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.