What to Expect
- Flexibility is Key: Your itinerary should be used as a guide because, well, this is Africa! Expect changes due to the vast distances and evolving circumstances. Rest assured, every adjustment is made with the group’s best interests in mind.
- Accommodation Considerations: While we make every effort to stick to the accommodations listed, please note that they serve as guidelines, and adjustments may occur. We recommend obtaining the latest version of the itinerary at least one week before departure to stay informed of any changes.
- Local Payment: This tour has a Local Payment (also known as a Safari Pass), which is a mandatory fee payable to your tour leader at the pre-departure meeting or on the departure day. This fee is separate and in addition to the trip price. Please refer to information regarding the ‘Local Payment’ under the section “Money and Currencies.”
- Embrace Diversity: Get to know your fellow travellers! With a mix of nationalities, ages and cultures, everyone has a unique story. Take this chance to connect and learn from one another.
- Adventures for the whole family: This is a family-friendly tour and is open to adventurers aged 8 and up. However, certain activities might have specific age restrictions for safety reasons. For precise details on age requirements, feel free to check details with your consultant.
- Pack Smart: We suggest packing light and adhering to airline weight restrictions of 20kg or less. Choose a soft duffel bag or backpack and avoid hard suitcases. We also recommend bringing a smaller day bag.
- On the Road: Please be mindful that road conditions can vary significantly. While some routes may offer smooth travel, factors like weather, road quality, and traffic congestion can influence our travel time. Be prepared for long hours on the road and consider bringing along games or books to keep each other entertained. Some roads may be uneven, leading to occasional bumpy rides during the journey.
- Tour Style: This is a ‘small group tour’ with a maximum group size of 12 people, catering to adventure enthusiasts seeking authentic and personalised experiences.
- Participation and Interaction: While our guides handle most tasks, this isn’t your typical beach holiday – it’s an adventure! It’s what we call a semi-participation tour. Your help with tasks like washing up and food prep makes a real difference, giving our guides more time to make your tour amazing. Remember, it’s all about teamwork and camaraderie.
- Combination Tours: Your tour might be part of a longer journey or a combination of tours. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you’re unsure about your itinerary—we’re here to help!
- All-Weather Adventure: This tour operates year-round, so be prepared for any weather conditions, from scorching heat to chilly nights. Pack accordingly!
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation
Detour Africa is here to arrange a seamless experience, including pre and post-tour accommodation, as well as convenient airport transfers. Please ask your consultant for assistance.
Passport & Visa Requirements
PASSPORT
Ensure your passport has sufficient pages for all required visas, with a minimum of 2 clear pages for each country you’ll be visiting. Note that South Africa requires 2 clear pages upon entry, especially crucial if you plan to fly home from South Africa after touring multiple African countries.
Additionally, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your departure date from Africa. It’s wise to keep a copy at home or with friends. Consider taking a photo of your passport and its contents, and emailing it to yourself for added security.
Using more than one passport (to avoid visa payments) is not advisable. For example, when entering Namibia, the immigration official must see the exit stamp for South Africa in the same passport for entry clearance.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
It is your responsibility to secure any necessary visas for your upcoming trip. Visa requirements differ based on your nationality and destination so please contact the various embassies or visa service agencies to check visa requirements.
Make sure to also double-check your itinerary to see if you’ll be exiting and re-entering a specific country. If you are, you’ll need a Multiple Entry Visa. We also advise that you recheck visa requirements at least four weeks before departing for your tour as regulations can change.
Detour Africa will not be held responsible for clients being denied entry should they not be in possession of the relevant visas.
Ensure a smooth journey by having a valid onward or return flight or proof of alternative transportation to depart from the country where your tour ends. Alternatively, show proof of sufficient funds, such as a credit card, enabling you to purchase an air ticket for your departure.
Here is a useful link to check your visa requirements. Travel Visa Checker
These are subject to updates and may vary based on your nationality so please double check this info directly with the embassies for each country.
Medical & Health Requirements
VACCINATIONS
To ensure a healthy and worry-free adventure, we recommend considering the following vaccinations for your journey through Africa: Hepatitis A (Havrax), Cholera, Yellow Fever (if traveling from affected areas, you might need to show a proof certificate ), Tetanus Booster Shot, and Rabies.
It is crucial to note that this is only a general recommendation. For the most accurate and up-to-date vaccination requirements, we strongly advise consulting with your doctor or a travel clinic. They can provide personalized guidance based on your health history, ensuring you receive the most relevant and current information to stay protected during your travels. Your well-being is our priority, and we want you to embark on your African adventure fully prepared and in good health.
YELLOW FEVER
Many countries require you to have a valid international yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter. This is required if listed as a yellow fever risk area or if you travel from an area with a yellow fever risk such as Kenya and Uganda. Presentation of this certificate might be necessary upon arrival at airports or border crossings, and some countries may deny entry without it. Additionally, it is customary for your home country to request proof of yellow fever vaccination upon your return. Making sure you’ve got this documentation is crucial for a seamless travel and re-entry experience.
Here is a useful link showing areas with moderate to high risk: Yellow Fever Affected Areas
Yellow fever is transmitted by a specific species of mosquito prevalent in the “yellow fever belt,” spanning regions of both Africa and South America. The virus can be easily prevented through a simple and highly effective vaccination, which is routinely available at travel clinics. Getting vaccinated against yellow fever is a proactive measure to protect against this mosquito-borne disease.
Ensure you receive the yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before entering a yellow fever zone. The vaccine requires this period to provide effective protection, and getting it earlier helps avoid potential flu-like symptoms. After vaccination, you’ll receive an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) from the travel clinic, serving as proof of your inoculation.
COVID-19
Detour Africa and our suppliers have implemented stringent COVID-19 protocols to prioritize your health and safety. While we diligently adhere to guidelines, it’s essential for clients to actively comply with each visited country’s requirements. Clients bear responsibility for their documentation, and we will not be liable if you are denied access to a country due to non-compliance.
In the unfortunate event of a client contracting COVID-19 during the tour, it’s important to note that all associated expenses, including testing, medical costs, hospitalization, and quarantine accommodation, will be the client’s responsibility. Additionally, no refunds will be issued for unused tour nights and services in such cases.
To maintain a secure and enjoyable experience for all, any guest not adhering to the established protocols may face expulsion from the tour. We emphasize the importance of securing adequate travel and medical insurance before arrival, ensuring comprehensive coverage for your peace of mind throughout your journey.
MALARIA
Malaria, a prevalent concern in certain regions, requires a proactive approach to safeguard your well-being. By using mosquito repellent and adhering to your prescribed malaria tablets, you can significantly mitigate the risks associated with this disease.
Mosquitoes, the carriers of malaria, thrive in areas with high concentrations of people and water. Minimize exposure by adopting protective measures such as:
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts, socks, closed shoes, and long pants during the evening hours when mosquitoes are most active
- Keep mosquito nets closed to create an additional barrier against potential mosquito bites.
- Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable antimalarial tablet options for your journey.
- An imperative line of defense against mosquito-borne illnesses is the application of an effective insect repellent, preferably in stick or lotion form. Prioritize products containing the active ingredient DEET, as it is renowned for its efficacy in repelling mosquitoes.
It is crucial to comprehend that malaria prophylactics do not serve as preventive measures but act as treatment modalities in the event of contraction. Moreover, these medications contribute to minimizing the severity of the illness. Contrary to misconceptions, malaria is curable with prompt medical intervention.
Here is a useful link to check malaria-affected areas:
Malaria Affected Areas
Insurance
Medical insurance is a mandatory requirement. Your guide will request your policy number before the tour begins so please keep your insurance details handy when starting your tour. Ensure that your travel and medical insurance covers both cancellation and emergency evacuation in case of serious illness or injury, especially considering our tours often venture far from well-equipped hospital facilities. It’s important to note that credit card insurance might not offer sufficient coverage, so we strongly recommend obtaining a separate travel insurance policy for comprehensive protection.
Many of our customers opt for World Nomads Travel Insurance and highly recommend their services. While we’re not directly affiliated with World Nomads, we do encourage you to explore their offerings to secure a reliable insurance solution for your journey.
Luggage Requirements
We suggest packing light and adhering to airline weight restrictions of 20kg or less. Choose a soft duffel bag or backpack and avoid hard suitcases. We also recommend bringing a smaller day bag. Generally there are no porters or staff available to assist with luggage, so your luggage should be of a size and weight you can comfortably manage yourself.
What to Pack
Please be advised that Africa experiences varying weather patterns, and conditions on your tour may differ. It’s important to check and monitor the specific weather for your destination, as temperature shifts can be significant.
Early morning and late evening game drives may be chilly during certain times of the year. Some excursions take place in open 4×4 safari vehicles for extended periods, potentially the entire day. Considering this, it’s recommended to have clothing that provides protection against wind chill and keeps you warm.
Opt for clothing that is easy to wash and dry, and preferably doesn’t require ironing. Avoid synthetics, which can be uncomfortable in hot weather.
Here are some suggested items to pack for all weather conditions:
- Shorts or a skirt
- Waterproof Jacket
- Tracksuit or pullover for comfort
- Long pants or jeans
- Comfortable walking shoes, boots, or trainers
- Sandals
- 2 or 3 T-shirts
- 1 or 2 Long Sleeve Shirts
- Swimwear
- Underwear
- Socks
- Hat or Cap
- Raincoat for unexpected showers
- Kikoi or sarong for versatility
- Beanie and gloves for winter travels
Additional suggested items for your packing list:
- Towel
- Wet wipes
- Toiletries
- Torch with ample spare batteries
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
- Reusable water bottle
- Insect and mosquito repellent
- Suntan lotion, sunblock, and after-sun lotion
- Sunglasses
- If you wear glasses or contact lenses, it’s advisable to bring a spare pair.
- USD cash for tips and souvenirs
- Small basic First Aid kit including painkillers, band-aids, after-sun lotion, eye drops, and anti-diarrheal tablets.
Meals & Drinking Water
MEALS
Please refer to your tour itinerary for details on what meals are included on your tour.
For meals not included, you can purchase them from nearby supermarkets, take-away spots, and restaurants. Your guide can suggest the best local spots to purchase meals.
To ensure we cater to your specific needs, please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking. Vegetarians, vegans and other guests with restricted diets are always welcome, but it’s crucial to let your consultant know in advance, as we cannot accommodate last-minute requests. Providing this information during the booking stage is essential for a seamless experience.
For vegans, guides provide salads, vegetables, fruits, rice, beans, pasta, cereals, and bread. However, certain specialty items like quinoa, seeds, nuts, tofu, and soya milk might not be available, so it’s recommended to supplement these at your own expense.
Guides prioritize shopping at supermarkets for safety reasons. Purchasing from street vendors may pose health risks, and supporting local farmers through street vendors can inadvertently contribute to theft and the unsustainability of local farms.
Meal Overview:
- Breakfast: Simple but filling, including tea, coffee, bread, spreads, cereals, yogurts, and fruits. Occasionally, there’s time for a hot breakfast with scrambled eggs, porridge, bacon, or beans.
- Lunch: Quick and easy sandwiches and salads, such as rice salad, pasta salad, tuna salad, and green salad, served at a roadside picnic spot.
- Dinner: Guides focus on preparing substantial protein, vegetable, and carbohydrate dinners. Expect traditional campfire cuisine like braais (BBQ), potjie (stew), bobotie (mince), spaghetti, fish, and chicken dishes.
DRINKING WATER
Your well-being is our priority, and we advise against consuming tap water, even within hotels. The mineral content may differ significantly from what you’re accustomed to at home. While locals are acclimated to these variations, visitors may experience discomfort or illness. Although typically not severe, the resulting upset stomach can disrupt a day or two of your holiday. To ensure a worry-free stay, many hotels and lodges offer safe drinking water, and bottled water is readily available as an alternative. Proper hydration is crucial, aiming for approximately two liters a day. As a precaution, consider bringing rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhea blockers from home. These essentials can be sourced from pharmacies and will contribute to a more secure and enjoyable travel experience.
Participation
As we work together to create an amazing journey, a bit of assistance from the group goes a long way. Your involvement not only ensures the guides have more time for you but also enriches the overall tour experience. This is an African adventure, not just a holiday in the sun.
This small group tour is a semi-participation tour, and we appreciate your collaboration in the following areas:
- Food Preparation: Offer your help in the kitchen if time is tight – your contribution adds to the culinary experience.
- Helping to load up the vehicle and keep it clean and tidy (no washing of vehicles expected!).
The more you engage, the richer the group experience becomes.
Transport
Transportation is a vital aspect of our tours, which are primarily road trips characterized by long drives, rugged terrain, and the odd mechanical challenges. Embracing these experiences, including the occasional vehicle retrieval from mud, can add a unique experience to your journey.
Our vehicles are well maintained and undergo regular servicing to ensure optimal performance. Despite our efforts, breakdowns are not uncommon, and resolving mechanical issues in Africa may require patience. Rest assured, our team prioritizes resolving any issues swiftly to minimize disruptions to your travel plans.
On this tour you will be travelling in a 12-seater minibus with a trailer or purpose-built small adventure vehicle. We’ll typically cruise at around 80-100 km/hour, but expect slower speeds for safety on rough roads. These tours are a bit different from the typical city-to-city coach trips. You won’t find air conditioning or onboard toilets, but what you will find are amazing experiences and the chance to bond with your fellow travelers.
Money & Currencies
Money can significantly impact your tour experience, so it’s essential to budget wisely. Africa isn’t known for being inexpensive, so prudent spending is key.
LOCAL PAYMENT
This tour has a Local Payment (also known as a Safari Pass), which is a mandatory fee payable to your tour leader at the pre-departure meeting or on the departure day.
The Local Payment covers essential on-ground expenses during the tour, including meals, accommodation, park fees, and select activities. Please note that the Local Payment does not cover meals taken independently or expenses incurred before or after the tour. The Local Payment system offers a cost-effective and transparent approach to settling direct on-ground costs with suppliers.
Ensure to bring sufficient cash in the specified currency, typically US Dollars. Please provide US Dollar notes in good condition, preferably post-2008 editions, in denominations of US$ 100 and US$ 50.
If unable to bring the Local Payment, pre-payment arrangements can be made at least 14 days before the tour departure. For further assistance, please chat to your consultant.
PLANNING AHEAD
For your trip through Southern Africa, it’s essential to plan your currency needs wisely to ensure smooth transactions and avoid any inconveniences. Here’s some practical advice:
Currency Usage:
- South Africa: Rand (ZAR) is the local currency in South Africa and is usually the only currency accepted inside of the country. You can obtain Rand upon arrival if your journey starts here.
- Botswana, Zimbabwe, Livingstone, and Victoria Falls areas: US Dollars (USD) is widely accepted in these areas. It’s advisable to arrange USD from home as it can be challenging to arrange it on arrival.
ATM and Card Usage:
- While ATMs are available in Southern Africa, they usually dispense local currency only. Avoid relying on them for obtaining USD or GBP.
- VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted. However, expect relatively high transaction fees around 3-5%. (Diners Club and American Express cards are not accepted at most places in Southern Africa.)
- Remember to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any card access issues while abroad and ensure your cards feature chip and pin technology for secure transactions.
Currency Exchange:
- Consider exchanging small denomination USD bills (US$10 or US$20) for local currency for incidental expenses. Alternatively, larger bills (US$50 or US$100) may offer better exchange rates but might result in excess local currency.
- Ensure all US bills are post-2008 edition and in good condition for hassle-free exchanges.
Additional Notes:
- Emergency Funds: Bring extra funds to cover unforeseen expenses, as recoverable costs from travel insurance are usually reimbursed after your return.
- Luggage Security: Safeguard your belongings, money, and travel documents at all times. Avoid visible money belts and refrain from storing important documents in checked luggage.
- Avoid Illegal Transactions: Refrain from exchanging money through street or black-market deals, as these are illegal and could lead to legal repercussions.
- Departure taxes may be applicable in various countries when departing on international flights. Typically, these taxes must be paid in cash currency, with US Dollars often preferred. Departure tax amounts can range from US$10 to US$60, depending on the departure point. Be sure to account for these expenses when planning your travel budget.
Spending Money:
- Allocate around US$20 – $35 per day for expenses during your safari, such as snacks, drinks, souvenirs etc.
TIPPING
Tipping is a customary practice in most African countries, particularly in restaurants where around 10-15% is considered standard for good service. Feel free to adjust this based on the level of service – more for exceptional experiences and, of course, no obligation if the service falls short.
When it comes to taxi drivers, tipping is discretionary and not always expected. If uncertain, your guides are excellent resources. They can advise you on local norms and suggest appropriate amounts in the local currency.
For our exceptional crew, tipping is a thoughtful way to acknowledge their hard work or those instances where they’ve gone above and beyond. To streamline the process, we recommend appointing one person in your group to collect contributions. Place the collected amount in an envelope and present it to your guide(s) at the end of the trip.
A suggested amount is 2-3 USD per person per day. Remember, tipping is a gesture of appreciation for outstanding service and is by no means obligatory. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities throughout your journey.
Solo Travellers
This tour caters perfectly to solo adventurers in search of shared experiences and secure exploration throughout Africa. Single travellers are matched with another traveler of the same gender, with whom they will share a room.
If you prefer the comfort of your own room, you can choose a single room at an additional rate.
Travelling with Children
This is a family-friendly tour and is open to adventurers aged 8 and up. However, certain activities might have specific age restrictions for safety reasons. For precise details on age requirements, feel free to check details with your consultant.
Certain African countries require travelers entering or leaving the country with a minor (under the age of 18) to present an unabridged birth certificate that includes details of both parents. In some cases, if a child is traveling with only one parent or without both parents, additional documentation such as a parental consent affidavit may be required. This affidavit typically needs to be notarized. Travel regulations, including those related to documentation for minors, can change. Governments periodically review and update their travel policies, so it’s crucial to check with the relevant embassies, consulates, or official government websites for the most current information.
Wi-Fi Access
The vehicles used on these tours aren’t equipped with Wi-Fi, however, there will be stops along the way that offer Wi-Fi, whether complimentary or paid. We unfortunately can’t guarantee its availability, signal strength, or reliability on our diverse routes.
We therefore recommend purchasing a local SIM card in the countries you’re traveling through. You can usually find them easily in major cities, and some vendors may even sell them at border posts. Be aware that reception might be limited in many of the remote areas we explore.
Laundry
Many lodges and campsites provide washing facilities, and some main centers offer laundry amenities. For a nominal fee, you can often opt for having your laundry washed by a service provider.
Photography
A camera, whether it’s a basic ‘point and shoot’ or a more sophisticated model, is an essential component of your equipment. To safeguard against damage from vibration, moisture, and dust, it’s imperative to have a camera case or bag.
It’s wise to carry spare batteries for both the camera and flash, along with lens cleaning tools. For digital cameras, ensure you have ample memory available. While the opportunity to upload pictures online during your journey may arise, this is subject to local services and cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, having extra memory cards on hand can be extremely useful.
Regarding drones, thorough research is essential. In many Southern and Eastern African countries, drones must be registered upon arrival, and permits are necessary for operation within specific areas like National Parks..
Access to charging facilities for video/digital camera batteries varies greatly by location. While some campsites may offer overnight charging options (often with UK or SA standard plugs), any necessary equipment for this purpose must be provided by you. Please note that we cannot be held liable for any equipment damage resulting from this charging method.
Occasionally, travellers inquire about bringing a video camera. Generally, this doesn’t pose an issue, but some countries may have strict customs regulations requiring equipment details to be listed in your passport upon entry, mainly for customs verification upon departure.
FORBIDDEN PHOTOGRAPHY
In certain locations, photography is prohibited. Please refrain from taking photographs at borders, government buildings, or anywhere with posted restrictions, and heed the advice of your tour leader or driver. Remember, as guests in the countries we visit, it’s important to respect local customs and sensitivities. If someone expresses a desire not to be photographed, please honor their request.
Add-on Activities
We understand that every traveller has unique preferences, budgets, and interests. Plus, weather conditions can play a role in the activities available. That’s why we’ve designed our itineraries to be flexible, allowing you to tailor your experience.
During your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a range of activities that are not included in the standard package. Your guide will provide insights and recommendations to help you decide which extra activities align with your interests.
It’s important to note that these activities are operated by trusted third-party operators, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. So, whether you’re an adventure seeker or prefer a more relaxed pace, you have the freedom to enhance your journey with activities that resonate with you. Please ask your consultant for an up-to-date list of add-on activities available to you on your tour.
