What to Expect

1. Flexibility is Key: Your itinerary should be used as a guide because, well, this is Africa! Rest assured, every adjustment is made with the group’s best interests in mind.
2. Accommodation Considerations: While we make every effort to stick to the accommodations listed, please note that they serve as guidelines, and adjustments may occur. 
3. Road Conditions: 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.
4. All-Weather Adventure: Our tours operate year-round, so be prepared for any weather conditions, from scorching heat to chilly nights. Pack accordingly!
5. Tour Style: If you love experiencing new places and are up for a bit of adventure, you’re in the right place! Our tours involve walking, carrying luggage, and hopping in and out of vehicles so please consider this when booking this tour. 
6. Embrace Diversity: Travellers from all over the world join this tour, so there will be different ages, backgrounds, and cultures. The group typically consists of 4-12 travelers predominantly from Europe, America, Canada, and Australia. It’s the perfect tour for solo adventurers, small groups of friends, or couples seeking adventure. Take this opportunity to connect with your fellow travellers and discover the unique stories they bring along.

Start & End Point Information

Please note that your tour is made up of sections. Your consultant will provide exact pick up times before your tour departs and you can use the below information as a guideline. 

GARDEN ROUTE

The tour departs early on day one so you will need to arrive at least one day before the tour starts.

The pick up time in Cape Town is usually between 6:00 and 7:30 am in Cape Town and approx. 8:00 am in Somerset West. Note that traffic can be unpredictable so please allow 15 min leeway.

We pick clients up from any hotel, guesthouse or backpackers in Cape Town central (CBD, Camps Bay, Sea Point, Green Point, Rondebosch, Woodstock, Observatory) as well as Cape Town International Airport. If you are staying outside of the listed areas, you will need to meet the group at the nearest meeting points as listed below:

• Bootleggers, 185 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre (closest to Bloubergstrand or Milnerton)
• Vida e Café, 41 Main Rd, Rondebosch (closest to Hout Bay, Muizenberg or Constantia)
• Woolworths Waterstone Village, Corner of R 44 &, Main Road, Somerset West (closest to Stellenbosch)

We do not include the flight from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to Johannesburg, so you will need to arrange this booking independently. Feel free to ask your consultant for guidance on selecting the best flight, ensuring it departs after 14:00 pm.

On arrival in Johannesburg, a driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

KRUGER SAFARI

The pick up time in Johannesburg on day 6 is between 5:30 am and 7:00 am. We will email or WhatsApp you the afternoon before to confirm your exact pick up time. Once you have finished your Kruger safari we will drop you off in Johannesburg around 18:00 pm.

If you are catching a flight on this day, please book domestic flights for 8 pm or later and international flights for 10 pm or later. Our drop-off services are exclusive to O.R Tambo Airport and hotels within a 10 km radius of O.R Tambo Airport.

We strongly advise booking your return flights for the day after the official tour end date to avoid potential delays and last-minute changes.

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.

Emergency Contacts

If you have an emergency (for eg. your flight has been delayed, you are running late for your tour departure or you missed your incoming flight), you can call the emergency number listed on your confirmation document or you can get in touch with us via:

WhatsApp message: +27 60 018 6293
Call us: +27 21 424 1115

Passports & Visa Requirements

PASSPORTS

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 another country, 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. 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 information directly with the embassies for each country.

Medical & Health Requirements

VACCINATIONS

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.

To enter or transit through South Africa, passengers must possess a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate only if arriving from or transiting through countries or regions designated as yellow fever-infected by the World Health Organization. Failure to present a valid certificate issued at least 10 days before arrival will result in entry refusal. There is no provision for vaccination upon arrival, including transit through affected areas. Please be aware that this requirement applies to transit as well.

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

Kruger is considered a low risk Malaria area and requires a proactive approach to safeguard your well-being. By using mosquito repellent and adhering to these guidelines, 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.
• Rooms are equipped with mosquito nets. For proper coverage make sure the mosquito net fully covers your sleeping area, including the sides and bottom. Tuck the edges of the net under the mattress or sleeping mat to prevent mosquitoes from finding their way in.
• 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.
• Consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice.

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

Please note that the weight limit for luggage on this tour is a maximum of 20kg.

We recommend using a backpack or soft-framed bag. Solid-framed or Samsonite-style suitcases may pose challenges when storing your luggage on the vehicle or trailer.

We also recommend bringing a smaller day pack for daily excursions.

In some cases your luggage is limited to a specific size, please check with your consultant for luggage limitations.

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 weather as temperature shifts can be significant.

Early morning and late evening game drives may be chilly during certain times of the year. Certain game drives 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. Avoid synthetics, which can be uncomfortable in hot weather.

Here is a basic guideline on what to bring on safari:

• Passport and travel insurance details
• Mixture of lightweight clothing and warm clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Wet wipes
• Camera and Binoculars
• Reusable water bottle
• Insect and mosquito repellent
• Suntan lotion, sunblock, and after-sun lotion
• Hat
• Swimwear
• Sunglasses
• Cash for tips and souvenirs
• Small basic First Aid kit including painkillers, band-aids, after-sun lotion, eye drops, and anti-diarrhea tablets.

Meals

We include most breakfasts and dinners. (Please refer to your tour itinerary for details on what meals are included on your tour.)

Breakfasts usually include muesli, eggs, fruit, yoghurt and cereals.

Dinners usually include traditional South African meals such as braais (barbecues) and (potijes) stews.

We recommend budgeting approx. ZAR 200 per meal not included. Your guide will take you to a restaurant or shop where you will be able to purchase something to eat.

To ensure we cater to your specific needs, please inform us of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.

It’s important to note that we cannot accommodate requests made at the start of the tour, so giving us a heads-up during the booking phase is key.

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.

CASH

In South Africa, the local currency is the RAND (ZAR), which is widely accepted throughout the country. We recommend carrying some cash for souvenirs and tipping purposes, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience during your travels.

CREDIT CARD

Credit Card facilities are available in major cities, though some establishments may impose surcharges. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, whereas Diners and American Express may have limited acceptance. Remember to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any card access issues while abroad.

ATM’s

With ATMs becoming more prevalent in major towns, cities and airports, utilizing credit or debit cards provides a convenient and accessible means to access funds during your journey. Ensure your cards feature chip and pin technology for secure transactions.

DEPARTURE TAX

The departure tax, also known as the Passenger Service Charge, is typically included in the price of your airline ticket when you depart from South Africa’s international airports. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check with your airline for any changes or updates regarding departure taxes, as policies and fees may change over time.

TIPPING
To assist you during your journey, we’ve compiled the following tipping guidelines based on feedback from both our valued travelers and dedicated staff.

• Restaurant Service Charge: Upon reviewing your bill, if a 10% service charge is included, there’s no obligation for additional tipping. However, if no service charge is added, it’s customary to consider a 10% gratuity of the total bill amount. In general, service charges are not included in South Africa.
• Guides: The amount you choose to tip your guides and drivers is entirely at your discretion. As a general guideline, consider offering between ZAR 40 to ZAR 80, per guide, per day. Feel free to adjust the gratuity amount based on your personal experience of service quality and the duration of your trip.

Remember, tipping is voluntary and should be extended only when exceptional service is received. Your contributions through tipping play a meaningful role in recognizing the efforts of our staff and enhancing the overall experience of your safari adventure.

Solo Travellers

This tour caters perfectly to solo adventurers in search of shared experiences and safe travels. Single travellers must book a single room at the single room rate and cannot share with other guests. 

Add-on Activities

We understand that travelers have different preferences, budgets, and interests. Additionally, weather conditions can influence the availability of activities. That’s why we’ve crafted our itineraries to offer flexibility, allowing you to tailor your experience to your liking.

During your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities that aren’t included in the standard package. Your guide will be there to offer recommendations and insights to help you select activities that align with your interests.

It’s important to note that these activities are operated by trusted third-party providers. For your convenience, payments for these activities can be made in cash or by credit card directly to the operator.

Please refer to the day-to-day itinerary for prices.