out-of-the-way locations where public transportation does not reach. Road conditions in South Africa and ZImbabwe are generally good, though once into Botswana and beyond, the road quality deteriorates. As such, we slow our travelling speed and enjoy some sand and bumps en route – something which is of course part of the adventure of travelling in Africa! In the Okavango Delta, we leave our bus behind and explore in the area in mokoros – traditional dug-out canoes. The mokoros usually seat 2 people and are handled by ‘polers’ – so named as they move the mokoro forward by using a very long pole pushed into the ground under the water. This is a relaxing and peaceful way to take in the fascinating environment and wonderful scenery of the delta.

• What's Included

  Your G for Good Moment: Lusumpuko Women's Club Lunch, Victoria Falls Your G for Good Moment: Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp, Dekar Your G for Good Moment: Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, Windhoek Your G for Good Moment: !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, Yzerfontein Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Victoria Falls Your Discover Moment: Swakopmund. Cape Town orientation walk. Soweto Township Bicycle Tour. Panorama Route drive with entrances. Kruger National Park wildlife safari drive in our vehicle (full-day). Traditional dance experience. Nature walk at Timbavati Safari Lodge. Nature walk (Matobo National Park). Victoria Falls visit. Okavango Delta excursion with entrances, wildlife walks, and traditional canoe trips. San/Bushmen walk. Traditional dinner (Kalahari). Etosha National Park entrance with wildlife safari drives in our vehicle. Sossusvlei Dunes and Sesriem Canyon entrance. Wine tasting in Lambert's Bay. Fish River Canyon entrance. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Please note that you will be on the move a lot, and as such there will not be a lot of time for same-day laundry service. Please ask your guide/CEO to arrange if any laundry needs to be done, so that he / she can advise or make arrangements for you. Most travellers on this trip find that Swakopmund and Windhoek are convenient places to get their washing done, though facilities are available as well in Cape Town, and Victoria Falls.

• Where will we stay during the trip?

  Hotels (11 nts), lodge/chalet (11 nts), adventure tents (1 nt), guesthouse (1 nt), basic camping (1 nt), serviced camping (4 nts).

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

  Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the the tour operator Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our the tour operator Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. AIRPORT TRANSFER If you have purchased an arrival through the tour operator or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that: Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS the tour operator Local Representative (South Africa) From outside South Africa: +27 713823286 From within South Africa: 071 3823286 If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

• Who will be leading the group?

  CEO (Chief Experience Officer) & driver throughout, local guides.