Local Costs

	UK	Lesotho	South Africa
Tea/Coffee	£1.50	£1.00	£1.00
Soft Drink	£1.50	£1.00	£1.00
Bottled Water	£1.50	£0.75	£1.00
Bottle of Beer	£3.50	£2.00	£2.00
2 Course Meal*	£15.00	£10.00	£10.00
3 Course Meal**	£20.00	£15.00	£15.00
Bottle of Wine	£14.50	£10.00	£10.00
Breakfast	£5.00

*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.

Important Information

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.

If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.

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Visa Requirements

Lesotho: Visas are NOT required by UK, AUS, CAN and NZ citizens. US citizens please check current visa requirements prior to travel.

South Africa: Visas are NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and US citizens.

Important note for all visitors to South Africa: Please note that with immediate effect, all nationalities travelling to South Africa must have two consecutive blank pages in their passport which lie side by side when the passport is open (i.e. a left and a right hand page). Passports must also be valid for at least 30 days from the date of departure from South Africa. Passengers travelling to South Africa with passports that do not comply with these requirements will be refused entry.

Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

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Vaccinations & Protection

Please note that you will be required to supply a yellow fever certificate that has been issued at least 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa if you have travelled from or via a country where yellow fever is endemic. We recommend protection against malaria, hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.

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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.

Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

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Know before you go

We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/

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Preparing for your tour

Additional Information for your Trekking Tour

This trip to the Drakensberg features more mountain walking than many of our other holidays. For this reason, we feel that it is of value to provide this extra information to help you prepare for your trip. If you are in any doubt about the suitability of the trip you have booked, don’t hesitate to call us and talk to one of our experts. To the majority of people, trekking in the Drakensberg is one of the most memorable but demanding experiences of their lives. It stands to reason then, that the better your mental and physical preparation, the more you will enjoy yourself. The Explore ‘General Information Booklet', together with the appropriate trip dossier, deals in detail with most of the things you need to know. The purpose of this additional sheet is to be more explicit regarding luggage, packing and equipment for this particular tour.

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Grading & Fitness for Treks

To enjoy any trek, it is essential to be in good physical shape before you arrive. It is not wise to regard a trek as a means of getting into shape or losing excess weight. Start a programme of conditioning well before departure. In fact, as soon as you book and be aware that short walks on the flat do little to prepare you for the gradients and amount of walking involved on this trek. Running, hill walking and other more active sports are suitable as cardiovascular exercise and are one of the best ways of increasing your stamina and improving your fitness for a trek at higher altitude.

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Altitude: On Trek

The altitude of the Drakensberg makes this trip suitable for those who lead a normal active life and the more serious walker with previous experience of hill walking. Extreme cases of Acute Mountain Sickness are rare, but if it becomes necessary for someone to abandon the trek in the interests of safety, the tour leader’s decision on this is final. Insurance: Please ensure that your insurance policy covers you to the altitude indicated below in the section entitled “Medical examination” before you come on tour. If you have Explore insurance you will be covered to this altitude.

Medical Examination: You should visit your GP and specifically mention the maximum altitude the trek reaches if you decide to take the optional climb to Thabana Ntlenyana i.e. 3482m/12600’.

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Gradient Chart

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Climate

South Africa: Summers (Oct-Mar) are generally warm, even hot with temperatures up to 40°C. Winter (Jun-Aug) is much colder, especially at night when it can drop well below 0°. Most rain falls in the summer. Lesotho/Drakensberg: Summer (Nov-Jan) is hot but tempered by mountain breezes. Autumn (Feb-Apr) is warm and ideal for hiking. Winter (May-July) heralds snow on the high peaks, but days are generally sunny, but cold. Days are, however, good for walking. Spring usually arrives early September. Snowfalls can occur in the highlands at any time of year.

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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.

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Luggage

Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company

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Clothing & Footwear: On Trek

Being properly equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. Use the Explore 'General Information Booklet' for guidance on everyday needs for the tour. Please use the following checklist to be sure that you have what you need for the actual trek. Should you find yourself in some need of kit, go to http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelextras/ and click onto the Explore Trader link. Alternatively, you can call 0845v 260 0044.

Walking Boots

Probably the trickiest part of all. We strongly recommend walking in good boots. Trainers, tennis shoes or shoes of a similar ilk simply do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Many people now trek in the lighter weight Goretex or leather boots. They have the advantage that they take little breaking in. The slightly heavier traditional leather walking boots are also good. Avoid the types often found in high street shoe shops that are simply cheap trainers with a higher canvas side sewn on – they give little support and will probably not last the trek. Above all, your boots must be well broken in and comfortable. We do not recommend borrowing or renting boots. It is a good idea to carry your boots in your hand luggage on international flights or wear them – should your luggage be delayed, your well broken in boots are the one thing which will be irreplaceable. Gaiters are useful to keep snow and scree out of your boots.

Trainers or Trekking sandals

Useful around camp, in towns and when travelling. It is worth bearing in mind that trekking sandals afford you little protection from stubbing your toes when walking around villages at night!

Socks

It is best to wear a pair of liner socks under a pair of fairly thick loop stitch socks. This helps to protect your feet against blisters. Avoid nylon socks, they are abrasive, don’t ‘breathe’ well and can cause blisters.

Jacket

After sunset, temperatures can fall below freezing. A very warm jacket is the most convenient way of keeping warm when the temperature drops.

Waterproofs

Breathable jacket and trouser-type waterproofs made from material such as Goretex not only protects against rain and wind, but also stops you from overheating. They ‘breathe’ and avoid condensation that you will experience from nylon waterproofs.

Long Trousers

For everyday walking, light trekking trousers are the most suitable. Jeans are not recommended as they are often difficult to walk in over longer distances and become cumbersome when wet.

Thick sweaters and fleece jackets

Thick sweaters or fleece jackets are essential as nights can be very cold at altitude. Make sure that your waterproof jacket is loose enough to wear over your sweaters and/or fleeces.

Thermal Underwear

Long sleeve tops and “long john” legging thermal underwear is essential in winter.

Shorts

Shorts can be very comfortable to walk in but you must carry long trousers with you in case you get either sunburned or cold! Follow your tour leaders advice on local sensitivities to wearing shorts during the trek.

Waterproof Gloves; a warm scarf and a warm hat

Especially useful in the morning and in the evening at higher altitudes and during winter. Lightweight gloves or mittens are not practical. Also bring a scarf to cover your neck and a warm hat/balaclava.

Other clothing

We recommend that you take a beach towel, swim wear, high factor suncream and insect repellent.

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Equipment Provided: On Trek

The following equipment is provided by Explore once you are on the trek in Lesotho:

All cooking and kitchen equipment.

Mattresses in Lesotho.

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Personal Equipment: On Trek

Trek Kit Bag

Think about what you are taking on trek (remember your sleeping bag) and then think how big your kit bag needs to be. An ex-army type can usually be obtained cheaply. A nylon or canvas bag with a zip along the top is also suitable. Whatever you choose, it must be strong and waterproof. Soft luggage is essential as framed rucksacks are unsuitable. For the trekking part, your kit needs to be approximately 10kg. What is really important is that it all fits into the equivalent of a 6 bottle wine box. This excludes your sleeping bag. Your Tour Leader will assist you on how to pack it to suit the ponies. The remainder of the equipment will stay behind in the lodge. For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore

Small Rucksack/Daysac

During the course of a trekking day, you do not have access to the luggage that is being carried for you by the ponies. In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your daysac should, therefore, be large enough to carry the following: waterproofs, fleece, long trekking trousers (if walking in shorts), sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (at least 3litre), tissues and your packed lunch. Most people normally find that this adds up to about 3 to 5kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. Remember to carry spare film with you during the day. It is usually more comfortable to carry a slightly larger pack that is not full than to carry a small pack that is overfull or with `bits’ tied on the outside. Something between 25 and 35 litres capacity is probably the most suitable. A shoulder bag is not a practical alternative.

Heavy Duty Plastic Bags

If you pack your gear in heavy duty plastic bags inside your kit bag, they will stay dry in case of rain. It will also be easier for you to sort through. Remember, the less you have to unpack in the evening, the less you have to repack each morning! One of these bags to use inside your day bag is strongly recommended.

Sleeping Bag

As you do not carry it yourself, this may be down or synthetic, but it must be 2 season comfort rating (temperature 0°C to 5°C) for summer or a 4-season comfort rating (temperature –10°C to –5°C) for winter. A silk or fleece liner helps to keep your bag clean and adds an extra season.

Sleeping Mat

Although a mattress is provided, you might want to bring an inflatable thermarest style mat for added comfort.

Sleeping Aids

You may find ear plugs and an eye mask useful at night.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are strongly recommended.

Water Bottle or Platypus/ Camelbak hydration system

Water along the trail must never be considered as drinkable until purified. Take at least a 3 litre personal water bottle or a system that allows for this much water, preferably insulated. A personal supply of iodine tablets/drops is essential. Powdered fruit juice can be used to disguise the taste. Energy snacks, including chocolate and sweets, are also recommended whilst on trek.

Sunglasses

A good pair of sunglasses are essential for protection against UV rays and glare at high altitudes.

Sun Hat, High Factor Sun Cream/Block & Lip Salve

Choose a high factor suncream (Factor 30 or more) to protect your skin against the sun at high altitudes. A combination sunblock/lipsalve is ideal for facial protection.

Torch/Batteries/Bulb

A head torch is essential for finding things at night and finding your way around. Remember to bring some spare batteries and a bulb.

Toiletries

Keep heavy cosmetics to a minimum. Essentials are toothbrush/paste, soap, small towel, small nail brush. `Wet Wipes’ are great for a quick clean up, so bring a pack of those (non-perfumed to avoid rashes!).

Personal First Aid Kit

On each trek a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials. Please do not give medicines to local people without consulting the tour leader. See the list in the General Information Booklet for more information. For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit  www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore

High Energy Snacks

You may want to bring some high energy snacks for the duration of your trek in the Drakensburg as there are very limited opportunities in South Africa, and none in Lesotho, to purchase any.

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General Information

Trip Summary

Lesotho, known as ‘The Kingdom in the Sky,’ is one of Africa’s smallest countries and is completely land-locked by South Africa. It is a spectacular and mountainous land without fences where visitors are free to wander and enjoy the hospitality of colourfully clothed Basotho people. During this unusual and varied trekking tour, we first spend two days on a circular trek through the Thaba-Putsoa mountains, passing waterfalls and hidden Basotho villages with our luggage and equipment transported by Basotho ponies. At night we sleep as the locals would on their mattresses on the floor in traditional Basotho huts. Afterwards we use 4WD vehicles and cross further through formidable, yet spectacular scenery into the awesome Drakensberg Mountains. The local translations of Drakensberg from Afrikaans is “Dragons Mountains” and “The Barrier of Spears” from the Zulus’ uKhahlamba give an indication of the breathtaking majesty of these mountains. Here there is the chance to ascend Thabana Ntlenyana. At 3,482 m, it is Africa’s highest peak south of Kilimanjaro. We descend the spectacular Sani Pass back into South Africa and head to the Wild Coast for a complete change of scenery. One of South Africa’s least-visited and stunning areas we spend three days trekking its dramatic coastline before our tour ends in East London. We continue our exploration of South Africa by transferring to Cape Town for the second part of the tour. Flanked by the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, the Western Cape is South Africa’s fourth largest province and boasts almost 1,000 km of unspoilt beaches, incredible scenic beauty and mostly year round moderate weather. It is blessed with an unparalleled botanical splendour ranging from extensive winelands to indigenous forests. The tapestry of cultural diversity is evident in the variety of cuisine, architecture, museums and historical landmarks. Cape Town has perhaps the most beautiful setting of any city in Africa and is dominated by the giant Table Mountain. It is a vast natural phenomena rearing up above the cosmopolitan city. On this popular easygoing and less strenuous journey we explore the contrasting delights of the Western Cape and offer the chance to get out on foot as much or as little as you like. We travel by comfortable bus and stay in an interesting mix of atmospheric accommodation: small hotels/inns, a country lodge, a guest farm and guesthouses.

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Please note:

Should you wish to go to Robben Island you will need to book and pay for it when you arrive in Cape Town. The trip is weather dependent. Please speak to your tour leader who will be happy to assist you.

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Electric Supply & Plugs

For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/

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Electricity supply: 220v 3 round pin South African plug. Please bring an adaptor.

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