Victoria Falls to Cape Town Overland Safari & Participation Camping - 21 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  The tour primarily features participation camping (14 nights), along with one night in a permanent tented camp, two nights in guesthouses (multi-share), two nights of basic bush camping, and one night in a hostel (multi-share).

• What can I expect from the camping experience?

  You'll be camping most nights, with supplied dome tents (2-person, regularly waterproofed, with insect nets), camp mattresses, and portable camp chairs. Facilities at designated campsites generally include flush toilets and showers (sometimes outdoors). Bush camping in the Okavango Delta is more basic, with no running water, showers, or toilet facilities. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.

• Are sleeping bags provided for camping?

  No, you are required to bring your own sleeping bag, small pillow, and sleeping sheet (if desired) for the camping portions of the tour. Sleeping bags cannot be rented.

• What meals are included during the tour?

  The tour includes 18 breakfasts, 17 lunches, and 12 dinners. When meals are not included, it's to allow travelers the opportunity to explore local cuisine, and your CEO will offer suggestions.

• Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

  Yes, vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival to ensure they can be accommodated.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3. While not physically demanding, be aware that travel can involve long drives and sometimes poor road conditions.

• What is the minimum age to join this tour?

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

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

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

• What kind of transportation is used on this tour?

  The primary mode of transport is a custom-built 24-seat overland adventure vehicle (Lando), which is great for wildlife viewing. Other modes include walking, traditional mokoro (dugout canoes), and dedicated safari vehicles.

• Are there bathrooms on the Lando (overland adventure vehicle)?

  No, the Landos do not have on-board bathrooms.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation (minimum USD200,000), and show proof to your leader at the start of the trip.

• Are there any health considerations or vaccinations required?

  It is recommended to contact your physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for health information and inoculations. A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is compulsory if traveling from or through a Yellow Fever endemic country to enter Botswana and other specified countries. Malaria is also present in some regions, and prophylaxis is recommended.

• What currencies are accepted and recommended for this tour?

  The South African Rand (ZAR) is accepted in South Africa and Namibia. The Namibian Dollar (NAD) is equivalent to ZAR in Namibia. Botswana uses Pula (BWP), but USD is accepted for activities and drinks at campsites. Zimbabwe uses USD and ZAR. It's strongly advised to bring ZAR or USD from your home country for Zimbabwe to avoid delays, as ATMs can be unreliable.

• What is the policy on tipping?

  Tipping is expected but not compulsory and serves as an appreciation for exceptional service. Suggested guidelines are: $5-8 USD per day for the CEO, $2-3 USD per day for local guides/safari drivers, 10-15% for restaurant staff, and 50-100 BWP for Okavango Delta polers.

• 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 outside of our control.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex to avoid a single supplement.

• Who will lead the tour and what are their roles?

  The tour is led by two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) who act as group managers, leaders, cooks, and drivers. They provide information, suggestions, and manage logistics. Local guides are also used for specific included activities.

• What optional activities are available during the tour?

  A wide range of optional activities are available, including white water rafting, helicopter rides, bungee jumping in Victoria Falls, wildlife safari drives and boat cruises in Chobe National Park, scenic helicopter flights in the Delta, bushman walks in Ghanzi, skydiving/sandboarding in Swakopmund, desert walks in Namib Desert and Sossusvlei, canoeing on the Orange River, and wine tasting in Cederberg, among others.

• What is 'participation camping'?

  Participation camping means the group is divided into small teams to help with daily tasks like kitchen duty (meal preparation and cleanup), setting up camp tables and chairs, and cleaning the overland vehicle. The CEOs manage meal preparation, but clients assist with washing up.

• Are drones allowed on this tour?

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

• How might Ramadan affect the tour experience?

  Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims. While tours generally operate effectively and food is available, there might be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules in Muslim areas. Travelers are asked to display increased cultural sensitivity, wear loose-fitting clothes covering knees and shoulders, and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours.

• Are there any water conservation tips for visiting Cape Town?

  Yes, it is recommended to bring a reusable water bottle, reuse towels for at least two days, do laundry only with full loads, turn off taps when brushing teeth or shaving, keep showers to two minutes or less, and use hand sanitizer instead of washing hands frequently.

• Are there any photography restrictions during the tour?

  Yes, it is strictly prohibited to take photos of police stations, border crossings, airports, army barracks, military personnel, or any government buildings. Doing so can result in confiscation of film and camera. In rural areas, it is generally safer, but always follow your CEO's guidance.

• When can I do laundry on this trip?

  Laundry can be done at least once a week. Swakopmund lodge offers laundry service, and at some campsites, local women may do hand washing for a negotiable fee (usually between ZAR30-ZAR50 per load). Bringing your own washing powder for small items is recommended.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include safari drives to track the 'big five', cruising the Chobe River at sunset, camping in the African bush, meeting the Naro San people and observing their daily tasks, immersing yourself in Cape Town's vibrant culture, and experiencing the power of Victoria Falls.

• What countries will this tour visit?

  This tour traverses through Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.