What to Expect

1. Flexibility is Key: The information provided in the itinerary is subject to change.  Any changes made, prioritize your safety and are aimed at enhancing the overall quality of your experience.
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. Be prepared for long hours on the road between Johannesburg and Kruger and vice versa. In Africa, some roads may be uneven, leading to occasional bumpy rides during the journey.
4. Adventures for the whole family: This is a family-friendly tour and is open to adventurers aged 6 and up. Certain activities might have specific age restrictions for safety reasons. For precise details on age requirements, feel free to check details with your consultant.
5. All-Weather Adventure: Our tours operate year-round, so be prepared for any weather conditions, from scorching heat to chilly nights. Pack accordingly!

Start & End Point Information

Your tour will start in Johannesburg – South Africa. Please note that we only pick up from the following points in Johannesburg:

• OR Tambo Airport
• Hotels within a 10 km distance from O.R Tambo Airport
• Hotels in Sandton

You will need to arrive in Johannesburg at least 1 day before your tour departs as the tour departs at approximately 6 am.
We will email or WhatsApp you the afternoon before your tour departs to confirm your exact pick up time.

We drop guests off at Victoria Falls Airport on Day 7 in time to catch your outbound flight.

Kindly Note: We are able to pick you up at Hoedspruit Airport if you prefer not to take the road transfer between Johannesburg and Kruger Park. 

Hoedspruit Transfers

If you prefer to skip the drive from Johannesburg to Kruger (approx. 6 hours) you can catch a flight to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport and we can pick you up from there. Please speak to your consultant if you need more information on this option.

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, Botswana and Zimbabwe, 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

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

Please note that the recommended 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 & Drinking Water

MEALS

Most meals are included on this safari. Please refer to your tour itinerary for details on what meals are included on your tour.

In Kruger, 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.

In Victoria Falls you can purchase meals 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.

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.

Transport

Our game drives are conducted in specialized 4×4 open-top safari vehicles that can seat 9 people.

Transfers are conducted in a mini bus or SUV depending on the number of people.

Money & Currencies

For your trip through Africa, it’s essential to plan your currency needs wisely to ensure smooth transactions and avoid any inconveniences. Here’s some practical advice:

CASH & CURRENCY

• 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.