trip notes on arrival you can enjoy a local favourite of...

TRIP NOTES

Cape, Namibia & Falls22 Days | Cape Town to Victoria Falls

Cape, Namibia & Falls - 22 Days updated on 05-02-2016

www.onthegotours.comUK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] 1300 855 684 [email protected] 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686

This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday.Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to thisitinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirementsare subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours.

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An amazing 3 week adventure

starting in Cape Town travelling

north to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

traversing through 4 countries

en route. Experience the remote

splendour of the sand dunes in

Namibia, the wonderful wildlife

of Botswana's Chobe National

Park and Okavango Delta before

arriving at Africa's adrenalin capital

- Victoria Falls!

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

Trip Highlights• Cape Town - 'the Mother City'• Cedarberg - rural village and bushman art• Orange River - South Africa/Namibian

border• Fish River Canyon - world's second largest

canyon• Sossusvlei and Sesriem - beautiful sand

dunes• Swakopmund - adrenalin capital of Nambia• Brandberg and Twyelfontein - rock painting

& the Himba people• Etosha National Park - plethora of wildlife

and floodlit water holdes• Okavango Delta - world's largest inland

delta

• Eastern Caprivi - place where four countriesmeet

• Mahangu National Park - lots of exotic birdsand mammals

• Chobe National Park - home to Africa'slargest amount of elephants

• Chobe River - crocodiles, hippos andelephants

• Victoria Falls - UNESCO World Heritage Site

What's Included• 21 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 12 dinners• Airport transfers on days 1 and 22• 21 nights mid-range lodges, chalets, tented

camps• Transport in Quantum minibuses, Toyota

Land Cruisers or a 4x4 safari vehicle• Services of an experienced local guide/

driver• Park entrance fees• Bushman Art Walks including the White

Lady• Game Drives Etosha and Mahangu National

Park• Canoe ride on the Orange River• Himba Village Walk• Okavango Delta Mokoro ride• Chobe River boat cruise.• Victoria Falls Guided Walk

What's Not Included• International flights and visas• Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

• Drinks and items of a personal nature

Local PaymentZAR2500

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 : Cape TownOn arrival in Cape Town, you will be met andtransferred to The Townhouse Hotel. You havethe remainder of the day at leisure. This eveningyou will meet your guide and the rest of thegroup for your pre-departure meeting at 18h00.

To experience all that Cape Town has to offer wehighly recommend arriving a day or two earlier.Pre tour accommodation can be booked uponrequest.

Accommodation: The Townhouse Hotel orsimilar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar andrestaurant) Overnight - Cape Town

Day 2 : Cederberg MountainsCape Town - Cederberg. An early start takesus to the beach on the Atlantic Ocean to havea last look at Table Mountain across the bay.After lunch we head towards the CedarbergMountains, where we overnight in Clanwilliam,one of the ten oldest towns in the country.On arrival you can enjoy a local favourite ofRooibos tea tasting. Rooibos is indigenous tothe Western Cape and has major nutritional andhealth benefits.

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Distance: 230km Departure: 08h00

Accommodation: Clanwilliam Lodge or similar(rooms with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, barand swimming pool)

Overnight - Cederberg Mountains (B, L, D)

Days 3-4 : Orange River

Cedarberg - Orange River. Travelling up theWest Coast, we pass through some magnificentmountain ranges on our way to the OrangeRiver. If you are travelling in spring you willsee the spectacular carpets of wildflowers inthe famous Namaqualand region. Later in theafternoon we will reach the Orange River,the natural border between South Africa andNamibia. The next day the only travelling is donein a canoe. Put your feet up and relax as thecurrents take you downstream the Orange River– mind the rapids though!

Distance: Day 3 - 470km Departure: 07h00

Accommodation: Felix Unite Camp Provenanceor similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms,swimming pool, bar) Overnight - Orange River(B:2, L:2, D:2)

Day 5 : Fish River Canyon

Orange River - Fish River Canyon. Today we headto Ai-Ais, where we stop for lunch. Here thermal

water rich in sulphates and fluorides and with atemperature of approx. 60°C gushes forth fromthe hot springs. In the Nama language, "Ai-Ais"means "burning water". We then proceed to ouraccommodation which is situated close to theFish River Canyon, the second largest canyon onearth. Later in the evening we take in anotherperfect African sunset with the magnificentviews and scenery along the edge of the canyon.

Distance: 220 km Departure: 08h00

Accommodation: Canyon Roadhouse or similar(rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimmingpool, bar & restaurant) Overnight - Fish RiverCanyon (B, L, D)

Days 6-7 : Sossusvlei

Fish River Canyon - Sossusvlei. Moving inlandwe make our way towards the Namib NaukluftNational Park. The next morning we need towake up early to visit the world’s highestsand dunes at Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Thesedunes, which can reach heights of over 300m, are absolutely spectacular and provide fora fantastic photo opportunity. With luck, theremay even be water in the vlei (lake). We also stopto view the Sesriem Canyon, which was carvedmillions of years ago by the Tsauchab River.

Distance: Day 6 - 600 km Departure: 07h00

Accommodation: Agama River Camp or similar(chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimmingpool, bar & restaurant) Overnight - Sesriem(B:2, L:2, D:1)

Days 8-9 : Swakopmund

Sossusvlei - Swakopmund. Day 8 is spent drivingthrough the Namib Naukluft National Park onour way to Swakopmund. The Namib-NaukluftDesert is an ancient land with an ageless spirit.It is home to some of the rarest plant andanimal species in the world and sightings ofthis flora and fauna on a Namibian safari area must. The animals of this harsh landscapeinclude the oryx, springbok and Hartmann’sMountain Zebra. We arrive into the charmingcoastal town of Swakopmund, where you willhave the opportunity to partake in a few of themany optional activities that are offered, overthe next two days. Alternatively just soak up theatmosphere of this little quaint German townand enjoy its beauty and beaches.

Distance: Day 8 - 295km Departure: 09h00

Accommodation: Hotel A La Mer or similar(standard rooms with en-suite bathrooms)Overnight - Swakopmund (B:2, L:1)

Day 10 : Cape Cross Seals &BrandbergSwakopmund - Brandberg. We follow the barrenAtlantic Coast on our way out of Swakopmundto visit Cape Cross - the largest breeding placeof the Cape Fur Seals. Leaving the cold Atlanticcoastline behind, we then head inland acrossthe desert plains for Brandberg, the highestmountain in Namibia. Either this afternoon orthe next morning we take a walk to visit the“White Lady” one of the most famous rockpaintings in the area. The footpath to thesite offers spectacular views over the plains ofDamaraland.


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Accommodation: Brandberg White Lady Lodgeor similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms,swimming pool, bar & restaurant)

Brandberg White Lady Lodge: Rooms withen-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar &restaurant Overnight - Brandberg (B, L, D)

Day 11 : Himba Village Tour

Brandberg - Twyfelfontein. On our journeytoday we will stop to see ancient Bushmenpaintings at Twyfelfontein as well as thePetrified Forest, the trees of which are estimatedto be 250 million years old. Twyfelfontein wasnamed a World Heritage site in 2007, the firstin the country. Depending on the time of arrivalwe go and explore a traditional Himba villagethis afternoon or the next morning. This willbe a journey of culture exchange, learning andunderstanding of the last traditional tribe inNamibia, the Ova-Himba.


Accommodation: Oppi Koppi Restcamp orsimilar (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms,swimming pool, bar & restaurant) Overnight -Twyfelfontein (B, L, D)

Day 12 : Etosha N.P.Twyfelfontein - Etosha. Today we head toEtosha National Park. Etosha Game Park wasdeclared a National Park in 1907 and it is hometo approximately 114 mammal species, 340bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibianspecies and, surprisingly, one species of fish.


Accommodation: Okaukuejo or similar (roomswith en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar &restaurant) Overnight - Etosha N.P. (B, L, D)

Days 13-14 : Etosha Gamedrives

We fill the next 2 days with game drives inthe hopes of spotting some of the Big Fouras well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra and thenumerous different types of antelope the parkhas to offer. Our nights are spent at the floodlit waterholes encountering the park’s variousnocturnal animals as they come to drink.

Distance: Day 13 - 150km / Day 14 - 150kmDeparture: 08h00

Accommodation:Day 13 - Okaukuejo or similar (rooms withen-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar &restaurant)

Day 14: Namutoni or similar (rooms withen-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar &restaurant) Overnight - Etosha N.P. (B:2, L:2)

Day 15 : Kavango RiverEtosha - Kavango River, Namibia. Our journeycontinues east as we drive along the CapriviStrip to the town of Rundu. We make our wayto Kaisosi River Lodge and spend a relaxingafternoon at our lodge on the banks of theKavango River. Optional activities such as a visitto the Mbunza Living Museum, a traditionalcultural school and communal business for thelocal Kavango people, or a sunset cruise areavailable. Alternatively just relax by the poolwith a sundowner listening to the sounds ofMother Nature.


Accommodation: Kaisosi River Lodge (roomswith en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar &restaurant) Overnight - Caprivi Strip (B, L)

Days 16-17 : Okavango Delta

Kavango River - Okavango Delta, Botswana.We leave Namibia for Etsha13, on the westernborder of the Okavango Delta in Botswana.Unlike other deltas, it flows into the KalahariDesert without reaching the coast, which makesit unique. The next day is spent exploring thenetwork of water pathways floating throughthick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugoutcanoes), discovering a variety of birds andwildlife. We stop at a secluded island to take a1½ hour guided walk hoping to spot elephants,waterbuck or other animals living in this waterfilled paradise.


Accommodation: Guma Lagoon Camp or similar(permanent tents with en-suite bathrooms, bararea)

Optional activities at Guma LagoonPre-booking is recommended to avoiddisappointment. The rates are per person andquoted in US Dollars. All activities are subject toavailability and may require a minimum amountof passengers to operate. Certain activities onlyoperate at specific times of the year. Pleasecontact us for further information.

Scenic Helicopter Flight 25 Minute One Person $525.00 per personScenic Helicopter Flight 25 Minute Two Persons$ 263.00 per personScenic Helicopter Flight 25 Minute ThreePersons $ 175.00 per person*Please note prices are subject to changeOvernight - Okavango Delta (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Day 18 : Caprivi StripOkavango Delta - Caprivi, Namibia. LeavingBotswana, we drive up the western border ofthe Okavango Delta before crossing back into

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Namibia and driving through the Caprivi toour camp on the banks of the Kwando River.Enroute to camp you will go on a game driveto the Mahangu National Park which is richin fauna and flora. In the park you have thechance of spotting game such as sable and roan,elephants, hippos, buffalos, and many typesof antelope. For bird watchers the MahanguNational Park offers more than 420 different birdspecies.


Accommodation: Camp Kwando (permanenttented chalets with en-suite bathrooms,swimming pool, bar & restaurant) Overnight -Caprivi Strip (B, L, D)

Days 19-20 : Chobe NationalPark

Caprivi - Chobe NP, Botswana. On day 19 wehead along the Caprivi and cross the borderback into Botswana to Kasane, the gateway tothe Chobe National Park, which is the secondlargest national park in Botswana covering10,566 km2. After settling in to our lodge, youwill have the remainder of the day at leisure orto partake in optional activities.

The next day, we rise early for a morning gamedrive in the Chobe National Park, which hasone of the greatest concentrations of elephantfound on the African continent. In the afternoonwe go on a cruise on the Chobe River, a trulyunforgettable experience and one of the bestways to view the wildlife and the spectacularsunset.


Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge or similar(rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimmingpool, bar & restaurant)

Overnight - Chobe National Park (B:2, L:1, D:1)

Day 21 : Victoria Falls

Chobe National Park - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.Continuing our trip we leave Botswana anddrive to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Your guidewill take you on a tour of the mighty VictoriaFalls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oaTunya- “the Smoke that thunders”. The rest ofthe day may be spent at leisure or partaking inone of the many activities on offer.


Accommodation: A’Zambezi River Lodge orsimilar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms,swimming pool, bar & restaurant) Overnight -Victoria Falls (B, L)

Day 22 : Victoria FallsOur safari ends after breakfast, when you will betransferred to Victoria Falls Airport. We hope towelcome you again one day on another of ourAfrican adventures.

We recommend extending your stay in VictoriaFalls if you want to enjoy the many activities onoffer. Post tour accommodation can be bookedupon request. (B)

Please NoteThis tour is operated by Jenman AfricanSafaris.

Northern Experience is a small group, non-participation lodge safari. Non participationmeaning that you will not be required to assistwith the preparation or cooking of food andgeneral safari duties. These safaris run with aminimum of 4 and maximum of 12 passengers,accompanied by a guide who is also the driver.

Cape Town OptionalActivitiesBelow is a list of some of the most popularoptional activities on offer in Cape Town.The rates are per person and are quoted inSouth African Rand. All activities are subject toavailability and may require a minimum amountof passengers to operate. Certain activities onlyoperate at specific times of the year or certaindays of the week.

• Full Day Cape Point Tour R 875.00• Cape Point with Hiking & Bicycles R 690.00• Full Day Cape Winelands Tour R 875.00• Winelands with Bicycles R 690.00• Half Day City Tour R 454.00• Township Tour R 502.00• Shark Cage Diving R 1,850.00• Whale Tour R 875.00• Give Back Cultural Field Trip R 750.00

*Please note prices are subject to change

Swakopmund OptionalActivitiesBelow is a list of some of the most popularoptional activities on offer in Swakopmund.The rates are per person and are quoted inSouth African Rand. All activities are subject toavailability and may require a minimum amountof passengers to operate. Certain activities onlyoperate at specific times of the year.

• Quad biking (2 hour) R 600.00• Sand boarding lie-down R 300.00• Sand boarding standing up R 400.00• Living Desert Tour R 650.00• Tandem Sky Diving R 2250.00• Shore fishing R 1400.00• Boat fishing R 1250.00• Township Tour R 450.00• Kayaking R 650.00• Dolphin, Seal & Whale Cruise R 600.00• Camel Rides (30 min) R 250.00


Vic Falls Optional ActivitiesBelow is a list of some of the most popularoptional activities on offer in Victoria Falls.The rates are per person and are quotedin US Dollars. All activities are subject to

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availability and may require a minimum amountof passengers to operate. Certain activities onlyoperate at specific times of the year.

• 15 Minute Helicopter Flight $ 172.50 (excl.levies)

• 22 Minute Helicopter Flight $ 270.00 (excl.levies)

• Boma Dinner $ 65.00• Sunset Cruise $ 57.50• Dinner Cruise $ 86.50• Bungee Jump $ 171.00• Elephant Back Safari (half day) $ 172.50• Elephant Interaction with breakfast or lunch

$ 149.50• Canoeing (full day) $ 172.50• Horse Back Safaris (novice) $ 92.00• Rafting (full day, low water) $ 172.50• Rafting (full day, high water) $ 161.00• Flying Fox (Cable Slide) $ 48.50• Gorge Swing $ 109.00• Zip Line $ 79.00• Canopy Tour $ 60.50• Lion Walk (half day) $ 172.50• Moonlight Dinner Run (tram) $ 170.00


DepartureThe Northern Experience Safari departs fromThe Townhouse Hotel in Cape Town.

Please note that the daily departure times area guideline only and are subject to change dueto seasonal variations, as well as unforeseencircumstances. The final decision rests with yourguide who will advise you at what time you willbe departing each day.

On the evening of day 1, there will be a meetingpresented by your guide, at 18h00 at yourlodge. It is imperative that all clients attend thismeeting so as not to miss out on any criticalinformation.

Whilst it is our every intention to adhere tothe above mentioned itinerary, there may onoccasion be a necessity to make alterationsin order to make the tour more enjoyable orpractical. Therefore please treat the itinerary asa guide only.

TransportJenman Safaris uses fully equipped Quantumminibuses, Toyota Land Cruisers, 12-seater 4x4safari vehicles or other appropriate vehicleswith comfortable seating, large windows forgame viewing, a music- and PA-system andair-conditioning. All luggage, besides handluggage and photo equipment, is carried on thevehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximumcomfort in the vehicle. For transfers betweenKasane and Victoria Falls (or vice versa), 2x4vehicles may be utilised.

Travelling Times andDistancesAll travelling times are affected by roadconditions, border crossings, detours andweather conditions, therefore on certain daystravelling times may be longer than anticipatedespecially where there is a lot of distanceto be covered. Please keep in mind that thetime it takes to travel 100 km in your homecountry is not equivalent to the time it takesto travel 100 km on African roads, thereforewe encourage you to sit back and enjoy thespectacular scenery Africa has to offer. Wherepossible additional stops will be made to ensureyour travelling comfort at all times.

AccommodationWe make use of mid-range typicalAfrican standard lodge accommodation.Accommodation is situated either in nationalparks, on the banks of a river, or in other placesof interest. The accommodation will be a mixof lodges, chalets and tented camps. All ofthem offer a private bathroom with a shower/bath and toilet. Some properties are equippedwith swimming pools and/or bar and restaurantareas.

Local PaymentA local payment is required on this safari andwill be collected by your guide on the dayof departure. The local payment is part of theoverall tour cost and is used to pay some of theday to day operational costs that are incurredwhile we are on the road.

We try to prepay as many of the costs as possiblehowever in some cases cash payment on arrivalis the only option as some of the attractionswe visit on safari only accept cash. Examples

include park fees at most of the national parks,a few accommodations or camp sites and anylocal food markets we visit to stock up on freshproduce during the tour as well as local guides.

The local payment also ensures that a portionof your tour cost actually goes directlyto the countries you visit, thus benefitinglocal communities as well as contributing toconservation of the areas we visit. Essentiallyhaving a local payment means your tour priceis a bit lower and give you a more inclusiveexperience!

Spending moneyClients are advised to bring enough moneyto cover the purchase of curios, tips, alcoholicand non-alcoholic drinks, water and additionalentertainment. US Dollars, Pound Sterling,South African Rand and Botswana Pula are themost practical and convenient currencies.

MealsWhere included most breakfasts and dinnerswill be enjoyed in the restaurants of the variousaccommodation establishments, however oncertain nights the guide will provide anauthentic meal for the group, which will beenjoyed together in the evening, often around acamp fire. Please advise us of any special dietaryrequirements in advance.

First AidOur guides are trained in basic first aid andthe vehicle is equipped with a comprehensivemedical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medicationshould be taken before the trip and throughoutits duration, although it is advisable to consult adoctor prior to departure.

LuggageMaximum baggage allowance: 15 kg. JenmanSafaris stipulates this luggage allowance, as anoverloaded vehicle is a danger to both theclients and the guide. This does not includephotographic equipment and a small daypack.Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not asuitcase. Don't bring too much clothing, as thereare washing opportunities along the way. Pleaseadhere to the allowance specified as space forluggage is limited.

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InsuranceIt is compulsory for all travellers to haveinsurance covering their personal requirements,medical expenses and personal possessions.This is to be arranged before leaving your homecountry.

Packing• Shorts, t-shirts, sun hat, ,• Light trousers/jeans• Long sleeved tops• Windbreaker• Warm clothes (May – August)• Walking shoes & sandals• Swimming costume• Camera• Torch & spare batteries• Mosquito protection• Towel

South AfricaSituated on the tip of the African continent,South Africa has often been described as aworld in one country. It has a wealth ofnatural beauty, pristine wilderness areas, warmand friendly people, cosmopolitan cities andexcellent infrastructure - making South Africa afavourite safari destination.

Cape TownCape Town has traditionally been the gatewaybetween Europe and Southern Africa and thisis still evident in its atmosphere, its playfulcharacter, its people and even its architecture.The ‘Mother City’ as it’s known locally has noshortage of attractions. It’s a magnetic, multi-cultural city with an array of diverse offeringswithin a small, accessible area, surrounded byspectacular topography. Spectacular beaches,mountains (incredibly unique bio-diversity),hiking, water-sport, shopping centres, markets,theatres, museums, historical & culturalattractions, a first-rate waterfront, galleries,night-clubs, restaurants and an abundance ofactivities to suit all, are prolific in this world-class destination. Although tastes vary, someof the more popular sights include TableMountain, Robben Island and the Victoria &Albert Waterfront.

CedarbergTwo hours north of Cape Town, over thePiekenierskloof pass; you descend into a

different world – of wild, raw, dramatic beauty.The towering mountains, often a brilliant purplein the late afternoon light, preside over fruit-filled valleys and true rock wilderness. Themagnitude of this wilderness is truly awe-inspiring. Deep into the Cedarberg wildernessarea one is able to walk in the mountains,explore ancient San rock art, relax in naturalrock pools and enjoy the peace of this unspoiledparadise. North of the Cedarberg wilderness,hour’s drive from the highway lays the BiedouwValley (the world’s first producers of Rooibostea) where city folk flock in August & Septemberfor the spectacular sight of wild spring flowers.Once through this picturesque valley thehistoric mission village of Wupperthal lies deepin the Cedarberg.

NamaqualandNamaqualand is the famous flower wonderland.This desert landscape has extremely sensitiveveld conditions and fascinating plants uniqueto this area. Come the brief rainy season thelandscape undergoes a drastic transformationand the wild spring flowers provide aspectacular flower show. Flowering starts northand spreads southward, but is hard to predictand depends on weather conditions especiallyberg winds. The flower season progresses as theweather becomes warmer.Some of the specific areas of interest includethe Skilpad Flower Reserve, an ideal place toobserve the spring flower spectacular duringJuly and September. The Richtersveld NationalPark desert reserve is known for its prolific birdlife, while Goegap Nature Reserve has 600 typesof flower and 45 mammal species, especially thebat eared-fox.

Namibia‘Namibia’ means ‘open plains’ in the ancientKhoikhoi language. It is a sought aftertourist destination defined by endless sunshine,scenic beauty and unusual and contrastingtopography. Namibia is sandwiched betweentwo deserts - the Namib Desert, said tobe the oldest in the world, on its westerncoastline and the Kalahari Desert in the easterninterior. Northern Namibia features the greatEtosha National Park, with the country’s largestconcentration of game and in the south themajestic Fish River Canyon plunges 550 m

and extends for 160 km. Between these fourhighlights lies over 820 000 km2 (the sizeof France & Britain combined) of contrastingscenery.

The world’s highest dunes are found in hauntingscenery inspiring sombre reflection. Pre-historicrock art, the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschiamirabilis and fossilized dinosaur footprintsare preserved in the ancient, rocky mountainranges.Many of the features of this countryare of particular scientific interest and attractscientists from all over the world.

Namibia is the first country in the worldto include protection of the environmentand sustainable utilization of wildlife in itsconstitution. About 15, 5% of the country hasbeen set-aside as national parks. In these areas,rare and endangered species of animals, birdsand plant life are preserved and protected. Theyserve as a living reminder to us all, and to thegenerations of the future, of how it once was inAfrica.

Fish River CanyonThe Fish River Canyon is surely one of thenatural wonders of Africa, as well as the secondlargest natural gorge on the continent. It isa 161 km long, 27 km wide ravine with amaximum depth of 550 m, surrounded by high,forbidding cliffs, and gashed into the plateauwith startling abruptness. There are manyawesome viewing sites to this breath-takingand immensely powerful natural phenomenon,along a 56 km stretch between its northernmost& southernmost points.

SossusvleiThe visual spectacular in the Sossusvlei areais unsurpassed. Amongst the continuoustowering dunes as far as the eye can see isarguably the highlight of the Namib Desert, theSossusvlei, an enormous clay-pan, enclosed bydunes. After a heavy rainfall, rare in this area, thevlei fills with water and, as the clay layers arevirtually impermeable to water, a turquoise lakeremains for quite some time.

The dunes and their rich tints vary from paleapricot to vivid reds and oranges, and contrastvividly with the dazzling white surfaces of thewhite clay pans, or lakes, below.

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During the rainy season one of the larger ofthese pans creates a haven for water birds,often including flamingos. Even during the dryseason, Oryx, springbok and ostriches can beseen feeding off the sparse vegetation along thewatercourses.

The dunes of the Namib Desert developed overa period of many millions of years and areshaped by strong-multi-directional winds. It isthought that the vast quantities of sand werecarried into the Atlantic Ocean by the OrangeRiver. The surf pushed the sand back ontoland and coastal dunes formed. Dunes havesubsequently shifted inland and northwards.Wind continuously re-stacks the sand of thehuge shifting dunes of the Namib Desert. Ittirelessly forces the grains of sand on the flatwindward slope upwards to the crest of thedune. Here they fall down in the wind shade. Theleeward slope, therefore, is always considerablysteeper than the windward side.

Sesriem CanyonErosion of many centuries has incised a narrowgorge through which the Tsauchab Riverdisappears dramatically down a steep gorge inthe plain. This gorge, Sesriem Canyon, about 1km long with pools along the ways and a 30-40m pool at its end. These pools of water on agravel bed in an otherwise arid region, attractsmany birds and animals.

Namib-Naukluft National ParkThe Namib-Naukluft National Park is anincredibly unusual and diverse “super-conservation” area. There is nothing quite likeit. It’s probably the most unusual in the world– an ancient land with an ageless spirit. Itcovers almost 50 000 km2 and is ranked asthe 4th largest in the world (the largest natureconservation area in Namibia) with landscapesincluding an impressive mountain massif, desertplains, high sand dunes, deep gorges and anestuarine lagoon. In truly African light showthere is often clear and sometimes suddenshift in the mood of the moment, as light,textures and shadows give desert landscapesentirely new characters. Survivors in this harshlandscape include the Oryx, springbok andzebra as well as the Welwitschia mirabilis, anodd-looking desert shrub. One large, protectedspecimen is estimated at 1500 years old.

SwakopmundA true oasis and respite from the solemndesert and its monotonous heat. A seasideholiday resort full of old-world charm andmodern amenities, from the quaint Germancolonial influences to a funky Internet café.The tranquil setting includes promenades, palmtrees and beautifully tended public gardens,the Swakopmund museum (covering naturalhistory, mineralogy, botany, historical andethnological aspects), the National Marine &Research Centre, an aquarium, a public library,an Olympic sized, heated indoor swimming pooland a grassed golf course in a desert setting. This‘middle of the desert’ feel is one of its attractions– one can enjoy the wild expanse of the adjacentdesert and sea and yet be within easy reach ofthe creature comforts of Swakopmund's hotels,restaurants, bars and a much-needed laundries!

There is plenty to see and do and activitiesinclude quad biking, sand boarding, rock & surffishing and skydiving. There is also a tannery,manufacturing well-known kudu leather shoes,a brewery producing fine beers in the Germantradition.

Cape Cross Seal ColonyThe Cape Cross Seal Colony is north ofSwakopmund. During breeding season as manyas 200 000 Cape fur seals (the world’s largest furseal) gather in the cold waters along this coast.The numerous islets and isolated parts of theshore are used as nurseries for their young.

BrandbergAbout 100 km further south lay the imposingBrandberg massif; the highest peak in Namibiaat 2574 m. Besides being a major challenge torock climbers the Brandberg is most famousfor rock paintings. One of the paintingsdiscovered in 1917, can be viewed on anoverhang in Maack’s Shelter, named after thisfirst discoverer. In 1955 however, Breuil, awell-known French archaeologist and historiancopied, described and named the painting asthe 'The White Lady', thinking that the figureresembled a lady of Greek or Egyptian origin.Although ‘The White Lady’ has since been thesubject of much controversy, scientists nowseem to agree that the painting portrays ayoung man. This is due to the lower part of ‘his’

body being painted white, a magical huntingspell, as was customary to the Himbas and theHereros.

This area is also the haunt of the extremelyrare Desert Elephant, one of the true naturalwonders of the word, surviving as they do in thisthirsty land. This is also one of the few placesin the world where animals are completely wildin a mountain desert landscape. With the helpof locals these elephants can be tracked – anexperience not easily forgotten.

TwyfelfonteinTwyfelfontein is known as Namibia’s largestopen-air art gallery exhibiting pre-historicartists. One of Africa’s richest collections of rockengravings is on display. It is believed ancienthunters painted these Bushman Paintings,mostly of lions, giraffes and elephants, whilein wait for wild animals at the waterholes.Although the exact age of the paintings areunknown, it is estimated that they are betweena few hundred and several thousand yearsold. Burnt Mountain, south of Twyfelfonteinis a panorama of desolation, with colouredrocks contrasting vividly against the grey-blacksurroundings. The Organ Pipes, a mass of basaltslabs in a ravine gouged out by a river, is anothergeological curiosity in this area.

Kamanjab Himba VillageThe name Kamanjab means Rock and it has beendirectly translated from Otji-Herero. A visit tothe Himba Village of the very well-known guideand translator Jaco will take you on a journey ofcultural exchange, learning and understandingof the last traditional tribe in Namibia, the Ova-Himba. Jaco is an Afrikaans speaking white male,but lives for several years now with his Himbafamily and speaks Otji-Herero fluently. He wasadopted in the Himba culture by an old chiefTjskume Bhahona that lives in the mountainsat Onkongko near Opuwo. After spending a lotof time with his new family Jaco decided tocome home to his family farm near Kamanjabwhere he was still farming with goats sheep andnguni cattle, the old chief then asked Jaco ifhe can send some of his people with him tocome and help him on his farm, Cauas Okawato look after his goats and cattle. They built atraditional village for themselves and do theirfarming and also planting during the raining

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season. Please take note that they only allowpersons that are really interested in the cultureand want to have a cultural exchange, not onlyto take photos and go. You’ll experience themilking ceremony, find out more about theirbeliefs around the holy fire and their ancestors,and their herbal medicine and smoke bath. Themeaning of jewellery pieces and hairstyles is toimitate the status of each tribe member andtheir close relationship to nature, their cattle andtheir children.

EtoshaConsisting of over 22 000 km2 of saline desert,savannah and woodlands, the Etosha NationalPark is one of the largest game reserves in Africaand one of the major sanctuaries for wildlife.Its definitive feature is the Etosha Pan, a vastshallow depression of about 5 000 km2. Thisgreat, white expanse locals call ‘great place ofdry water’, often shimmers with mirages andherds of game can be seen within this eeriesetting.

There are 144 mammal species in the park,including elephant, giraffe, blue wildebeest andblack rhino, predators such as lion, cheetah,leopard, wildcat, hyena and jackal. The blackrhino population of 300 is one of the fewgrowing populations in the world and the localelephant are reputed to be the largest in Africa -the tallest standing at 4 m at the shoulder. Theirtusks however are relatively small due to geneticdefects and mineral deficiencies in their diet.The majestic eland, the tiny, shy Damara dik-dik (45 cm high) and the striking gemsbok,with its dramatic black and white markingsare common. Bird life is prolific and some340 species have been identified, includingNamibia's national bird, the vividly colouredcrimson-breasted shrike. During the more rainyseasons Etosha is also one of the mostimportant breeding grounds for flamingos.Etosha is also known for its expert gamemanagement and attentive protection of theunspoilt environment.

CapriviA part of the Caprivi previously known as theGolden Triangle is a pristine wilderness area,practically untouched by any. The area wasformerly under government jurisdiction – a ‘noman’s land’ so wild that both private landowners

and even nature conservation officials had noauthority until the early-nineties. The land wasfinally handed over to nature conservationofficials who now have prominent presence inthe area. A spectacular part of this area is wellknown as ‘The Horseshoe’, a meandering part ofthe Kwando River now cut-off to from the flowto form a horseshoe teeming with game. A 10-12km drive through swamp and savannah takesyou directly there while the return trip followsthe Kwando River. Not only are hippos abundantin this area, but also a resident pride of lions. TheHorseshoe is also on the buffalo migration routenorth. Other animals to be seen are elephant,giraffe, hyena, tebe, lechwe, kudu and over 400identified bird species.

BotswanaThe San were among the first humaninhabitants of this region before the Setswanamigrated southwards and slowly occupiedthe region from the 16th century onwards,until early in the 19th century. By mid-century missionaries arrived, including DavidLivingstone and Robert Moffat, and by 1885 theterritory was a British protectorate. Botswanagained its independence in 1966 and has beenthe most stable democracy in Africa. The firstpresident ruled from 1966 until his death in1980, the second till 1994 (re-elected twice, thenresigned) and the third from 1998. The countryhas a strong currency with one of the highestper capita incomes in Africa, maintains a neutralinternational political stance. It is heavily relianton mining (especially diamonds) & tourism andmaintains close ties with its neighbour SouthAfrica, an economic powerhouse for the region.

Wildlife is abundant in Botswana and includeslion, giraffe, leopard, antelope, elephant,crocodile and ostriches. Botswana is semiaridand has an average annual (summer) rainfallof 640 mm (about 25 in) in the north to lessthan 230 mm (less than 9 in) in the Kalahari.Drought is therefore not uncommon and thevegetation is mostly savannah. GeographicallyBotswana is relatively flat (the average elevationof about 1000 m) and can be viewed (forall intents and purposes) as three majorregions as follows:Chobe National Park in thenorth, another outstanding wilderness area ofenormous diversity – lion and elephant can beviewed from river cruises or 4x4 game drives.

The Okavango Delta is a vast marshland andone of the largest inland river deltas in theworld – 15 000 km2 of wilderness and primesafari area. The Kalahari Desert in the centraland south-western regions occupies over halfthe land area of Botswana. It is a mystical, harshand unspoiled landmass. The saltpans of north-central Botswana and the Tuli block in the fareastern corner of Botswana are also areas ofsignificance.

Okavango DeltaThe Okavango Delta in northern Botswana nearMaun incorporates the Moremi Game Reserveand is a unique wildlife paradise - one of thefinest in the world. It is one of the largest inlandriver deltas in the world. This unsurpassednatural environment is a maze of waterways,islands and reed banks creating a perfect placefor lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, giraffe,hyena, wild dog, kudu, impala, roan, zebra,lechwe, hippo, and crocodile, amongst others.There are 440 bird species in the delta andfish species are also abundant, including tigerfish, sharp-toothed catfish, barbell and bream.Travel through the swamps and surroundingareas is generally by open 4x4 game viewingvehicle or a peaceful meander in a ‘Mokoro’, aflat-bottomed dugout canoe. The Delta is hotthroughout the year with temperatures rangingfrom about 14°C in January to 24°C in July.Rainfall averages 525 mm annually, but variesgreatly from year to year. Water levels andflooding reach a maximum between March andJuly, after rains at the source and the usual 15000 km2 can expand to approximately 22 000km2 in high-rainfall years.

Chobe National ParkChobe is approx. 11 000 km2 of wildernessarea watered by the Chobe & Savuti Riversand thus attracting huge concentrations ofgame. This includes lion and some of thehighest concentration of elephant in Africa –an estimated population of around 25 000 inwinter. Game viewing is renowned and in theNorthern areas near Kasane, both the riverboatgame viewing experience and the 4x4 vehicleoption are popular. In addition the spectacularannual summer migrations of plains game,especially Zebra, is a highlight, as well Giraffe,Warthog and numerous antelope includingSable, Roan, Oribi, Reedbuck, Lechwe and

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the colourful Chobe Bushbuck. Bird watchingopportunities in Chobe are ample and includesome 350 species including the awesomeAfrican Fish Eagle, the rare Pell’s Fishing Owl,saddle-billed storks, long-toed Plovers, pink-backed Pelicans, African Skimmers, Bradfield'sHornbills and Carmine Bee-eaters. In addition,the sunsets are spectacular.

ZimbabweThis is a country blessed with great naturalbeauty, game reserves and mineral wealth. Thediverse landscape changes from mountainousto wilderness to typical Bushveld. The countryis also home to large animals and a large birdpopulation. Zimbabwe is a country located inthe southern part of the continent of Africa,between the Victoria Falls, Zambezi River,Kariba Dam and the Limpopo River. Zimbabweis bordered by South Africa to the south,Botswana to the west, Zambia to the north andMozambique to the east.

Victoria Falls‘So lovely it must have been gazed upon byangels in their flight’ said David Livingstone ofthe supreme Mosi-oa-Tunya (‘The smoke thatthunders’). This legendary traveller first saw theFalls from the Zambian side and his memory isenshrined in the nearby town of Livingstone.The views from the Zimbabwean & Zambianside are quite different, varying dramaticallydepending on the season and water flow. TheFalls are over a mile in length and boast thelargest curtain of water in the world - over 500million litres or water per minute go over thefalls and drop 100 m at Rainbow Falls on theZambian side. Not surprisingly is it the seventhwonder of the world and fast becoming one ofthe top adventure destinations in the world.The river is divided into a series of braidedchannels that descend in many separate falls.Below the Falls the river enters a narrow series ofgorges, which represent locations successivelyoccupied by the falls earlier in their history.Since the uplifting of the Makgadikgadi Pan areasome two million years ago, the Zambezi Riverhas been cutting through the basalt base rock,exploiting weak fissures, and forming a seriesof retreating gorges. Seven previous waterfallsoccupied the seven gorges below the presentfalls, and Devil's Cataract in Zimbabwe is wherethe next cut back will form a new waterfall that

will eventually leave the present falls lip highabove the river in the gorge below.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Passports & VisasPlease ensure that you have at least two blankpages in your passport, plus an additional blankpage for each visa/African country you a visiting.If travelling on one of our longer overland safariswe recommend that you have at least 12 blankpages in your passport.

Please also note that your passport must bevalid for a minimum of six months from the enddate of your trip.

Any visa information provided in this documentis for general guidance purposes only, visarequirements and fees are subject to change.It is essential that you check current entryrequirements with each relevant embassy/consulate prior to departure. Visa procurementis the responsibility of the traveller and not of OnThe Go.

Booking Your FlightsWhen booking your departure flight you shouldallow time at the end of your African safari forany unexpected delays. We recommend thatyou book your onward flight no earlier than24 hours after the end of your safari. In thecase of our longer overland camping safaris(22 days or more) we advise against makingany firm arrangements for at least 48 hoursafter the scheduled departure date. We canhelp to arrange post tour accommodation uponrequest.

Botswana Country Guide

VisaPlease be advised that visa requirements aresubject to change and that visa procurementis the responsibility of the traveller and notOn The Go Tours, therefore it is essential thatyou check current visa requirements with theembassy before travel. Please also ensure thatyour passport is valid for at least 6 months fromyour planned date of departure from Africa.UK, Ireland, Australian, New Zealand, USA,Canadian and South African citizens do notrequire a visa for entrance into Botswana.

The few countries that do require visas; mostlyEastern European and Asian Nationals, need toobtain them prior to arrival at the border. Visasare not issued at Botswana ports of entry, if youarrive without a visa, immigration officials willrefuse you entry to Botswana.

VaccinationsYou should seek medical advice beforetravelling to Botswana from your local healthpractitioner and ensure that you receive allof the appropriate vaccinations. As a guidePolio, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus isstrongly recommended. Rabies may also berecommended.There is the risk of malaria in certain areasof Botswana so it is very important to checkwith your doctor before you go, to see whethermalarial medication is required for the areas youare visiting. A valid Yellow Fever vaccinationcertificate is also required if travelling intoBotswana and you have previously been in aninfected country.

Currency & BankingThe currency of Botswana is the BotswanaPulas (BWP) 1 Pula = 100 Thebe. Notes are indenominations of BWP10, 20, 50 and 100.Coins are in denominations of BWP1, 50, 25, 10,5, 1.

There are no restrictions on the import of local orforeign currencies, provided they are declaredon arrival. Export of local currency is limited toBWP50 and foreign currencies up to the amountdeclared on arrival. It is easy to change mostforms of currency including US$, GB£, Euros andSouth African Rand. The best place to changemoney in Botswana is the bureau de changesas banks charge commission to change eithercash or travellers cheques. ATMs are availablein all main towns, cities, shopping centres andmost petrol stations. MasterCard, Visa, AmericanExpress and Diners Club are all widely accepted.Travellers cheques should be in US Dollars orPound Sterling to avoid additional exchangerate charges. Proof of identity may be requestedin some instances, so it’s useful to carry apassport or some form of photo identification.In large cities travellers cheques can incur a highsurcharge.

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Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1530, Sat0830-1100.

Time & VoltageTime Zone - Botswana is 2 hours ahead of GMT.Daylight saving time is not observed.

The standard voltage is 220 - 240V. Primarysockets require a ‘Type M’ - South African,electrical plug which has three thick circularpins. You will need a voltage converter, and plugadapter in order to use U.S. appliances.

ClimateBotswana’s climate is mainly temperate.During the summer months (October-April)the weather can be very hot with daytimetemperatures of around 30 Celsius and higher.The rainy season (typically lasting from Januaryto March) can be hot with temperaturesstill in the mid 30’s and only dropping toaround the mid 20’s overnight. Winter (May-September) brings a cool change yet is stillreasonably warm and mostly pleasant withan average temperature of around 25°C. Earlymornings and evenings may be cold and frostyespecially in the Kalahari region. The amount ofrainfall decreases the further you travel west orsouthwards during the winter and rainy seasonmonths.

Namibia Country Guide

VisasPlease be advised that visa requirements aresubject to change and that visa procurementis the responsibility of the traveller and notOn The Go Tours, therefore it is essential thatyou check current visa requirements with theembassy before travel. Please also ensure thatyour passport is valid for at least 6 months fromyour planned date of departure from Africa.UK, Ireland, Australian, New Zealand, USA,Canadian and South African citizens do notrequire a visa for stays of up to 90 days inNamibia.

Very few countries require Namibian visas.Those that do require a visa must obtain it priorto departure. Visas are not issued at Namibiaports of entry, if you arrive without a visa,

immigration officials will refuse you entry toNamibia.

Health & VaccinationsYou should seek medical advice beforetravelling to Namibia from your local healthpractitioner and ensure that you receive allof the appropriate vaccinations. As a guidePolio, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A & B and Tetanusis strongly recommended. Rabies may also berecommended.There is the risk of malaria in certain areas ofNamibia so it is very important to check withyour doctor before you go, to see whethermalarial medication is required for the areas youare visiting. A valid Yellow Fever vaccinationcertificate is also required if travelling intoNamibia and you have previously been in aninfected country.

CurrencyThe currency of Namibia is the Namibian Dollar($NAD) 1 $NAD = 100 cents. Notes are indenominations of $NAD10, 20, 50, 100 and 200.Coins are in denominations of 5, 10, 50, $NAD1,$NAD5.

It is possible to change money and use ATMsin all sizeable towns. Bureau de Changes offerquicker and commission free service but areonly found in Swakopmund and Windhoek.ATMs are widely accessible and very reliable andoffer the best rates of exchange for cards.

The Rand and Namibian dollar are tied to eachother on an equal level and as such the Rand andNamibian dollar can be used interchangeablyin Namibia. However Namibian dollars are notaccepted in South Africa.

All unused Namibian Dollars need to beexchanged to South African Rand before leavingNamibia. The Rand can then be used inBotswana or South Africa. Namibian Dollars canbe changed to Rand at banks and bureau dechanges and swapped over in some shops.

Banking hours: 09:00 to 15:30. Some closebetween 13:00 and 14:00

Time & VoltageTime Zone - Namibia is 2 hours ahead of GMT.Daylight saving time is not observed.

Standard voltage in Namibia is 220 - 230V.Primary sockets require a ‘Type M’ - SouthAfrican, electrical plug which has three thickcircular pins. You will need a voltage converter,and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances.

ClimateNamibia’s climate is typical of a semi-desertregion, with hot days and cool nights. Namibiais blessed with an average of 300 days ofsunshine a year. Temperatures are cooler alongthe coast and on the central plateau. Rainfallis typically low in Namibia and normallyonly occurs during the summer months fromDecember to March, mostly in the form of heavythunderstorms. During the winter months fromMay to September days are typically warm buttemperatures can drop below freezing at night.

South Africa Country Guide

VisasPlease be advised that visa requirements aresubject to change and that visa procurementis the responsibility of the traveller and notOn The Go Tours, therefore it is essential thatyou check current visa requirements with theembassy before travel. Please also ensure thatyour passport is valid for at least 6 months fromyour planned date of departure from Africa.UK, Australian, New Zealand, USA and Canadiancitizens do not require a tourist visa for SouthAfrica for stays of up to 90 days.

Very few nationalities require South Africanvisas prior to entry into the country. Mostnationalities are able to get an entry stampat the border on entering South Africa. Pleasecontact your local South African embassy tofind out if you require a visa prior to enteringSA. If you are subject to visa requirements, youmust apply and receive your visa before yourdeparture for South Africa, visas are not issuedat South African ports of entry.

Travelling with Children to orthrough South AfricaFrom 1 June 2015 parents travelling withchildren into or out of South Africa, or transitingin South Africa will be asked to show the child’sunabridged (full) birth certificate which liststhe child’s details and both parents’ details.

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The abridged (short) birth certificate whichonly lists the child’s details won’t be accepted.Uncertified copies of birth certificates or copiesof the parents/guardians identification will notbe accepted. A parental contact affidavit (PCA)must have a certified copy of the parent’s/guardian’s identification (ie passport) attachedto it.

Where only one parent is accompanying a child,parental or legal consent for the child to travel(eg an affidavit from the other parent or –if applicable – a death certificate) is requiredand there are other requirements for childrentravelling unaccompanied or with adults whoare not their parents.

If you are travelling with children (under18) it is essential that you contact theSouth African High Commission or the SouthAfrican Department of Home Affairs for furtherinformation relating to these regulations. If youdo not carry the correct documentation you willnot be allowed to enter the country. Obtainingthe correct paperwork is the responsibility of thetraveller and not On The Go Tours.

Health & VaccinationsYou should seek medical advice beforetravelling to South Africa from your local healthpractitioner and ensure that all you receiveall of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guidetetanus, diphtheria, polio, hepatitis A (for staysover 4 weeks) and hepatitis B (for stays over 3months) are recommended.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is requiredfrom travellers over one, coming from infectedareas.

A low malaria risk occurs in northern parts ofMpumalanga (as well as Kruger National park,northern and northeastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal). If travelling to these regions and/or thecountries north of South Africa, where there is ahigh malaria risk, we strongly recommend thatyou take anti-malaria medication. Precautionarymeasures to take to prevent contact withmosquitoes include: insect repellent, cover upat sundown, sleep under a mosquito net andwear long sleeve clothing and long trousers inthe evenings.

CurrencyThe currency in South Africa is Rand (ZAR;symbol R)1 Rand = 100 cents. Notes are in denominationsof R200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are indenominations of R5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and5 cents.

Obtaining local currency within South Africa isvery easy. ATMs are widely accessible and veryreliable and offer the best rates of exchange.International credit cards are accepted in almostall shops, restaurants, hotels and game reserves.

Bureau de changes offer a quick andcommission free service but are only foundin the main centres such as Cape Townand Johannesburg. Travellers cheques can bechanged at banks. These should be in US Dollarsor Pound Sterling to avoid additional exchangerate charges. Please note that proof of identitymay be requested in some instances, so it’suseful to carry a passport or some form ofphoto identification. Travellers cheques can bedifficult to exchange and tend to attract highcommission fees.

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1530, Sat0830-1100.

Rand can be used in Botswana, Namibiaand South Africa, so if you are travelling onone of our overland safaris ample moneyfor these three countries can be obtainedprior to beginning your trip in Cape Town orJohannesburg. The Rand and Namibian dollarare tied to each other on an equal level and canbe used interchangeably in Namibia. The Randcan also be easily converted to Pula in Botswanaat good rates.

Time & VoltageTime Zone - South Africa is 2 hours ahead ofGMT. Daylight saving time is not observed

Standard voltage is 220-230V. Primary socketsrequire a ‘Type M’ - South African, electrical plugwhich has three thick circular pins. You will needa voltage converter, and plug adapter in orderto use U.S. appliances.

ClimateClimatic conditions generally range fromMediterranean in the south western corner ofthe country to temperate in the interior plateau,and subtropical in the northeast. A small areain the northwest has a desert climate. Mostof the country has warm, sunny days andcool nights. Rainfall generally occurs duringsummer (November-March), although in thesouthwest, around Cape Town, rainfall occursin winter (from June-August). Temperatures areinfluenced by variations in elevation, terrain,and ocean currents.

Zimbabwe Country Guide

VisasPlease be advised that visa requirements aresubject to change and that visa procurementis the responsibility of the traveller and notOn The Go Tours, therefore it is essential thatyou check current visa requirements with theembassy before travel. Please also ensure thatyour passport is valid for at least 6 months fromyour planned date of departure from Africa.

UK, Ireland, Australian, New Zealand, USA andCanadian passport holders require a visa toenter Zimbabwe, these visas are available atthe border for the following costs: Australian,New Zealand and US citizens: US$30 single/$45 double entry visa. British and Irish is US$55single/$70 double. Canadians can only obtain asingle entry visa at the border for US $75. SouthAfrican passport holders can obtain a visa forfree. Visas can be brought using post 2003 US$notes, GB£ or South African Rand.

VaccinationsSeek advice from your doctor or travel clinicat least six weeks prior to departure aboutwhat vaccinations you require. Typically thelist includes typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio,hepatitis A and B (for stays over 4 weeks).

In Zimbabwe a malarial risk exists fromNovember to June in all areas below 1200mand throughout the year in the Zambezi Valley.We strongly recommend that you take youranti-malaria medication. Other precautionarymeasures to prevent contact with mosquitoesinclude: insect repellent, cover up at sundown,sleep under a mosquito net and wear long

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sleeve clothing and long trousers in theevenings.

Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccinationcertificate is required from travellers over oneyear of age coming from infected areas.

CurrencyThe Zimbabwean Dollar was abandoned in April2009. The country has adopted a multi-currencyscheme; the US Dollar and South African Randcan be used for domestic transactions.

Banking hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri -0800-1500 , Wed 0800-1300 and Sat -0800-1130. In major towns/cities most bankshave an ATM. American Express, Diners Club andVisa cards are widely accepted. Major foreigncurrencies can be exchanged at bureaux dechange and banks at the official exchange rate.

Travellers cheques are accepted at banks, theseshould be in US Dollars or Pound Sterlingto avoid additional exchange rate charges.Most banks will want to see your passportand proof of purchase receipt before cashingyour travellers cheques. Please Note: Travellerscheques can be difficult to cash so do not relyupon them as your sole source of funds.

Time & VoltageStandard voltage is 220-240V. Primary socketsrequire a ‘Type G’ - British plug, or ‘Type D’ -old English plug or Indian plug. You will need avoltage converter and plug adapter in order touse U.S. appliances.

Zimbabwe is 2 hours ahead of GMT. Daylightsaving time is not observed.

ClimateAlthough located in the tropics, temperateconditions prevail all year round in Zimbabweas the climate is moderated by altitude and theinland position of the country.

Zimbabwe has a rainy season from November/December to March, during this time daysare hot and sunny with possible afternoonthunderstorms. By April and May most ofthe rain is gone, skies are clear anddays are sunny and warm. Night time

temperatures drop dramatically between Juneand August although daytime temperaturesremain pleasantly warm. Late August sees thestart of the hot and dry season which continuesuntil October.

Zambian Airport Departure TaxNOTES FOR THOSE FLYING OUT OFLIVINGSTONE AIRPORT IN ZAMBIA

An airport departure tax is in place for all flightsdeparting from Zambian airports. It will nolonger be included on the ticket and will now becollected in Zambian Kwacha cash direct fromthe passenger. The amount payable is currentlyK28,000 for Domestic Flights and K56,000for International Flights and is payable ondeparture from all Zambian airports. Passengersneed to have ZMK cash available for this tax.Please note, departure taxes are subject tochange.

trip notes on arrival you can enjoy a local favourite of...

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