Drifters Adventours
Accommodated Small Group Overland Safaris
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Established in 1983, Drifters has gone from strength to strength to become one of the most formidable forces in tourism in Southern Africa. Drifters expansion has been gradual and calculated, and over the years we have earned an enviable reputation for offering “unbeatable value for money”.
Offering value for money however does not mean that we provide an inferior product; in fact, quite the contrary. Our packages are renowned for including far more than others on offer, and our vast infrastructure of Drifters' owned game reserves, bush camps, inns, boats, canoes, adventure equipment and other resources mean that clients are able to enjoy the best of Africa without added expense.
- About Us
- Products and Services
- Essential Info
- Booking T&Cs
Expertise and Specialisation
All of our tours are inclined toward the interesting and often unique fauna and flora of Africa, and for this reason we often leave the “beaten track” to explore remote areas where little or no familiar infrastructure exists. In these areas we generally camp, but all equipment is supplied, and no previous experience is necessary.
All that you need to bring along is a sleeping bag, towel, and a supplementary mattress (if desired). When we enter built-up areas where facilities exist, we use inns, bungalows or small hotels. Drifters tours are based on twin shared accommodation, however we do not charge a single supplement for individual bookings.
If you really wish to spend your time on an African safari with a small international group, and you relish the thought of an environmentally educative and adventurous experience where “Roughing it and Loving it” is the order of the day, then Drifters is your only choice.
Licences and Associations
Being Southern African owned and based, Drifters have a company registered in every country in which we operate. Drifters are also members of all major tourist associations and authorities, and are licensed and insured to operate throughout the region, thus ensuring accountability and providing clients with security and peace of mind.
Responsible Travel
The Drifters philosophy is based on one of sustainability – the long-term assurance that whatever activity we conduct in any specific natural area must contribute to the conservation and to the well-being of the inhabitants of that area, thus ensuring that future generations will be able to visit those same areas and enjoy the same experience as did their parents before them. Drifters employ large numbers of local people across Southern Africa. Travellers can therefore feel assured that a percentage of their tour fee is in fact going directly to all those local communities.
Overland Tours
Season: Year round
All of our tours are inclined toward the interesting and often unique fauna and flora of Africa, and for this reason we often leave the “beaten track” to explore remote areas where little or no familiar infrastructure exists. In these areas we generally camp, but all equipment is supplied, and no previous experience is necessary. All that you need to bring along is a sleeping bag, towel, and a supplementary mattress (if desired). When we enter built-up areas where facilities exist, we use inns, bungalows or small hotels. Drifters tours are based on twin shared accommodation, however we do not charge a single supplement for individual bookings.
South Africa Self Drive
Season: Year round
Drifters offer a self-drive package designed for those clients that don’t want the formality of travelling in a group, but still want to take advantage of the excellent Drifters infrastructure, Inns, Game Lodge, and adventure activities throughout South Africa. This flexible package is aimed at self-drive clients that want to explore the country concentrating on the wilderness areas. Drifters Inns are all spectacularly located, most are far away from the hustle and bustle of cities. The concept behind Drifters Inns is that we are able to offer packages that visit almost all of the different eco-systems that exist within South Africa.
Drifters Game Lodge
Season: Year round
Drifters also offer the luxury Drifters Game Lodge for the discerning bush lover. However, the Drifters philosophy still stands: an authentic African experience at a realistic price. Take a few extra days to adjust to the smells, sounds and taste of Africa.
Drifters Inns
Season: Year round
Aimed at those seeking more than the formality of a hotel or claustrophobia of a B+B, the Drifters concept is one of down to earth personal service in a location exuding natural beauty and attractions - our Inns cater for the adventurer, but without compromise.
Drifters 23 years in the ecotourism/hospitality industry has enabled us to build up a collection of Inns, Lodges and Camps, all Ideally situated from both geographical and ecological perspectives - each has been carefully selected and built to meet with our theme, "Well Priced and Superb Location - Rustic but Comfortable."
More than just accommodation, Drifters concentrate on the experience, each of our properties is designed in a manner that brings clients directly into contact with the best that the area has to offer, be it wildlife, scenery, the ocean, culture, etc. Our emphasis is always on the environment, and besides those Inns in cities, our properties all offer exquisite natural environments where clients can explore, hike, cycle, etc. or simply relax without restriction. Our commitment to conservation is paramount.
At Drifters properties our experienced managers and staff will personally host you and will be on hand to offer advice regarding activities and attractions in the respective areas. To create the ideal adventure tour our Drifters properties may be linked to ensure continuity throughout your holiday and our reservations office would be pleased to assist with advice on the different routes and options available.
Food and Beverages
Drifters provide wholesome fresh meals.
1. Breakfast is either a cold meal with cereals, fruit, yoghurt, bread, cold meat, cheese or cooked with bacon, eggs, mushrooms, tomato and toast.
2. Lunches are generally on the road and typically include sandwiches, salads, cold meats, cheese, fruit, hot dogs.
3. Dinner is always a cook-up and the main meal of the day. Braai's, fish, chicken, goulash, stews, pasta's are served with salad and on most nights a dessert.
Accommodation
Drifters offer a mix of camping and fixed accommodation where it is suitable. Only the best available equipment is used. Owning our own retail store enables us to keep abreast of developments in this field, and to develop and manufacture most of our own equipment to the highest international standards. Chairs, tents and rubber sleeping mats are provided on all of our tours.
Drifters Inns
Aimed at those seeking more than the formality of a hotel or claustrophobia of a B+B, the Drifters concept is one of down to earth personal service in a location exuding natural beauty and attractions - our Inns cater for the adventurer, but without compromise. Drifters 23 years in the ecotourism/hospitality industry has enabled us to build up a collection of Inns, Lodges and Camps, all ideally situated from both geographical and ecological perspectives - each has been carefully selected and built to meet with our theme, "Well Priced and Superb Location - Rustic but Comfortable."
More than just accommodation, Drifters concentrate on the experience, each of our properties is designed in a manner that brings clients directly into contact with the best that the area has to offer, be it wildlife, scenery, the ocean, culture, etc. Our emphasis is always on the environment, and besides those Inns in cities, our properties all offer exquisite natural environments where clients can explore, hike, cycle, etc. or simply relax without restriction. Our commitment to conservation is paramount.
At Drifters properties our experienced managers and staff will personally host you and will be on hand to offer advice regarding activities and attractions in the respective areas. To create the ideal adventure tour our Drifters properties may be linked to ensure continuity throughout your holiday and our reservations office would be pleased to assist with advice on the different routes and options available.
Transport
All Drifters vehicles are designed in a manner that reflects our decades of experience in the safari industry. Only newly purchased Mercedes Benz vehicles are used. Passenger cabin, body work and storage areas are all custom-built to our specifications, taking passenger safety, comfort and reliability into account. All vehicles are inspected, serviced and completely re-supplied before each tour departure.
4x4 Truck
As used for the Botswana and Mozambique tours are similar to the standard truck, but specifically adapted to suit rough terrain. This vehicle tows a trailer, enabling us to set up camp, and then proceed on game drives without having to repack. Limited to 13 passengers seats to allow for maximum game viewing opportunities. These vehicles are also fully equipped for maximum client comfort. For small groups Landcruisers are used.
4x4 Landcruisers
These vehicles are used for smaller groups. Landcruisers are equipped with similar features to the trucks & are 4x4.
Truck Features
Bog Poles – To prevent bogging in mud or soft sand. Seat belts - Provided for passenger safety Shade Awning Concertina – Allows for direct communication between clients and driver at all times. Long Range Fuel Tanks Intercom – Allows guide to communicate with all passengers. Stainless-steel wash basin – Provides hygienic, convenient dish washing facility. Powerful Turbocharged diesel motor. Storage Lockers – For equipment. 300 Litre water tank to provide safe water for use at all times. Stainless steel table and cooking equipment – For hygienic food preparation. Gas Cookers – Provide a clean, quick, and efficient cooking facility. Campfires are used for cooking when it can be done without degradation to the environment. Maps Provided - for clients use Library - Reference books provided for clients use. 16 forward facing seats. Floor to ceiling safety glass, opening windows First aid kit Spacious, comfortable seating Excellent forward vision
Local Guides
All Drifters guides are qualified, full-time professionals, registered with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa and South African Tourism. All guides are specifically registered and licensed in order to provide you with an informative, safe and enjoyable experience whatever your choice of safari.
Age Restrictions
We target adventure-minded people of 18 to 55 years of age, who through their own active participation in the tours get maximum enjoyment. Our clients are normally down-to-earth people from all walks of life and from all corners of the globe, who by choice have selected a camping safari in order to enjoy the maximum experience.
What to Bring
On receipt of your deposit we will send you a suggested kit list, which will supply you with a guide as to what to bring along as well as further useful information.
1. PRICE INCLUDES
We attempt to make every effort to ensure that our clients are fully aware of what costs are involved in each trip, and to avoid any surprise hidden costs. Our prices include transport for the duration of the tour, accommodation, group equipment (tents, pots, etc.) hire costs (boats, polers, etc.), permits and entry fees, competent professional guides and all food for the duration of the trip (restaurants excluded). The food is healthy and every endeavour is made to suit all tastes, and we make as much use of local produce as possible. We include coffee and tea, as well as fruit juice at breakfast, but all alcohol and soft drinks are for your own expense. DRIFTERS do not operate the food kitty system, because this causes delays during the journey while the passengers shop, and is open to misuse. All braais and breakfasts are provided by us but not meals en route to and from the area of the tour. As our programme must be projected so far ahead and our prices are therefore subject to exchange rate fluctuations, we reserve the right to surcharge without notice, although this is against our intentions. Any special extra excursions are for the client’s expense.
2. BOOKING PROCEDURE
If you wish to make a reservation it is advisable first to contact your agent or DRIFTERS to ensure that there is still space available on the particular venture or tour. If so then complete the booking form and send it along with a 10% NONREFUNDABLE deposit to confirm your reservation. IF THE FULL AMOUNT IS NOT PAID AS STIPULATED BY YOUR AGENT OR PRIOR TO DEPARTURE DATE OF SUCH TOUR/VENTURE, DRIFTERS may, at our own discretion and without notice, be entitled to regard the booking as cancelled and to re-book the vacancy. Late applicants may join tours/ventures on an accommodation available basis.
3. INSURANCE
Travel insurance is compulsory and you should arrange such in your country of origin. You should be covered in the event of cancellation or curtailment, death, any medical or rescue expenses, as well as for any loss of baggage, money or personal items. You may contact our office in this regard.
4. CANCELLATION PROCEDURE
Cancellation of any booking must be received in writing and acknowledged by DRIFTERS. If a booking is cancelled with the consent of DRIFTERS, the latter shall retain the full deposit. Should a person cancel a tour/venture and cannot find an immediate replacement: a) If DRIFTERS have 4 weeks or more notice, only the deposit is forfeited. b) If DRIFTERS have less than 4 weeks notice, the deposit and in addition a cancellation fee will be payable by the client as follows: 27-21 days 40% of total fare 20-14 days 60% of total fare 13-0 days 100% of total fare c) If you fail to join a tour/venture or join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no reimbursement whatsoever will be made.
5. TRANSPORT
DRIFTERS operate with Mercedes trucks, Mercedes vans, Landcruisers, Samils and Unimogs, all chosen for their practicality and reliability. They seat up to 17 clients depending on the application.
6. GROUP SIZE AND AGE
Our group size usually numbers between 6 and 17 clients. By travelling in small groups it means that we don’t invade campsites and can avoid wasting time in constantly having to wait for people. It also enables us to maintain a far more personal service to our clients. From our experience our groups are normally made up of individuals, couples and sometimes groups of friends aged between 18 and 55 years. The sheer physical and youthful mentality which prevails on these tours makes them generally unsuited to anybody over the age of 55 years.
7. CHANGE OF BOOKING
If, after confirming your booking, you wish to change to an alternative departure date, you may do so subject to availability and by agreement with our booking office. An amendment fee will be charged. Should we not be able to accommodate your request and you therefore must cancel, our usual cancellation procedure will apply.
8. EXCHANGE CONTROL REGULATIONS
Clients must realise that most African countries have certain currency restrictions with which they must familiarise themselves before travelling.
9. RESCUE AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
In the unlikely event of rescue and medical assistance being needed, other than that provided by DRIFTERS, the participant shall be liable for the entire cost thereof, unless covered by insurance.
10. PARTICIPATION
The degree of satisfaction and enjoyment you feel at the end of each day and the end of the trip will depend on you and your capacity to enjoy yourself. This capacity, combined with an active and enquiring mind and a willingness to participate, is essential for all our tours. If you wish to be pampered and amused with minimal effort on your part, then our tours are not for you. Participation is essential on all trips and everyone is expected to help with chores to ensure the smooth running of the tour. A degree of flexibility is also essential because of the nature of the parameters in which we have to operate.
11. GUIDES
Our guides are mature adults who are young at heart and enjoy their work. They are chosen for their personalities, their interest in their environment, their experience and their ability to handle people. We have a hard core of full-time guides as well as a pool of good reliable part-timers, all registered with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa and South African Tourism .
12. SLEEPING
Usually in tents accommodating two adults. Alternatively we utilise Inns, log cabins, bungalows and rondavels, and under the stars, if desired. Thin sleeping mats are provided, but clients may bring inflatable mattresses for further comfort. Single clients may share accommodation with other clients.
13. LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE
Baggage on all our tours will be strictly limited to one large bag (barrel bag or internal framed backpack), weighing a maximum of 15kgs. We will also allow a smaller hand luggage bag or camera bag per person. In order to prevent complications on vehicles, aeroplanes and boats, this allowance must be adhered to. SUITCASES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.
14. EQUIPMENT HIRE
We hire out sleeping bags if required. (See booking form.)
15.SPENDING MONEY
Each trip will require differing amounts of pocket money depending on the length of the journey, the individual’s needs and the specific conditions of each tour. Money is needed for meals en route on the first and last day of travelling, curios, alcohol and soft drinks, specified restaurant meals, visas, airport taxes, transfers and additional excursions, not included in the tour price. Tipping is a customary practice in Southern Africa.
16. KIT LIST AND FINAL INSTRUCTIONS
On receipt of your deposit we will send you a suggested kit list, which will supply you with a guide as to what to bring along as well as further useful information. You will also receive a receipt confirmation which must be read carefully as it will display both the time and point of departure and return.
17. ACCEPTANCE OF BOOKING CONTRACT
A contract between DRIFTERS and the client will only be deemed to be concluded once the client or the client’s agent has received receipted notification from DRIFTERS. Clients will be required to sign an acceptance of contract before starting their tour. The place of conclusion of contract will always be taken as South Africa and any claim or actions brought against DRIFTERS can only be made under South African jurisdiction.
18. AIR TRANSPORT
DRIFTERS will assist with any flight bookings and arrangements if requested. We will always endeavour to obtain the best prices possible, but we accept no liability regarding delays, cancellations or any other problems in this regard whatsoever. Passenger tickets in use by the specific airline when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the passenger.
19. CONDITIONS
Due to the nature of hiking, camping, touring, driving and the general third-world conditions on our tour/ventures, DRIFTERS, their employees, guides and affiliates, do not accept responsibility for any client or dependant thereof in respect of any loss, injury, illness, damage, accident, fatality, delay or inconvenience experienced from time of departure to time of return, or subsequent to date of return, such loss, injury, etc. arising out of any such tour/venture organised by DRIFTERS. Should a tour/venture be cancelled by DRIFTERS due to weather conditions or other reasons, it shall either refund full payment or offer a substitute tour/venture. Should DRIFTERS have to curtail a tour/venture for any reason due to weather conditions or other factors after the time of departure, DRIFTERS will not be liable for any form of refund whatsoever, although everything will be done to complete a tour/venture or to utilize an alternative arrangement or venue. Should a client decide to curtail a tour for any reason whatsoever, DRIFTERS will not be liable for any refund whatsoever.
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