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Details may vary depending on departure date. Please choose
We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Back to topWhile our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day route printed below, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary and overnight stops and sightseeing may vary from those suggested. Summer can be very hot and winters can be cold. The Western Cape, in particular, and Southern Africa is under going adverse winter weather conditions. Please come prepared for colder than anticipated temperatures and bring appropriate clothing.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Cape Town - Robben Island (3.5 hour tour) £25; Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens £3.
Cape Peninsula - Seal Island boat trip £5.
Stellenbosch - Guided tour available £5; Wine tasting £2.
Cango Caves - Guided tour of caves £7 depending on duration; Ostrich Farm £6.
Swellendam - Township tour £10.
Hermanus - Whale watching £50.
Tsitsikamma NP - Canopy trail £42.
Oudsthoorn - Wildlife ranch £9.
Plettenberg - Robberg Nature Reserve £3.
All optionals are payable in South African Rand. The majority of optionals can be paid for by credit card (not debit card). Please check with your tour leader for the most up-to-date information in this regard. Please note that any credit card transactions may attract an approximate rate of 5% per transaction.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topAccordingly, you should allow £20 for tipping.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Rand.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Take your money in a combination of cash and an ATM card. Both GBP and USD are readily exchanged.
Where to Exchange: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Knysna and Oudtshoorn.
ATM Availability: Cash can be drawn on debit cards from ATM’s in most South African towns.
Credit Card Acceptance: In large shops and restaurants.
Travellers Cheques: Can be exchanged in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Knysna and Oudtshoorn.
Additional Information: Please note that the banks and Forex Bureaus do not accept US Dollar notes pre-2002.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currencyexpress.com/explore/
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| UK | South Africa | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £10.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £15.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £10.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
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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Visas are not required by UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and US citizens. Important note for all visitors to South Africa: 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 after the date of departure from the country. Passengers travelling 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.
Back to topPlease 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 hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, polio and diphtheria. According to various travel health sources, the Western Cape is not regarded as a malaria risk area.
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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.
Back to topWe 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/
Back to topMild throughout the year and can thus be visited year round. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean-type climate, with warm, dry summers and cold winters with rainfall. Summer runs from November to March, with temperatures averaging 22 to 34 degrees Centigrade. The months of April and October are generally warm and sunny. Winter is also a good time to visit as towns and sites are not so crowded and the countryside is more verdant, but you should be prepared for lower temperatures.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately 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
Back to topTake a soft bag, holdall or suitcase. Total allowance: 20kg/44lb. Also take a daypack for items needed during any walks or sightseeing.
Back to topClothing should generally be lightweight for the day. Also take some fleeces, long trousers, a waterproof and windproof jacket. Take a swimming costume and towel.
Back to topComfortable shoes (or well broken in walking boots if planning to hike), trainers or sandals for relaxing/travelling in.
Back to topTake a torch, sunhat/sunscreen and insect repellent. Binoculars are essential for bird watching. Mosquito nets are not required as the accommodation provides screening where necessary.
Back to topShould 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.
Back to topAll walks are optional. Walks on this tour are graded as easy however the walks on day 2/3/4/7 or 8 may be considered easy to moderate.
Back to topElectrical supply: South Africa: 220v. 3 round pin SA plug. Please bring an adaptor to charge any electrical equipment.
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