Southern Africa Overland Safari & Participation Camping - 15 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What countries will I visit on this tour?

  This tour will take you through South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

• What are the main wildlife experiences and highlights of this safari?

  You will explore the Okavango Delta by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), track wildlife on foot in Matobo National Park, and aim to spot the 'big five' in Kruger National Park. The tour also includes a wildlife drive through Khama Rhino Sanctuary and a visit to the thundering Victoria Falls.

• What type of accommodation can I expect?

  The tour includes simple hotel accommodation for 2 nights and participation camping for 11 nights, along with one night in a basic bush camp. Most camping will be in 2-person safari tents with supplied mattresses.

• What does 'participation camping' involve?

  Participation camping means the group is typically divided into small teams to help with tasks like kitchen duty (assisting with meal preparation and cleanup), setting up tables and chairs, and cleaning the overland vehicle. Your Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) handle meal preparation.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 8 dinners.

• What kind of transportation is used for the tour?

  The primary mode of transport is a custom-built 24-seat overland adventure vehicle called the 'Lando'. You will also experience open safari vehicles for specific drives, traditional mokoros in the Okavango Delta, and walking excursions.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 22 travelers, with an average of 18 participants.

• Who will lead the tour group?

  You will be accompanied by two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) throughout the tour, who serve as the head guide/cook and driver, along with local guides for certain included activities.

• Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

  The minimum age to travel unaccompanied on this tour is 18. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21, the minimum age is 12. The maximum age for participants is 100.

• How does rooming work for solo travelers?

  Solo travelers on group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, as there is no single supplement. An exception for shared accommodation applies on Day 4 (basic bush camp) and if a parent/guardian of a different gender is traveling with a minor.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  The tour has a physical rating of 3. It is not physically demanding, but involves traveling through various terrains with long drives and sometimes poor road conditions.

• What currencies should I bring and what are the recommendations for money management?

  The local currencies are South African Rand (ZAR), Botswana Pula (BWP), and Zimbabwean US Dollar (USD). USD is recommended for tourism and is required for visas at borders. It is strongly advised to bring ZAR or USD from your home country, as obtaining cash can be difficult in some areas. US notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Visa/Plus debit cards are most widely accepted, and while credit cards can be used in major towns, it's best not to rely solely on them due to potential power outages or ATMs running out of cash. Travelers' cheques are not recommended.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have a policy that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD 200,000. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage/personal effects is also strongly recommended.

• Are there any required vaccinations or health considerations for this trip?

  A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is compulsory if you are traveling from or have transited more than 12 hours through a Yellow Fever-endemic country. Malaria is present in some regions, so it is recommended to speak to your doctor about preventative medication (prophylaxis) and to use insect repellent. A basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers are also advised.

• Is tipping expected on this tour, and what are the guidelines?

  Tipping is expected as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service. Guidelines are: $5-8 USD per day, per person for the CEO; $2-3 USD per day for local guides and safari drivers; 10-15% of the bill for restaurant staff; and 50-100 BWP for Okavango Delta polers.

• Are drones allowed on this tour?

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

• What countries does this safari visit?

  This Southern Africa Overland Safari visits South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include spotting the "big five" in Kruger National Park, experiencing the thundering Victoria Falls, tracking wildlife on foot in Matobo National Park, and exploring the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro canoe.

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

  The tour includes 2 nights in simple hotel accommodation and 12 nights of camping (11 nights participation camping in 2-person safari tents with mattresses, and 1 night in a basic bush camp). All camping equipment except sleeping bags and pillows are provided.

• Is participation required for certain tasks during the safari?

  Yes, participation is an essential part of the safari experience. The group will be divided into small teams for daily tasks such as kitchen duty, setting up tables and chairs, and cleaning the vehicle, with travelers also expected to help with washing up.

• What kind of transportation will we use on this trip?

  The primary mode of transport is a custom-built 24-seat overland adventure vehicle (Lando), which features reclining seats, air-conditioning, and USB charging ports. We will also utilize open safari vehicles, traditional mokoro canoes, and walking for certain activities.

• Does the overland vehicle have on-board bathrooms?

  No, the Lando overland adventure vehicles do not have on-board bathrooms.

• Are there any health considerations or vaccinations required for this trip?

  It is recommended to consult your physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is compulsory if you are arriving from or have transited through a Yellow Fever-risk country. Malaria is present in some regions, so speaking to your doctor about preventative medication (prophylaxis) and using insect repellent is advised.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 8 dinners.

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

  The currencies used are South African Rand (ZAR), Botswana Pula (BWP), and primarily US Dollar (USD) in Zimbabwe for tourism. It is strongly advised to bring ZAR or USD cash from your home country. USD notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards, but ATMs can be unreliable outside major centers. Credit cards may be used in major cities but often incur a 5-10% fee. Traveler's cheques are not recommended.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

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

• What is the tipping etiquette for this tour?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, expression of appreciation. Suggested guidelines (per person per day) are $5-8 USD for the CEO, $2-3 USD for local guides/safari drivers, 10-15% of the bill for restaurant staff, and 50-100 BWP for Okavango Delta polers.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory and must cover medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000.

• Are drones allowed on this trip or in national parks?

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

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include an Apartheid Museum visit or Soweto Tour in Johannesburg, a scenic helicopter flight over the Delta in Maun, a sunset river cruise or safari drive in Chobe National Park, various activities at Victoria Falls such as visiting the falls, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, helicopter rides, and bridge swing/zipline, a hot springs soak in Tshipise, and open vehicle wildlife safari drives in Kruger National Park.

• How involved will the Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) be during the tour?

  Two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) will accompany the tour as head guide/cook and driver. They provide information, suggestions for activities, and manage the group. During wildlife safari drives, they will always accompany the group in the passenger area of the truck.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, and do not pay a single supplement.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 22 travelers, with an average of 18.

• How does the tour operator contribute to local communities?

  The tour operator supports the Planeterra International Foundation, a non-profit committed to helping local communities earn income from tourism. For example, lunch at the Lusumpuko Women’s Club in Victoria Falls is an included 'G for Good Moment'. Travelers can also opt to donate $1/day to Planeterra projects.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. There is also an opportunity to use the tour operator-supported Princess Laundry and Sewing Co-op in Victoria Falls. Bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap for self-laundry is suggested.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3. It is not considered physically demanding, but involves long drives and potentially poor road conditions at times.