CAPE TO VICTORIA FALLS – ACCOMODATED
Tag 1 Südafrika - Cederberg Mountain Region
Abfahrt ab Kapstadt, es gibt einen letzten Foto Stop in Table View für einen spektakulären
Panoramablick auf den Tafelberg. Auf Ihrem weiteren Weg genießen Sie eine Weinprobe auf
einem organischen Weingut. Nach der Weinprobe haben Sie die Möglichkeit mit einem
lokalen Führer San Rock Kunst zu besichtigen. Am späten Nachmittag erreichen Sie Ihre
Unterkunft und Ihr Führer wird Ihnen eine ausführliche Einweisung für die Tour geben.
Mahlzeiten: Mittagessen, Abendessen
Tag 2 Namibia - Gariep (Oranje)
Heute fahren Sie durch das Nördliche Kap und Namaqualand und machen Halt in der
abgelegenen Stadt Springbok für die letzten Besorgungen. Nach der Überquerung der
Grenze zu Namibia beziehen Sie schöne Chalets mit Blick auf den Fluss, der die Grenze
zwischen Südafrika und Namibia bildet.
Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Mittagessen, Abendessen
Tag 3 Gariep (Orange) River - Fish River Canyon/Ai-Ais
Heute Morgen haben Sie die optionale Möglichkeit eine Kanufahrt auf dem Gariep River zu
machen (im Sommer) oder einige erholsame Stunden im Lager am Fluss zu verbringen.
Nach dem Mittagessen fahren Sie in Richtung Norden zum Fish River Canyon und nehmen
an einer landschaftlich reizvollen Wanderung entlang der Felskante teil um eine Vorstellung
zu bekommen wie groß dieses natürliche Phänomen ist. Später geht es zurück nach Ai-Ais
zum Check-in. Genießen Sie die heißen Quellen. Optionale Aktivitäten: halber Tag KanuAbenteuer.
Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Mittagessen, Abendessen
Tag 4 Ai-Ais - Köcherbaum Wald
An diesem Morgen fahren Sie in das Kalahari Gebiet von Namibia um den Kokerboom Wald
zu besichtigen. Der Kokerboom, auch besser bekannt als Köcherbaum, ist der Baum von
dem die einheimischen Khoisan Leute Köcher für ihre Pfeile gemacht haben. Mahlzeiten:
Frühstück, Mittagessen, Abendessen
Tag 5 Bushman Gemeinschaft - Namib-Naukluft Park
Der Namib-Naukluft Nationalpark ist einer der geographischen Edelsteine Namibias. Hier
finden Sie massive Sanddünen im Sossusvlei Wüstengebiet, sowie eine beeindruckende
Landschaft. Nach einer optionalen Interaktion mit den Xung (San) Menschen reisen Sie
weiter durch die Namib und übernachten außerhalb des Parks. Optionale Aktivitäten:
Afrikanische Interaktion.
Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Mittagessen, Abendessen
Tag 6 Namib – Naukluft Nationalpark
Sie verbringen einen ganzen Tag im Namib-Naukluft-Nationalpark. Sie beginnen den Tag mit
einer Fahrt nach Sossusvlei, hier treffen Sie einen lokalen Führer. Zu Fuß erkunden Sie die
Region und der Führer gibt Ihnen detaillierte Informationen über das Ökosystem. Später geht
es zur Düne 45, hier haben Sie die Möglichkeit auf die Düne zu wandern um eine
atemberaubende Aussicht über die Dünenlandschaft zu genießen. Ein idealer Platz für ein
Foto. Am Nachmittag unternehmen Sie einen kurzen Spaziergang im Sesriem Canyon. Bei
Ihrer Rückkehr nach Hammerstein ist es möglich einige Zeit mit einer der ansässigen
Großkatzen zu verbringen. Optionale Aktivitäten: Wildkatzen Walk
Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Mittagessen, Abendessen
Tag 7/8 Swakopmund
Sie werden bei einem Spaziergang durch die Natur von einem lokalen Experten begleitet,
der Ihnen Wissenswertes über das Ökonomische System erklärt. Danach überqueren Sie
den Wendekreis des Steinbocks auf Ihrem Weg zur Atlantikküste. Ihr erster Stopp ist Walvis
Bay, wo Sie (wenn möglich) einige Flamingos sehen können. Dann geht es weiter nach
Swakopmund, dem Abenteuer Zentrum Namibias. Hier werden Sie über die vielen
optionalen Aktivitäten informiert welche zur Verfügung stehen. Optionale Aktivitäten:
Abendessen, Quad Biking, Sandboarding, Sky Diving, Rundflüge etc.
Mahlzeiten: Frühstück x 2, Mittagessen x 1
Tag 9 Kamanjab - Himba Stamm
Heute fahren Sie landeinwärts Richtung Nordwesten nach Kamanjab im. Am nächsten
Morgen werden Sie einige Zeit mit dem halb-nomadischen Himba Stamm verbringen. Die
Himbas sind ein Hirtenvolk und sind leicht an ihrem einzigartigen Haarstil und der Kleidung
zu erkennen.
Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Mittagessen, Abendessen
Tag 10/11 Etosha National Park
Sie reisen weiter in Richtung Südosten bis zum Etosha Nationalpark. Auf den Pirschfahrten
in Ihrem erhöhten Truck öffnen sich die Ebenen für spektakuläre Tierbeobachtungen. Ihre
Bungalow Unterkunft befindet sich im Park in Okaukuejo und / oder Halali. Beide haben in
der Nacht beleuchtete Wasserlöcher, an welche die Tiere regelmäßig zum trinken kommen.
Optionale Aktivitäten: Morgen oder Nacht Pirschfahrt mit einem fachkundigen Namibia Game
Ranger
Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Mittagessen, Abendessen
Tag 12 Windhoek
Auf dem Weg zu Namibias Hauptstadt Windhoek halten Sie an einem Handwerkermarkt, hier
können Sie authentische afrikanische Schnitzereien und Gemälde kaufen. Nach der Ankunft
in Windhoek nehmen Sie an einer kurzen Stadtrundfahrt teil, und Sie können die freie Zeit
zur Erkundung des Zentrums nutzen. Optionale Aktivitäten: Abendessen außer Haus.
Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Mittagessen
Tag 13 Botswana - Ghanzi
Sie nehmen Abschied von Namibia und überqueren die Grenze zu Botswana. Später
erreichen Sie Ihre Lodge in Ghanzi wo Sie heute Abend einige der traditionellen
Stammestänze aus der lokalen San Gemeinschaft erleben. Optionale Aktivitäten: Pirschfahrt
und Bushman Spaziergang.
Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Mittagessen, Abendessen
Tag 14/15/16 Maun - Okavango Delta
Maun ist bekannt als das Tor zum Okavango Delta, dem größten Binnendelta der Welt. Sie
verbringen eine Nacht in Maun und treffen Vorbereitungen für Ihren Ausflug. Kleine
Flugzeuge transportieren Sie über diese wunderbare Gegend zu Ihrem Zeltlager; Moremi
Crossing. Einige der im Delta lebenden Tiere werden oft von der Lodge aus gesichtet. Sie
unternehmen auch einen Spaziergang mit einem lokalen Experten und am Nachmittag gibt
es eine geführte Bootstour. Wenn der Wasserstand es erlaubt unternehmen Sie auch eine
traditionelle Mokoro (Einbaum) Fahrt.
Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Mittagessen, Abendessen
Tag 17 Gweta
Ein zweiter landschaftlich eindrucksvoller Flug bringt Sie zurück nach Maun zum Truck.
Heute Nachmittag fahren Sie zu Planet Baobab, wo Ihre Unterkunft für den heutigen Abend
inmitten der majestätischen Baobab Bäumen liegt. Für diejenigen, die mehr erfahren wollen,
gibt es einen optionalen Baobab Bush Walk. Optionale Aktivität: Baobab Bush Walk
Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Mittagessen, Abendessen
Tag 18 Chobe National Park
Sie fahren weiter Richtung Norden nach Kasane. Hier genießen Sie eine SonnenuntergangBootsfahrt auf dem Chobe River (im Nationalpark), wo Tiere wie Nilpferde, Büffel und
Elefanten zu sehen sind. Optionale Aktivitäten: Chobe Pirschfahrt (am nächsten Morgen)
Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Mittagessen, Abendessen
Tag 19 Simbabwe - Victoria Fälle
Nach einer morgendlichen Pirschfahrt (optional) überqueren Sie die Grenze nach Zimbabwe,
wo Sie eine kurze Einweisung zu allen Aktivitäten erhalten, bitte beachten Sie, dass in
Simbabwe keine Debit- und Kreditkarten genutzt werden können, USD in bar sind
empfohlen. Dann betreten Sie den mit Spannung erwarteten Victoria Falls Nationalpark, wo
Sie die Macht des großen Zambezi Flusses erleben können. Offiziell endet Ihre Tour am
nächsten Tag nach dem Frühstück, aber die meisten Leute bleiben noch einen weiteren Tag
für z. B. White Water Rafting.
Mahlzeiten: Frühstück, Mittagessen
Tag 20 Victoria Fälle
Die meisten Leute verbringen den Tag mit einer der vielen angebotenen Aktivitäten, wie ein
Spaziergang mit den Löwen oder einem Helikopterflug über die Victoria Fälle. Ihre Reise
endet offiziell nach dem Frühstück, aber es besteht die Möglichkeit zusätzliche
Übernachtungen zu buchen. Optionale Aktivitäten: White Water Rafting, Bungee Jump,
Elefanten Exkursion und vieles mehr.
Mahlzeiten: Frühstück
Accommodated
NACV – 20 DAY CAPE TOWN TO VICTORIA FALLS
Activity Package
This is an optional payment that covers what we consider to be
‘essential activities’ on our tours. Ideally we would include all
of these, but not everyone can afford this. This payment is
100% transparent and is listed below. The Activity Package can
be pre-purchased prior to your arrival or through your guide on
day 1 of your tour. This dossier has been written with the
inclusion of the Activity Package items.
Activity
Kwa Ttu San experience
Guided desert walk with local expert
Himba Tribe visit
Bushman dance plus supper Ghanzi
3 day Delta fly in
Chobe National Park boat cruise
Vic Falls National Park entry
Price
R260
R300
R300
R160
R5700
R410
R320
R7450
We also need to know about any food allergies or physical
disability that you may have.
Insurance
All clients require adequate Travel Insurance. Medical
Insurance is not sufficient. Activity providers can refuse
participation of activities, if the correct valid Travel
Insurance is not provided. Travel insurance can be
purchased via the Nomad website
http://www.nomadtours.co.za/travel_insurance.html
(Nomad World travel insurance is in no way affiliated with
Nomad Tours)
Visas
Please note that these are your responsibility. Some
nationalities require visas for Namibia and Botswana. Most
nationalities will require visas for Zimbabwe. See Pre
Departure Booklet for more information.
Countries Visited
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
Vehicle
Adventure Truck
Malaria
Malaria prophylactics are required. Very low risk of malaria
in northern Namibia, but the risk increases to high risk as we
travel north to Zimbabwe.
Climate
The African sun is very strong. Please use a factor 30
sunscreen and wear a hat. You should drink at least 3 litres
of water per day to avoid dehydration. It can also get very
cold during winter months on this route. Please see Pre
Departure Booklet for detailed information.
Currency and Banking
8.00 am, 1 Floor Leadership House, 40 Shortmarket Street,
Greenmarket Square, Cape Town, South Africa.
Tel: +27 (0) 825782199. www.nomadtours.co.za
South African Rand is the most widely used currency on this
route. In Botswana, the Pula is the local currency. You can
change your Rand or Dollars to Pula when you enter
Botswana. ATM’s do not always work in Botswana. Credit
Cards cannot always be processed – especially in remote
areas. Please see Pre Departure Booklet for detailed
information on each country.
End Point
Vaccinations
Elephant Hills Resort, Park Way Drive, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Tel: +263 13 44793. http://www.africansunhotels.com
No vaccinations are prescribed by law for the countries
being visited on this tour. Please see the Pre Departure
Information booklet for detailed information on
vaccinations in Africa.
Departure Point
st
What’s included
Meals as indicated on the itinerary (unless otherwise specified, all
meals are prepared and served at the Nomad truck),
accommodation, registered guides and transport. We also include
some of the highlights. These highlights are listed below in the dayby-day descriptions as “included highlights”.
Onward Travel
This tour can be linked with the Accommodated South
African Explorer, Classic Kruger Big 5, Mozambique
Explorer, the East African Adventure and the 2 day Journey
to Johannesburg transit.
What’s excluded
All items of a personal nature, alcohol, snacks, souvenirs, tips
and optional activities (see list for an indication of prices).
Health
Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes
or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
If you require accommodation before or after your tour
we can arrange this for you. We can also arrange airport
transfers – contact your travel agent or Nomad to make
these bookings.
1
Accommodated
Arrival
Departure
Please be sure to arrive 1 day before your tour is due to depart.
This will avoid any unforeseen problems.
Please book your flight to depart the day after the tour
officially ends. This is to account for any delays that we may
experience due to unpredictable road conditions.
Note: All information is subject to change without prior notice. Travel times and accommodation can
change depending on road or weather conditions, etc. These are used as a guideline only. On our longer
tours it is possible that your crew, truck and fellow travellers will change due to our unique tour linking
system. On this tour the maximum number of participants is 18.
Did you receive your Pre Departure Information Booklet?
If not please contact us at [email protected] and we will e-mail you the document; alternatively visit us at 1st Floor,
Leadership House, 40 Shortmarket St, Greenmarket Square, Cape Town to collect one. You can also download from our website at
www.nomadtours.co.za. After hours contact number: +27 (0) 82 578 2199.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Country
Area
Activity
Price Range
South Africa
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Botswana
Botswana
Botswana
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Gariep/Orange River
Kalahari
Namib-Naukluft NP
Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Swakopmund
Etosha
Etosha
Windhoek
Ghanzi
Okavango
Gweta
Kasane
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
Half Day Canoe Trip
!Xung Bushman Guided Walk
Wild Cat Walk
Dinner at local restaurant
Quadbiking (1 x Hour)
Sandboarding
Tandem Sky Diving
Night Drive in Etosha National Park with Park Rangers
Dawn Drive in Etosha National Park with Park Ranger
Dinner at local restaurant
Bushman Walk
Tips for Polers - Per Day Per Person
Baobab Nature Walk
Chobe Morning Game Drive
Bungee Jump
Full Day Low/High Water Riverboarding
Dinner at local restaurant
Elephant Encounter
Lion Encounter
White Water Rafting - Full Day
Zambezi Sunset Cruise
R275
R350
R80
R200
R330
R275
R2100
R550
R500
R200
$20
$10
BWP150
$47
$135
$165
$45
$135
$135
$135
$45
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
To
to
to
to
to
to
to
R495
R450
R100
R250
R380
R400
R2300
R650
R550
R275
$30
$15
BWP180
$60
$150
$200
$55
$150
$150
$165
$50
Note
There are more optional activities being created every day – we have listed only the most popular. If there is something specific you
would like to do then speak to your guide as they will be able to assist you.
Day 1 South Africa – Cederberg Mountain Region
Leaving Cape Town, there’s one last photo stop at Table View for a spectacular panorama of Table Mountain. On the way to the
Cederberg we visit!Kwa ttu where we enjoy a San guided tour and museum visit. After the tour lunch will be prepared and
afterwards we continue to Piketberg for wine tasting at a local wine farm. We arrive at our accommodation and your guides will give
you a full briefing on the tour.
Meals:
Accommodation:
Facilities:
Route:
Travel time:
Activity package:
Included Highlight:
Lunch, Dinner
Two per room: Blommenberg Guesthouse www.blommenberg.co.za
En-suites per room, hot showers, swimming pool.
Cape Town to Clanwilliam ±230 km
±5 hrs
Kwa Ttu San experience
Wine tasting – Piketberg local wine farm
2
Cederberg Mountains
The Cederberg mountains and nature reserve are located near Clanwilliam and named after the endangered Clanwilliam Cedars
(Widdringtonia cedarbergensis) which are endemic to the area, growing at an altitude of 1 000 m to 1 500 m. Some species are
believed to live up to 1000 years but human activity has led to the destruction of most of the original forests. The mountains extend
about 50 km north-south by 20 km east-west, the highest peak in the range is Sneeuberg (2 028 m). The area is defined by dramatic
sandstone rock formations, often reddish in colour. Cederberg Wilderness Area was recently proclaimed one of eight World
Heritage Sites within the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. The area is also known for the San rock art and the discovery of
important fossils, particularly in recent years. The fossils are of primitive fish and date back 450 million years to the Ordovician
Period.
Day 2 Namibia – Gariep (Orange) River
Today we travel through the Northern Cape and Namaqualand, stopping at the remote town of Springbok for any last requirements.
After crossing the Namibian border we check in to the lovely chalets overlooking the river that forms the border between South
Africa and Namibia.
Meals:
Accommodation:
Facilities:
Route:
Travel time:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Two per room: Felix Unite Cabanas - www.felixunite.com/accommodation/cabanas
En-suite per room, bar, internet café, swimming pool, water not drinkable
Clanwilliam to Orange River ±570 km
±8-9 hrs and a border crossing
Border posts:
South Africa: Vioolsdrift, Tel: +27 (27) 277 618 760, Open 24 hours.
Namibia: Noordoewer, Tel: +264 (0) 63 297 122, Open 24 hours.
The Gariep (Orange) River
The Orange River was originally called the Nu Gariep (“great river”) by the indigenous Nama people. It was named the Orange River
by Colonel Robert Gordon, commander of the Dutch East India Company garrison at Cape Town, on a trip to the interior. Gordon
named the river in honour of William of Orange, although a popular belief is that it was named for its colour. Nowadays known by
its original name Gariep River, it is the longest river in South Africa, covering 1 800 km. It rises in the Drakensberg mountains in
Lesotho, where it is known as Senqu, flowing westwards through South Africa to the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay. On its long
journey, the Orange offers a variety of vistas: in places it is seamed by rugged mountain chains and in other parts, by endless dune
fields. The river forms part of the international border between South Africa and Namibia and between South Africa and Lesotho as
well as several provincial borders within South Africa. Although the river does not pass through any major cities, it plays an
important role in the South African economy by providing water for irrigation and hydroelectric power. The Orange River is also
responsible for the diamond deposits along the Namibian coast. Over millions of years it transported diamonds from the volcanic
pipes in Kimberley in South Africa to the sea. From there, the currents took them northward and the surf deposited them into the
dune fields of the Namib.
Day 3 Gariep (Orange) River – Fish River Canyon/Ai-Ais
This morning there’s the optional chance to canoe down the Gariep River (in the summer) or to spend some time relaxing in the
camp along the river. After lunch we travel north to the Fish River Canyon and take a scenic hike along the rim in order to gain some
perspective as to just how large this natural phenomenon is, later we return to Ai-Ais to check in to our accommodation and enjoy
the hot springs. Optional Activities: Half-Day Canoe Adventure.
Meals:
Overnight:
Facilities:
Route:
Travel time:
Included Highlight:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Two per room: Ai Ais Resort - www.nwr.com.na/ai_ais_hotsprings_spa.html
En-suite per room, hot springs, bar
Orange/Gariep River to Fish River Canyon ±210 km
±4-5 hrs
Scenic walk along the rim of Fish River Canyon
Ai-Ais
Ai-Ais meaning 'burning water’ in the local Nama language, refers to the sulphurous thermal hot water springs found at the base of
the mountains at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon. The Ai-Ais (pronounced “eye-ice”) springs originate deep under the
riverbed and form an oasis in the extremely arid area. During the Nama uprising of 1903–07, when the local Herero and Nama
people rebelled against German colonial rule, the hot springs were used by German military forces as a base camp. In 1915, the area
was again used as a base by South African troops who were recovering from wounds during the South-West Africa Campaign. In the
1960s the spring was proclaimed a national monument and became a conservation area and on 16 March 1971, the camp was
3
officially opened. The thermal water, rich in sulphur, chloride and fluoride, has an average temperature of about 60 degrees C and is
said to be therapeutic.
Day 4 Ai-Ais - Kokerboom Forest
This morning we travel into the Kalahari area of Namibia in order to visit the Kokerboom Forest. The Kokerboom is sometimes
known as the Quiver Tree as it was often used by the indigenous Khoisan people for making quivers for their arrows.
Meals:
Accommodation:
Facilities:
Route:
Travel time:
Included Highlight:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Two per room: Auob Lodge - http://www.namibialodges.com/auob.html
En-suite per room, hot showers, bar
Ais Ais to Kalahari ±470 km
±7-8 hrs
Visit the Kokerboom (Quiver tree) forest
Kokerboom Forest
The Kokerboom or Quiver tree is a type of tree aloe, a succulent plant that can store water in its stems and leaves. It is one of the
most characteristic plants of the Namib, and is known as 'garas' by the Namas (from the word meaning "to scratch lines") and
'choje' by the Bushmen. The name Kokerboom or Quiver tree comes from a tradition of the Bushmen (San) of Namaqualand who,
needing quivers for their poisoned arrows, cut branches from the tree, hollowed out the fibrous interior, and attached a carrying
strap. Confined to the Northern Cape and Namibia, this tree aloe is found growing mainly on the rocky habitat of the hills along the
Orange River. Due to the harsh climate in these areas, the tree has a remarkable ability to absorb water through a superficial root
system, and store it in its leaves and corky tissue. Quiver trees are usually solitary but in places they occur in dense "forests",
creating an uncommonly beautiful landscape. A good example of this is near Keetmanshoop, where some 250 of these unusual
trees have grown closely together. Small animals make their homes between the leaves and in the corky trunk. Sociable Weavers
can build huge communal nests shared by as many as 400 birds, and sometimes covering the whole tree.
Day 5 Bushman Community – Namib-Naukluft Park
The Namib-Naukluft NP is one of Namibia’s geographic gems. There are massive sand dunes in the Sossusvlei desert area as well as
the remarkable landscape. After an optional morning’s tribal interaction with the !Xung (San) people we travel to the Namib and
stay the night outside the park. Optional Activities: African Tribal interaction.
Meals:
Accommodation:
Facilities:
Route:
Travel time:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Two per room: Hammerstein Lodge www.hammerstein.com.na
En-suite per room, hot showers, pool, bar.
Mariental to Hammerstein ±350 km
±5-6 hrs
The Namib Desert
The Namib Desert is one of the oldest and largest in the world, occupying an area of around 90 000 km², stretching 1 000 km along
the Atlantic Ocean coast of Namibia. Having endured arid or semi-arid conditions for at least 55 million years, it is considered to be
the second oldest desert in the world, after the Atacama Desert in Chile. It has less than 10 mm of rain annually and is almost
completely barren, charecterised by dramatic red dunes with sharp ridges, some of which tower 3 000 m in the air, the highest in
the world. A section of the central Namib Desert incorporates The Namib-Naukluft Park, one of the largest national parks in Africa as
well as the Naukluft Mountains. Despite the harsh conditions, a variety of plant and animal life can be found in the desert. There are
some unusual species of plants and animals that are found only in this desert.
Day 6 Namib-Naukluft National Park
We have a full day in the Namib-Naukluft National Park that starts by being transported into Sossusvlei. Later we travel to Dune 45
where you have the chance to hike up Dune 45 for an amazing view and photo opportunity. In the afternoon there is a short walk
into Sesriem Canyon. Optional Activities: Transfer to Deadvlei, Wild Cat Walk
Meals:
Accommodation:
Facilities:
Route:
Travel time:
Included Highlight:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Two per room: Hammerstein Lodge www.hammerstein.com.na
En-suite per room, hot showers, pool, bar
Hammerstein to Sossusvlei ±230 km
±3-4 hrs
Hike up Dune 45
4
Namib-Naukluft National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park is an ecological preserve in the Namib Desert. It is the largest game park in Africa, covering about 50
000 square km and a surprising collection of creatures survives in the hyper-arid region, including snakes, geckos, unusual insects,
hyenas, gemsbok and jackals. Most of the life here is sustained by sea mists from the Atlantic and sporadic rainfall. The winds that
bring in the fog are also responsible for creating the park’s towering sand dunes, whose burnt orange color is a sign of their age. The
color develops over time as iron in the sand is oxidized, like rusty metal; the older the dune, the brighter the color. These dunes are
the tallest in the world; the most famous of which is Dune 45, which reaches more than 170 m. The dunes were numbered to make
the area easier to navigate and coincidentally Dune 45 is 45 km from Sesriem Canyon.
‘Namib’ means open space in the local Nama language and the Namib Desert gave its name to form Namibia – “land of open
spaces”. The park was established in 1907 by the German Colonial Administration. The park's present boundaries were established
in 1978 by the merging of the Namib Desert Park, the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park, parts of Diamond Area 1 and some other bits
of surrounding government land.
The Park includes Sossusvlei, a clay pan in the central Namib Desert, fed by the Tsauchab River and known for the high, red sand
dunes which surround it, forming a vast sand ocean.
The Sesriem Canyon, another of the highlights of the Namib desert and the entrance point to the western section of the Namib
Naukluft Park, was formed by the Tsauchab River, which carved the canyon out of sedimentary rock over the past two million years.
During the rare rainfalls in the Naukluft Mountains, the river becomes rapid-running and strong and has over the years created the
canyon, now 1 km long and up to 300 m wide. The water held in parts of the canyon provides water for a variety of wildlife that has
adapted to life in this arid landscape.
The name Sesriem is Afrikaans and means "six belts", since the early travellers and settlers had to attach six belts together in order
to reach buckets down into the canyon to scoop up water.
Day 7/8 Swakopmund
We are joined by an expert local guide for a nature walk. Exploring on foot, this local guide will share his detailed knowledge of the
ecosystem. Afterwards we cross the Tropic of Capricorn on our way from the Atlantic Coast. Our first stop is Walvis Bay where we
may see some flamingos. Then it’s on to Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia, where you will be briefed on the many
optional activities available. Optional Activities: Dinner Out, Quad biking, Sand boarding, Sky Diving, Scenic Flights etc.
Meals:
Accommodation:
Facilities:
Route:
Travel time:
Activity package:
Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1
Two per room: Hotel A La Mer: www.pension-a-la-mer.com
En-suite, hot showers, bar
Hammerstein to Swakopmund ±360 km
±5-6 hours (including Walvis Bay)
Guided desert walk with local expert.
Swakopmund
Founded in 1892 by Geman settlers, Swakopmund was intended to be the main harbour of German South-West Africa. Increased
traffic between Germany and its colony necessitated the establishment of a port of its own, as Walvis Bay, located 33 kilometers
south, was in British possession. The choice fell to a site north of the Swakop River where water was readily available. There is a
strong German architectural influence in the town, with its Bavarian-style buildings, including the Altes Gefängnis prison, designed
by Heinrich Bause in 1909 and the Wörmannhaus, built in 1906 with a prominent tower, now a public library.
The area now known as Swakopmund was orginally called “Tsoakhaub", a Nama word that can be translated as "excrement
opening", an offensive but accurate description of the waters of the Swakop River when it flooded, carrying masses of mud, sand,
vegetation and animal corpses to the Atlantic Ocean. The name was changed to "Swachaub" by German settlers and with the
proclamation of Swakopmund as an independent district of German South-West Africa in 1896, the present way of writing
Swakopmund (meaning Estuary of the Swakop in German) came into use.
Surrounded by the Namib Desert on three sides and the cold Atlantic waters to the west, Swakopmund enjoys a temperate climate.
Rainfall is rare, but the cold Benguela current supplies moisture to the area in the form of fog that can reach as deep as 140 km
inland. The fauna and flora of the area has adapted to this phenomenon and now relies upon the fog as a source of water.
Swakopmund is well known for adventure sports including: skydiving, sandboarding and quadbiking. Your guides will be able to
assist you in deciding on a suitable activity, alternatively, spend the day exploring the town and enjoying the various coffee shops
and souvenir shops.
Day 9 Kamanjab - Himba Tribe
Today we head inland towards Kamanjab in the north-west of Namibia. The following morning we will spend time with some of the
semi-nomadic Himba people. The Himba are a pastoral people and are easily recognisable by their unique style of hair and dress.
Meals:
Accommodation:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Two per Room: Oase Guest House: www.namibweb.com/oasehouse.htm
5
Facilities:
Route:
Travel time:
Activity package:
En-suites, swimming pool, bar, internet connection
Swakopmund to Kamanjab ±420 km
±7-8 hrs (if rainy season, alternative route will be taken due to bad road conditions)
Guided visit to the Himba tribe
The Himba People
The Himba are descendents of the Herero people and still speak a dialect of the old Herero language. There are about
20 000 – 50 000 Himba people living in the Kunene region, where they have recently built two villages at Kamanjab. The Himba are
semi-nomadic pastoralists who breed cattle and goats in this dry, rugged, and mountainous area. They are some of the most
photographed people in the world, due to their striking style of dress and their traditional lifestyle. Their appearance is
characterised by scanty goat-skin clothing, and they are heavily adorned with jewellery of shells, copper and iron, according to the
tribal hierarchy. The distinctive red colour of their skin and hair is a mixture of butter, ash and ochre (otjize) which protects them
from the harsh desert climate.
Typically the women take care of the children, do the milking and other work, whilst men take care of the political tasks. The villages
are made up of family homesteads – huts built around a central fire and livestock enclosure. Both the livestock and fire are pivotal
to the Himba belief in ancestor worship, the fire representing ancestral protection of the living community.
Situated about 20 km outside of town, a guided tour around the village will not only give you an in-depth insight into the life and
ways of the last traditional tribe in Namibia, the Ova-Himba, but an amazing photographic opportunity as well. You will find out
about the milking ceremony, the smoke bath, be informed on the beliefs around the holy fire, ancestors and herbal medicine. You
will also learn about the jewelry and hairstyles to imitate the status of each tribe member and their close relationship with nature,
their cattle and children. The income generated from these excursions, helps to sustain the tribe from day to day, buying food and
supplies, medicine (if necessary) and taking care of the children. Please take note that the village is not for show or a human zoo,
you will be allowed inside these amazing peoples’ home and have a cultural exchange. Please respect their lives and ways as they
would respect yours and in this way help preserve their culture and traditions.
Day 10/11 Etosha National Park
We travel south-east to Etosha NP. The open plains allow spectacular elevated game viewing from the truck whilst on game drives.
Our quality bungalow accommodation is inside the park at Okaukuejo and/or Halali which both boast floodlit night water holes
where the animals come regularly to drink. Optional Activities: Morning or Night Game Drive with expert Namibian Game Ranger
Day 10
Meals:
Accommodation:
Facilities:
Route:
Travel time:
Included Highlight:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Two per Room: Halali www.nwr.com.na/halali_camp.html
En-suites, bar, shop, swimming pool
Kamanjab to Etosha National Park ±290 km
±3-4 hrs
Afternoon game drive in Nomad truck
Day 11
Meals:
Accommodation:
Facilities:
Included Highlight:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Two per Room: Okaukuejo www.nwr.com.na/okaukuejo_camp.html
En-suite, bar, shop, swimming pool
Full day game drive in Nomad truck
Etosha National Park
Etosha, meaning “Great White Place”, is dominated by a massive mineral pan, part of the great Kalahari Basin. The Etosha pan,
originally a lake fed by the Kunene River, covers about 5 000 square km, a quarter of the Etosha National Park. The lake dried up
thousands of years ago and is now a dusty depression of salty clay which occasionally fills with the rare heavy rains. This temporary
water supply stimulates the growth of an algae which attracts wading birds and flamingos by their thousands. Large concentrations
of wildlife gather year-round at the perennial springs on the edges of the pan. This amazing abundance of wildlife makes Etosha one
of Southern Africa's finest and most important game reserves. Covering an area of 22 270 square km, it is home to 114 mammal
species, 340 bird species, 110 reptile species, 16 amphibian species and, surprisingly, one species of fish.
Day 12 Windhoek
En-route to Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, we stop at a craft market where you can buy authentic African carvings and paintings. On
arrival in Windhoek we take a short driving tour around the city in our truck. Optional Activities: Dinner out
Meals:
Accommodation:
Breakfast, Lunch
Two per Room: Hotel Safari www.safarihotelsnamibia.com/home.html
6
Facilities:
Route:
Travel time:
Included Highlight:
En-suite, restaurant, bar
Etosha National Park to Windhoek ±550 km
±7-9 hrs (Long Day)
Craft market en-route; short city tour in Nomad truck
Windhoek
The Nama people originally gave Windhoek the name Ai-Gams, meaning “hot water” due to the hot springs that were once part of
the town. The Herero people who lived there called it Otjomuise, “place of steam”. Theories vary on how Ai-Gams/Otjomuise got its
modern name of Windhoek, most believe the name Windhoek is derived from the Afrikaans word Wind-Hoek, meaning "corner of
wind". It is also thought that the Afrikaners named Windhoek after the Winterhoek Mountains, at Tulbagh in South Africa, where
the early Afrikaner settlers had lived. In those days Windhoek was the point of contact between the warring Namas, led by Jan
Jonker Afrikaner, and the Herero people.
Present-day Windhoek was founded on 18 October 1890, when German settler Von François fixed the foundation stone of the Alte
Feste fort. During the next fourteen years Windhoek developed slowly, with only the most essential government and private
buildings being erected. After 1907, the town grew quickly as people migrated from the countryside to the city and a large influx of
European settlers began arriving from Germany and South Africa. Many beautiful buldings and monuments were erected, including
Heinitzburg, one of three castles in Windhoek, the fairy-tale Christuskirche and The Rider statue.
Day 13 Botswana - Ghanzi
We say goodbye to Namibia and cross the Botswana border. Later we arrive at our lodge in Ghanzi and this evening we experience
some traditional tribal dancing from the local San community. Optional Activities: Game drive and bushman walk.
Meals:
Accommodation:
Facilities:
Route:
Travel time:
Activity package:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Two per Room: Tautona Lodge www.tautonalodge.com
En-suites, bar, swimming pool.
Windhoek to Ghanzi ±570 km
±8-9 hrs and a border crossing
Bushman dancing in evening
Border posts:
Namibia: Buitepos, Tel: +264 62 560401, Open: 07h00-24h00.
Botswana: Mamanu, Tel: +267 (0) 659 2013/2064, Open: 07h00-24h00
As we cross the border we’ll start to see villagers, cattle, donkeys and sheep along the side of the highway. Sometimes the donkeys
and cows sit in the middle of the road and any amount of horn blowing won't get them out of the road. Independent since 1966,
Botswana (formally a British protectorate) has three of the world’s richest diamond mines and this has made Botswana quite a
wealthy nation. Now 40 years old, it is known as the African success story. Politically stable and with the foresight to invest in
education, healthcare, high economic standards and without the racial issues that have plagued other countries, Botswana has the
best economy in sub-Saharan Africa. The government has employed a strategy of high income - low impact tourism. This is where
they reduce the number of tourists entering any area of the country by charging a lot more than neighbouring countries, thereby
making it more restrictive for the budget traveller.
Bushman (San) people
The San people, formally known as Bushmen, are indigenous to Southern Africa and have lived here for over 30 000 years. It is truly
an incredible experience to get an understanding of what Africa was like in the past and how these people survived in the desert
conditions, living in harmony with nature. It is said that the word ‘San’ meant ‘wild people who can’t farm’, however historically
they didn’t have a collective word for themselves. They now call themselves Ncoakhoe meaning ‘red people’ but the term ‘San’ is
still predominant. They were nomadic people – primarily hunter gatherers, moving to where the food and water could be found. It is
estimated that there are only 55 000 San people left, with 60% of them living in Botswana and the rest in Namibia and northern
South Africa. Many examples of their expressive and remarkable cave paintings can be found dotted around Southern Africa,
tracking their historical movements. Sadly nowadays their traditional lifestyle has been eroded by colonial influence and they can be
found in 'squalid alcohol plagued settlements' or on farms and cattle posts.
Day 14/15/16 Maun – Okavango Delta
Maun is well known as the gateway to the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta. We spend one night in Maun and
prepare for this excursion. Small planes transport us over this amazing area to our tented camp; Moremi Crossing. Once in the
Delta we take a nature walk with a local expert and a guided afternoon boat cruise. If the water level allows there will also be a
traditional mokoro (dug-out canoe) trip.
Day 14
7
Meals:
Accommodation:
Facilities:
Route:
Travel time:
Day 15
Meals:
Accommodation:
Facilities:
Activity package:
Luggage Restriction:
Day 16
Meals:
Accommodation:
Facilities:
Activity package:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Two per Room: Sitatunga http://www.deltarain.com
Hot showers, En-suites, bar, swimming pool
Ghanzi to Maun ±300 km
±4-5 hrs
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Two per Meru Tent: Moremi Crossing
www.gunns-camp.com/moremi_crossing.php
En-suite, bar, hot water, swimming pool
Flight from Maun to Moremi Crossings approx 30min, nature walk with local expert and
guided afternoon boat cruise along the Delta channels
10kg luggage per person, No bottled water allowed on flight, can be purchased at
Moremi Crossing
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Two per Meru Tent: Moremi Crossing
www.gunns-camp.com/moremi_crossing.php
En-suite, bar, hot water, swimming pool
Mokoro Ride and Nature Walk
Maun
Maun, the fifth largest town in Botswana, is known as the tourism capital and the gateway to the Okavango Delta. It is an eclectic
contrast of modern buildings and traditional huts. Now home to over 30 000people, the town was founded in 1915 as the tribal
capital of the Batawana people. It originally serviced the local cattle ranching and hunting operations of the area, and had a
reputation as a hard-living 'Wild West' town. With the growth of the tourism industry and the completion of the tar road from Nata
in the early 1990s, Maun developed swiftly, losing much of its old town character. However, it is still infamous for its infestation of
donkeys and to lesser extent, goats. These animals can be seen wandering around freely as the local farmers arrive in the
innumerable taxis to sell their wares on the kerbside.
With the influx of tourism dollars, the typical traditional rondavels (round huts) of the past have been replaced by square but
modestly sized cinderblock homes roofed with tin, or sometimes tiles. It is not unusual to see mud rondavels with satellite dishes,
attesting to the increasing affluence of Botswana, and the increasingly reliability of power and communications in the town. This
striking contrast of the traditional and the modern is also evident in the multi-level air-conditioned shopping centres incongruously
surrounded by potholes, dusty parking lots and lively market places.
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta, a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels covering 17 000 square km.
It originates in Angola - numerous tributaries join to form the Cubango River, which then flows through Namibia, becoming the
Kavango River and finally enter Botswana, where it is becomes the Okavango. Millions of years ago the Okavango River used to flow
into a large inland lake called Lake Makgadikgadi (now Makgadikgadi Pans). Tectonic activity and faulting interrupted the flow of the
river causing it to back up and form what is now the Okavango Delta. This has created a unique system of waterways that supports a
vast array of animal and plant life that would have otherwise been a dry Kalahari savannah.
There are an estimated 200 000 large mammals in and around the Okavango Delta. On the mainland and among the islands in the
delta, lions, elephants, hyenas, wild dog, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles congregate with a teeming variety of antelope and other
smaller animals - warthog, mongoose, spotted genets, monkeys, bush babies and tree squirrels. Notably the endangered African
Wild Dog is present within the Okavango Delta, exhibiting one of the richest pack densities in Africa. The delta also includes over
400 species of birds, including the African Fish Eagle.
Many of these animals live in the Delta but the majority pass through, migrating with the summer rains to find renewed fields for
grazing. With the onset of winter the countryside dries up and they make their way back to the floodplains. This leads to some of
the most incredible sightings as large numbers of prey and predators are pushed together. Certain areas of the Delta provide some
of the best predator action seen anywhere in the world.
Day 17 Gweta
A second scenic air-transfer will return us to Maun and the truck. This afternoon we drive to Planet Baobab where our evening
accommodation is set amongst the majestic Baobab trees. For those wishing to learn more an optional Baobab Bush Walk is
available. Optional Activity: Baobab Bush Walk – if the time allows it.
8
Meals:
Accommodation:
Facilities:
Route:
Travel time:
Activity package:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Two per Room: Planet Baobab www.unchartedafrica.com/page.php?p_id=59
En-suites, bar, swimming pool
Maun to Gweta ±200 km
±3-4 hrs
Scenic flight back to Maun
Planet Baobab
Planet Baobab provides an oasis in the middle of the endless lunar landscape of the Makgadikgadi salt pans. It’s reputably the
baobab capital of the world and home of the Kalahari Surf Club! Planet Baobab is perhaps the funkiest camp in the Kalahari, where
you can sleep in authentically styled, luxurious Bakalanga huts, or simply pitch a tent nearby.
The pans are the remnants of the once great Lake Makgadikgadi, which covered some 80 000 square km. Up to 30 metres deep,
thousands of years ago, this was the largest inland sea in Africa. The pans now support strange ‘upside down trees’ – the massive
Baobab – some of which are 2 400 years or older. Elephants are the other giants in the area, they splash about in a nearby watering
hole to cool off, seemingly unaware of the guests’ presence.
Day 18 Chobe National Park
After continuing north to Kasane, we enjoy the included sunset river cruise on the Chobe River (in the National Park) where animals
such as hippos, buffalo and elephants are plentiful. Optional Activities: Chobe Game Drive (next morning)
Meals:
Accommodation:
Facilities:
Route:
Travel time:
Activity package:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Two per Room: Thebe River Lodge www.theberiversafaris.com
Hot showers, En-suites, bar, swimming pool.
Gweta to Kasane ±400 km
±6-8 hrs
Sunset Boat Cruise in the Chobe NP
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park, the second largest park in Botswana, covers 10 566 square km of northern Botswana. The Park forms part of
the mosaic of lakes, islands and floodplains formed from the Kwando, Linyanti and Chobe River systems. The area is renowned for
its vast herds of elephant and buffalo. The elephant population is currently about 120 000. The Chobe elephants are migratory,
moving up to 200 km from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers, where they concentrate in the dry season, to the pans in the southeast of
the park in the rainy season. They are Kalahari elephants, characterized by rather brittle ivory and short tusks, perhaps because of
calcium deficiency in the soil. Due to their high concentration, there is a lot of damage to the vegetation in some areas. Culls have
been considered but are too controversial and have thus far been rejected.
The original inhabitants of the area were the San people, otherwise known in Botswana as the Basarwa. They were hunter-gatherers
who lived by moving from one area to another in search of water, wild fruits and hunting grounds. The San were pushed out by
groups of the Basubiya people and, around 1911, a group of Batawana moved to the area. In 1931 it was decided that a national
park would protect the wildlife from extinction, and attract tourists. In 1932, an area of some 24 000 square km in the Chobe district
was declared a non-hunting area. Over the years the park’s boundaries have been altered and the people settled in the area have
been relocated graduallly and Chobe National Park was finally empty of human occupation in 1975. In 1980 and again in 1987, the
boundaries were altered, increasing the park to its present size.
Day 19 Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
After an early morning optional game drive we cross into Zimbabwe where we have a short briefing on all the activities available
here. Choose carefully as almost all of them are really worth doing. Your guides can advise you on the best way to spend your time
here. Please be aware that you cannot use credit/debit cards in Zimbabwe, so cash (USD) is best. The prices of the activities are
listed at the beginning of this dossier so you can make sure to bring what you need. Then we enter the much-anticipated Victoria
Falls NP where we will experience the might of the great Zambezi River. Officially your tour finishes the next day after breakfast but
most people will spend the day White Water Rafting, so we recommend an additional night be spent here.
Meals:
Accommodation:
Facilities:
Route:
Travel time:
Activity package:
Breakfast, Lunch
Two per Room: Elephant Hills Resort www.africansunhotels.com
En-suite, bar, swimming pool
Kasane to Vic Falls ±100 km
±2 hrs and a border crossing
Vic Falls National Park Entrance
Border posts:
Botswana: Kazangula Road, Tel: +267 62 50320, Open: 06h00-20h0
9
Zimbabwe: Kazangula Road, Open: 06h00-18h00
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, 1 700 m wide and 108 m high – is said to be the largest falls in the world. David Livingstone, the Scottish explorer, is
believed to have been the first European to view the Victoria Falls and wrote: "It has never been seen before by European eyes, but
scenes so wonderful must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight". The older, indigenous name of Mosi-oa-Tunya (‘the
Smoke that Thunders’) is the name in official use in Zambia. Due to its immense power and size, the waterfall is surrounded by a rich
mythology. The local Tonga people of the Zambezi believe that a river god, Nyaminyami, resides in the water in the form of an
immense snake. When the Kariba Dam was built in the 1950s, the Zambezi River flooded three times, causing many deaths and
much destruction. The local people believe Nyaminyami caused the terrible floods in his anger at the construction.
The unusual form of Victoria Falls enables virtually the whole width of the falls to be viewed face-on, at the same level as the top,
from as close as 60 metres, because the whole Zambezi River drops into a deep, narrow slot like chasm, connected to a long series
of gorges. Few other waterfalls allow such a close approach on foot.
The falls are formed as the full width of the river plummets in a single vertical drop into a chasm 60–120 m wide, carved by its
waters along a fracture zone in the basalt plateau. The depth of the chasm, called the First Gorge, varies from 80 m at its western
end to 108 m in the centre. The only outlet to the First Gorge is a 110 m-wide gap about two-thirds of the way across the width of
the falls from the western end, through which the whole volume of the river pours into the Victoria Falls gorges.
There are two islands on the crest of the falls that are large enough to divide the curtain of water even at full flood: Boaruka Island
(or Cataract Island) near the western bank and Livingstone Island near the middle. At less than full flood, additional islets divide the
curtain of water into separate parallel streams. The main streams are named, in order from Zimbabwe (west) to Zambia (east):
Leaping Water (called Devil's Cataract by some), Main Falls, Rainbow Falls (the highest) and the Eastern Cataract.
Day 20 Victoria Falls
Your tour officially finishes after breakfast, but there is the option to book extra nights. Optional Activities: White Water Rafting,
Bungee Jump, Elephant Excursion and many more.
Meals:
Accommodation:
Breakfast
Own Arrangements / Post Tour accommodation can be booked through Nomad
Tour Ends
The tour ends at the Elephant Hills Hotel www.africansunhotels.com. Should you wish to extend your tour for another night, kindly
pre book this accommodation through your travel agent or Nomad.
TIPPING ON TOUR
Southern Africa: In general tipping in restaurants is generally expected and is around 10% for good service, more if you have
received exceptional service, and, feel free not to tip at all if you received poor service. Tipping taxi drivers etc is really at your own
discretion and not always expected. If in doubt please ask your guides.
Our guides do work hard but they are also paid at (and often above) industry levels for this work. Our crew can be tipped if you feel
that they have done a good job and/or gone above and beyond the call of duty.
The best way to arrange tips is to elect one person in the group to collect the money. We recommend USD1 (or about R5) per day
per person, per guide as a fair tip. So if you have 3-crew on a tour, we would recommend that 3 envelopes are used and each crew
member’s name written on one. Place what you feel is fair in to each envelope and the elected person can give these to the crew at
the end of the tour. If you do not feel that the crew deserve a tip, please, do not tip them. You must remember that tipping is only
for exceptional service and is not at all compulsory or expected.
THE NOMAD AFRICAN TRUST
www.nomadafricantrust.co.za
At Nomad we are passionate about the people, places and wildlife of Africa that make our tours so
special. In order to give back we have set up the Nomad African Trust.
By the end of your tour you may have left-over local currency that you will not be able to change
outside of its country of origin. Any assistance you could provide to the trust by donating this left over
currency will be appreciated. Thank you for your help and please join our newsletter at the website
above to receive regular updates on what we are doing to support our beneficiaries.
10
GREEN SEATS - TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY IN AFRICA
Nomad gives you the opportunity to offset your carbon foot print by purchasing a “Green Seat”. If
you would like to help Nomad making Africa Greener, simply choose the tick box on your booking
form and we will take care of the rest. The Nomad African Trust will plant trees that are ecologically
viable and that have very high carbon absorption.
Green Seats can be purchased at departure or on tour with your guide. For more information on
our “Green Seats”, please visit www.nomadtours.co.za/nomad_greenseats.html
THANK YOU FOR TRAVELLING WITH NOMAD
At the end of your tour you will be provided with feedback forms. These forms are confidential and should be given to your crew in
a sealed envelope. If you are not sure of the confidentiality of the feedback form please feel free to email us as well on
[email protected]. Please make sure to also complete the feedback form as we use the answers on these forms to improve
and maintain our service levels.
Accommodation providers are subject to change without notice, the accommodation listed in this dossier is our preferred supplier,
but sometimes due to availability, we are unable to make use of the property listed in this dossier. If we cannot use the
accommodation provider as listed we will substitute another property of similar standards, however, en-suite facilities are not
always guaranteed.
11
Nomad Adventure Tours – Pre Departure Information Document
Thank you for choosing Nomad
We’re confident that you’ve chosen the best adventure company in Africa and we will go out of our way to prove it. Nomad Adventure
Tours have been enjoyed by thousands of people from all over the world. A great attitude, an open mind and being well-prepared makes
an adventure holiday in to the trip of a lifetime.
This document will provide you with much of the general information about our tours. For specific route information you should refer to your
tour dossier. If you have not received this document you can download it from our website, or contact reservations at
[email protected] and we will email one to you.
Remember you are in Africa. Standards and ser vice should not be compared with first world countries. You came here to get away from all
that – to experience Africa as it really is. The unexpected is included in your tour -free of charge! - Hakuna Matata !
We make every effort to ensure that this document is up to date, but it should be noted that sudden changes in the operational conditions
might result in changes to this information.
CONTENTS
1
USEFUL DETAILS
2 WHAT ARE ADVENTURE TOURS?
Who Is Suited To Undertake An Adventure Tour?
3 CAMPING OR ACCOMODATED?
What Is The Difference?
4. BEFORE YOU GO –ESSENTIAL PREPARATIONS
What We Need To Know
Departure Tax
Flexible Itineraries
Your Passport
Visas
What To Bring
5 LIFE ON TOUR – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (YOUR EXPECTATIONS)
The Guides
Tipping
The Group - What To Expect
Each Day - What To Expect
Transportation – On The Road With Nomad
The Trucks – Nomad Vehicles
Distances And Road Conditions
Participation And Interaction – What’s Expected Of You?
Communications
Climate And Weather Conditions
Facilities On Tour - What’s Available
What’s Included And What’s Not - Optional Activities – Its Your Choice
Currency, Money And Banking - The Facts
Health And Welfare
6 BACKGROUND INFORMAT ION
Books, Maps, Videos & Game Record
1 USEFUL DETAILS
NOMAD RESERVATIONS DEPARTMENT
1st Floor, Leadership House
40 Shortmarket Street, Greenmarket Square
Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Telephone: +27 21 426 5445
Facsimile: +27 21 426 4338
After Hours Number: +27 82 578 2199
Website: www.nomadafrica.co.za
E-mail: [email protected]
Last Updated: 19 November 2010
NOMAD OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
P O Box 2600
Somerset West, 1730
South Africa
Telephone: +27 21 845 7400
Facsimile: +27 21 845 7401
Website: www.nomadafrica.co.za
E-Mail: [email protected]
1
2 WHAT ARE ADVENTURE TOURS?
An adventure tour is a journey along a suggested route, which is aimed at the more adventurous and budget- conscious traveller. It is off
the beaten track, and many of the areas visited do not have the infrastructure that the package tourist may require. The route taken may
also change from time to time due to unforeseen circumstances.
An adventure tour is different from a package holiday (on a bus for instance). Instead of limiting the experience by providing transport and
accommodation an adventure tour aims to provide a more inclusive experience. We include cultural interaction, game viewing, social
interaction and the opportunity to book more adrenaline based experiences such as white water rafting, skydiving, walking with lions and
even swimming with dolphins.
Our belief is that it’s not so much just the arrival at a destination, but the total experience of the adventure tour that is important. We travel
together, eat together, learn from each other’s cultures and form a strong, supportive team. Although our guides are professionals, they are
not “heroes” and won’t pamper you. Our guides are passionate about Africa, enthusiastic and will always get you through any challenges
with a smile.
For a successful expedition, all we need is space under the stars and your willingness to join in! A typical day with us starts when the sun
comes up - we live by nature’s timetable and use as many daylight hours as possible. If you are camping, tents are set up by nightfall,
kettles are boiled, the smell of cooking is in the air and we sit around the camp, enjoying one another’s company and chatting about
Africa.
For those on the accommodated tours, the only difference is that you sleep in a bed. Evenings are for writing diaries, playing cards or board
games, or just listening to the African night. Every single trip is different - we like it that way!
One of the few things we can guarantee about Africa is that not everything is going to run perfectly. Along the way there are sure to be a
few unexpected surprises! These include road closures due to weather conditions, mechanical failure (it happens, but not often) or having
wild animals in the campsite! Anything can happen, the main thing to remember is that whatever happens, we are experienced enough to
handle the situation and make sure that you still have a fantastic holiday with Nomad!
WHO IS SUITED TO TAKE AN ADVENTURE TOUR?
Almost anyone can go on an adventure tour these days. In the old days of Overlanding the groups tended to be very young as the
majority of travellers to Africa were backpackers. As Africa has become a progressively more mainstream destination (i.e. Africa today is
far more accessible than 10 years ago) our groups have also changed. 10 years ago the average age of our travellers was around 23-27
years old. This has changed over the last 10 years and the age of our passengers has also changed.
On the camping tours the average age is about 30. On our accommodated tours the average age is more variable, but the average is
over 40 as we do get many older travellers on these tours. However, these indications are very general as each and every tour is different.
When the University semesters end we do get younger passengers making up the majority of certain tours. Outside of traditional holiday
periods the age groups can be very diverse. Part of the tour is about meeting new people, what we can confirm is that 99% of our travellers
find that they get along very well. This is because the people that book an adventure holiday in Africa have similar values and interests.
On a camping tour the maximum number of passengers is 24, although we average about 20 on most tours. On the accommodated tours
the maximum number of travellers is 18. We have a large range of nationalities on our tours but about 50% of our travellers come from
English speaking countries (USA, Canada, UK, Aus, NZ etc) and the other 50% come from Europe and Asia. Obviously because of history
there is a high percentage of Dutch and German travellers to Africa, but we also get people from the Nordic countries and Asia. Although
there are often couples and groups of friends who have booked together, many travellers are single and the male-female mix generally
works out about even.
The nature of an adventure tour tends to attract a certain age group, and experience has shown us that our adventure tours are unsuitable
for the majority of travellers outside the 18 to 55-age bracket. We do however accept a limited number of people older than 55 years on
trips because we believe it’s about being willing and able to join in. Suitability for our trips is not just about fitness, it’s about being able to
take the rough with the smooth - whether you’re up to your elbows in mud rescuing your sinking truck, climbing the nearest tree in an
attempt to escape from charging buffaloes or searching for the only bush in the desert to squat behind – expect the unexpected!
KIDS ON TOUR
Families with younger children are welcome on all our tours. We do however also offer special family tours which are geared for all needs
and interests of families with children. The minimum age for children is 8 years, children younger than 8 years old must be requested
especially and it might not be possible to take younger children on this specific tour. The reason might be safety or many extremely driving
days. Please also note that children between 8 and mostly 12 years might not be able to participate in some activities on certain tours due
to safety reasons (e.g. Mokoro trips in the Delta, Game walks...).
If you are under the age of 18 and you are not travelling with a legal guardian we need to have a signed permission of from a parent or
legal guardian to be able to take you on our tours.
3 CAMPING OR ACCOMMODATED - WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Our accommodated tours are here to fill the gap between a camping experience and an expensive lodge-tour. The accommodation is
mostly in National Park style chalets and bungalows. All nights on accommodated tours are in twin rooms unless a single supplement is
booked (4 per tour). However, on our East African Tours we will sometimes make use of dorm room accommodation. Ablution facilities are
mostly communal and our crew will prepare all meals (unless otherwise stated). You are still required to pack as for the camping tour –
including your towel.
Please keep in mind that this is an adventure tour in an adventure vehicle and luggage should not include any Samsonite style suitcases.
On our accommodated tours most of our trucks have lockers for the luggage. Only a soft bag will fit in these lockers. A suitcase is far more
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difficult to store and make secure in our vehicle and this is part of the reason we ask for a backpack or tote bag to be used as your
luggage. The other reason is that you need to walk from the truck to the accommodation and often over sand or uneven terrain. If you
can’t carry your own bag, it is too heavy!
On the accommodated Cape to Vic and South African tours, there will be a third crew member to help with chores such as washing dishes,
cleaning of the truck etc.
On our camping tours you will have to bring your own sleeping bag as we do not rent out sleeping bags. So it is very important that you
don’t forget to pack or buy a sleeping bag before you leave on one of our camping tours.
Nomad does provide mattresses, which are 5 cm thick, so you have a comfortable sleep.
4 BEFORE YOU GO – ESSENTIAL PREPERATIONS
A successful adventure tour requires proper preparation. Travelling in Africa is challenging at the best of times and travelling by an
adventure vehicle is a constant adventure. Be prepared to expect the unexpected.
WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW
Please ensure to inform us of the following before you leave on tour:
• SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Please confirm to us in writing if you have any special dietary requirements, allergies or intolerances. We need to know a week or two
before departure to arrange any special requests. This does not include ‘I don’t like mushrooms’ – you can tell your guides about your likes
and dislikes – we need to know if ‘mushrooms’ (for example) will make you ill, or if you cannot eat them for religious reasons.
• INSURANCE DETAILS
Medical insurance is compulsory and you will be asked for your policy number before embarking on tour.
Please make sure that your travel and medical insurance covers cancellation as well as being airlifted in case of a serious illness/injury. Our
tours often travel a long way from good hospital facilities. Credit card insurance is often insufficient, so a separate policy is recommended.
• OUTSTANDING PAYMENTS
Please settle any outstanding payments at least 28 days before the tour. We reserve the right to cancel a booking if payment is not
received in full. You will not be allowed to depart on tour unless payment is fully received.
• ONWARD TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Please ensure that your onward travel arrangements are made BEFORE you depart on tour, as these cannot be made while on tour. We offer
a good value for money transit from Vic-Falls to Johannesburg, which you can add to your tour. Please ask our reservations department
about the options of onward travel with your tour and for names on low cost airlines if you want to fly to your next destination. Please do not
book your onward travel on the day the tour ends. If we arrive late you will have a problem – remember, expect the unexpected.
DEPARTURE TAX
Various countries may require that you pay an Airport Departure Tax when departing on an international flight. The following information is
given as a guideline only and may change at any time without notice. Please note that ALL departure taxes must be paid in hard currency
cash (US dollars are usually best).
CITY
AIRPORT
COUNTRY DEPARTURE TAX
Cape Town
Johannesburg
Windhoek
Victoria Falls
Livingstone
Dar es Salaam
Zanzibar
Arusha / Moshi
Nairobi
Kampala
Addis Ababa
Antananarivo
CPT – Cape Town Int.
JNB - Oliver R Tambo Int.
WDH – Hosea Kutako Int.
VFA – Victoria Falls Int.
LVI – Livingstone Int.
DAR – Dar es Salaam Int.
ZNZ - Zanzibar Kisauni Int.
JRO – Kilimanjaro Int.
NBO – Nairobi Wilson Int.
EBB – Entebbe Int
ADD – Addis Ababa Int.
TNR – Antananarivo Int.
South Africa
South Africa
Namibia
Zimbabwe
Zambia
Tanzania
Tanzania
Tanzania
Kenya
Uganda
Ethiopia
Madagascar
Included in airline ticket
Included in airline ticket
Included in airline ticket
USD 30
USD 25
USD 20-30
USD 20-30
USD 20-30
USD 20
USD 20-40
USD 20
USD 15
FLEXIBLE ITINERARIES
Although we intend to stick to the published itineraries it is critical to understand that the routing can change. Africa is unpredictable and
many variables may require changes to the itinerary. This cannot be stressed enough. If we are forced to make a change to a tour we will
make sure that we still provide what we specified in our brochure. If we can no longer provide what is published in the brochure we will
provide a comparable experience of the same value. We will of course inform you as soon as we can about any changes.
YOUR PASSPORT
Your passport must have enough pages for any visas. Your passport should have 2 pages free for every country to be visited. Please ensure
that you take your own passport out from your hotel / backpackers safe the night before departure. It is absolutely necessary that you
make a copy of your passport and give it to your guides; we strongly recommend that you also leave a copy at home or with some friends.
Please note that South Africa insists on people having 2-free pages available when you enter. Keep this in mind if you are going to fly
home from South Africa after completing a tour to multiple African countries.
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Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your date of departure from Africa.
You (the passenger) are personally responsible for ensuring that passports, visas, vaccination certificates and other travel documents are in
order and for all costs relating thereto.
Please note that it is not advisable to use more than one passport (to avoid visa payments) when travelling. When entering (for example)
Namibia, the immigration official needs to see the exit stamp for South Africa and it must be in the same passport in order to allow entry.
VISAS - Very important!
As visa requirements vary considerably, please contact the various embassies or a visa service agent to re-check visa requirements at
least 4 weeks prior to departing. Please note that visas are the responsibility of the traveller and that Nomad Adventure Tours will not be
held responsible for clients being denied entry should they not be in the possession of the relevant visas.
All travellers must be in possession of a valid onward/return air ticket or proof of other means of transport enabling the traveller to leave the
country in which your adventure tour terminates. Alternatively you must have proof of sufficient funds (e.g. credit card) enabling you to
purchase an air ticket to leave the country. Should the adventure tour you are joining be re-entering a country, be sure to have a multiple
entry visa that enables you to re-enter the country.
IN DOUBT OR REQUIRE A VISA?
Contact the embassy in your home country or contact:
VISA SOLUTIONS (R.S.A)
Corner of Riebeeck and Long Streets
Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Telephone +27 21 425 5896
E-mail: [email protected]
NAME
ADDRESS
TEL
FAX
Botswana - Consulate
8 Riebeeck Street
Southern Life Centre, 5Th Floor
Cape Town
021 421 1045
021 421 1046
302 Brookside
Menlo Park
Pretoria
012 362 2249
012 362 2252
822 George Ave. Arcadia
Pretoria
012 342 4393
012 430 4383
391 Anderson St
Menlo Park
Pretoria
012 460 7648
012 460 7649
770 Government Avenue
Arcadia
Pretoria
012 342 0146
012 342 0147
45 Castle Street
7th floor
Cape Town
021 426 2944
021 426 2946
197 Blackwood Street
Arcadia
Pretoria
012 481 9100
012 343 7294
23 Jorrison Street, Braamfontein Centre
Braamfontein
Johannesburg
011 403 2050
011 403 7473
882 Church Street
Arcadia, 0083
Pretoria
012 342 6031
012 348 3123
570 Ziervoel Street (off Hamilton Street)
Pretoria
012 326 1854/9
012 326 2140
798 Merton Street
Zimbabwe House
Pretoria
012 342 5125
012 342 5126
Kenya – High Commission
Tanzania – High Commission
Lesotho - High Commission
Malawi - High Commission
Mozambique – Consulate
Namibian Tourism
Swaziland – Consulate
Uganda – Consulate
Zambia - High Commission
Zimbabwe – Consulate
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4
Ethiopian Embassy
Madagascar Consulate
47 Charles Street Baileys,
Muckleneuk Brooklyn
Pretoria
012 346 3542
012 346 3867
90B Tait Street
Colbyn
Pretoria
012 342 0983/4/5
012 342 0995
Herewith is a guideline as to which nationalities require visas, and which do not. This guideline is only an indication and visa regulations
can change daily, so please do check with your nearest embassy for changes. Please also note that when a visa is required costs might
come with this – also when you can obtain your visa at the border. Therefore please also check with your embassy what the costs are.
NB: As visa requirements sometimes change whilst you are on safari we recommend that you allow a little extra USD cash.
NATIONALITY
American
Argentinean
NAM
No
Yes
BOTS
No
No
ZIM
Yes
Yes
ZAM
Yes
Yes
MAL
No
Yes
TANZ
Yes
Yes
KEN
Yes
Yes
UGA
Yes
Yes
LES
No
Yes
MOZ
Yes
Yes
SWAZ ETH
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
MAD
Yes
Yes
Australian
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Austrian
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Brazilian
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Canadian
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Chinese
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Russian
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Czech Republic
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Danish
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
UK
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Dutch
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Finnish
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
French
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
German
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Greece
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No q
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Israeli
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Italian
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Japanese
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
India
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Korean
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Mexican
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Ireland
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
New Zealand
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Norwegian
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Polish
Yes
Yes
Border Border Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Portuguese
No
No
Border Border No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Spanish
No
No
Border Border No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
South African
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Swedish
No
No
Border No
No
Y
Border Border No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Swiss
No
No
Border Border Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
*No: no visa required
*Yes: visa required, but in many cases the visa can be obtained on arrival at the port of entry (most EU countries, US, Canada, Australia, UK,
South Africa)
- Please contact your embassy to double check. Clients are completely responsible for their visa.
WHAT TO BRING?
Your luggage is limited to ONE backpack and ONE daypack weighing no more than 20kg. As a general rule, if you cannot lift your own
luggage - you’ve got too much stuff! Most people make the mistake of bringing too many clothes.
Suitcases are not suitable on tour – especially huge Samsonite-style cases! Bags with wheels are of no use when you are moving you bag
from the truck to your tent/chalet through sand.
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YOU SHOULD PACK THE FOLLOWING:
Kit for all weather conditions including:
• 2/3 shorts/skirts
• 1 jacket/anorak
• Tracksuit/pullover
• 2 pairs of long pants/jeans
• 2 pairs of walking shoes/boots/trainers
• 1 pair of sandals
• 3 or 4 T-shirts/short sleeve shirts or sundresses
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2/3 Long Sleeve Shirts
Smart casual change of clothes
Swimwear
Underwear & socks
Sun Hat – preferably that covers the back of your neck.
Raincoat
Kikoi/sarong
Your clothing should be easy to wash and dry and should preferably not need ironing. Avoid synthetics, which can be very uncomfortable
in hot weather. Many people underestimate how cold Africa can be – remember that jersey/jacket! There are also nights that are warm but
you must still wear clothes that cover arms and legs from mosquitoes. Take a set of casual but smart clothes for the occasional evening out
in a restaurant or club. If you wear glasses (or contacts) it is also advisable to bring a spare pair.
Additional Items:
• Towel & facecloth
• Baby wipes/ Wet Wipes
• Personal toiletries
• Sleeping bag.
• Torch & enough spare batteries
• Camera & spare batteries and film
• Water bottle. (A 2-litre Coke bottle works well...)
• Penknife
• Insect and Mosquito repellent
• Suntan lotion, sun block & after sun lotion
• Sunglasses
• Watch
• Biodegradable laundry detergent
• Small basic First Aid kit (painkillers, band aids, after-sun lotion,
eye drops, anti-diarrhoea tablets etc.)
• Passport (plus a copy of your passport & visas)
• Extra passport photos
• Vaccination certificate
• Money and traveller’s cheques (traveller’s cheques cannot
be used on tours in East Africa and Botswana)
• Small sewing kit
• Plastic bags
• Clothes line and pegs
• Small scrubbing brush
• a small padlock for your luggage locker in the truck
(Locker sizes: 37,5 cm high, 32 cm wide, 80 cm deep)
FOR OUR CAMPING TOURS
You do need to bring a sleeping bag on all our camping tours. It is not possible to rent sleeping bags from Nomad, so please make sure
that you bring your own sleeping bag from home or that you buy on arrival before the tour starts.
Pillows are also NOT provided, so if you would like to use one, please bring it yourself.
DAY PACKS
Please check the itinerary for your specific tour if you will need a little daypack. For example on our Cape Town to Vic Falls tour you will
need a smaller bag, big enough to bring basic equipment (toiletries and clothes) for 2 nights. The daypack is for your Okavango Delta
Excursion, where you cannot bring your entire luggage.
5 LIFE ON TOUR – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (YOUR EXPECTATIONS)
It is very important to separate issues that you control from issues that Nomad controls. It is unreasonable to hold Nomad responsible for
things out of our control. Understanding this will help you get some perspective and to have realistic expectations.
THE GUIDES
Both crew members are trained and qualified guides, but only 1 may be tour leader. Although our guides are qualified for the work they do,
please remember they are human too. Adventure tours place enormous demands on our guides due to their nature and duration. Working
18 hours a day, week after week would place a strain on anyone. They do it because they love their job and like people so please treat
them with respect and decency.
It should also be noted that clients often hold guides responsible for things out of their control. So please be fair to them, the guides are not
personal servants, butlers or maids.
Sometimes our tour leaders and drivers have to make a decision with regards to health, safety, security and circumstances beyond their
control. This may not always be a popular decision. As far as possible, your guide will take into account the wishes of the group as a whole,
but your understanding and patience at these times will be much appreciated. Sometimes both crew members will need to discuss the
matter together, this means that you’ll not always have someone in the back of the vehicle to answer questions and remark on certain
locations. For anything that you would like to know or have explained, please ask the guides so they may assist.
The Tour Leader has complete authority on tour and his/her decision is final.
TRANSLATORS
On some of our tour departures we have German or Spanish translators who are there to help clients who are not that confident in English.
Please keep in mind that these translators are not guides and only there to help along with the communication between the guides and
clients. They are not specialized in tour guiding or professional interpreters.
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TIPPING
In Africa tipping is not compulsory. Tipping in restaurants is usually 10% for good service and more if you feel you received exceptional
service. You do not normally tip Taxi’s. We provide specific information with regards to tipping certain groups such as the porters on
Kilimanjaro and the Polers in the Okavango Delta for instance. This information is in your tour dossier under “Optional Activities” or under
“Tipping on Tour”.
Our guides do work hard, but they are also paid at (and often above) industry levels for this work. Our Crew can be tipped if you feel that
they have done a good job and/or gone above and beyond the call of duty. The best way to arrange tips is to elect one person in the
group to collect the money. We recommend USD1 (or about R5) per day per person, per guide as a fair tip. So if you have 3 crewmembers
on a tour, we would recommend that 3 envelopes are used and each crewmembers name written on one. Place what you feel is fair in to
each envelope and the elected person can give these to the crew at the end of the tour. If you do not feel that the crew deserve a tip,
please, do not tip them. You must remember that tipping is only for exceptional service.
If you feel pressured by a crewmember to tip please do not hesitate to report this to us at [email protected] Please use this address for
any other feedback you have from your tour with us. At the end of the tour you will be provided with a confidential feedback form where
you are encouraged to rate the tour, service, and experience with Nomad. We use this feedback extensively in our efforts to improve our
tours and we really do appreciate receiving this information from you at the end of the tour.
THE GROUP – WHAT TO EXPECT?
Travelling in a group offers many advantages and allows you to share the experience with like-minded fun-seekers! It’s also a cheaper and
more secure way to explore an unfamiliar continent. Making friends with your fellow travellers will certainly help you make the most of your
tour. An open mind may sometimes be necessary as we have a range of cultures and nationalities on our trucks.
The guides are there to ensure that the tour runs smoothly and this includes the group dynamic. If you feel that someone is behaving in an
unsociable way the mature thing to do would be to mention this in a non-confrontational way to the individual. If you do not feel
comfortable with this please speak to our crew.
You are travelling in a truck together and the best way to avoid petty conflict is to follow the Guide’s schedule with regards to keeping the
truck and environment clean and tidy at all times. The fastest way to lose friends on tour is to leave you smelly hiking boots all over the
place.
In all honesty, it is very rare that we have passenger conflict on tour. We feel very lucky that the Nomad passengers have always been
like-minded and considerate people and we hear far more stories about people making friends for life (as well as meeting future husbands
and wives) than we do about the very rare unsociable passenger problem.
EACH DAY – WHAT TO EXPECT?
The days usually start early and end late. Although a lot of time is spent travelling, we do cram a lot into every day. Expect some
frustrations, you are in Africa and things don’t work that well sometimes. Coming with an open mind, flexible attitude and realistic
expectations will ensure you have a great time.
An average day on tour begins around 6am and departure is after breakfast at around 7am. There are some mornings that need a very
early start to reach our next destination, or to photograph a spectacular African sunrise. It’s all part of the adventure. Prepare yourself for
the worst, especially in winter when days are shorter.
We usually take a lunch-break en-route and, depending on the distance to be covered, afternoons are often spent relaxing or exploring
the lay of the land. Usually we spend every few days a couple of nights at one venue to break the travel.
Most evenings are spent around the camp-fire talking about Africa. Your tour dossier will have details of where you will be each night and
the prices of meals if we are spending an evening at leisure in a city or town.
TRANSPORTATION – ON THE ROAD WITH NOMAD
The transportation on tour is a major component of all adventure tours. These tours are road trips. Long drives, bumpy roads and possible
mechanical problems are part of the deal. Digging the vehicle out of mud is sometimes a highlight. These setbacks are what you make of
them. Please be prepared.
Please note that we have TRUCKS and not Busses. You Crew will be very unhappy if you call them bus-drivers.
THE TRUCKS – NOMAD VEHICLES
Nomad vehicles are amongst some of the finest on the road. However, do not forget the nature of an adventure tour. This is not a bus trip.
Nor do we provide up-market tours. They are still budget tours aimed at the adventurous traveller. There are no onboard toilets or airconditioning.
No vehicle is designed to operate under the conditions in which our trucks run. We run a strict maintenance programme but unfortunately
break-downs are not uncommon. If a problem occurs, please be patient. It takes time to resolve mechanical problems in Africa. Make the
best of the situation.
DISTANCES AND ROAD CONDITIONS
All of our tours cover long distances on the roads of Africa. Our job is to show you the magnificent sights of this continent. This involves many
hours spent driving which cannot be rushed for the following reasons:
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You are in a truck. It’s not a sports car! Expect average speeds of around 80kph. However, there are roads where we are forced to reduce
to speeds of 30kph due to bad roads or safety concerns.
Distances between highlights are often on a bigger scale than those at home. Often there is absolutely nothing between focal points
except vast open deserts. Most tours average around 350 km per day. However, there can be stretches of up to 650km in a single day,
that’s a long way! Be prepared.
We will be travelling along winding dirt roads. Your safety is paramount. Keep this in mind when you are tired, hot and irritable.
PARTICIPATION & INTERACTION – WHAT’S EXPECTED OF YOU?
Although we do most of the work, the nature of these tours is not that of a beach holiday. Assistance makes a real difference. The more
time guides have for you the better the tour will be, so getting involved definitely enhances the tour experience. This is an adventure tour.
All Nomad tours are limited participation tours: All we require you to do is:
• Assist with washing up duties
• Offer your help with the food preparation if time is pressing
• Loading and unloading the truck
• Loading and unloading your own bag
• Help keeping the truck clean (it is your home after all for the next days and weeks)
• Help setting up camp
• Putting up and taking down your tent. The first time is a challenge – thereafter, it’s a breeze!
On most of the accommodated tours there will be an extra crew member, who will do the washing up and most of the work will be done for
you. However, you are welcome to assist wherever possible and the more willing hands, the smoother things will run, and the more
enjoyable it will be for all.
Your tent and camping equipment and kitchen utensils are provided on your tour. Please take care of our equipment, as anything broken
or lost on tour cannot be easily replaced.
Our guides do all the cooking; however you are welcome to share your culinary skills with the group. The more you join in, the greater the
experience!
COMMUNICATIONS
An enjoyable trip depends heavily on open and honest communication between yourself, the guides and your fellow passengers. Many
problems have their root in lack of communication.
On Tour
When on tour be sure to keep the communication channels open with your fellow passengers and the guides. This is the key to a successful
trip. If you are unhappy – discuss it. Problems cannot be resolved if know one knows there is a problem. Feel free to approach your guides
at any time. The smallest problems can turn into big ones very quickly!
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. Usually
you can get sim-cards rather easily in major cities. In some instances vendors might even sell them at border posts. The costs for a sim
cards are usually rather low (often between ZAR20 and ZAR30). Please keep in mind though that this is an adventure tour and that there still
might not reception in some areas we are travelling in.
Although you will not be able to communicate easily on tour – we are always able to find you. Feel free to provide your family with our
contact details and should there be an emergency of any kind at home we will be able to contact you almost anywhere. Please bear in
mind that in certain instances there may be a charge for this – in some areas there are not even radio facilities - should we have to
physically send someone by boat, road or air to your campsite, the person we send will expect to be compensated. Please inform your
families that although we can find you – it must be a real emergency - as we will not be sending one of our local contacts 500km over
terrible roads to remind you to change your underwear regularly!
In an emergency your family can contact us on [email protected] or by calling our offices on +27 21 426 5445 and if the call is
outside of office hours the number is +27 82 578 2199.
We advise that you should also contact family and friends before leaving and tell them that you are on an adventure tour and that you will
probably be out of touch for that period.
There are telephones in some places but do not count on these being all that reliable! Our guides do not have mobile cellular phones, as
there is often no reception outside of South Africa. In East Africa you can expect to pay up to USD 3 per minute for a phone call. E-mail
facilities can be found in major towns and city centres, but it is often very slow and expensive.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
Please ensure that you are familiar with the exact weather conditions to be expected on your particular tour. Be prepared. Weather in
Africa can be extreme. In rainy season, prepare to get wet and in dry season, prepare to bake. The weather is part of Africa but it can be a
tough taskmaster.
The African sun is fierce especially in Namibia and Botswana. We suggest a factor 30 sunscreen and that you wear a hat. From October
until April you can experience extremely hot temperatures. During the winter months the nights can be cold, even dropping down to zero,
but the days are generally warm to hot.
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8
In Southern Africa, the short rains are from October to December, but the main rainy season begins
in February and can last until April, Cape Town on the other hand experiences winter rainfall from May – August.
In Central and East Africa the rainy season is from December to around April. Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia experience low average
rainfall, usually during the summer months from October – April.
From October until April you can expect temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius in the desert regions of Namibia and Botswana. During the
winter months the nights can be cold, even dropping to freezing, but the days are warm to hot. The Namib Desert is one of the driest places
on earth.
COUNTRY
BOTSWANA
JAN
19/32
FEB
19/31
MAR
18/31
APR
15/31
MAY
10/28
JUN
05/25
JUL
05/25
AUG
09/29
SEP
14/32
OCT
19/35
NOV
19/34
DEC
19/32
ETHIOPIA
16/23
17/24
18/24
18/24
18/24
16/22
15/20
15/20
16/21
16/22
16/22
15/22
KENYA
12/25
13/26
14/26
14/24
13/22
12/21
11/21
11/21
11/24
13/24
13/23
13/23
MADAGASCAR
21/26
21/26
21/26
20/26
17/24
15/21
14/20
15/21
17/24
19/26
20/27
21/27
MALAWI
17/27
17/27
16/27
14/27
11/25
08/23
07/23
09/25
12/27
15/30
17/29
18/28
MOZAMBIQUE
16/30
16/28
16/26
14/26
14/23
12/22
10/20
10/20
12/22
14/25
16/27
15/30
NAMIBIA
17/29
16/28
16/27
13/25
09/22
07/20
05/20
08/23
12/25
15/29
15/29
17/30
SOUTH AFRICA
16/26
16/26
14/25
12/22
09/19
08/18
07/17
08/18
19/18
11/21
13/23
14/24
TANZANIA
13/26
14/26
15/27
16/25
15/23
13/22
12/23
12/23
13/25
14/27
14/27
14/27
UGANDA
09/24
11/24
11/23
11/23
11/23
09/23
09/23
09/23
11/23
10/24
11/23
10/23
ZAMBIA
17/26
17/26
17/26
17/26
12/26
10/23
09/23
12/25
15/25
18/31
18/20
17/27
ZIMABAWE
16/26
16/26
14/26
13/26
09/23
07/21
07/21
08/23
12/26
14/28
16/27
16/25
Please note that this is only a general indication – the weather is not within our control and sometimes the rains start earlier or finish later – or
don’t come at all...
FACILITIES ON TOUR – WHAT’S AVAILABLE?
This is an adventure tour. We are trying to take you into remote regions. By definition we are attempting to remove ourselves from facilities.
Although there are some they should be seen as a bonus not an expectation. Details of what facilities are available at each overnight stop
are in the tour dossier provided for your tour.
ACCOMMODATION
Camping Tour:
On a camping tour you will be sleeping in two-man, heavy duty, canvas dome tents. The tents are all large (2.2m x 2.2m or larger) and a
mattress will be provided. You need to provide your own pillow and sleeping bag. The tents are easy to put up and have flexible selfsupporting poles. No unnecessary pegs to fight with! There is a fly-sheet provided for rainy weather and a built-in mosquito net, which
should be kept closed at all times. Please make sure that you pay attention when the guides explain the correct way of putting up and
taking down your tent. The incorrect use can cause problems with the tent.
Most of the campsites we visit have good toilet and shower facilities, but hot water is sometimes a luxury. Fortunately, most places we visit
on tour are warm! Some places that we visit are bush camps where there are no facilities.
Accommodated Tour:
Our Accommodated Tours are intended as an upgraded camping product. In order to keep our fantastically low prices on these tours the
accommodation that we book is not luxury or 5 star! Please expect 1-2 Star lodges and chalets. We also make use of permanent tents in
certain areas. Sleeping bags are not required on our Accommodated Tours in Southern Africa, but please bring your own towel, as these
are not always provided.
All the accommodation booked is in twin rooms in Southern Africa. In East Africa we book twin rooms where we can, if we cannot get twin
rooms, then dorm rooms are provided. If you are a single traveller a single supplement is payable on booking to secure the single room.
It should be noted that often we book cabins/chalets/bungalows, these will have 2 bedrooms, but often only one bathroom. Specific
details of each tour can be found in the tour dossier. Not all accommodation is en-suite on our accommodated tours.
LAUNDRY
Most camps have hand-washing facilities and in Swakopmund, Vic Falls and certain camps in East Africa there are laundry facilities. Please
remember to bring some environmentally friendly washing-powder for your laundry. For a small fee you can often have your laundry
washed by someone else – ask you guide for assistance en-route.
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9
SECURITY
The truck has a safe for passports, money, credit cards and flight tickets only. Please use this facility as lost passports/money causes delays
and may result in you having to leave the tour. The truck safe is not large enough for cameras, cell phones, ipods and other digital
equipment. These items should be kept in your day pack and your day pack should be kept with you.
The camps that we use are generally safe but please be-aware all the time, as tourists are easy-to spot targets in Africa – as well as in the
rest of the world! Make photocopies of travel documents and keep separate from the originals.
Your possessions are your responsibility at all times. It is advised that you take out comprehensive insurance if you are planning on bringing
expensive items like digital cameras etc on tour.
Although all care and attention will be exercised neither Nomad Adventure Tours nor its Agents, Employees or operators will accept
responsibility for anything deposited in the truck safe or left on the vehicle.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Please ask the guide to stop if you would like to take photos at any time. The guides will also stop at panoramic viewpoints along the route,
to ensure you get the best scenic photo. Please stock up on memory chips (film) and spare camera batteries before departure, as these
can be difficult to find en-route. If you are going on a tour to the Serengeti NP or Kruger NP you may find that you take a LOT of pictures
trying to get that perfect shot. 2GB Memory is minimum and if you are interested in photography we would recommend more! Please take
care of your photographic equipment in the dusty areas we pass through. At some campsites power points to recharge batteries for
video/digital cameras are available, but you will have to provide the necessary connections and adaptors.
Forbidden Photos
Don’t take pictures at border crossings, government buildings, and military installations and avoid photographing army, police or anywhere
else if your guide advises against it.
Please remember we are guests in the countries we visit and respect local customs and feelings. Certain tribes in Southern and Central
Africa do not allow their picture taken. Please ask your guides before whether it is permissible or not. You may also have to pay a nominal
fee to take photos of some local people (especially Masaai).
RESPONSIBLE TOURING
Nomad is committed to the principles of responsible environmental tourism. It would be appreciated if you would respect the customs, laws
and environment of the countries and areas we visit. Please be ‘green-minded’ and dispose of rubbish in the appropriate manner. We have
a dustbin on board and we ensure that we have cleaned up everything before leaving our campsites.
YOUR MONEY
Money can make or break a tour, obviously. Make sure you have enough and tailor your trip to you pocket. Africa is not cheap. Spend
wisely and note the prices of the optional activities in your tour dossier.
WHATS INCLUDED AND WHATS NOT? – OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES – ITS YOUR CHOICE
There is no such thing as an all inclusive tour. We provide you with a great tour, but there are always additional activities that you can do
en-route. In your tour dossier you are provided with a full list of all the Optional Activities that can be booked on the tour you have chosen.
There are many activities available and your guide will help you chose what is best for you. If you want to go white water rafting or bungee
jumping we will make sure you book this with the safest and most professional company.
On tour there are also other expenses such as dinners at local restaurants, tips and shopping. The dinners and tips we have tried to cover in
detail, but other expenses such as snacks and alcoholic drinks you have to budget for yourself.
Doing What You Can Afford
Unfortunately, not everyone can afford all of the activities. We keep the tour price as low as we can without compromising quality so you
have choices. The optional experiences and activities are carefully and strategically selected to give you a break from the routine of
travelling adventure tour style. They enhance your holiday and give you an adrenaline rush when you need one! These are selected for
their value for money, enjoyment factor and the feedback from clients.
Optional activities are not included in the price of the tour for three simple reasons:
• Not everyone can afford to do them all
• Not everyone wants to do them all! (No point in throwing you out of a plane if you can’t bear heights!)
• We leave the running and safety of these specialised activities to the people who do them best. We take you there and then let the
professionals take care of you in pursuit of your thrills and spills!
CURRENCY, MONEY AND BANKING – THE FACTS
LOCAL PAYMENTS
The Local Payment is a USD cash portion of the tour payment that needs to be paid directly to your guide in Africa. This payment covers
fluctuating expenses such as flights, National Park Fees, entrance fees etc and also ensures that we have a reliable amount of hard
currency on each tour. Our Local Payment is not a kitty, your food and accommodation are included in the tour price. Local Payments are
quoted in USD and are payable in USD. The reason for this is that in most cases the expenses that the Local Payments cover have been
negotiated in USD or are payable in USD. In East Africa all National Park fees are payable in USD and these form a large part of the Local
Last Updated: 19 November 2010
10
Payment. It is very important that you don’t bring USD notes that are printed before 2004, because they will not be accepted from anyone.
In Southern Africa the rates that we have negotiated with the Botswana Operators of the Okavango Delta and Chobe NP are negotiated in
USD Amounts and are payable in USD. Unless you have paid an all inclusive amount to your Travel Agent the Local Payment must be paid
in Cash to your tour leader on morning of departure. Please be aware that this amount can change and we will advise you or your agent
prior to departure in the unlikely event that this happens. Pease note Local Payments are subject to change without prior notice.
SOUTHERN AFRICA
The South African Rand is usable throughout Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe. Traveller’s cheques can be used to pay for activities in
Namibia. Credit cards can be used in South Africa and Namibia. Credit cards should not be used in Zimbabwe. Botswana only accepts
Visa Card cards and not Master/Maestro cards, but it can be difficult to get money at cash machines there. American Express, Diner’s Club
and some debit cards are not widely accepted. Get ALL your US Dollars before you depart on tour. In Southern Africa the South African
Rand is also widely accepted, although you will get change in local currency.
More detailed information on if you can use ATMs and which currency best to bring for your specific tour will be given in your tour dossier.
CENTRAL & EAST AFRICA
Credit cards should be avoided in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. US Dollars are the most widely accepted
currency in Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. It is essential that your US Dollar notes are from the year 2000 (or younger) as
notes from the year 1999 and older are not accepted and many places will not accept USD 100 notes so make sure you bring lots of USD 1,
USD 5, USD 10 for tips and craft markets. USD 20 and USD 50 notes are good to change into local currency. It is generally cheaper and
easier to arrange your foreign exchange in your home country. Foreign Currency can be purchased in South Africa – but you will require
proof that you are travelling out of South Africa – i.e.: your Nomad tour voucher or onward air ticket.
FX AFRICA - FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Protea Assurance Building, Green Market Square, Cape Town Telephone +27 21 426 5310
Email: [email protected]
COUNTRY
CURRENCY
SYMBOL
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING
Botswana
Botswana Pula
BWP
BWP and ZAR are on a 1:1.5 ratio. Rand can be used in Botswana,
but you will receive your change in Pula.
Ethiopia
Birr
ETB
It isn’t necessary to obtain monies in this currency beforehand.
The preferred currency is USD. Only USD traveller’s cheques are
accepted.
Kenya
Kenya Shilling
Ksh
It isn’t necessary to obtain monies in this currency beforehand. The
preferred currency is USD.
Lesotho
Loti
LSL
LSL and ZAR are on a 1:1 ratio. Rand can be used in Lesotho, but
you will receive your change in Loti.
Madagascar
Franc
MGF
It isn’t necessary to obtain monies in this currency beforehand. The
preferred currency is USD. No USD 100 bills accepted.
Malawi
Malawi Kwacha
Mk
It isn’t necessary to obtain monies in this currency beforehand. The
preferred currency is USD.
Mozambique
Metical
MZM
It isn’t necessary to obtain monies in this currency beforehand. You
will require USD or ZAR. Traveller’s cheques attract a high
commission when exchanging for cash, so try to avoid these.
Namibia
Namibian Dollar
N$
N$ and ZAR are on a 1:1 ratio. Rand can be used in Namibia, but
you will receive your change in N$.
Swaziland
Lilangeli
SZL
SZL and ZAR are on a 1:1 ratio. Rand can be used in Swaziland, but
you will receive your change in Lilangeli.
Tanzania
Tanzanian Shilling
Tsh
It isn’t necessary to obtain monies in this currency beforehand. The
preferred currency is USD.
Uganda
Uganda Shilling
Ush
It isn’t necessary to obtain monies in this currency beforehand. The
preferred currency is USD.
Zambia
Zambian Kwacha
ZMK
It isn’t necessary to obtain monies in this currency beforehand. The
preferred currency is USD.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Dollar
ZIM$
It isn’t necessary to obtain monies in this currency beforehand. The
preferred currency is USD.
SPENDING MONEY
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11
It is difficult to estimate how much you will spend on tour as this depends largely on your personal preferences - smoking, drinking,
shopping, snacks etc. USD $10 - $15 per day or around R100 – R150 per day is usually enough for the average person, but this is greatly
affected by how many beers you have each evening and if you drink coca-cola instead of water…
We recommend that you bring some money in cash and some in Travellers cheques – USD denominations. However, please take care with
this because it is often not possible to use or cash traveller cheques outside of major towns, especially in East Africa. When they can be
cashed, you may find yourself paying high commission rates. Credit cards can be used in some places so can be a useful resource.
However, credit cards should not be relied upon as a main source of funds as there are many places (especially north of Zimbabwe) where
cards cannot be used, especially for cash advances.
Speak to our reservations department - they have personal experience of these issues and will give you sound advice about exchange
and currency matters on tour! It is also a good idea to speak to the guide on day one of your tour if you have questions about money.
HEALTH AND WELFARE
Staying healthy on tour means staying happy. It’s no fun being sick on holiday, and even less fun on an African adventure tour. Added to
the normal health issues, Africa has some nasty bugs and diseases. Please take note of the following
GENERAL
The guide has authority on tour at all times and this includes decisions regarding safety.
AIDS is an enormous problem in Africa. HIV estimates range between 20% and 50% of the population. In some areas it is even higher than
this. Please be careful and practical! Condoms are cheap and freely available.
It is important that you inform us of any medical conditions or prescription drugs that you are taking such as diabetes or asthma etc. as we
are sometimes 300km or more from the nearest medical assistance. This is especially important if your medication has to be kept at a
certain temperature – we must know about this beforehand!
Please report to the tour leader if you are feeling even slightly ill, as they may need to make plans for you to get to medical assistance
promptly. Many travellers can feel sick within the first two weeks of travelling. This is very common and due to your body reacting to germs
and bacteria it is unfamiliar with. Keep this in mind, but do NOT take it lightly! Speak to you guides.
FIRST AID
There is a First Aid Kit for emergencies on board. This is for emergencies only. The guides will not use it as a dispensary. We strongly
recommend that you take a personal medical kit. All of our guides are qualified in First Aid. Suggested contents include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lip balm
Anti-histamine cream or tablets
Sunscreen and after sun balm
Water purifying tablets
Pain killers
Anti diarrhoea remedy
•
•
•
•
•
•
Moisturiser
Dehydration salts
Elastoplasts/band-aids
Insect repellent
Sterile dressings
Antiseptic cream
Personal hygiene is very important on tour as you are travelling together in the truck in warm to hot climates. Please be considerate and
attentive to your personal cleanliness. Being ill on tour is not fun and the enjoyment of the group as a whole depends largely on everyone
being healthy.
It is quite normal for some people in the group to have traveller’s diarrhoea at some stage of the tour. This is generally not serious, usually
being the reaction to the food, water and the anti-malarial tablets. It can often be the result of a lack of attention to basic hygiene. If you
suffer from this at any stage please inform your guide immediately.
Please pay attention when washing dishes and cutlery, as this is the quickest way for the whole group to fall ill. Make sure that your plates
are thoroughly cleaned. We provide anti-bacterial washing up liquid – please use it liberally. We supply an anti-bacterial soap for the
washing of hands. Please ensure that you use it regularly, especially before meals.
All fresh foods we use are sanitized with a sterile solution.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Please note that it is a condition of booking on any Nomad tour that you have adequate medical insurance. We require the details of your
insurance policy for our records before you will be permitted to depart on tour.
The medical insurance is so important because in case of an emergency in a remote area (which is most areas we are travelling to) you
will have to be airlifted. If you do not have a medical insurance, you will need cash (which means thousands of USD) or you will not be
helped while every minute might count.
Please check the small print of any ‘free’ credit-card insurance – your insurance must cover you in the instance that you need to be airlifted
to a hospital. As many public hospitals in Africa are below western standards you might have to be airlifted to South Africa for a simple
problem. Many insurance policies do not cover adrenaline sports: i.e.: bungee jumping – please check this before you book the activity.
Medical insurance is usually relatively inexpensive and we recommend that you buy a separate policy in your country of origin. If you
purchase insurance in Africa please note that it will not cover you to be returned to your own country in the event of an emergency, it will
only return you to the country in which you purchased the policy.
Last Updated: 19 November 2010
12
WATER
One of the most common ailments on tour is dehydration. You should be drinking a minimum of 3 litres of water per day, and even more
during the hot summer months. The water on tour is generally drinkable, but your guides will advise you when not to drink the local water.
There is a 200-litre water tank on the truck for emergency use. Mineral water is available in most places, but this can be expensive. In some
places it is necessary for you to buy your own drinking water.
MALARIA
Malaria is a serious problem in Africa. It does not have to be a problem for you as long as you are vigilant about using your mosquito
repellent and you take your malaria pills. Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes and is more prevalent where there are high concentrations
of people – i.e.: in towns. There are two main malaria strains: Plasmodium vivax, falciparum (Vivax accounts for about 90% of the cases) the
main points to remember:
Prevent getting bitten! Use an effective prophylactic!
Insect repellent is the single most important line of defence. Make sure you bring enough of an effective (preferably stick or lotion) repellent
and that you use it liberally and frequently! You need to look for the active ingredient (DEET) on the bottle.
Keep the mosquito nets in the tent closed at all times.
Wear long-shirts, socks/shoes and long-pants after dark. Most mosquito bites occur below the knee.
Malaria Prophylactics
Malaria prophylactics do not prevent Malaria, but do treat it if you come down with the disease. They also prevent you from getting
seriously ill. It is NOT true that Malaria cannot be cured.
You have 2 broad malaria prophylaxis choices:
Daily tablets:
Weekly tablets:
Doxycycline or Chloroquine & Paludrine combination pills
Larium, Mefliam, Mefloquine, Malarine.
Please note that the Chloriquine & Paludrine combination pills are virtually ineffective in East Africa due to their widespread usage there in
the past. We do not recommend that you take this type of prophylaxis unless you are unable to take any of the others.
You may have heard negative reports about Larium and its side effects. However, it is 95% effective while the daily tablets are only about
30% effective. Please consult your doctor before selecting your prophylaxis.
It is very important to begin taking your tablets one week before entering a malaria area, and for four weeks after leaving, as this is the
incubation period. For more information on Malaria, visit www.travelclinic.co.za
VACCINATIONS
We recommend that you have the following vaccinations for Africa: Hepatitis A (Havrax), Cholera, Tetanus Booster Shot, Rabies
Please note this guide is for information only - you should consult your doctor or travel clinic for the latest requirements
Rabies
Yellow
Fever
Malaria
R
#
R
R
R
R
R
R#
R
R
R
#
R
R
R
#
R
R
R
R
R
#
R
R
R
R
R
R
#
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
#
R
R
R
R
R
R
#
R
Country
Tetanus
Polio
Diptheria
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Menningitis
Botswana
R
R
R
R
R
R
Ethiopia
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Kenya
R
R
R
R
R
R
R*
Lesotho
R
R
R
R
R
Madagascar
R
R
R
R
Malawi
R
R
R
Mozambique
R
R
Namibia
R
South Africa
R
R*
Swaziland
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
#
R
Tanzania
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
C
R
Uganda
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
C
R
Zambia
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Zimbabwe
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
#
R
R
#
C
*
Recommended
If you are entering one country from a Yellow Fever infected area, you must have a vaccination certificate.
Compulsory
In particular parts of the country
Last Updated: 19 November 2010
13
If travelling further north of Vic Falls, then you will definitely require proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination. Travel Clinics provide vaccinations
and Malaria tablets, as well as free consultations. This is useful before and after the tour. Many of the clinics listed below also have branches
in Johannesburg or Pretoria.
MEDI-TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL
Clock Tower Development, V&A Waterfront
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 419 1888
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.meditravel.co.za
NETCARE TRAVEL CLINIC
58 Strand Street, Picbel Arcade, 11th Floor,
Cape Town
Tel: +27 21 419 3172
E-mail [email protected]
Website www.travelclinic.co.za
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
At Nomad we do not run booze-cruise tours. We want you to enjoy yourselves and it is great to sit around the fire exchanging stories
enjoying your favourite tipple, but the attitude of drinking from early morning until late at night makes for unpleasantness. You dehydrate
even quicker consuming alcohol. Most campsites have bar facilities, we simply ask that drinking is kept to a reasonable level for your
enjoyment.
We have a firm policy about drugs on tour. We do not tolerate them! Police regularly inspect our trucks and campsites and we make
numerous border crossings. If you are caught in possession of illegal substances we cannot help. You do not want to add a spell in a local
jail to your experiences!
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Passengers are required to obey all laws of the countries through which we pass. This particularly applies to the smuggling of contraband
and possession of narcotic drugs and firearms. Any passenger found contravening such laws or putting other passengers at risk may be
required to leave the tour immediately with no refund of the tour fare. Please remember that we are guests in each of the countries we visit,
it is good manners to comply with their customs.
SECURITY
Travelling in any strange place has its potential dangers. Africa is no different. Due to massive levels of poverty, petty theft is rampant.
Basic rules apply:
• Do not bring unnecessary valuables along with you such as jewellery or expensive watches.
• Do not leave your personal possessions unattended
• Do not be reckless in your behaviour. Be careful
• Always walk together as a group, especially at night
It is also suggested that you photocopy all your travel documents and store them separately to the originals. Security of the vehicle is part
of the reality of tour-life and you will be expected to assist when necessary.
Although all care and attention will be exercised, Nomad Adventure Tours nor its agents and employees can accept responsibility for
anything deposited in the truck safe or left on the vehicle.
Travel insurance for personal belongings is also advisable, as you are not covered by Nomad for personal items such as clothes, cameras
etc. You are responsible for your possessions at all times.
6 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
BOOKS, MAPS, DVD’S AND GAME RECORD
Many people like to read up on an area before visiting it. We have compiled a selection of books and maps, which we feel, will reflect
much of what you are going to experience and see.
These books are among many that are worth looking out for and should be available at any good book store or library:
THE SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA
Thomas Pakenham
VENTURE INTO THE INTERIOR
Laurens Van der Post
OUT OF AFRICA & LETTERS FROM AFRICA
Karen Blixen
GREEN HILLS OF AFRICA
Ernest Hemingway
THE SERENGETI SHALL NOT DIE
B & M. Grzimek
THE FLAME TREES OF THIKA
Elspeth Huxley
THE AFRICANS
David Lamb
FACING MOUNT KENYA
Jomo Kenyatta
A FIELD GUIDE TO THE MAMMALS OF AFRICA
T.Holtenorth & H.Diller
A FIELD GUIDE TO THE LARGER MAMMALS OF AFRICA
J.Dorset, P.Dandelot
A FIELD GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF EAST AFRICA
J.Williams & N.Arlott
AFRICA’S TOP WILDLIFE COUNTRIES
Mark Nolting
DARK STAR SAFARI
Paul Theroux
Last Updated: 19 November 2010
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Follow your route with a good map
The Michelin 955, which covers East and Southern Africa;
Bartholomew’s ‘Africa World Travel Map’ – covering the whole continent on one map.
Movies worth seeing:
OUT OF AFRICA
GORILLAS IN THE MIST
The adaptation of the life of Karen Blixen.
The story of Dian Fossey’s work with the mountain
gorillas.
WHITE MISCHIEF The true story of the unsolved murder in Kenya, in the early 1940’s, of Josslyn Hay, 22nd Earl of Errol.
I DREAMED OF AFRICA
The story of an Italian family settling in Kenya, from
the book of the same name.
THE GRANADA SURVIVAL SERIES
The National Geographic society’s collection of
wildlife videos.
CRY THE BELOVED COUNTRY
An excellent story set in South Africa
THE WHITE MASAAI
The true story of a Swiss woman’s marriage to a
Masaai warrior.
GAME RECORD
Very important to keep in mind when you go on a game drive or walk: You are not in a zoo, no one can ever guarantee the animals we will
see and the amount of animals we will see. All our Nomad guides and all our local partners know where to best spot animals and do have
an extensive knowledge about where and when to best see wildlife. There is simply no way anyone can ever guarantee to see animals.
RULES FOR GAME DRIVES
When you are on a game drive – no matter if it is our Nomad truck or an open 4x4 vehicle – please be as quiet as possible at all times and
don’t make sudden movements to make the biggest success out of your game drive.
We would recommend to bring some binoculars!
Aardwolf
Gerenuk
Kudu (Greater)
Serval
Baboon (olive)
Giant Forest Hog
Kudu (Lesser)
Sitatunga
Baboon (Yellow)
Giraffe (Masai)
Leopard
Spring Hare
Bat-eared Fox
Giraffe (Reticulated)
Lion
Squirrel (Bush)
Bongo
Golden Cat
Mongoose
Squirrel (Ground)
Buffalo
Gorilla (Mountain)
Monitor Lizard
Steinbok
Bush Baby
Hare
Colobus Monkey
Suni
Bushbuck
Hartebeest
Patas Monkey
Topi
Bush-pig
Hippopotamus
Sykes Monkey
Uganda Kob
Cheetah
Honey Badger (Ratel)
Vervet monkey
Warthog
Chimpanzee
Hunting Dog
Oribi
Waterbuck (Common)
Civet
Hyaena (Spotted)
Oryx
Waterbuck (Defassa’s)
Crocodile
Hyaena (Stripped)
Ostrich
Wildcat
Wildebeest
Dikdik (Bush)
Hyrax (Rock)
Otter
Duiker (Red)
Hyrax (Tree)
Pangolin
Zebra (Burchill’s)
Eland
Impala
Porcupine
Zebra (Grevy’s)
Elephant
Jackal (Golden)
Reedbuck
Other...
Gazelle (Grant’s)
Jackal (Side Stripped)
Rhinoceros (Black)
Other...
Gazelle (Thompsons)
Jackal (Silverbacked)
Rhinoceros (White)
Other...
Genet Cat
Klipspringer
Sable Antelope
Other...
PLEASE NOTE
All information provided in this booklet has been compiled with great care. To the best of our knowledge all the information is as accurate
as possible, however it must be accepted that various details are subject to change according to local conditions.
AND FINALLY…
We would be most grateful if you would help us by completing the questionnaire provided at the end of your holiday or write to us with your
comments. The constructive views of previous clients have helped us to refine our itineraries and maintain high operating standards. If you
are not given a feedback form at the end of the tour all comments can be sent to [email protected].
HAVE A WONDERFUL TOUR AND SEE YOU ON THE ROAD…
Last Updated: 19 November 2010
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