Zimbabwe to Kenya Overland Safari & Participation Camping - 20 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the overall theme of this tour?

  This is an unforgettable 20-day safari and wilderness adventure through southeastern Africa, offering experiences like Zanzibar's spice plantations, opportunities to spot the 'big five', and a visit to Victoria Falls.

• What are the age restrictions for this tour?

  The minimum age for this tour is 12, and the maximum age is 100.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The group size ranges from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 22 people.

• How many meals are included in the tour, and what about dietary requirements?

  The tour includes 19 breakfasts, 16 lunches, and 15 dinners. Meals are prepared from fresh local produce. Breakfasts typically consist of breads and cereals, lunches are light meals like sandwiches or salads, and evening meals are freshly prepared hot dishes with a variety of continental and local options. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements must be specified prior to arrival. Bottled drinking water is not included and will be at your own expense.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation includes 14 nights of participation camping, 2 nights of full-service camping, and 3 nights in simple hotels (twin-share).

• What are the camping facilities like?

  We provide good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person dome tents (approximately 4 square meters base) with built-in insect nets, and comfortable 4cm thick camp mattresses. Campsite facilities in Southern Africa are generally good, often including small restaurants/bars, washing facilities, and occasionally internet. Most camps have flush toilets, and showers are sometimes outdoors with simple enclosures; warm water is usually available but not guaranteed. Some national park campsites are enclosed, while others are open to the natural environment. The Serengeti National Park campsite is basic, with no electricity or showers and simple toilets. The Ngorongoro Crater rim camp has very limited electricity, occasional warm showers, and squat flushing toilets.

• How are solo travelers accommodated?

  Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. If a parent or guardian is traveling with a minor under 18 of a different gender, they will be accommodated together in a private room. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  The physical rating for this tour is 3 out of 5. While not overly demanding, travel can be difficult at times with long drives and poor road conditions. However, most clients find the diverse African landscape, culture, and wildlife well worth the experience.

• What are the main activities and experiences included in the tour?

  Included activities feature a visit to the Tribal Textiles Market & Courtyard Cafe in Mfuwe, a welcome meeting with your CEO and group, a traditional local dinner at Kande Beach, a Zanzibar excursion including a Spice Plantation tour, and entrance fees with wildlife safari drives in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is also covered.

• Is there any participant involvement required during the tour?

  Yes, participation is an essential part of your safari experience. The group is typically divided into smaller teams for daily tasks such as kitchen duty (assisting with meal preparation and cleanup), packing (setting up tables and chairs), and cleaning the truck. While CEOs manage meal preparation, clients are asked to help with washing up, fostering a sense of team spirit.

• Is a Yellow Fever certificate required for this tour?

  It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are traveling to countries like Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe from a Yellow Fever endemic country, or if you have traveled more than 12 hours through the airport of an endemic country. It is highly recommended to check with your local health expert for the most up-to-date advice on Yellow Fever and other necessary inoculations.

• How does Ramadan affect the tour experience?

  During Ramadan, there may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules, but tours generally operate effectively and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is important to display increased cultural sensitivity during this time, particularly in Zanzibar. This includes wearing loose-fitting clothes that cover knees and shoulders, and trying to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public out of respect for those who are fasting.

• Is there a risk of Malaria on this tour?

  Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease present in some regions of Africa, and the risk can increase during periods of heavy rain and in densely populated areas. We recommend speaking to your doctor about taking preventative medication (prophylaxis) and regularly using insect repellent spray or cream. Please check updated travel health advisories specific to malaria before your departure.

• What currencies are used and what payment methods are recommended?

  Malawi uses the Kwacha (MWK), Tanzania and Kenya use the Shilling (TZS/KES), and Zimbabwe uses the US Dollar and South African Rand. You can obtain local currency by exchanging foreign currency or using ATMs where available. For Zimbabwe, it is strongly advised to bring ZAR or USD from your home country due to difficulties obtaining cash locally. US dollar notes older than 2013 (or 2017 in some places) are generally not accepted and notes must be clean and undamaged. If you plan to purchase visas at borders, you will need USD cash. Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns but are not widely accepted elsewhere and may incur a 5-10% fee. Due to potential power outages or ATMs running out of cash, do not rely solely on credit/debit cards; a combination of foreign currency and cards for cash advances is best. An emergency fund of at least USD $200 (or equivalent) is also recommended.

• Who will be leading the tour and what is their role?

  You will be accompanied by two Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) throughout the tour. They serve as group managers, leaders, cooks, and drivers. They provide information, suggest activities, and handle organizational requirements. During the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater excursion, a local safari crew, including an expert driver/guide and camp cook, will join the team. Local guides are also utilized for specific activities to enhance the experience with their specialized knowledge.

• What type of transportation is used for the tour?

  The tour primarily uses a larger 24-seat overland adventure vehicle called the 'Lando' for most of the trip, which offers high seating for scenic views and group travel. For the safari sections in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, specialized 6-7 seat 4x4 safari vehicles with sliding windows and large pop-up roofs are used for better wildlife viewing. Other modes of transport include walking, ferries, and minibuses. The Lando is equipped with internal luggage storage, day pack storage, a safety box, reclining seats, a mobile kitchen, a 250L drinking water tank, air-conditioning, and USB charging ports, but it does not have an onboard bathroom.

• What should I do if my luggage is delayed or lost during international flights?

  It occasionally happens that luggage on international flights does not arrive. It is advisable to keep all important documentation and valuables on your person, and a change of clothes in your hand luggage. If your luggage is lost, report it to the airline and provide them with the emergency telephone number of our local office in South Africa (+27 71 470 6928). Do not provide a hotel address, as you may move on before the luggage arrives; the airline should contact our local office to arrange delivery. Purchase any necessary items locally, keep all receipts, and contact your airline or insurance provider for reimbursement.