Journeys: Kruger, Victoria Falls & Namibia - 18 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include a scenic drive along the famed Panorama Route, looking out for the Big Five during wildlife drives, experiencing a traditional dinner, taking in the dramatic Namibian landscapes, and feeling the thunder of Victoria Falls.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

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

• What types of accommodation are provided on this tour?

  Accommodation includes 6 nights in hotels, 9 nights in lodges, and 2 nights in comfortable tents or chalets. In the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, you will stay in either lodge rooms or very comfortable permanent tents, both of equal quality.

• Will my accommodation have air conditioning or heating?

  Air conditioning is not generally available in the accommodations, as evenings tend to cool down; floor or ceiling fans are usually provided. For winter nights (June to September) which can be cold, most lodges and hotels do not have insulation or central heating, but additional blankets or a hot water bottle can be requested.

• Is Wi-Fi available during the trip?

  Wi-Fi is available in most places, though an extra charge may apply and service interruptions can occur in remote areas.

• What kind of transportation is used on the tour?

  Transportation includes air-conditioned touring vehicles, 4x4s, open safari vehicles, planes for internal flights, and walking. Vehicle size in South Africa varies by group size: 10-16 guests use a 17-seater Mercedes Sprinter; 6-9 guests use a 14-seater Toyota Quantum; 3-5 guests use a Mercedes Benz Vito or similar; 1-2 guests use a Nissan Livina X-G or Toyota Avanza.

• What meals are included during the tour?

  The tour includes 17 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 13 dinners.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. Please check with your booking agent for specific details, especially for combo tours traveling between two different countries.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

  Yes, any flights noted on the itinerary for this tour are included in the tour services provided.

• What are the age requirements for this trip?

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

• How large will the group be?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12.

• Who will be the group leader on this tour?

  You will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who acts as the group manager and leader. All leaders in Southern Africa are registered and licensed tourism guides. In Victoria Falls, there will be a local Expedition Leader, and certified safari guides/rangers will lead wildlife activities.

• What health information should I know before traveling?

  We recommend contacting your family physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for the most up-to-date health information. Medical facilities are basic in these countries. It is strongly recommended to advise your tour leader of any medical condition, carry a basic first-aid kit, and hand sanitizers.

• Is a Yellow Fever Certificate required for this trip?

  It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are traveling to Botswana, South Africa, or Zimbabwe from a Yellow Fever endemic country, or if you have traveled more than 12 hours through an airport of an endemic country. Please check country-specific regulations before your departure.

• What about Malaria risk on this trip?

  Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease present in some regions in Africa. The risk can increase during periods of heavy rain and rainy seasons. We recommend speaking to your doctor about preventative medication and regularly using insect repellent.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group without evidence of travel insurance, with a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage are strongly recommended.

• Is there a single supplement for solo travelers?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation (same-sex pairings) and do not involve a single supplement. However, if you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What currencies are used and what should I know about money exchange?

  The Namibian Dollar (NAD) is used in Namibia (equivalent to South African Rand). The South African Rand (ZAR) is used in South Africa. Zimbabwe uses the US Dollar and South African Rand. We strongly advise bringing ZAR or USD from your home country for Zimbabwe, as ATMs can be difficult. USD notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Large USD notes ($50, $100) may be hard to change but offer the best rates. A combination of foreign currency (Euro, Pound, USD) and debit/credit cards is best, as ATMs can run out of cash and power outages can occur. Visas purchased at borders must be paid in USD cash. Travelers’ cheques are not recommended.

• How much emergency fund should I have access to?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund for circumstances outside our control, such as route changes due to natural disasters.

• Is tipping expected on this tour?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program, and is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Recommended guidelines per person per day are: Expedition Leader: $10-15 USD, Driver: $8-10 USD, Local guides: $3-5 USD, Safari Guide/Driver: $8-10 USD. For restaurant staff, 10-15% of the bill, porters $1 per bag, and hotel/cleaning staff $1-2 per day.

• What optional activities are available on this tour?

  Optional activities include: Sossusvlei Sundowner & Nature Drive (455 NAD), Swakopmund Fat Tire Bike Tours (480 NAD), Sea Kayaking (800 NAD), Sandboarding in the Namib Desert (700 NAD), a Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park, River Song Sunset Cruise (82 USD), and Victoria Falls Historic Bridge Tour (55 USD).

• Are there any specific safety and security considerations for this trip?

  Always look after personal items, avoid leaving valuables visible in cars or rooms, and lock your hotel door. Keep important documents like passports and money in a neck wallet/money belt or hotel safe. Avoid large amounts of cash and flashy jewelry. The group leader can amend the itinerary for safety. During free time and at night in cities, travel in small groups and use taxis. For Namibia, be alert for animals near roads, avoid night travel, watch for road conditions, carry bottled water, and never approach or feed wildlife. Drones are prohibited in national parks. In reserves, be aware of potentially dangerous creatures like bats, spiders, snakes, scorpions, and the malaria zone; use a torch if walking at night.

• 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, consulate, or travel agent for the most up-to-date visa requirements. Botswana has a $30 USD tourism levy for visitors (except SADC citizens). As of April 1st, 2025, Namibia will introduce a mandatory 90-day visa costing USD 90 per person on arrival, and it is recommended to apply prior to travel.

• What if my arrival airport in Johannesburg is not O.R. Tambo International Airport?

  If your arrival airport in Johannesburg is not 'Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport', please contact us as soon as possible, as this may incur additional costs for transfers.

• Is laundry available during the trip?

  Laundry can be done at some lodges, at your own expense.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to making travel impactful by helping local communities earn income from tourism. They develop and support community-owned businesses that empower local people, including Indigenous populations and women, provide youth employment, and protect the environment. The tour operator is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation directly supports these projects.

• What type of wildlife experiences can I expect on this tour?

  You will get up close to the famed "big five" on thrilling safaris in Kruger National Park and Karongwe Private Game Reserve. You'll also search for various desert wildlife in the Namib-Naukluft National Park and see a wide array of creatures at Etosha National Park, including large populations of lions and elephants.

• What kind of cultural immersion opportunities are included?

  The tour includes visits to townships and villages to learn about daily life, a tour of Mondesa township with a local guide, and a special dinner with a local Zimbabwean family where you'll help prepare a traditional meal.

• Will I have the chance to learn about conservation efforts?

  Yes, you'll meet with researchers from National Geographic sponsored–organizations for insights on wildlife conservation, including a lecture and excursion with the Endangered Wildlife Trust's Cheetah Range Expansion Project at Karongwe Private Game Reserve, and a visit to the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Otjiwarongo.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average group size of 12.

• What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation includes a mix of 6 nights in hotels, 9 nights in lodges, and 2 nights in comfortable tents or chalets. In the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, you might stay in lodge rooms or permanent tents, both of equal quality.

• What should I know about electricity, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning?

  Hot water shortages, low water pressure, and power outages can occur in Southern Africa. Wi-Fi is available in most places (extra charge may apply) but service interruptions can happen in remote areas. Air conditioning is generally not available as evenings tend to cool down, but floor or ceiling fans are usually provided.

• What is the physical activity level required for this trip?

  This trip has a physical rating of 2 (Easy). Travelers should have an average level of fitness and mobility, being able to walk unaided, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage.

• What types of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation includes air-conditioned touring vehicles (size varies by group), 4x4 vehicles for desert excursions and safaris, open safari vehicles for wildlife drives in Kruger and Etosha, domestic flights between countries, and walking tours.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

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

• Are local flights between destinations included?

  Yes, any flights noted in the tour itinerary are included in the tour services provided.

• What currencies should I bring, and how can I access money?

  The Namibian currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD) which is equivalent to the South African Rand (ZAR). Zimbabwe uses both 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. While ATMs are in major centers, they can run out of cash, and credit cards are not widely accepted (5-10% fee applies). A combination of foreign currency (USD, Euro, Pound) and debit/credit cards is recommended.

• What are the visa requirements for this trip?

  All countries require a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Visa requirements vary by nationality. Notably, as of April 1st, 2025, Namibia will introduce a new mandatory 90-day visa costing USD90 on arrival; it's recommended to apply prior to travel to avoid delays. USD cash is required for visas purchased at borders.

• Is travel insurance compulsory?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation (minimum USD200,000 coverage). Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage coverage are also highly recommended.

• Is there a single supplement for solo travelers?

  No, the group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and single travelers are paired with someone of the same sex, so a single supplement is not typically charged. However, a "My Own Room" option is available if you prefer a private room for all night stops.

• What is the recommended amount for an emergency fund?

  It's recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What are the tipping guidelines on this tour?

  Tipping is expected but not compulsory. Guidelines (per person, per day) are: Expedition Leader $10-15 USD, Driver $8-10 USD, Local guides $3-5 USD, Safari Guide/Driver $8-10 USD. For restaurant staff, 10-15% of the bill, porters $1 per bag, and hotel/cleaning staff $1-2 per day.

• What are the safety guidelines for interacting with wildlife?

  Always be alert for animals near the road. The only safe way to look at animals is from the safety of your vehicle. Do not feed any wildlife, as it makes them aggressive. The use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.

• What precautions should I take for health and safety?

  Consult your doctor about health information and recommended inoculations (e.g., Yellow Fever Certificate may be required, Malaria prophylaxis recommended). Carry a basic first-aid kit. Keep valuables secure in safety deposit boxes, use a money belt for important documents, and avoid displaying flashy jewelry. At night, stay in small groups and use taxis. All swimming is at your own risk.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry services are available at some lodges, typically at your own expense.

• What is Planeterra, and how is it involved with the tour?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by developing community-owned businesses. The tour operator is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, and the "Dollar-a-day" program allows travelers to donate to these projects, with 100% of donations going directly to Planeterra projects.