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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.
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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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Maun - Flight over Okavango Delta (approx. 1 hour) US$100 depending on numbers booked (must be booked in advance so speak to your tour leader).
Livingstone - Whitewater rafting half day $140, full day $160; Elephant back trails (must be booked in advance - please speak to your tour leader on arrival) afternoon trip $170; Upper Zambezi canoeing half day $105, full day $135; Zambezi river cruises sunset $60, sunset & dinner $75; Helicopter for 30 mins flight $300pp; Abseiling half day $110, full day $130; Game drives $55pp for 2.5 hours; Livingstone tour $45; Cultural village tour $45pp (including transfers).
Chobe - optional river cruise $40.
Okavango Panhandle - boat trip $15.
Rafting note: River conditions are determined by seasonally predictable fluctuations in water levels. Low water season generally runs from August to January each year – this is when the Zambezi is at its very wildest. High water is from about February to July and there can be a ‘closed season’ between March and June depending on the season’s rains.
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 US$30 for tipping local crew.
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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: Botswana: Pula. Zambia: Kwacha.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: We suggest you take your spending money as cash in a US Dollars. Please note that the banks and Forex Bureaus do not accept US Dollar notes pre- 2002. NB: you may find it useful to bring smaller denominations of USD for tips.
Where to Exchange: Maun airport and Livingstone.
ATM Availability: Cash can be drawn on credit cards from ATM’s in Livingstone.
Credit Card Acceptance: In major restaurants.
Travellers Cheques: Not recommended.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | Botswana | Namibia | Zambia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £0.70 | £1.00 | $1.10 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £1.00 | £1.00 | $1.80 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £0.75 | £0.80 | $1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £1.00 | £1.50 | $2.20 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £10.00 | £15.00 | $15.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £20.00 | £20.00 | $30.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £12.00 | £7.00 | $15.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 | £3.00 |
*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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Botswana: Visas are not required by UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and USA citizens.
Namibia: Visas are not required by UK, NZ, USA and CAN citizens.
Zambia: Most nationalities require a single entry visa to enter Zambia. Visas are available at all ports of entry for British citizens.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Important note for all visitors to South Africa: All nationalities travelling through 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 six months. Passengers travelling with passports that do not comply with these requirements will be refused entry.
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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We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
The South African Dept of Health has stated that as of 1 October 2011, all travellers to and from Zambia will be required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination if travelling via South Africa.
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 topThe main rainy season is from January to March. Rain is widespread and generally falls in the form of a thunderstorm in the late afternoon; grass tends to be long and there is more water about so game is more dispersed. Otherwise it is dry, with low humidity for most of the year. Botswana’s regional characteristics, from fertile areas in the east to waterless desert in the centre and south, and a vast delta in the northwest, make for extremes of temperatures and highly variable rainfall. In this region of central Southern Africa, African summer temperatures between September and March can be high as 35°C and as low as 16°C. From April to August, in the African winter, the maximum temperatures can reach 25°C and the minimum can be as low as 5°C.
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 topThe limit is one barrel bag/holdall/internal frame backpack (suitcases are not permitted) per person and a reasonable amount of photographic equipment. Total weight allowance 15kgs/33lbs maximum per person. A day bag is essential for everyday use.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topClothing should be lightweight. However, a wind/waterproof jacket, a warm fleece or sweater and thermal underwear for night time are strongly advised, as nights, early morning game drives and longer journeys can be very cold, especially in winter (April to August). We suggest that during the winter months you take a number of layers to combat the cold which can then be removed as the day warms up. Brightly coloured and white clothing is not suitable for game viewing. You may like to bring a swimming costume for the hotels with pools.
Back to topLightweight trail boots or robust trainers with good traction soles and sandals.
Back to topDome tents are provided which sleep a maximum of two people. Camp beds with mattresses, fitted sheets, sleeping bags, pillows and blankets are also provided.
Back to topPlease bring a towel with you and also a water bottle, (head) torch and larger torch for toilet visits at night whilst camping, sunhat, sunglasses, insect repellent and sunscreen. Binoculars are essential for game viewing and a 300mm lens is recommended for photography. Tents have sewn-in mosquito screening so nets are not required.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topDepending on the season, water levels and game concentrations as well as occasionally overnight stops may vary from those suggested. Some long drives are unavoidable in order to visit the highlights of this vast, stunning country.
Please note: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including white-water) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topPlease note there are limited opportunities for charging camera batteries so please bring sufficient supplies.
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