Johannesburg to Victoria Falls Overland Safari & Participation Camping - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the main focus of this tour?

  This tour offers an action-packed eight-day overland safari from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, highlighting Southern Africa's best. It includes wildlife viewing in Chobe National Park, a visit to a community rhino sanctuary, and experiencing the diverse scenery of South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, with a focus on participation camping.

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

  Accommodation consists of one night in a simple hotel, five nights of participation camping, and one night of bush camping. For participation camping, you'll be involved in setting up camp, and equipment like dome tents (2-person, with insect nets and mattresses) and cooking gear are provided (you'll need your own sleeping bag and pillow). Campsites generally have flush toilets and showers, though some showers may be outdoors and warm water is not guaranteed.

• What type of transportation is used during the tour?

  The primary mode of transport is a custom-built 24-seat Overland Adventure Vehicle (OAV) called the 'Lando,' which is great for wildlife viewing. Other transportation methods include walking, traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) in the Okavango Delta, and safari vehicles.

• Are meals included in the tour price, and what kind of meals are they?

  Yes, 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 3 dinners are included. Most included meals are prepared from fresh local produce, with breakfasts typically consisting of breads and cereals, lunches being light meals like sandwiches or salads, and dinners being freshly-prepared hot meals. You'll have opportunities to try local cuisine when meals are not included.

• What is the group size for this tour, and what is the age range?

  The tour accommodates a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 22 participants. The minimum age for this tour is 12 years old, and the maximum age is 100 years.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3. While not physically demanding, travel can involve long drives and sometimes poor road conditions. Despite this, most clients find the diversity of the African landscape, culture, and wildlife well worth the experience.

• Will I have a guide, and what are their responsibilities?

  You will be accompanied by two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) who act as group managers, leaders, cooks, and drivers. They provide information on the places you're visiting, suggest things to do, and manage the trip logistics. Local guides are also utilized for some included activities to offer more specific knowledge.

• What kind of participation is expected from travelers during the camping portions?

  An essential part of this safari is participation. The group is usually divided into small groups for tasks like kitchen duty (helping prepare meals and clean up), packing (setting up tables and chairs), and cleaning the vehicle. Your CEOs will do all the meal preparation, but assistance with washing up is requested.

• What optional activities are available?

  Optional activities include a visit to the Apartheid Museum or a Soweto Tour in Johannesburg, a scenic helicopter ride over the Okavango Delta, a Chobe River Sunset Cruise or Safari Drive in Chobe National Park, and various adventurous activities at Victoria Falls such as whitewater rafting, a scenic helicopter flight, or bungee jumping.

• What currencies are accepted, and how should I manage my money?

  The South African Rand (ZAR) is used in South Africa, the Namibian Dollar (NAD) in Namibia (equivalent to ZAR), Pula (BWP) in Botswana (USD also accepted for activities/campsite drinks), and US Dollar (USD) and ZAR in Zimbabwe. It's strongly advised to bring USD or ZAR cash from your home country for Zimbabwe due to potential difficulties obtaining cash from ATMs. $US notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Credit cards can be used in major cities but are generally not widely accepted, and a 5-10% fee usually applies. Traveler's cheques are not accepted. An emergency fund of at least USD $200 is recommended.

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

  It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are traveling to Botswana from a Yellow Fever endemic country or have recently visited one. Yellow Fever inoculations must be administered at least 10 days prior to entry. Malaria is present in some regions, so speaking to your doctor about preventative medication (prophylaxis) and using insect repellent is highly recommended. Travelers should also carry a basic first-aid kit.

• Can solo travelers get their own room?

  This tour is designed for shared accommodation, and solo travelers 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. However, if a parent or guardian is traveling with a minor under 18 and they do not share the same gender, they will be accommodated together in a private room.

• Is the use of drones permitted during the tour?

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