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10 Day Botswana Explorer Pioneer Safari - Victoria Falls to Maun VM[help]Dynamic Help
Tented UpmarketGuided TourMalaria ZoneWildlife
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Questions & Answers:

  • What is the safari grading?
  • Are the guides professionals?
  • What are the age limits?
  • Are transfers included?
  • Is insurance necessary?
  • Do I need passports and visas?
  • What is the luggage limit?
  • What should I bring?
  • Do I need a first aid kit?
  • What is included in the cost?
  • Are meals and drinks included?
  • Do you cater for vegetarians?
  • What accommodation can we expect?
  • Is smoking allowed?
  • Is porterage included?
  • Do I have to tip?
  • Do I use more than one currency?
  • Is there any departure tax?
  • Is there any security on the safari?
  • What is the duty free allowance?
  • Do I require vaccinations?
  • What languages will be spoken?
  • What are the season and temperatures like?
  • What kind of books can I read?
  • Will it be possible to photograph?
  • Do I need binoculars?

    •  
    What is the safari grading?
    The safari you have chosen is a Grade 3 safari (suitable for reasonably fit people, but involves some hiking and rugged conditions). This is a camping safari with a maximum of 7 participants travelling in a specially modified 4x4 safari vehicle together with a support vehicle. The safari is suitable for all reasonably fit people, but may involve some fairly rough road conditions and some walking in the Okavango Delta.
    Are the guides professionals?
    Afro Ventures prides itself on the standard of its safari guides. Each is thoroughly trained and fully licensed with an in-depth knowledge of the areas you will visit and an ability to communicate this knowledge to you. Please note that all safaris are conducted in English.
    What are the age limits?
    The age limit for this safari is 65 (sixty five years) although clients between the age of 65 (sixty five years) and 70 (seventy years) may be accepted provided that they produce a medical certificate stating that they are fit to travel.
    Are transfers included?
    A transfer is included at Victoria Falls.
    Is insurance necessary?
    Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory on all Afro Ventures safaris. Please ensure that your insurance covers cancellation and curtailment, personal accident, medical and baggage. The policy taken out should provide worldwide coverage. International clients should purchase insurance prior to their arrival in Southern Africa.

    Emergency Evacuation Cover: Your safari fare automatically provides you with emergency evacuation services, through our underwriters, to cover any of your travels within the Southern African sub-continent booked with Afro Ventures. A summary of the cover and services provided is as follows:-
    Emergency Medical Assistance: All reasonable, possible and practicable assistance in obtaining primary and/or emergency medical services will be provided to an insured person who suffers illness or injury.
    Admission Guarantee: In the event that an insured person requires emergency medical treatment, Europ Assistance will provide the necessary financial guarantees in order that the insured person may gain admission to any hospital or clinic.
    Medical Transportation or Repatriation: Should a medical practitioner designated by the Insurer recommend that the insured person be transported for treatment to a different hospital, or should he decide that such insured person is capable of being repatriated to his/her county of residence, the insurer will upgrade the insured person's existing travel ticket or if not possible, arrange and pay up to the amount specified in the schedule for the appropriate transportation, under medical supervision if necessary. The insurer shall, at the sole discretion of a medical practitioner, appoint the timing and mode of such transportation or repatriation.
    Do I need passports and visas?
    It is the client's own responsibility to ensure that they are holding a valid passport and that there are sufficient blank pages for any visas they may require as well as for entry stamps upon arrival in each country visited. The obtaining of visas is the sole responsibility of the client. Please note that in most cases these cannot be obtained at the various borders, this must be applied for prior to departure.
    What is the luggage limit?
    Clients are requested to pay particular attention to the following guidelines/restrictions pertaining to luggage as space on the safari vehicles and light aircraft is limited. The limit is one soft luggage bag per person with a maximum weight of 10kg (22 lbs). Camera equipment is excluded from the foregoing. No hard (i.e. Plastic/Samsonite) suitcases may be taken on safari.
    As your safari includes a flight into the Okavango Delta, a smaller soft bag must be included, as the luggage may be split to include only those items required for this portion of the safari.
    As luggage is packed in the supply vehicle it is recommended that clients use old or inexpensive luggage. Please note that should you not strictly adhere to the luggage restrictions, you will be responsible for any additional cost arising out of the transportation of any excesses.
    What should I bring?

    As a general guide, comfortable, casual and semi-casual wash and wear clothes are recommended.  Please note that bright colours are not suitable for game viewing. Game drives are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon at which times (especially in the winter months) it can be very cold.

    The following is a suggested clothing and toiletries list:
    Winter months (May to August) Summer months (September to April)
    * 1 pair of jeans  * 2 pairs of smart casual trousers * 3 pairs of shorts * 3 shirts * 1 pair of track shoes/walking shoes * 1 pair of sandals * 1 warm jacket * tracksuit * 1 sunhat * 1 bathing suite * 1 warm winter jumper * 1 smart shirt (light cotton) * 1 light raincoat * 1 windbreaker.
    When in Victoria Falls, you may wish to visit the Casino at either the Ilala Lodge or the Kingdom Hotel, but please note track shoes and T-shirts should not be worn.
    In addition (for both winter and summer months)
    · Malaria Tablets * Small sewing kit * Hand lotion * Suntan lotion * Lip salve * Tissue * First Aid Kit * Toothpaste and toothbrush * Wet ones * Sunglasses * Camera (recommend telephoto lenses) * Torch and batteries * Pen and paper *Binoculars * Small water bottle for personal use * Plastic bags for dirty clothes * Washing powder * Nail brush


    Do I need a first aid kit?
    Although every safari vehicle is equipped with an emergency first aid kit, nothing can spoil a client's safari more than minor accidents and illnesses for which they are unprepared. For this reasons we suggest a small personal First Aid kit is carried. All that is required are a few well-chosen articles packed in a clean, clearly marked airtight container
    Items to be considered for packaging are:
    Plasters and bandages * Scissors * Travel sickness tablets * Antiseptic cream * Antihistamine cream for insect bites * After sun moisturiser * Pain relieving tablets for headaches * Safety pins * Indigestion tablets * Sunscreen * Eye drops * Insect repellent * Medication for stomach upsets
    What is included in the cost?
    The cost of the safari includes:
    Transportation in the company's vehicles
    ·  Tour of the Falls
    ·  Use of camping equipment
    ·  Charter flights as per itinerary
    ·  Game Park and camping fees
    ·  Game drives
    ·  Use of mokoro
    ·  Services of a safari guide
    ·  Accommodation and meals as specified
    Are meals and drinks included?
    All meals, except for lunch and dinner in Victoria Falls on day one, are included.  We also include a reasonable amount of bottled water.  Cordials, teas and coffees are included but carbonated soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, which are excluded, can be purchased prior to the commencement of the safari at the client's own expense.
    Do you cater for vegetarians?
    Afro Ventures will cater for clients following a vegetarian diet providing they are notified of this preference at the time of booking.
    What accommodation can we expect?
    Allocation: unless clients specifically request single accommodation (in which case a single supplement charge becomes applicable) all lodge and hotel rooms are allocated on a twin basis. The basis of the allocation depends on the gender and relationship of the clients. However, Afro Ventures reserves the right to charge a single supplement for single travellers (initially prepared to share), should there be no suitable candidate to share with, at the time of the booking being finalised.
    Tents: the tents used on the camping safaris are the 3m x 3m igloo type, which are large enough to stand up in, with sewn-in groundsheets and mosquito netting. They are simple to erect/dismantle and comfortably sleep two people.
    Bedding: camp beds and bedding are provided on this safari.
    Electrical appliances: in Victoria Falls, the electrical current is AC 220/240 volts. Please bring along an adaptor and a charger if you need to recharge video batteries.
    Is smoking allowed?
    Due to a variety of factors smoking is not permitted in our safari vehicles.  Regular stops can be arranged.
    Is porterage included?
    This is not included in your safari cost.
    Do I have to tip?
    Tips are not included in the cost of your safari and whilst tipping in the regions you will visit, is not as prevalent as in the other parts of the world, you will still be expected to tender small amounts to your mokoro poler and lodge/hotel staff. A guide would be tipped approximately US$ 5.00 per day. Where restaurant meals are the normal 10% of the bill.
    Do I use more than one currency?
    When entering and exiting Zimbabwe and Botswana clients will be required to declare all foreign currency in any form.  As certain African currencies are difficult to change outside the country of origin it is advisable to only change money as required.  All International Airports have banks where money can be changed and most Hotels and Game Lodges have facilities for the changing of money.
    Credit Cards:
    In Namibia and South Africa credit cards are widely accepted (Visa and Mastercard), whilst in Botswana and Zimbabwe acceptance outside of the major centres is limited.
    Currency:
    Botswana - Pula (1 Pula = 100 Thebe) - Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe Dollar rate to be checked.
    Exchange rates fluctuate and we suggest clients check with their local banks or business press prior to departure.
    Is there any departure tax?
    For those clients flying out of Zimbabwe there is a departure tax of US$30.00.  These amounts can only be paid in cash in US Dollars of no larger than US$ 30.00 denomination, as no change is provided.
    Is there any security on the safari?
    Please ensure that you carry a record of the numbers of your passport, airline tickets and travellers cheques.  These should be kept in a safe place.  Never leave baggage or personal items unattended, especially at airports.  Please note expensive looking jewellery should not be taken on safari.
    What is the duty free allowance?
    Both beer and cigarettes are freely available in the countries visited on your safari, although international cigarettes can be expensive and unobtainable in Zimbabwe.  Imported wines and spirits can also be expensive.
    For you information the current duty free allowances are outlined below:
    ·   Botswana  - 1 litre of alcohol - 2 litres of wine - 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco - 250ml eau de toilette - 50ml perfume
    ·  Zimbabwe  - 5 litres of alcohol of which no more than two litres can be spirits - cigarettes/cigars/tobacco to your requirements
    Not available for travel between South Africa and Botswana
    Do I require vaccinations?
    Vaccination requirements change from time to time and we suggest clients consult their local doctor or health department for the latest health precautions.
    Malaria: malaria including plasmodium falciparum exists in certain areas and all clients must commence a course of anti-malarial tablets prior to departure. There are many brands available and we recommend that clients consult their doctor or health department as to which brand they should take.
    What languages will be spoken?
    Botswana:  Setswana (English widely spoken)
    Zimbabwe:  English (Several tribal languages)
    What are the season and temperatures like?

    Botswana
    The dry winter months from May to October are regarded as the best for game viewing. The days are generally warm although the nights can become very cold.
    · Temperature range: Minimum 32 F / 0 C; Maximum > 72 F / 22 C
    · November to April is the wet season and although the days are very hot the air is dry and humidity low.
    · Temperature range: Minimum 50 F / 10 C; Maximum > 100 F / 38 C
    The rain, which is widespread, is normally in the form of a thunderstorm during the late afternoon. At this time of the year the bush is lush and the bird life at its best.
    Zimbabwe
    The short winter months - May to August - are dry with mild days although the temperature at night can drop to freezing.
    · Temperature range: Minimum 32 F / 0 C; Maximum > 68 F / 20 C
    · The summer months are usually warm to hot with widespread rainfall occurring (mainly in the form of thunderstorms) from November through to April.
    · Temperature range: Minimum 50 F / 10 C; Maximum > 100 F / 38 C
    Summer safaris:
    During the summer months (November to March) certain areas may become inaccessible and alternative routes may have to be followed. We cannot guarantee that you will see the concentrations of animals you would see during the winter season. The variety of species you will encounter will be the same but will be more widely dispersed and therefore more difficult to locate. However, what we offer is the chance to see the countryside at its lush green best whilst the bird life is outstanding.


    What kind of books can I read?
    Although every safari guide will have in his possession books on birds and mammals it is recommended that clients purchase their own. 
    Suggested books are:
    ·  Newmans birds of Southern Africa by Kenneth Newman
    ·  Roberts birds of Southern Africa by G L McLean
    ·  Field guide to the mammals of Southern Africa by Chris and Tilde Stuart.
    Will it be possible to photograph?
    To many clients photography is an important part of their safari and there will be many opportunities to take excellent photographs. For the photography of birds and game a telephoto lens is preferable and should be at least 200mm in size. As most game drives are done in the early morning or late afternoon, high-speed film (200/400 ASA) should be used.
    Films, bulbs and batteries are not always readily available and often expensive and for this reason we recommend that you purchase all your requirements prior to departure. For protection from dust we suggest a plastic bag to cover your camera and you may also wish to carry a small camera cleaning kit.
    Videos - take enough batteries plus recharging equipment with cigarette lighter adaptor.
    Do I need binoculars?
    It is strongly recommended that clients bring along a pair of binoculars for their personal use.

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