Accommodation
All Accommodation while on tour is included - 90% camping 10% hotel/hostel
Transport
All 4x4 Land Rover vehicles (max. 2 per vehicle) are equipped with small drinks fridge, inverter to charge small items such as cameras, mobile phones and laptops; CB radio for communication, stereo with tape deck; fire extinguisher, basic first aid kit, and ample storage space. Each vehicle has an easily erected large standing 2 person tent with inbuilt ground sheet and mosquito netting, 2 camp beds, 2 camping chairs, 1 small camp table, jerry cans for water and fuel, spare tyres, basic tool kit and essential spare parts; sand mats, shovels and warning triangles.
The interior of the vehicles have been adapted to maximize storage and security.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included while camping
Staff
The expedition is fully supported with a lead vehicle consisting of 2 experienced crew (mechanic and tour leader/cook) who ensure the smooth day to day running of the expedition, negotiate borders and formalities; ensure supplies are plenty and maintain the vehicles. The lead vehicle carries an extensive range of spare parts and tools, comprehensive kitchen, fridge/freezer, medical kit, CB radio, sand mats, shovels, fire extinguisher, warning triangles, spare tyres, extra fuel and water.
Age Restriction
Nil – medically sound to travel
Optional Activities
All optional extras are payable in USD cash (post dated 2003 only). The following is a list of optional activities not included in the tour price. We don’t include these activities as most are specific to individual tastes and level of adventure. You pay as you go for these activities.
South Africa:
Dive with Sharks – POA
Table Mountain cable car – USD$30
Namibia:
Quad biking, Swakopmund – USD$80
Game Fishing, Swakopmund – USD$100
Scenic Flights, Swakopmund – USD$160
Tandem Sky Dive, Swakopmund – USD$250
Zambia:
White water rafting – USD$120
Microlight / helicopter of the Falls – USD$95 – USD$200
Rhino Trek – USD$120
Walk with Lions – USD$100
Adrenalin Day – Gorge Swing – USD$90
Bungy Jump – USD$90
Malawi:
Dinner with the Chief, Kande – USD$10
Diving, Lake Malawi – USD$40
Tanzania:
Diving, Zanzibar – USD$40 to US$300
Swimming with Dolphins, Zanzibar – USD$50
Uganda:
White Water Rafting – USD$95
Quad biking – USD$60
Horse riding on the Nile – USD$70
Bungy jump – USD$55
Gorilla Trek permit USD$570
Kenya:
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Nairobi – USD$60
Rothschild Giraffe Centre, Nairobi – USD$12
What To Bring
• Lots of common sense and humor
• Backpack and day pack
• Passport
• Copy of insurance details – policy number, insurer, 24 hour medical emergency number.
• sleeping bag, sleep sheet, pillow
• Torch (head torch), spare batteries and bulbs
• Mosquito repellent (jungle formula or equivalent, natural based repellents are ineffective)
• Usual smalls, T-shirts, shorts, long trousers, long shirt, flip-flops/thongs, closed shoes, underwear, fleece, light rain jacket, swimming outfit, cap/hat, towel, sunglasses, sarong
• Personal travelers medical kit (dressings, antibiotics, plasters, Imodium, re-hydration sachets, antiseptic, needles and syringes)
• Glasses and spares (if applicable); contact lenses (for water activities etc)
• Prescribed medications and doctors letters (only if DDAs)
• Toiletries (incl. sunscreen and big packet of Wet ones) – can stock up enroute
• Anti-malarial tablets * see notes on Malaria
• Cameras - spare batteries, adaptors for power points/car chargers (Jordan, Egypt and Sudan use standard European 2 pin, East Africa to Namibia use English pins; Namibia, South Africa use South Africa pins), extra memory cards, cables to plug camera into computer to download (and software)
• binoculars
• Mobile phone – unlocked to use local SIM cards, cheaper to keep in contact with home.
• Travel alarm clock - essential
• Pens (black and blue) and note pad
• Valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, and general vaccination certificate
• Music, books and games, bring any format you like I pods, Tapes, MP3
• International Driving Permit and original Driving Permit with photocopies (2)
• PADI Diving certificates and log book (if you have one)
• Swiss army knife – always handy to have and Pegs for hanging washing
• Mosquito net (optional)
• Personal travel sewing kit
• Money!
Group Size
18
Other Information
The following information is not an exhaustive list of everything you may want to know about this 4x4 Africa adventure but should answer some of the main key queries.
Group Size
There are a maximum of 10 4x4 vehicles per fully guided 4x4 self drive Africa Adventure. This is an exclusive tour with only 1 departure per year with limited numbers.
Accommodation:
Accommodation is a mix of hotels/hostels, campsites and a small amount of bush camping. From Cape Town to Nairobi the campsites have good facilities, often with hot showers, bar, restaurant and rooms/dorms available for upgrades. In Southern African National Parks the facilities at campsites are very good; East African National Parks the facilities at campsites are basic.
The Vehicles:
After having spent years on the road throughout Africa in trucks, cars and on motorbikes we believe that the Land Rover is still the best 4X4 x far for this kind of trip.
A permanent four wheel drive with a very fuel efficient and sturdy turbocharged diesel engine combined with coil spring suspension provides best comfort as well as off road performance.
A very popular safari vehicle means spare parts are readily available should we require to restock.
Land Rovers have been ploughing the roads of Africa for decades and proven their reliability.
All 4x4 Land Rover vehicles are equipped with camping equipment, spare parts, tools, jerry cans for water and fuel.
The Crew:
Africa Expedition Support only employs experienced road crew who have worked in some of the toughest and most demanding environments throughout Africa. They have a minimum of 5 years safari experience and are expert at negotiating the rough terrain, dealing with officials, have excellent mechanical skills and have the experience and necessary skill to deal with any challenge. Most importantly they are people persons, love what they do, and are passionate about Africa.
The Route/Itinerary:
The itineraries on our 4x4 self drive Africa adventures are not day by day giving us more flexibility. You may want to spend less or more time in a certain location or visit other places of your personal interest. We always try to make your 4x4 self drive Africa adventure as tailor-made as possible but without missing out on the Must Do’s in Africa.
Our itineraries are developed by experts in the know. We have included the main highlights in each country giving you the best variety and African experience.
The Road Conditions:
Road conditions in Africa are challenging. Although most of this trip is on either tar or good dirt roads there are times when we will be off-roading.
North and East Africa roads are mostly tar however have deteriorated leaving pot holes and narrow stretches. Animals and locals often use the main roads as footpaths adding to the challenge.
Southern Africa roads are good dirt or tar seal. With the exception of Namibia which has well maintained wide dirt roads.
The National Parks are all dirt roads, mostly in Ok condition.
The crew will instruct you in detail on how to safely drive in these adverse conditions. The lead 4x4 vehicle will always stay in the lead and adapt their driving speed to suit the conditions.
Land Rover provides the smoothest ride on difficult road conditions.
Safety and Security:
Research undertaken by Africa Expedition Support shows that personal safety and security concerns are the single biggest factor preventing people from doing this 4x4 trip individually.
Our crew know this route exceptionally well and are always updated on the latest information about areas to be visited. The crew are there to inform on driving times to ensure we always make our night stop prior to sun down.
Travelling in a group and staying in convoy provides a higher level of security.
Further as the price for the Africa Adventure includes most of the activities and National Park entrance fees you do not have to carry huge amounts of cash with you. Just enough for visas, some activities, snacks and drinks and meals while in Hotels/Hostels and a few curios (souvenirs) enroute.
Responsible Tourism:
Travelling can bring many rewards to both yourself and the local people you meet along the way. Over the years we have seen tourists unknowingly offend local people.
African people in general are relaxed and often forgiving of our Western ways. But like anywhere in the World everyone deserves respect and acknowledgment regardless of cultural differences.
We are mere visitors in a place we are unfamiliar with and do not understand. Which is exactly why we choose to travel!
1. Respect the Culture – It is not our position nor right to judge, show disrespect; nor criticize a culture, value or belief which differs from our own. In certain areas it is respectful to keep arms, legs and heads covered.
2. Respect the Land and Animals – animals are protected in all National Parks. Driving off a designated track causes massive destruction to natural foliage; getting too close to wild animals is disturbing and unsettling. Littering or taking natural foliage is damaging to the environment.
3. Respect the Individual – always being polite and courteous to local people. Asking permission before taking photographs and respecting the answer.
Backup Support:
In addition to the on-road support by our mechanic whose role is to maintain the 4x4 Land Rover vehicles to the best possible standard; Africa Expedition Support has a workshop in Nairobi. All vehicles are serviced prior to departure and regularly serviced while on tour by our mechanic.
Visas and Passports:
Visas and passports are the responsibility of the individual. Most visas are available enroute either at the point of entry or Embassies prior to entering. Our experienced crew are on hand to assist with visas and border crossings. It is essential there are no stamps from Israel in your passport.
Malaria
There are various prophylaxes available. They all have pros and cons. You have to keep in mind none of them provide 100% protection; they only buy you time to treat the infection. Treatments are available throughout malarial zones for relatively little money. Your best protection is not to get bitten. Malaria is a serious illness!
Your best protection is to cover up from dusk to dawn (light colored long sleeve shirt and trousers), use a strong insect repellent (DEET based) and take anti-malaria prophylaxes (tablets).
It is essential you obtain advice from your Travelers Medical Clinic on precautions and prophylaxis which suits you best.
Trip Payment
The Trip costs are split into 2 sections:
Land Price: A non refundable deposit of 20% upon booking secures your seat. The remainder is payable in full 90 days prior to departure, failure to do so could result in forfeiting your seat. This is payable in GBP.
Local Payment: Is payable on day 1 of your expedition directly to the crew. This is payable in post dated 2003 USD Cash only.
Personal spending money - You can never have too much!!
Everyone has different needs and life styles. It is hard to predict what every individual would spend. As a rough guide we recommend at least $15 a day to pay for snacks, a couple of beers in the evening; meals while staying in hotels/hostels; the odd souvenir as well as e-mails and post cards.
Bring ALL your spending and optional extra money in new USD CASH ONLY. Large USD notes (tip: $50 and $100 notes obtain a higher exchange rate than small notes).
USD notes must be dated 2003 and above; clean new notes without rips or pen markings otherwise they will not be accepted throughout most of Africa.
Do not assume banks or money changers in UK/Europe/AUS/NZ/USA know you need NEW post dated 2003 USD CASH. You must check the dates and condition of each note before accepting them.
Traveler's cheques and credit cards are OK emergency backup money only. DO NOT rely on them as a source of cash (they also attract very high commission rates regardless what you are told back home).
