Classic Botswana
from $7475
Duration: 8 Days
Glide through the watery maze of the Okavango Delta and witness hundreds of elephants in Chobe National Park. This is an incredible glimpse of Botswana in just 8 days.
  • Absorb game reserve scenery as you wind your way through papyrus-clad banks on a traditional mokoro canoe, then pull up to a river bed and enjoy a G&T
  • With flights between destinations you’ll have more time to enjoy the relaxing periods between safaris – snooze, journal, read a book or just take in the magnificent views
  • Experience unique Okavango accommodation at Gunn's Camp, the Feature Stay of this trip, with a 2 night stay in a semi-luxury tent with ensuite and its own veranda
  • Explore the Moremi Game Reserve on walking safari with your personal guide and uncover Botswana's wild side
  • Numerous game drives and activities make this a wildlife lover’s dream; just a taste of the animals on show – giraffe, kudu, impala, baboon, hippo, crocodile, warthog, wildebeest, spotted hyena, zebra, elephant, lion, cheetah and even the elusive leopard
  • Your time at Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta includes all beverages
  • Chobe National Park - Afternoon Game Drive in 4WD vehicle
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls tour Zimbabwe Side
  • Chobe National Park - Open Safari Vehicle Morning Game Drive
  • Chobe National Park - River Safari Cruise
  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro Excursion
  • Moremi Game Reserve - Motorboat Cruise
  • Okavango Delta - Morning and Evening Game Drives
  • Moremi Game Reserve - Motorboat Cruise
  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro Excursion
  • Okavango Delta - Morning and Evening Game Drives
  • Okavango Delta - Fishing Activity
  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro Trip
  • Okavango Delta - Game Walks
  • Okavango Delta - Morning and Evening Game Drives
  • Okavango Delta - Mokoro Trip
  • Okavango Delta - Fishing Activity
  • Okavango Delta - Game Walks
  • Day 1 Location: Victoria Falls
    An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel. On arrival in Victoria Falls, you will be met by a Wild Horizons representative and transferred to your hotel. Located about 3 km from the town centre, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is set high on a plateau and enjoys uninterrupted views of the African bush and an on-site waterhole. Lodge facilities include a complimentary shuttle service to the town centre, swimming pool and sundeck, complimentary Wi-Fi, gift shop, bar and restaurant. All rooms have an ensuite, safes, air-conditioning, fans, mosquito nets, tea and coffee making facilities, and a balcony overlooking National Park. Your representative will give you a short briefing explaining the arrangements for tomorrow's trip to the falls. The rest of the day is free for you to relax by the pool, check out the visitors to the local watering hole with a cold sundowner, or catch the complimentary shuttle into town where there is a great range of curio and craft shops.
    Day 2 Location: Chobe National Park
    One of the world's true natural wonders, Victoria Falls are commonly referred to by their Kololo name, Mosi-oa-Tunya or 'the Smoke That Thunders', and you’ll see and hear why on a morning tour, after you're collected from your hotel at 7:30am. Your guide will take you through the falls area, stopping at different vantage points along the way to explain the history of the falls and their surrounds: hundreds of miles away in northern Zambia a little spring wanders along the earth, eventually ending in over 1 million gallons of water torrenting down a 328-foot high drop a mile wide. Afterwards, you will return to your lodge, farewell your Wild Horizons representative, and meet your Sheerwater/Chobezi representative at 10am for your transfer into Botswana. Follow the Zambezi River to Botswana and make your way to Chobe National Park (approximately 2–3 hours, not including border formalities). You will arrive at your lodge, located on the bank of the Chobe River just outside of the National Park, around midday. On arrival, meet with a local representative to go over the rest of your itinerary. After lunch there’ll be time to relax until a mid-afternoon game drive – you’ll almost certainly see elephants drinking at the waters' edge, and keep your eyes open for the park’s large herds of buffalo too. The sunsets viewed from the river can be breathtakingly spectacular too. Accommodation at Chobe Safari Lodge is usually in rondavels – comfortable individual circular thatched units with private facilities and balconies. The lodge bar is a great place to enjoy a drink at the end of the day, and the pool is also the perfect place to wash off the heat off the day or safari dust. Notes: Please contact Under One Botswana Sky (+267 625 0336) if you are unable to locate your representative this morning.
    Day 3 Location: Chobe National Park
    Today is a full day of wildlife exploration. You’ll begin with a morning game drive to see the animals at their most active, followed by some time back at the lodge for relaxation during the hottest part of the day. Then, in the late afternoon, you’ll take a boat trip out on the Chobe River. Chobe National Park is archetypal big-game county, where huge herds of buffalo and elephants are matched by the size of the lion prides. An estimated 70,000 Kalahari elephants roam the park and are the largest known subspecies of elephant in the world by size. You may also see zebra, impala, wildebeest and giraffe. The bird life on the river can be truly spectacular with sightings of saddle-billed storks, malachite kingfishers, fish eagles, goliath herons and beautiful bee-eaters. Elephants will often congregate to drink and play in the river, and there are good hippopotamus numbers too. You might even spot a crocodile on the riverbanks – although they are surprisingly shy. Tonight, return to the lodge for your final evening and perhaps enjoy a drink as you look out over the waters of the Chobe River. Notes: A visit to Chobe National Park itself is not a complete wilderness experience – you're sure to see other people, boats and vehicles inside the park. But the beauty of Chobe is that you’re also bound to see wildlife that’s equal to anything anywhere in Africa.
    Day 4 Location: Moremi Game Reserve
    After breakfast you’ll fly into the Delta where you’ll be met and transferred to your beautiful accommodation – spacious permanent tents with ensuites, all set on raised decks, with individual verandas. In the Angola Highlands the rain water accumulates and forms a river. This river flows into Botswana as the Okavango River, where it splits into a myriad of rivers and waterways creating the Okavango Delta, which eventually reach the Kalahari Sands in the South. The Okavango Delta, perhaps the greatest inland waterway in the world, is remarkably different to the countryside of the previous few days. The Delta offers an amazing contrast of shallow waters, deeper channels, interspersed by islands spread across some hundreds of square kilometres. There are few who fail to be moved by the tranquil beauty of the Delta and its magnificent surrounds. Here you’ll spend our time searching for aquatic antelope, relaxing, and soaking up the unique ambiance of this remarkable environment. You’ll also go ashore on some of the larger islands to stretch your legs and explore. Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, enjoy a spot of high tea, then head off for an afternoon gliding quietly through the wetlands and papyrus-clad waterways in traditional dugout canoes (mokoros) or on a sunset boat cruise. Propelled from the stern by skilled ‘poler’ guides, this trip allow you to sit back and absorb the scenery.
    Day 5 Location: Moremi Game Reserve
    Your days will generally take the form of a morning and afternoon activity in the wilderness. These are the cooler times of the day when the animals tend to be most active. While there are no guarantees, there is a good chance of spotting giraffe, kudu, impala, baboon, elephant, buffalo, tsessebe, warthog, wildebeest, waterbuck, zebra, hippo and crocodile in the waterways. During the hotter central part of the day you are free to relax on the camp's open decks or siesta by the pool. The bird life in the area is prolific and a true birders’ paradise. If you're lucky you might even see the very rare and shy Pel’s Fishing Owl.
    Day 6 Location: Okavango Delta
    After breakfast and a morning activity, you will leave Gunn's Camp by small aircraft and fly to Rra Dinare Camp, your next base from which to explore the abundant wildlife and life-sustaining waters of the Okavango Delta. Your unique accommodation is located in a large private concession on the eastern side of the Delta. It overlooks the Gomoti River and has spectacular views of classic flooding of the Okavango across the adjacent seasonal flood plains. The area lies on the far south westerly boundary of the Moremi Game Reserve and offers a true Okavango wilderness experience. This afternoon you’ll have the opportunity for another game activity before dinner. Your activities at Rra Dinare camp include game drives and walks, plus blissful time out on the water in a mokoro.
    Day 7 Location: Okavango Delta
    Today the morning and afternoon are spent taking in the unspoiled and diverse wilderness of this stunning area, of open plains, riverine forests and mopane woodlands, as well as inland waterway. This area normally receives floods last, therefore, contains some of the closest dry-season watering points for the game that spreads out towards Nxai and Makgadikgadi Pans during the rains. The area has good game viewing all year round due to the abundance of mopane woodlands - a favourite location for animals during the rains and early dry season. Familiar favourites to the region include: Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe, Kudu, Impala, Hippo, Crocodile, Genet, plus rare Antelope breeds including Roan, Sable & Eland. Further, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Wild Dog come down to the riverside to drink and hunt. For those keen on bird-watching, the combination of the wetlands and the drier Acacia and Mopane veldt provide a perfect habitat for a variety of aquatic species including Open Billed Storks, Hammerkops, Egrets, Ibis and forest/savannah dwellers including Raptors, Shrikes, Drongos, Sunbirds and Ground Hornbills among others.
    Day 8 Location: Maun
    Enjoy breakfast with the group on your final morning before flying to Maun Airport, where our adventure comes to an end. Notes: Please ensure your onward flight is not booked to depart before 12 pm.
    Dates
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    Availability
    Departure Date:
    05MAR2022
    Return Date:
    12MAR2022
    7475NZD
    13370NZD
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    02APR2022
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    09APR2022
    7475NZD
    13370NZD
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    13370NZD
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    07MAY2022
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    13370NZD
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    28MAY2022
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    04JUN2022
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    11JUN2022
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    18JUN2022
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    13370NZD
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    25JUN2022
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    02JUL2022
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    13370NZD
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    06AUG2022
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    20AUG2022
    Return Date:
    27AUG2022
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    13370NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    23 Aug 2021

    Trip title

    Classic Botswana

    Trip code

    PFCBX

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2021

    Introduction

    Glide through the watery maze of the Okavango Delta and witness hundreds of elephants in Chobe National Park. This is an incredible glimpse of Botswana in just 8 days.

    Style

    Peregrine

    Themes

    Independent Experiences

    Transport

    4WD vehicle,Ferry,Light aircraft,Mokoro,Riverboat

    Physical Rating

    2

    Physical preparation

    This itinerary includes mokoro safaris, riverboat safaris, 4x4 safaris and nature walking safaris. Ideally you will need to be fit enough to be able to climb in and out of the mokoros and the 4x4 safari vehicles. On the nature walk you can expect to spend a few hours walking slowly with regular stops to look at the flora and fauna of the Delta.

    Joining point

    Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

    Stand 471 Squire Cummings Road

    Victoria Falls

    ZIMBABWE

    Phone: 263 13 43211

    Finish point

    Maun Airport

    Maun

    BOTSWANA

    Important information

    INDEPENDENT EXPERIENCE ACTIVITIES: Please note that lodge based activities on your Independent Experience will be on a join in basis. This means that these activities may be shared with other guests at the property. FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS Return airport transfers are included. Please ensure you provide flight details to your bookings consultant and ensure you have a voucher for each transfer. You will receive important information about the included and optional activities during this arrival transfer. If no transfers are required please advise your sales consultant.

    Group leader

    There is no Tour Leader on this tour, but local lodge-based guides at each location. You may share some activities with other lodge guests.

    Safety

    Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's travel alerts page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. PERSONAL BELONGINGS: We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. FREE TIME: Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

    FIRE PRECAUTIONS Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. BALCONIES Some hotel balconies don't meet western standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! SEAT BELTS Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PICK POCKETING & PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking at night and encourage you to walk in groups and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. WATER SAFETY Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water. TRAVEL ADVICE & TRAVEL INSURANCE We recommend that you check your government's advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.

    BILHARZIA Bilharzia is a parasitical disease which is usually spread by swimming in contaminated water. It can be assumed that the infection is present, to a greater or lesser extent, in almost all water sources, but most especially in shallow reedy waters in the vicinity of villages. Although the adult parasites do not themselves cause a great deal of harm, after about 4-6 weeks they start to lay eggs, which triggers an intense but usually ineffective immune response, the symptoms of which can include fever, cough, abdominal pain, and an itchy skin complaint known as safari itch. After a while the symptoms settle down and the patient is left with a sense of feeling tired all the time.

    Visas

    PASSPORT As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. ZIMBABWE: Zimbabwe visas are required by most nationalities, including from the EU, US and Australia. For most nationalities, Zimbabwe visas are available at the point of entry. If you plan to purchase your visa on arrival you will need approximately USD30/45 in cash. All nationalities should check with their nearest Zimbabwe Embassy for up to date information. For passengers from countries that require visas prior to arrival there is an E-Visa where information can be found at https://www.ivisa.com/zimbabwe-visa KAZA Visa: The Kaza visa is valid for travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is available at land borders at Livingstone (Zimbabwe border) and Kazungula (Botswana border). The cost of the visa is USD$50 and is valid for 30 days as long as you stay within Zimbabwe and Zambia. BOTSWANA: Please check with your relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required. For passengers requiring a visa to Botswana, application forms can be downloaded from http://www.gov.bw/en/ as well as instructions for applying. Entry Requirements - Yellow Fever Certificate: A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for all passengers over one year of age who arrive or are transiting through Botswana, from a country or region listed by the World Health Organization as infected by yellow fever. Travellers unable to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate issued at least 10 days before arrival will be refused entry. There is no option for travellers without a vaccination certificate to be vaccinated on arrival. Please note this also includes transiting through an infected country or region. Children travelling to Botswana: Please note that if you’re travelling to Botswana with a person under the age of 18 then you need to provide a certified copy of the child’s full unabridged birth certificate in order to enter the country (the one listing the child’s details and both parents’ details. - the short birth certificate which only lists the child’s details won’t be accepted). Additionally, if the child is travelling with only one parent, with neither biological parent, or is unaccompanied, then they must provide an affidavit of consent of the parent(s) that are not travelling, to prove that the trip is made with both parents' consent. Please contact your nearest Botswanan Embassy if you have further questions regarding this. BORDER CROSSINGS There is 1 border crossing on this tour: Day 2: Zimbabwe to Botswana at the Kazungula border crossing

    Why we love it

    Absorb game reserve scenery as you wind your way through papyrus-clad banks on a traditional mokoro canoe, then pull up to a river bed and enjoy a G&T

    With flights between destinations you’ll have more time to enjoy the relaxing periods between safaris – snooze, journal, read a book or just take in the magnificent views

    Experience unique Okavango accommodation at Gunn's Camp, the Feature Stay of this trip, with a 2 night stay in a semi-luxury tent with ensuite and its own veranda

    Explore the Moremi Game Reserve on walking safari with your personal guide and uncover Botswana's wild side

    Numerous game drives and activities make this a wildlife lover’s dream; just a taste of the animals on show – giraffe, kudu, impala, baboon, hippo, crocodile, warthog, wildebeest, spotted hyena, zebra, elephant, lion, cheetah and even the elusive leopard

    Your time at Moremi Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta includes all beverages

    Is this trip right for you

    This is not a typical group trip. You will have the services of a local guide for activities in Victoria Falls, and different lodge-based guides while at Chobe and the Okavango Delta. You may be travelling alone, or with a very small number of travellers, on this itinerary. However, included activities are on a shared basis with others from your lodge. These activities become a great opportunity to meet fellow travellers. It can be chilly in the mornings when taking early game drives and activities, so please pack clothes/layers in preparation. Botswana temperatures rise in the hot dry period of September and October before the rains hit and temperatures can get as high as 34-38°C and lodges in the Delta are not air-conditioned. Botswana is a very seasonal destination. What you see and experience can differ quite dramatically depending on the time of year you visit. Please consider this before you choose your departure date. See the 'Climate and Seasonal' section for more details.

    Health

    All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. YELLOW FEVER: A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever (eg. Kenya). You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home. It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting. TYPHOID: It is recommended that if you are travelling to Harare you make sure that your Typhoid vaccinations are up to date. There has been an outbreak of typhoid in parts of Harare, with over 1500 cases reported since October 2011. For more information speak to your doctor and see the World Health Organization (WHO) website. DRINKING WATER As a rule we recommend you don't drink tap water, even in hotels, as it may contain much higher levels of different minerals than the water you are used to at home. For local people this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for visitors drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally this isn't serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it's enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Many hotels and lodges provide safe drinking water, while bottled water is another alternative. Water consumption should be about two litres a day. Rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhoea blockers are available from many pharmacies.

    Food and dietary requirements

    Your group leader or representative will endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements where possible, and vegetarianism and gluten intolerance will be catered for in most instances. There are, however some meals and activities that are fixed in advance and therefore cannot be modified to suit dietary requirements. Please notify your booking consultant of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader or representative will endeavour to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic.

    Money matters

    When it comes to money matters on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, tipping and laundry. It’s always better to bring a little more than you think you’ll need. Also make sure you’ve read your trip details thoroughly so you know what’s included in the trip price and what isn’t. This should make budgeting a little easier. You’ll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that’s this document). Please note: all recommendations for additional costs, tipping etc. are in USD. You will need to convert these into the relevant local currency. MEALS NOT INCLUDED For lunches not included, a budget of USD10 to USD15 per meal will be more than sufficient. For dinners not included expect to budget between USD12 to USD25 for a main. These are indicative prices only. If you are in a tight budget or are happy to try local food, you can eat cheaper than this.If you want to try just the finest food at the finest restaurants, then you can expect meals to cost as much as in western countries. TIPPING Gratuities aren’t compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to thank them. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. TIPPING GUIDE To give you a bit of guidance, we’ve put together the following tipping notes. These are just suggestions, based on feedback from past travellers and our staff on the ground. - Restaurants – When checking the bill, if there’s an addition of 10% service charge, there’s no requirement for tipping. Otherwise, 10% of the total bill amount is appropriate. - Lodge staff - Tipping boxes are often in the common areas and approximately USD2 per day is appropriate - Guides & Drivers – The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline USD2 to USD4 per staff member, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service. EMERGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you bring an extra USD500 for emergencies (e.g. natural disasters or civil unrest). Sometimes these things necessitate last minute changes to our itineraries, and we can’t guarantee there won’t be some extra costs involved. CREDIT CARDS, ATMS AND MONEY EXCHANGE: Credit cards are generally accepted in tourist shops and some restaurants across Africa. Visa and Mastercard are generally preferred over American Express, Diners, etc. Smaller venues take cash only. Foreign currency is easily changed at exchange bureaus and they generally offer the best rates. With ATMs being increasingly available in the many major towns and cities and even some campsites, credit or debit cards are a convenient way to access money. Be aware that your withdrawing limit may vary from country to country (regardless of your withdrawing limit in your home country) and it can be as low as the equivalent to USD100 per day. Throughout Africa, cards with the Visa logo are most readily recognised, although MasterCard is also accepted in most places. A charge is made for each international transaction - please check with your bank how much this fee will be. Check with your bank before leaving home that your card can be used as a debit card in Africa. You may also want to notify your bank that you are visiting Africa as it's not unknown for banks to freeze cards which show sudden transactions in other countries. If you're on a multi-country tour, your tour leader will be able to give you an approximate idea of how much money you may need for your stay in each country. PLEASE NOTE: Many businesses and banks in Africa, especially East Africa, do not accept US dollar notes older than 2006. If you are bringing USD, we strongly recommend large bills in good condition, 2006 series onwards only. Any old or damaged notes may not be accepted. ACCESSING CASH IN ZIMBABWE: Zimbabwe has now reverted to their own currency, Zimbabwe dollars. However accessing this currency can be difficult and exchanging money at banks encounters long queues. Optional activities can still and must be paid in USD, while visas on arrival can also be paid in USD. On ground costs such as lunches and market purchases must be paid in Zimbabwe dollars or by using a credit card. You should plan your travel expenses in advance and bring sufficient USD into the country to support your stay. Your leader or local representative will be on hand to advise on this matter should you need it.

    What to take

    We recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. Suitcases are not allowed on this departure as they will not fit in the small aircraft. Below are some ideas and helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip. ESSENTIALS: - Closed in shoes. As most of our trips include some bush walking we highly recommend that you take a pair of comfortable, closed-in walking shoes. Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings from dangerous animals in this environment. - Lightweight clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing, some warm items for the evenings, and long shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes in the malaria areas. - Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses RECOMMENDED: - A good quality, high-beam headlamp or torch for around the lodges and permanent tented sites at night. Some of these properties have limited lighting and are powered by generators that switch off at a certain time. - Waterproof/windproof jacket is a good idea for wet days, and early morning or evening activities when it can be cool. - Warm fleece and beanie for morning and evening activities including game drives where applicable. - Personal medical kit. Large kits will be on hand at the lodges and from your leader (on trips that have a dedicated trip leader) but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and bandaids. - Insect repellent. - Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. - Camera with spare batteries. OPTIONAL: - A good book, a journal, or smart phone with music. LUGGAGE LIMIT: Please keep your luggage to a minimum. One small soft-sided bag plus a day pack (no more than 15kgs in total per person) is essential. The baggage compartment on the aircraft has a door opening which is 10” (25cm) x 27” (62cm). The maximum size of bags accepted is 62cm long and 30cm wide and 25cm high. VALUABLES: Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. BATTERIES/POWER: The lodges have communal power outlets to charge your devices. We always recommend that you carry a power bank or extra battery for your camera just in case. Hotels and lodges have electricity and charging of batteries is advised before checking out the following day. CONSERVATIVE DRESS FOR WOMEN: In many parts of Africa women travelers should dress modestly as there is a wide range of cultural differences. Wear skirts or shorts that reach just above the knee and tops that cover shoulders at a minimum.

    PLASTIC BAG BANS ACROSS AFRICA While Namibia holds people liable to a fine of N$500 or imprisonment for entering Game Parks with a plastic bag, Botswana has announced a countrywide ban on plastic bags to come into effect on 1 November 2018. The ban will make the importing, trading and commercial use of plastic bags a criminal offence. Exceptions will be made for plastics that are essential for health and hygiene. With these announcements, Botswana and Namibia join other African countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tunisia, Morocco, Rwanda, Uganda, Somalia and Eritrea that have banned plastic bags. South Africa imposed a levy on plastic bags in 2004 but they have not yet been banned. Many countries are strictly enforcing this and have been searching luggage at border points. Camping stores are good for obtaining waterproof reusable bags, for dirty laundry etc, prior to departure.

    Climate and seasonal

    WEATHER IN BOTSWANA The Okavango Delta, Moremi and Chobe are Botswana's most popular parks. The best time to visit them is from May to September, during the dry season and winter, resulting in more moderate temperatures. There is also less vegetation and animals tend to concentrate around waterholes and rivers, making wildlife easier to spot. The Okavango Delta is also in full flood. The skies are clear, rain is rare and there are fewer mosquitoes. It does get cold at night and in the mornings. Packing warm winter clothing during June, July and August for the cold morning game drives is advisable. In September and October temperatures climb again, drying the landscapes and concentrating the game even more. However, October can feel very hot, with maximum temperatures sometimes approaching 40°C. November is difficult to predict, as it can sometimes be a continuation of October's heat, whilst sometimes it's cooled by the first rains; it's always an interesting month. November to April is known the wet Season and Summer. Although wildlife is easier to spot in the dry season, you'll still see plenty, including newborn animals and migratory birds. Except for January and February, rains are mostly short afternoon showers and seldom have a negative impact on your trip. The water from the Angolan Highlands starts to push into the Delta in the late summer and early autumn months with winter offering the highest levels. The Okavango water levels start receding towards the end of the winter months and into spring, with the summer months offering up the lowest levels. Please be aware that this can affect some water activities such as mokoro or boat trips.

    A couple of rules

    Everyone has the right to feel safe when they travel. We don’t tolerate any form of violence (verbal or physical) or sexual harassment, either between customers or involving our leaders, partners or local people. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a customer are strictly forbidden. Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. If you choose to consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect that you’ll abide by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption. The sex tourism industry is known to exploit vulnerable people and have negative consequences on communities, including undermining the development of sustainable tourism. For this reason, patronising sex workers will not be tolerated on our trips. By travelling with us you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our Responsible Travel Guidelines. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. If you feel that someone is behaving inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your tour leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact section of this Essential Trip Information. For additional Conditions of Carriage regarding COVID-19, see here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/conditions-carriage

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: https://www.peregrineadventures.com/feedback

    Pre-departure checklist

    Before you travel please download our pre-departure checklist to make sure you are fully prepared for your trip: http://www.peregrineadventures.com/pre-departure-travel-checklist

    Emergency contact

    ISSUES ON YOUR TRIP: While we always endeavor to provide you the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader/specialist guide or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader/guide to speak to their direct manager. BOOKING ENQUIRIES / ISSUES For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at: www.peregrineadventures.com/contact-us CRISIS AND EMERGENCIES In case of a genuine crisis or emergency please contact our local ground representative on the number below: Peregrine’s Local Operator: +27828229407

    Responsible travel

    Travelling responsibly is all about making good choices. It's about ensuring you have an incredible trip while also having a positive impact on the local environment, community and economy you're travelling in. How can you be a Responsible Traveller? See our tips below: - Choose to travel with a responsible travel company like us! We've already offset the main carbon emissions of your trip, so your footprint is already lighter. - Consider offsetting your flights when you book your trip/flights with us or your travel agent. - Bring a refillable water bottle and some water purification tablets (or a Steripen) to cut down on plastic bottle waste. - Be an animal-friendly traveller. Only go to venues that respect animals by allowing them to live normally in their natural environment. Steer clear of venues that use animals for entertainment or abnormal activities and/or keep animals in poor and unnatural conditions. - Eat at local restaurants, buy from regional artists and support social enterprises so you can contribute directly to locals and their economy. - Always be respectful of local customs and ask permission if you want to take a photo of someone. - Learn a few words of the local language and engage with the people around you. - Carry a cloth or re-usable bag so you can avoid plastic bags. - Give back by making a donation to a local project via The Intrepid Foundation. Share your thoughts with us by completing your feedback form after your trip. This helps us to continue to improve our commitment to responsible travel.

    The Intrepid Foundation

    The Intrepid Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation set up to enable our travellers to help make a difference by supporting local communities, projects and non-government organisations in the places we travel. The smallest contribution can make an enormous difference and all donations to The Intrepid Foundation are matched dollar for dollar (yes, we’ll double your donation!). We support a range of initiatives – from wildlife protection and environmental conservation to supporting vocational training for underprivileged individuals – all with the aim of helping to improve lives and empower communities across the world to make meaningful change. All administration costs are covered by us so you can be assured 100 per cent of your donation will reach your chosen project. To learn more about the projects we support, ask your trip leader for more information about projects in the region you are travelling in or visit www.theintrepidfoundation.org Organisations and projects currently supported by The Intrepid Foundation in Zimbabwe include: The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance and promote environmental conservation in Southern Africa through hands-on wildlife research; management of a wildlife veterinary diagnostic laboratory and rehabilitation facility; the education and empowerment of local peoples in the sustainable utilization of indigenous resources through active involvement in conservation training and community outreach programs The Intrepid Foundation directly supports VFWT's Community Outreach and Training program which works with local communities to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and provide conservation education training as well as a range of other projects aimed to improve self-sustainability. https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/victoria-falls-wildlife-trust

    Accommodation notes

    Located on a private island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Pom Pom Camp feature traditional meru safari tents luxuriously appointed with outdoors showers, reading room and private verandah.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Travellers who reside within the European Union or Switzerland receive basic international health insurance, so travel insurance is not mandatory under European Union Law. However, as this does not cover situations such as emergency rescues, private health care, or repatriation to their home country, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. European Union or Swiss travellers who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:

    Itinerary disclaimer

    OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. NAMIBIA AND BOTSWANA IN PEAK SEASON Namibia and Botswana are becoming increasingly popular tourist destinations. Despite the influx of travellers, bed numbers are not being increased to match the demand. This intentional move is aimed at minimising the environmental impact of tourism and keeping the destinations exclusive. It is therefore becoming more and more difficult for us to confirm our allocation with our usual suppliers, particularly in peak season. We may use alternative accommodation which could affect driving times and distances listed in the Essential Trip Information. However we will always use properties of the same standard and ensure that no included activities will be affected. ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.

    Accommodation

    Comfortable Lodge (3 nights),Permanent tented camp (2 nights),Feature Stay camp (2 nights)

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