8 Day Botswana Waterways North (Camping)

Important Touring Tips:

• Embrace the Adventure:  This is Africa, after all! Overland journeys cover huge distances, and sometimes plans change unexpectedly. But don’t worry—any adjustments are always made with the group’s best interests at heart.
• Connect with Your Travel Crew:  You’ll be sharing this adventure with an amazing mix of people from all over. Take the time to chat, swap stories, and make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
• Pack Smart, Pack Light:  Space on the truck is tight, so bring a soft duffel bag or backpack that fits in the lockers. Sadly, suitcases are a no-go for safety reasons.
• Enjoy the Ride:  It’s not just about the destinations—it’s about the journey too. Long drives are part of the deal, so bring along books, games, music, or audiobooks to keep yourself entertained.
• Celebrate the Differences:  Southern Africa and East Africa are worlds apart in their own special ways. Soak up the unique vibes, landscapes, and cultures of each region.
• Expect the Real Deal:  This isn’t your average European coach tour. We’re all about high-value wildlife adventures and getting you up close with Africa’s wild beauty.
• Choose Your Style:  We’ve got a range of tours to suit your vibe—north/south journeys, round trips, classic camping, lodge tours, and premium lodge tours. Each one offers a different flavour of accommodation and catering.
• Know Your Itinerary:  Our tours often connect like pieces of a puzzle. Yours might be part of a longer journey, a complete core tour, or a combo of both. If you’re unsure, just ask—we’re here to help!
• Be Ready for Anything:  Africa’s weather can be full of surprises, no matter the season. Pack layers so you’re ready for both sunshine and cooler moments.
• Disconnect to Reconnect:  You’ll be heading to some seriously remote and breathtaking spots. Take the chance to switch off from the everyday and reconnect with nature—and yourself.

What is an adventure tour?

An overland tour is all about adventure on a budget, taking you off the beaten path to places where the usual tourist comforts might be few and far between. It’s not your typical package holiday—it’s raw, real, and full of surprises. Routes and plans can change as conditions shift, but that’s part of the fun, and your tour operator will always have your back.

This isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s about the whole journey. You’ll dive into local cultures, go on safaris, meet incredible people, and even have the chance to try thrilling activities like white-water rafting or skydiving. It’s a shared experience—you travel, eat, and explore together, forming a little travel family along the way. So, put your phone away, forget about Wi-Fi, and get ready to connect with the world and the people around you.

Your guides are passionate, knowledgeable, and love what they do, but they’re not here to wait on you hand and foot. They’ll help you tackle challenges with a smile and keep things running smoothly. All you need is a sense of adventure, a willingness to pitch in, and an open mind for the unexpected. Days start early, making the most of the sunlight, and end under the stars. Whether you’re camping or staying in lodgings, evenings are about good food, great company, and swapping stories about the day’s adventures. It’s simple, it’s real, and it’s unforgettable.

What does a typical day on tour look like?

A typical day on either your camping or accommodated Africa overland tour starts with an early morning wake-up call and a cup of tea or coffee followed by breakfast. Campers pack-up their campsite while comfort travellers check-out of their accommodation and hit the road.

We set off to our next destination travelling through a vast variety of landscapes, making our own new memories with new friends. Each day in Africa offers a new experience from an early morning sunrise hike, quad biking, sky dive or guided nature walk. The options are endless!

We have shorter travel days arriving at our campsite by midday or early afternoon, to enjoy lunch before joining our afternoon activity or simply enjoying a relaxed afternoon at your own pace.

On our longer travel days an early start ensures an earlier arrival at our campsite. We stop off at scenic spots to stretch our legs and take in the scenery, before lunch is enjoyed at a shady spot en-route. A mid- to-late afternoon arrival at our campsite allows us to set up camp, enjoy a beautiful sunset and end the day sitting around the campfire, under the stars.

Our best advice: expect the unexpected as this is Africa! We travel mainly on gravel roads and poorly kept tarmac roads – both setting the pace at which we travel. We do our best to arrive at our next destination, safety is our number one priority and while our overland vehicles are comfortable and spacious, they are not sports cars!

What type of vehicles do we use?

• A custom-built, comfortable, safe and self-sufficient Africa overland truck, 4 x 4 vehicle or van to withstand the rugged African terrain.
• Various vehicles are used on varying tours, with each offering comfortable seats with ample leg room.
• Each vehicle has large glass windows for uninterrupted views and perfect for game drives.
• Smaller 4×4 land cruiser type vehicles are used for game viewing in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, due to the roads being tougher and too narrow for the overland trucks.
• Each overland vehicle includes a passenger safe to safely keep money, passports, flight tickets and credit cards. The keys are kept with your Tour Leader who will advise of safety requirements.

Who is suited to go on an overland tour?

Overland tours have evolved! Once dominated by young backpackers, they now welcome travelers aged 6 to 80. It’s a chance to step out of your comfort zone, connect with people from all walks of life, and embrace the adventure.

The average age for campers is around 20–45, while accommodated guests tend to be 35–75. But every tour is different, and campers and lodge guests often travel together. During university breaks, groups skew younger, but outside peak times, ages vary widely. What unites everyone is a shared sense of adventure and curiosity about Africa.

Tours have a mix of nationalities, couples, friends, and solo travelers, with a fairly even gender balance. East Africa tours require a tougher, more adventurous spirit, especially for activities like gorilla trekking, which demands a good fitness level. But suitability isn’t just about fitness—it’s about embracing the unexpected, whether it’s helping dig a stuck truck out of mud or finding humor in a bush bathroom situation. Keep an open mind—it’s all part of the experience!

Age Policies for Children

• Under 6: Not permitted on scheduled tours.
• 6–9 Years: Accepted on a request basis only.
• 10–15 Years: Maximum of four children per tour without prior approval. Additional children require permission from other guests.
• 12+: Required for Kenya and Uganda tours.
• 6–16 Years: Must be accompanied by a parent unless special permission is granted.
• 17–18 Years: Can travel with a guardian’s permission letter.

Age-Restricted Activities

• Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking: 15+
• Drakensberg Hike: 12+
• Nkambeni Morning Bush Walk: 12+
• Hlane Game Drive: 13+

When requesting to bring a child, provide as much detail as possible about their suitability for the tour. This helps ensure a smooth experience for everyone.

Overland tours are about adventure, connection, and embracing the unexpected—no matter your age!

WHAT TO EXPECT ON A CAMPING OR ACCOMMODATED TOUR

Classic Accommodated, Premium Accommodated, or Camping?

We’ve got options to suit every style! Classic lodge and premium lodge tours strike a balance between camping and high-end lodge experiences, while camping tours give you that authentic African adventure. On classic tours, campers and lodge guests travel together, but premium tours are accommodated-only. The only real difference? Whether you sleep in a tent or a bed—everything else (meals, guides, travel times) is the same. On premium tours, breakfast and dinner are served at lodges and guesthouses, while lunches are on you.

Camping: Your Home Under the Stars

Camping lets you build your own little home each night. Sturdy, standing-height tents (unless you’re over 6ft!) are provided, as are sleeping mattresses, and even a flysheet for rain. You’ll need to bring your own pillow, sleeping bag, and towel. Tents are easy to set up, with self-supporting poles and built-in mosquito nets. Just pay attention when the guides show you how to pitch them—no one wants a soggy tent!

Camping is budget-friendly and gives you that “at one with nature” vibe. When the tour hits a major city, you’ll get a comfy bed for the night. Upgrades to accommodation is possible at some stops, but it depends on availability. Keep an eye on the weather when booking—tents and rain don’t always mix!

Most campsites have decent facilities, but hot water can be hit-or-miss (luckily, it’s usually warm!). Some stops are bush camps with no facilities at all—pure wilderness!

Lodge Life: Simple and Comfortable

On classic and premium accommodated tours, accommodation is 2–3 star, with most rooms en-suite. Twin beds aren’t always guaranteed, and some stays might be in permanent safari tents. Standards vary by region, with Southern Africa generally offering better facilities than East Africa. Don’t forget your towel—they’re not always provided!

Single Supplements

On camping tours, single supplements are optional. But on lodge tours, they’re compulsory if you’re travelling solo. If you’re happy to share a room, we’ll refund your single supplement if we can pair you up—but no guarantees!

Whether you choose a tent or a bed, it’s all about the adventure. So pack light, keep an open mind, and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

Distances and Road Conditions:

Our tours cover long distances so you can see significant amounts of Africa this means that there will be long days spent on the road often with nothing to look at except vast open plains. You can spend between 350km and 650km a day in the truck so it is important to be prepared.

Southern Africa vs East Africa:  Two Unique Worlds

Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique) is all about comfort and convenience. With excellent infrastructure, high-standard accommodation, and English widely spoken, travel here is smooth and easy.

East Africa (Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda) is raw and real, focusing on incredible wildlife and national parks. Expect rustic conditions—cold showers, shared bathrooms, and long drives—but the magic of the people and landscapes makes it all worthwhile.

If you’ve travelled in Southern Africa, don’t expect East Africa to match the same standards. The two regions are vastly different, each offering its own unique adventure. Embrace the contrasts and enjoy the journey!

What will you eat on safari?

Your tour includes three meals a day (unless stated otherwise in your tour dossier). If you have special dietary needs, let us know when you book – last minute requests make it quite difficult on the guide as they may already have planned and provisioned for the tour.

Special Dietary Requirements

We can cater to vegetarians and some allergies (e.g., nuts, milk, fish), but specialty foods (like gluten-free or lactose-free products) may not be available en route, so bring your own if needed. Preferences (likes/dislikes) can’t be accommodated—only allergies or life-threatening conditions. Discuss your needs during booking so we can clarify what’s possible.

• Celiac, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Vegan: Accepted, but vegans may need to supplement with their own protein sources (e.g., tofu, nuts).
• Halaal & Kosher: Available on request only – must be arranged before booking.
• Lactose Intolerance: Meals will exclude lactose, but bring your own specialty items if needed.

Classic Camping & Lodge Tours

Guides prepare meals on two gas burners, so they can’t make multiple separate meals (e.g., regular, gluten-free, vegetarian) at once. They’ll do their best to accommodate pre-notified dietary needs, but options may be limited. Vegans will get salads, veggies, fruits, rice, beans, pasta, cereals, and bread, but extras like quinoa, tofu, or soya milk should be bought and stored by you.

Food Shopping

Guides shop at supermarkets for safety and reliability. Street vendors pose health risks and can harm local farming communities.

Meal Breakdown

• Breakfast: Simple but filling—tea/coffee, bread, spreads, cereal, fruit, yogurt. Hot options like eggs or bacon are served when time allows.
• Lunch: Quick picnic-style meals like sandwiches and salads (pasta, rice, tuna, or green salads).
• Dinner: Hearty campfire meals like braais (BBQ), stews, bobotie, spaghetti, or fish/chicken dishes. Dine under the stars with your group!

East Africa Note

Food standards in East Africa are lower than in Southern Africa due to longer travel days, higher costs, and limited variety.

Premium Accommodated Tours

Breakfast and dinner are served at lodges. Dietary requests must be made well in advance.  Enjoy the adventure and the unique dining experiences under Africa’s skies!

Packing for your tour:

Packing sensibly is essential for your Africa Overland trip. One backpack and one daypack are needed and these can weigh no more than 25kg. A duffel bag is preferable as it will fit into the lockers on the truck, but you can also take a backpack with a compact, flexible, soft shell (without a hard frame). Please do not take suitcases. The airlines implement a 20kg per person limit on international flights for your luggage (your main bag) and a further 5 kg for carry-on luggage (your day bag). A good idea is to include a spare bag for curios that you may purchase, but don’t forget to include this in your weight for your trip home. A moneybelt is a useful item for keeping your money safe and hidden.

Take along comfortable, casual and semi-casual “wash & wear” clothes. Cotton is a good material for when it is hot, and fleece for when it gets cold. Pack clothes that don’t crease easily as the laundry facilities are limited. Find clothes that can be mixed and matched easily and are colour co-ordinated. A great item of clothing is zip-off pants. These double-up as shorts or trousers and are useful for when the weather changes. Reversible clothes are also very convenient and will help to reduce space in your bag.

Locker Sizes:

Clothes:

• 3-4 short sleeved shirts or T-shirts
• 2 pairs of trousers or 1 pair and 1 skirt – try not to pack jeans as they take a long time to dry
• ¾ pants
• Warm sweater or fleece top
• 1-2 pairs of shorts
• Tracksuit pants
• Light sweater or sweatshirt (can also be used as an additional pillow)
• Warm fleece top
• Underwear and socks
• Hat/peak cap/bandana
• Gloves
• Scarves
• Water/wind-proof jacket
• Boots or sturdy trainers

Beachwear:

• Swimsuit
• Sunglasses
• Beach towel and/or sarong
• Sandals or flipflops (need to be waterproof if you want to go white-water rafting)

Toiletries:

• Personal toiletries
• No electric shavers
• Hand sanitiser/wipes (waterless sanitisers are convenient)
• Baby wipes/wet wipes
• Tissues
• Moisturiser
• Face wash
• Facecloth

Sleepwear:

• Pyjamas
• Travel pillow
• Spare pillowcase
• Sleeping Bag
• Fleece blanket

Medication/first aid kit:

• Prescription medication
• Anti-histamine cream or tablets
• Antiseptic cream
• Sunscreen (high factor) and lip balm
• Water purifying tablets
• Pain killers
• Eye drops
• Diarrhea medication
• Moisturiser
• Dehydration salts
• Elastoplasts/band-aids
• Insect repellent (Malaria is a big problem in Africa, so the more protection the better)
• Sterile dressings

Extras:

• Water bottle
• Binoculars
• Book (you can swap with the rest of the group)
• Download your audiobooks, maps, games or videos that you can interact with on your phone during long drives.
• Headphones
• Extra memory/film for your camera (remember to set at the highest resolution as you might want to enlarge the pictures)
• Head torch
• Pens
• Zip-lock bags (medium sized for cameras, snacks, trash etc.)
• Extra batteries
• Travel power strip (a compact three-plug unit that includes two USB connections. With just one wall plug you can charge five gadgets). Buy on Amazon and it will help to reduce space in your bag
• Watch
• Biodegradable laundry detergent
• Vaccination certificates for some areas
• Cash
• Small scrubbing brush
• A padlock for your luggage locker in the truck
• The power plugs in SA have 3 round pins. East Africa has British power plugs

Laundry:

• There will be washing facilities at most campsites which you can make use of.
• Please remember to bring some environmentally friendly washing powder or detergent.
• We suggest you take along crease-free clothing as the facilities available for ironing are limited.

Long Drives, Big Adventures:

Our tours cover vast distances across Africa’s stunning landscapes, taking you to some of the continent’s most breathtaking sights. But with great adventures come long drives—here’s what to expect:

We travel in sturdy trucks, not sports cars, so average speeds are around 80kph. On rough or unpaved roads (like in Namibia), we may slow to 30kph for safety. Road conditions can vary—some are graded for smoother travel, but maintenance is sporadic, so expect bumps and rattles along the way. Rest assured, our guides always prioritize your safety.

Distances between highlights can be huge, especially in East Africa, where vast deserts stretch between destinations. Most days involve around 350km of driving, but some stretches can reach 650km. It’s a long way in a truck, so pack patience along with your sense of adventure!

Our drivers are highly skilled and know these roads intimately. They take breaks every two hours to stretch and rest, ensuring everyone stays safe and comfortable. So, when the journey feels long, remember: the best views often come after the bumpiest roads. Embrace the ride—it’s all part of the African experience!

Life on Tour: What to Expect

An overland tour is all about adventure, and managing your expectations is key to enjoying the journey. Some things are within our control, while others—like weather, road conditions, or unexpected delays—are not. Understanding this helps set the stage for a realistic and rewarding experience. This is your chance to step away from the familiar and dive into the wild, remote beauty of Africa.

The Guides

Your guides are experienced, passionate, and dedicated to sharing Africa’s magic with you. They’re human too, though, and adventure tours can be demanding. If you have concerns, please chat with them directly—they’re there to help. Treat them with the same respect they show you, and remember, they can’t control everything.

Sometimes, tough decisions about health, safety, or logistics need to be made. These won’t always be popular, but your guides will do their best to consider the group’s needs. Your patience and understanding go a long way. If you ever feel unsure or want more information, just ask—they’re happy to help.

The Tour Leader has final authority on the tour, but if you need further support, you can always contact the tour operator’s emergency line.

Roles on Tour

• Tour Leader: Ensures the safety and wellbeing of everyone on board.
• Courier (Cook): Plans menus, shops, and prepares meals (on classic tours).
• Driver: Maintains the truck and keeps everything running smoothly.

These roles can overlap, but you’ll always have at least two crew members looking after you.

Translators on Foreign Language Tours

On some classic tours, German or Italian translators assist guests who aren’t confident in English. These translators are often students and aren’t professional guides or interpreters. They’re there to help with general communication, not to provide detailed translations unless requested. Tours are still conducted in English, with the translator offering support as needed.

Life on tour is about embracing the unexpected, connecting with your crew and fellow travelers, and soaking in the adventure. It’s not always perfect, but it’s always unforgettable!

Accommodation (Pre and Post Tour):

• It is highly recommended to arrive a day before your tour starts so that you do not miss out on the pre-departure meeting as it covers important information you need to know for your trip.
• We do advise letting us know as soon as possible in order for us to make the best hotel reservation for you.
• Post accommodation can be very easily arranged at the time of booking too.

Personal Health:

• Ensure that the guides know of your medical conditions!!!
• Let them know how you are feeling.
• AIDS is an enormous problem in Africa so please be careful and practical, condoms are cheap and freely available.
• A First Aid Kit is available on the truck for any emergencies.

Vaccinations:

• Please ensure you seek medical advice from your travel doctor before visiting Africa.
• You should consult your travel doctor or travel clinic for the latest requirements for Hepatitis A (Havrax), Yellow Fever, Tetanus Booster Shot, Rabies.
• If you are entering a Yellow Fever infected area, you will be required to have a vaccination which can be done at Travel Clinics.
• Obtain an international Certificate of Vaccination with a valid stamp.
• Yellow Fever – Valid for 10 years and mandatory for most African countries. It is compulsory to produce a yellow fever certificate when entering Kenya, Zanzibar and Malawi and for taking part in the Gorilla Trek. Failure to present this may result in entry being refused.
• We also recommend that you ask your doctor about: Typhoid, Tetanus, Hepatitis, Meningitis, Polio, Hepatitis A&B, Cholera.
• Tents have mosquito nets in the vents and it is not generally necessary to bring a separate mosquito net unless you plan to sleep outside, under the stars (in which case you are recommended to bring one).

Malaria:

• Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes and is more prevalent in areas where there are high concentrations.
• Malaria is a serious problem in Africa, but if you are cautious and use mosquito repellent and take your malaria tablets you will be safe.
• Cover your skin with long shirts, pants and socks as most mosquito bites occur below the knee.
• Make sure your mosquito net is tightly closed and doesn’t have any holes in it.
• Use an effective prophylactic and speak to your doctor about options for anti-malarial tablets.
• Always cover yourself with mosquito repellent, especially at sunset.
• Please know that malaria can be cured.

Water:

• Dehydration is a common ailment on tour.
• You should be drinking a minimum of 2 litres of water per day.
• It is preferable to be drinking bottled water to avoid diarrhoea, but your guide will advise you as to whether you can drink the water or not.  There is normally some water available on the truck but it is suggested that you carry your own bottled water for sanitary reasons.  Bring along a travel flask with you so that you don’t have to throw away plastic bottles.

How others can reach you:

• The easiest option to keep in touch with your loved ones at home is to buy a SIM card of the respective country you are travelling in.

Photography:

• You are not permitted to take photographs at the border crossing, bridges, government buildings and military institutions.
• No photographs of the army or police are allowed.
• Some tribes do not allow their pictures to be taken so please ask your guides before photographing whether it is permissible or not.
• A fee may have to be paid for photographing the local people.

Climate and Weather Conditions:

• The weather in Africa can be unpredictable and extreme so be prepared for this.
• You can find out the type of weather to expect on your tour from your consultant.
• Always wear sunscreen from October to April.
• Temperatures can drop to below zero from June to September.
• It does rain in Africa!

Street Vendors:

• Like with any 3rd world country you will encounter informal vendors offering you better rates than the banks. We suggest you don’t work with them for security reasons.
• Please do not display your foreign currency in public.

Passport:

• A valid passport is required for all international travel.
• Having all the necessary documentation for your trip is your own responsibility therefore you need to find out by your travel agent what the essential documents for the trip are in order to avoid any complications on tour.
• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after returning from your trip.
• In certain cases foreign passport holders require entry, re-entry or departure permits and/or visas to enter a country.
• Have enough pages for all visas, at least 2 pages free for every country visiting – the Border Security is strict with this rule.
• A copy of your passport should be given to your guides for safety reasons.
• Avoid using more than one passport to avoid visa payments when travelling.

Visa:

• Please note that visas are the responsibility of the traveller and African Overland Tours will not be held responsible for the traveller being denied entry should they not be in the possession of the relevant visas.
• Ensure you have a valid onward/return ticket to leave the country when the tour ends, otherwise you need sufficient funds in your bank account.
• Visiting the Okavango Delta, you may need a double entry visa for Namibia and or Botswana.
• Botswana Tourism Levy: As of 1 June 2017, Botswana has implemented a tourism levy of US$ 30 per person to be paid in US Dollars cash once you enter.

Insurance

Medical Insurance:

• Medical insurance is compulsory on tour! No one will be allowed on a trip if you don’t have this. It is for your safety should anything happen while on tour (especially when in a remote location).

Travel Insurance:

• It is compulsory to have fully comprehensive adventure travel insurance on all overland tours. We require your travel insurance details upon booking your vacation, to include on the passenger list.
• Most travel insurance policies do not include cover for adrenaline sports and adventure activities. These include white-water rafting, sky diving and bungee jumping. So double check your policy inclusions.
• WorldNomads Insurance offer adventure travel insurance and, most importantly, cancellation insurance. We strongly recommend your travel insurance includes cancellation and curtailment insurance. The majority of tour departures are guaranteed (confirmed to depart) but in the unlikely event of a tour departure being cancelled, you would be protected.
• In the case of credit card insurance, we recommend you check the fine print to ensure you have adequate cover as credit card companies offer a standard option. Sometimes, just for a simple problem, you may have to be airlifted to South Africa as many public hospitals in Africa are below western standards.
• If you choose to use your credit card insurance, you will need to call your bank to obtain your policy details. This is how:
  • Phone your bank
  • Give them your Bank Card Number
  • They will ask you to verify your account
  • Then you need to ask for the insurance company name
  • Then you need to ask for the policy number
  • Remember to keep the telephone number you dialled

Optional Activities: Spice Up Your Adventure

Your tour is packed with incredible experiences, but there are also optional activities to add extra thrills along the way. These activities are a great way to break up the journey and create unforgettable memories. Keep in mind, though, they’re not guaranteed—availability depends on factors like daylight hours (shorter in winter), arrival times, and weather.

Your guide can help you choose the best options for you. Whether it’s white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or something else, we’ll connect you with the safest, most professional operators. Sometimes, activities run at the same time, so the group may need to decide together which ones to do.

We keep the tour price affordable so you have the freedom to pick and choose what excites you. These activities are selected for their value, fun factor, and guest feedback, but they’re not endorsed by us, and participation is entirely at your discretion.

Why aren’t optional activities included?

• Not everyone wants to do them all (no point skydiving if you’re scared of heights!).
• Not everyone can afford to do them all.
• They’re dependent on time, season, and weather.

We leave the running of these activities to the experts—your safety and enjoyment are their priority.

Special Note for Gorilla Trekking

If you’re trekking with gorillas or chimps, there’s an additional conservation fee for permits. This is a non-refundable prepayment in US dollars, and passport details are required to secure your spot.

Optional activities are your chance to tailor the adventure to your taste – so go ahead, add some extra adrenaline or unique experiences to your journey!

Your Money: Plan Wisely, Spend Smartly

Money matters can make or break your tour, so plan carefully to ensure your budget matches your adventure. Africa isn’t cheap, so spend wisely and check the prices of optional activities in your tour dossier when planning.

In Southern and East Africa, both local currencies and US Dollars are widely accepted. Local currency exchange rates fluctuate often, so if you plan to use local money, check the rates before you go (websites like www.xe.com can help).

Cash Tips

• If carrying US Dollars, make sure they’re printed after 2008 and in good condition—torn or heavily creased bills may not be accepted.
• Ask your bank for a mix of small and large bills—smaller ones are handy for tipping, while larger ones work for bigger payments.
• Keep your cash secure in a flat money belt, but stash a small amount somewhere easily accessible for convenience.

Credit Cards

• Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in major cities, but Diners Club and American Express may not be.
• Cards should have a chip and PIN for ATM use.
• Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid your card being blocked.

ATM/Debit Cards

• ATMs are a convenient way to withdraw local currency in most countries.
• Cards should have a chip and PIN.
• Withdraw amounts based on your stay and spending plans.

Street Vendors

• Avoid black market traders offering “better” exchange rates—it’s risky and not worth the hassle.
• Don’t flash your foreign currency in public.

By planning ahead and managing your money wisely, you’ll be free to focus on the adventure and make the most of your African journey!

Departure Tax:

• Various countries require you to pay an Airport Departure Tax (Zimbabwe is one) when departing on an international flight.
• Varies from US$10 – US$60 depending on the departure time.

Security:

• The truck has a safe for passports, money, credit cards and flight tickets only!
• Keep your cameras, cell phones, iPad’s and other digital equipment close to you at all times (preferably in your day pack) as the operator will not be held responsible for anything that goes missing.
• Leave your valuables at home!
• Be vigilant and cautious at all times.
• Always walk in a group, especially at night.
• It is advisable to have travel insurance for your personal items.

Quality and Protection:

• We are proudly bonded SATSA members. Our membership number is 1712.
• We are also insured by SATIB.
• SATSA is the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association and offers protection to international travellers against the possible loss of deposits (or monies paid) to a SATSA member (tour operator, car rental company, accommodation provider etc.), in case of liquidation. It is underwritten by Lombard Insurance and Lloyds of London.
• SATSA is the driving force behind improving standards of tourism in South Africa, as offered by its various members (tour operators, car rental companies, accommodation provider etc.).
• “Should a SATSA member who is a South African tourism business operation, run into financial problems, the bonding scheme allows the client to claim back their deposit without having to prove in a court or to the liquidator whom or what was paid, but simply to produce the relevant documentation to SATSA.” – Michael Tatalias, CEO SATSA.
• Satsa Bonding Offers financial protection on all monies paid.

Quick Checklist

• Make sure your vaccination requirements have been done at least 4 weeks prior to your tour.
• Remember to make sure your VISA is valid for you to go on tour.
• Remember to reconfirm your flights. Airlines vary in their requirements but we suggest you reconfirm 48 – 72 hours before your departure homebound.
• Remember to take your passport, visas, vaccination certificate and flight tickets with you (a photocopy and a photo on your phone of these is a good idea).
• Remember to take a copy of your medical and travel insurance policy with you.
• Remember to take your travel voucher to give to your crew at your pre-departure meeting.