Victoria Falls Experience: Independent
from $2005
Duration: 4 Days
Witness one of the world’s most striking natural attractions – Victoria Falls. As well as a cruise along the Upper Zambezi River, where you’re sure to spot wildlife as the sun goes down, take a guided tour of the falls and learn more about its history as you watch the long, crashing streams flow. A range of optional extras is also on offer for further exploration of this African jewel, such as rafting, kayaking and a scenic helicopter ride. Independent Experiences Independent travel, without the stress. Peregrine’s Independent Experiences are a range of short packages that you can add to other Experiences or as an extension to a longer tour, to craft your perfect holiday itinerary. Independent Experiences are for 1-3 travellers, depart daily and offer the back-up of Peregrine, our local offices and expert resident guides.
  • Experience the power and majesty of ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ with a guided tour of the falls and a sunset boat cruise along the Zambezi.
  • Enjoy a sumptuous African feast and a live performance in the atmospheric surrounds of a Boma restaurant.
  • Discover why Victoria Falls is known as a centre of adventure, with fantastic optional activities on land, water, and up in the sky.
  • Victoria Falls - Boma Dinner
  • Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls tour Zimbabwe Side
  • Victoria Falls - Premium Zambezi River Cruise
  • Day 1 Location: Victoria Falls
    This Independent Experience begins at Victoria Falls Airport, where you will be met by a Peregrine representative and transferred to your lodge (approximately 45 minutes). The afternoon will be free to spend at your leisure. Take a stroll around town and book with local tour operators any optional activities that you’d like to do while you’re here. Then, what better way to kick off your African adventure than with a superb feast. Tonight you'll enjoy an incredible dinner at the Boma Restaurant. A Boma was historically an enclosure constructed from closely-knit sticks used to keep in animals or fortify a village. The Boma creates an atmospheric setting for a dinner, lit by torches and surrounded by bush. The mouth-watering main course is a buffet of local meats, which may include warthog, buffalo, crocodile, impala and more. Throughout the meal you'll be entertained with local song and dance, with everyone given an African drum and encouraged to join the party. Notes: If you do not wish to join in with the drumming you can choose an earlier session for dinner. There will also be no guide with you for dinner tonight. The Boma Restaurant is located on the same grounds as the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, and you can either take the free shuttle bus that will drop you off at the front of the restaurant, or walk over. The walk will take you less than 10 minutes.
    Day 2 Location: Victoria Falls
    This morning you’ll feel the power of Victoria Falls and watch rainbows form in the delicate mists that drift hundreds of metres high over this seemingly endless cascade. You’ll take a guided tour of this magnificent site, with your guide collecting you from the hotel lobby and transferring you to the Victoria Falls National Park gate (approximately 15 minutes). Once inside the park, your guide will take you through the falls area, stopping at vantage points along the way to tell you about the history of the falls and its surroundings: 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. Later in the afternoon, it's back to the Zambezi River for a 2-hour river cruise. The specially designed jet-propelled boats allow you to reach the shallow water among the islands directly above the Victoria Falls. Enjoy included drinks and snacks while meandering between the islands and getting a glimpse of the mist after it has rumbled over the edge of the falls. Keep an eye out for crocodiles bathing in sunshine on the banks, or even elephants submerging themselves in the river.
    Day 3 Location: Victoria Falls
    Today your time in Victoria Falls will be free to spend at your leisure, and you can discover why the area is so deserving of its reputation as a centre of adventure. On the water you can canoe and kayak along the upper Zambezi and seek out wildlife along the river banks, or white water raft on the river below the falls with some of the best rapids in the world. On land you can take morning and afternoon game drives or walks in the Zambezi National Park, home to some of Africa’s most iconic animals. For something a little more hair-raising there are rope-based activities around the gorge, or a canopy tour that provides spectacular views of the rapids, spray and Victoria Falls Bridge. If you want an even more incredible view, then maybe take a jaw-dropping helicopter flight over the falls and the Zambezi Gorges. Alternatively, a great range of curio and craft shops provide a pleasant distraction for those seeking a less vigorous kind of day. This evening perhaps enjoy your final night in Vic Falls with a drink overlooking the waterhole at the lodge.
    Day 4 Location: Victoria Falls
    This morning you’ll have the opportunity to sleep in, relax at the lodge, or take another optional excursion. Afterwards, your transfer driver will collect you from the lodge for transfer you to the airport (approximately 45 minutes) in time for your flight. Additional accommodation can be booked if you’d like to extend your time in Victoria Falls.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    01JAN2022
    Return Date:
    04JAN2022
    2105NZD
    2590NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    02JAN2022
    Return Date:
    05JAN2022
    2105NZD
    2590NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    03JAN2022
    Return Date:
    06JAN2022
    2105NZD
    2590NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    04JAN2022
    Return Date:
    07JAN2022
    2105NZD
    2590NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    05JAN2022
    Return Date:
    08JAN2022
    2105NZD
    2590NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    06JAN2022
    Return Date:
    09JAN2022
    2105NZD
    2590NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    07JAN2022
    Return Date:
    10JAN2022
    2105NZD
    2590NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    08JAN2022
    Return Date:
    11JAN2022
    2105NZD
    2590NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    09JAN2022
    Return Date:
    12JAN2022
    2105NZD
    2590NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    10JAN2022
    Return Date:
    13JAN2022
    2105NZD
    2590NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    23 Aug 2021

    Trip title

    Victoria Falls Experience: Independent

    Trip code

    PFVFX

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2021

    Introduction

    Witness one of the world’s most striking natural attractions – Victoria Falls. As well as a cruise along the Upper Zambezi River, where you’re sure to spot wildlife as the sun goes down, take a guided tour of the falls and learn more about its history as you watch the long, crashing streams flow. A range of optional extras is also on offer for further exploration of this African jewel, such as rafting, kayaking and a scenic helicopter ride. Independent Experiences Independent travel, without the stress. Peregrine’s Independent Experiences are a range of short packages that you can add to other Experiences or as an extension to a longer tour, to craft your perfect holiday itinerary. Independent Experiences are for 1-3 travellers, depart daily and offer the back-up of Peregrine, our local offices and expert resident guides.

    Style

    Peregrine

    Transport

    Private vehicle

    Physical Rating

    2

    Joining point

    Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

    Stand 471 Squire Cummings Road

    Victoria Falls

    ZIMBABWE

    Phone: 263 13 43211

    Joining point description

    Located about 3kms 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 WiFi, gift shop, bar and restaurant. All rooms have an ensuite, safes, air-conditioning, fans, mosquito nets, tea & coffee making facilities, and a balcony overlooking National Park.

    Joining point instructions

    A private arrival transfer is available for pre-booking through Peregrine. In most cases, this transfer is complimentary. Please speak to your booking agent for more information. If you have pre-booked an arrival transfer, please ensure you have provided Peregrine with your arrival flight details at least 15 days before the departure of your Peregrine trip. On arrival, please look out for our representative holding a board with your name at the arrival terminal. If you have any problems locating your driver, please contact our local Southern Africa office - PEAK Southern Africa - in Johannesburg on: +27 828229407 The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is located 22kms north of the Victoria Falls International Airport - roughly 30 minute drive away. If you wish to take a taxi instead of a private transfer, they are readily available and will cost upwards of USD$50. Alternatively, it is 22km south of Livingstone Airport in Zambia but the drive can be much longer through town traffic - up to one hour. Taxis from Livingstone will cost upwards of USD$60.

    Finish point

    Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

    Stand 471 Squire Cummings Road

    Victoria Falls

    ZIMBABWE

    Phone: 263 13 43211

    Finish point description

    Located about 3kms 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 WiFi, gift shop, bar and restaurant. All rooms have an ensuite, safes, air-conditioning, fans, mosquito nets, tea & coffee making facilities, and a balcony overlooking National Park.

    Finish point instructions

    Private departure transfers are available for pre-booking through Peregrine. Please speak to your booking agent for more information. If you have pre-booked a departure transfer, please ensure you have provided Peregrine with your departure flight details at least 15 days before the departure of your trip. The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is located 22kms north of the Victoria Falls International Airport - roughly 30 minute drive away. If you wish to take a taxi instead of a private transfer, they are readily available and will cost upwards of USD$50. Alternatively, it is 22km south of Livingstone Airport in Zambia but the drive can be much longer through town traffic - up to one hour. Taxis from Livingstone will cost upwards of USD$60. If you are making your own way to the airport the hotel will be able to help book you a taxi. Please ask at reception.

    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

    INDEPENDENT EXPERIENCE This is an ‘independent’ trip. You will have a local Peregrine guide for each activity (but not while on transport between each Experience if you booked several). As the name suggests, this is not a group trip, so it is just you (and your travelling companions if you booked with a friend). You will have 24/7 support from your guide and our local office.

    Safety

    It is recommended that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information prior to your departure. Peregrine strongly recommends 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. Please leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Most of our hotels will have a safety deposit box, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. A specialist guide 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. While the guides will endeavour to assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and Peregrine makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your specialist guide 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. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING CONDITIONS: 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. Be aware that traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. PETTY THEFT AND 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 alone at night and encourage you to walk together 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 and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. SWIMMING POOLS: You may stay at hotels with unfenced pools and no life guard on duty. UNFENCED SITES: On some trips where you will be staying within a national park, please note that at times you may be staying in unfenced sites. While this is a fantastic experience, there are a few safety rules that must be adhered to. While staying in national parks it's important that you listen to any advice given by your leader/guide and the park rangers regarding responsible and safe behaviour. BALCONIES: Some hotel balconies don't meet UK standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in the western world or from your home country and not all the transport which we use provides seat belts.

    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.

    Why we love it

    Experience the power and majesty of ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ with a guided tour of the falls and a sunset boat cruise along the Zambezi.

    Enjoy a sumptuous African feast and a live performance in the atmospheric surrounds of a Boma restaurant.

    Discover why Victoria Falls is known as a centre of adventure, with fantastic optional activities on land, water, and up in the sky.

    Is this trip right for you

    Victoria Falls can look very different depending on what season you go. Before the rainy season – from October to November – the Falls can be virtually dry from the Zambia side, but during this time we visit the still incredibly impressive Zimbabwean side. Our Independent Experiences have been designed for just one to three people, departing every day of the week for most Experiences. You can mix and match to create your perfect trip combination, then we’ll arrange the transport between each experience for you. You will have local guides at most destinations and activities. It’s independent travel without the stress.

    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

    What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, 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. 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. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry. Some people like to take jeans for evenings out but they can be tough to dry and should not be used for trekking. Avoid nylon and other synthetics, which can be very uncomfortable in hot weather. Ex-military or military style clothing and equipment is NOT recommended. - 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. - A camera with good zoom. - Binoculars OPTIONAL: - Sleep sheet. If you are travelling during the hot season you may wish to also pack a sleep sheet so you will be comfortable no matter what the weather. - A good book, a journal or music playing device for the long drives. LUGGAGE LIMIT: Please keep your luggage to a minimum. One small soft-sided bag plus a day pack (no more than 15-20kgs in total per person) is essential.We recommend against bringing hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers' belongings. If your trip is beginning and ending at the same location, excess luggage can usually be stored at your arrival/departure hotel and can be collected after your trip. 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: Most of our trips have access to power to recharge phones and cameras every couple of days. 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. If visiting coastal areas wear a cover-up when you step off the beaches.

    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.

    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. In the case of an on ground problem or emergency, Peregrine's South African Office can be reached on: +27 11 471 7400 (South African business hours) or +27 828229407 (24/7). For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist. 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

    Help us change thousands of lives by creating meaningful work and supporting skills training in communities around the world. The Intrepid Foundation is the not-for-profit for Peregrine Adventures, a brand of the Intrepid Group, and works with local organisations around the world to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable individuals and communities through sustainable travel experiences. With our travellers’ help, we’ve contributed more than AU $6 million to over 100 community organisations since 2002. Did you know that tourism is one of the biggest contributors to the global economy, making up 1 out of every 10 jobs? That’s why we support local projects that create meaningful jobs and give people the skills they need to work in the destinations we take you to. And it’s why we exist – to make it easy for travellers to give back to the communities and places they’ve been in an effective and meaningful way. Intrepid Group covers all administration costs, every cent goes directly to the projects. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your leader for information about the projects we support through The Intrepid Foundation or visit our website: http://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

    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

    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

    Safari lodge (3 nights)

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