2013 KIBOKO ADVENTURES CAMPING DOSSIER BOTSWANA – NAMIBIA – SOUTH AFRICA – ZIMBABWE Updated October 2012
GENERAL INFORMATION INTRODUCTION
This Dossier is designed to assist the participant in preparing for their trip with KIBOKO ADVENTURES. All the information contained herein is given in good faith and has been carefully compiled. It must be accepted that details will change from time to time. On finalisation of the reservation, clients will be issued with PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION relating to their safari with relevant joining instructions.
EACH PARTICIPANT MUST PLEASE READ THIS DOSSIER THOROUGHLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. There are certain things that must be checked and attended to in advance of departure. Kiboko Adventures cannot be held responsible for participants who have been inadequately prepared.
(1) ACCOMMODATION / CAMPING EQUIPMENT We provide spacious, comfortable tents accommodating 2 people each. Each tent is insect proof and equipped with a built in ground sheet for insulation as well as two large aerating windows with mosquito netting. Each passenger is provided with a specially made high density, thick foam mattress (6cm thick), a sleeping bag, small pillow and a comfortable folding safari chair. A dining table is provided for meals and a comprehensive set of cooking and camping equipment, water containers, and spare parts is carried in the vehicle. Participants need only bring along their personal effects. (2) AGE LIMIT We have no strict age policy. Groups are pleasantly informal, usually comprising a wide range of nationalities in the 40 to 65 yearage group and are aimed at healthy, active participants looking for an adventure holiday. This is purely a guideline and older and younger adventurers will be accepted on request. Clients should satisfy themselves prior to booking that they are fit and able to complete the itinerary of their choice, and persons over 65 years of age will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire proving fitness to travel on certain itineraries. (3) BOOKING CONDITIONS Please ensure that you are aware of our Booking conditions, which can be found with our Booking Form. If you do not have a copy please request one, as your travelling on the safari implies acceptance of these conditions. Should your booking be handled by an Agent or Tour Operator, their Booking Conditions will be applicable. (4) BINOCULARS When visiting wildlife areas it is essential that participants have a pair of binoculars for their personal use, in order to benefit fully from the safari. (5) BORDER CROSSINGS The following border posts are the expected points of entry/ departure used for our cross border itineraries: - South Africa/ Namibia:
Rietfontein, Mata Mata or Noordoewer (SA & Namibia)
Martin’s Drift or Lobatse (Pioneer Gate) (SA & Botswana)
South Africa/ Swaziland: Jeppes Reef or Nerston/ Sandlane (SA & Swaziland) Namibia/ Zambia:
Pandamatenga and Plumtree (Botswana & Zimbabwe)
Victoria Falls Bridge (Zimbabwe & Zambia)
Swaziland/ South Africa: Golela (SA & Swaziland) (6) BORDER & POLICE OFFICIALS Always be courteous, polite and patient at the border posts or when dealing with a policeman and with official bureaucrats. An arrogant attitude will only create problems for yourself and for the rest of the group. (7) COMPLAINTS Should clients have a complaint against Kiboko Adventures, please inform the Tour Leader whilst on the tour in order that the leader may attempt to rectify the matter. Should the matter not be rectified whilst on tour, please write to Kiboko as soon as possible. Kiboko must receive the complaint within 30 days of completion of the tour so that the matter may be investigated. Claims may not be considered outside that time. Kiboko Adventures will not entertain complaints due to Loss of Enjoyment when the full land arrangements have been provided. (8) CONCEPT
Group size is kept relatively small with a maximum of 16 participants. Our camping tours are Fully Serviced meaning no participation is required by the clients. Kiboko staff (3 when more than 8 clients and 2 when less than 8 clients) erect / dismantle tents and take care of all camp duties including cooking, washing of eating and cooking utensils and loading and packing of the vehicle. The concept behind a Kiboko tour is for guests to sit back and relax while the Kiboko staff take care of you. Of course if clients wish to help out they are always welcome. (9) CONSERVATION Most countries are members of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) which restricts the import/ export of numerous species and their products. Please do not purchase products made from ivory and skins. These may be confiscated by customs. *
Please be aware that the purchase of large wooden carvings places a strain on forest resources: Rather purchase smaller items.
In the interest of Wildlife Conservation and Ecotourism we ask you to refrain from the purchases of any animal skins, ivory or any Wildlife products.
In the interest of conservation of the marine environment, please do not damage or touch coral with hands or feet when snorkelling or diving in Moçambique.
(9) SPENDING MONEY: We recommend that you travel with your local currency (EUR, USD, AUD, NZD, GBP) in CASH as this is the easiest way to change into local currency of the country you are travelling in. Travellers cheques are NOT readily accepted. Most Lodges visited are able to accept credit cards for meals however, American Express and Diners are NOT readily accepted. We recommend that you exchange your foreign currency at the bank located at your airport of arrival. (10) FACILITIES ON SAFARI Most campsites we stay at have full facilities (eg hot & cold running water, showers, sit down flush toilets etc). When staying at Spitzkoppe we bushcamp where no shower is available and there is only a long drop toilet. In Moremi Wildlife Reserve we stay in Private campsites where we provide our own bush toilets and showers. Participants are usually very quick to adapt themselves to the conditions of the safari. (11) FLIGHT CHECK-IN AND TRANSIT TIMES Please check-in early at airports (at least 1-2 hours for South African domestic flights, 2-3 hours for regional and international flights) as flights are occasionally overbooked. Please be aware that during peak season, delays are often encountered on scheduled flights, a minimum 3-4 hours must be allowed for airport transits/ transfers especially large airports such as London, Paris and Johannesburg. IMPORTANT: TO AVOID LOST LUGGAGE IN TRANSIT Please take your sleeping bag, medication and toiletries with you on board the plane. For passengers with connecting flights, please allow sufficient connecting time between flights (3-4 hours). We suggest you check your luggage to each transfer point / airport en route, especially if travelling via Johannesburg, to allow you to identify and collect your luggage and re-check to your final destination. Please note ALL luggage is offloaded in Johannesburg even if connecting to another destination (i.e. Windhoek or Maun), as this is the first point of entry/ customs clearance to Southern Africa.
(12) FOOD & DRINKS Please bear in mind that in certain areas it is not possible to obtain fresh fruit and vegetables. In summer (September - April), fresh produce will only keep for 2/3 days. Teas and coffees are readily available while in camp. Mineral water, soft drinks & alcoholic beverages are not included but may be purchased en route from local bottle stores or supermarkets and kept cold in the fridges provided on the vehicles. Please take along a bottle of your favourite drink/liquor.
A continental breakfast consisting of cereals, bread, toast, jams, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and milk is served in the mornings. Lunch is usually a cold picnic with bread, condiments, cold meats, cheese and salads. Brunch with eggs and bacon is sometimes prepared when in camp. Dinner is a hot meal often prepared on a campfire and enjoyed at a lantern lit table. Please note that the main meal is served in the evening. All our meat is pre purchased in Cape Town, Swakopmund and Victoria Falls, vacuum packed and kept frozen in our freezers on the trucks. (13) GAME DRIVES Please note that game drives are conducted early in the morning and in the late afternoon. Animals rest and take shelter under the shade of trees during the midday heat. The group will rest and take time off to absorb their surroundings during this period. We do not conduct a continuous, full day of game drives. (14) GROUP SIZE Our tours and safaris run with a group size of between 4 to 16 participants. All the camping safaris are sold on a sharing basis. If you are a single traveller we will pair you with another person of the same sex. If you wish to have a single room/tent, there will be an additional charge. (15) HEALTH All passengers must be in good health before undertaking one of our safaris. We visit remote areas with limited or no medical facilities. If you are on medication of any sort, please ensure you bring sufficient with you for the period of your journey, as certain brands may not be available in Africa. All travellers are required to take insurance to cover medical expenses, emergency travel, and repatriation with assistance and personal accident. Our tours are recommended for healthy and active participants looking for an adventure holiday. (16) HYGIENE Strict hygiene precautions will be taken but problems can arise from a change in water. Do not drink water unless sure that it is safe. Tap water is safe to drink in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. If in doubt, please discuss with your guide. (17) INDEMNITY All passengers travelling on our safaris are required to complete and sign an Indemnity Form before joining the safari. This is done at the pre-departure meeting the day before departure or on the morning of departure before boarding the vehicle. No person will be allowed on the vehicle without signing the form. (18) INOCULATIONS/ VACCINATIONS Inoculations and vaccinations where required, must be obtained in advance, prior to departure on safari. It is not possible to obtain inoculations/ vaccinations whilst on safari. Immunisation against Polio, Typhoid and Hepatitis B is recommended but optional - please contact your local doctor for advice. YELLOW FEVER: (Mandatory) is required for anyone entering or transiting South Africa after travelling to a yellow fever area (i.e.Tanzania, Zambia). IMPORTANT: Must be administered 7-10 days prior to departure. The serum lasts for 10 years. Certificates must be stamped & signed by a health authority. Contact your local district surgeon for these inoculations. (19) INSURANCE COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE IS COMPULSORY FOR ALL PASSENGERS TRAVELLING ON OUR SAFARIS! It is the client’s sole responsibility to ensure that they carry the correct and sufficient comprehensive travel and medical travel insurance for themselves and any dependants/travelling companions. This insurance should cover, but not be limited to, cancellation and curtailment, baggage loss or damage, medical expenses, emergency travel, repatriation with assistance and personal accident. It should be taken out prior to leaving their country of residence. Please contact your travel agent or insurance broker for details.
None of the Kiboko Adventures group of companies and it’s agents, staff and associates can be held responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor can they be held liable for personal injury, accident or illness. Please be aware that certain optional excursions / adventure activities undertaken may not be covered by your insurance.
Most travel insurance policies have a restriction on compensation for loss, damage or theft of single valuable items (eg cameras). Please check your policy carefully and if necessary insure valuable items separately (eg under a home contents policy with overseas extension). Please take your Travel Insurance Policy with you on safari. Please note that travel insurance provided with standard credit card payment is inadequate for travel of this nature. Holders of Gold / Platinum Cards should reassure themselves that the cover provided by their Bank is adequate for their journey. (20) ITINERARIES & AFRICAN CONDITIONS Please note that the route followed is flexible and will depend on local conditions. We will do our best to keep to the published itinerary, but cannot be held liable for changes beyond our control, or those made in the best interest or safety of our clients and crew. Travelling in Africa is sometimes unpredictable, by the very nature of travelling in remote areas there are unforeseen challenges to overcome and passengers should have a taste for adventure. Unforeseen circumstances due to road conditions, weather, mechanical breakdown or accidents can delay and change the itinerary. Please note that certain days will involve a lot of travelling time due to the long distances to be covered. PLEASE COME PREPARED. (21) JOINING INSTRUCTIONS: PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION All clients will be issued PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION relating to their safari with relevant joining instructions. It is essential that we have a contact address and telephone number for where each participant will be staying the evening prior to the safari departure as well as international and regional flight details for before and after the safari. (22) LANGUAGE Please note that our safaris are conducted in English unless otherwise specified. (23) LOCAL LAWS & CUSTOMS We are guests in each country we visit and it is only good manners that we comply with their customs. All participants are required to obey the laws & regulations of the countries visited and any passengers contravening such laws may be required to leave the tour immediately with no right to refund of the tour fare. (24) LUGGAGE Space in the vehicle is limited, for safety reasons your luggage is restricted to: *
1 bag not exceeding 15kgs. We recommend that you pack your personal effects in an inexpensive canvas barrel/sports bag available from discount stores, hypermarkets and sports shops.
+ 1 small handbag (airline type) or daypack containing money, travel documents and camera equipment. This will be allowed inside the vehicle, placed by the passenger's feet
We recommend that you utilise old or inexpensive luggage. Suitcases are unsuitable for our type of safaris. You may use a small/medium-sized rucksack, provided that it has no frame.
EXCESS LUGGAGE WILL BE STORED AND ANY COSTS INCURRED WILL BE THE PASSENGERS RESPONSIBILITY. (25) MALARIA The risk of contracting malaria in southern Africa is lower during the period June to December. Consult your nearest vaccination centre or pharmacist for the most up-to-date requirements and brand recommended for the area to which you are travelling. Recommended brands will vary from time to time. Several of the latest brands of anti-malaria tablets have serious side-effects which can ruin a holiday or even cause a health risk particularly if passengers are taking another form of medication, suffer from depression or irregular blood pressure. In Southern Africa a combination of Daramal (chloroquine) and Paludrine (proguanil) is preferred rather than a mefloquine-based prophylactic such as Larium. Please note that mefloquine-based prophylactics are not recommended if you are intending to scuba-dive. The side–effects could be enhanced when diving and breathing compressed air, leading to disorientation, dizziness and loss of fine motor co-ordination. Most brands need to be taken a few days/ weeks before entering into a malarial area. Take your tablets regularly and ensure that you have a sufficient supply for the duration of your holiday. We recommend that you take your tablets in the evenings in order to avoid nauseous side effects during the day. Mosquitoes usually bite between dusk & dawn. The best prevention is avoidance: -
• Cover up by wearing long sleeves & long pants in the evening
• Use mosquito repellent (26) MAPS & FIELD GUIDES We recommend the following: - Robert's Birds of Southern Africa - G L Maclean Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - Kenneth Newman Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa - Chris & Tilde Stuart Southern Africa Mammals - Robin Frandsen (27) MEDICAL KIT All our guides have first aid training and carry a medical kit on the vehicle. We suggest that you take along the following for your personal comfort: - plasters
anti-malaria tablets (refer MALARIA section)
any other medicines & toiletries you regularly use
anti-diarrhoea pills and laxatives (consult your pharmacist for advice) (28) MOBILE TELEPHONES As a courtesy to other participants on the tour, we request that mobile telephones be switched off during game-drives, excursions, meal times and in the vehicle. Please restrict the use of telephones and if necessary, communicate discreetly in the privacy of your tent or away from other participants. There are battery charging points in all vehicles with a standard South African 3 point plug. (29) OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS During your tour/safari there will be various optional excursions available to you. Some of these activities have been listed under the relevant COUNTRY INFORMATION. Please note these optional activities are operated by independent third party suppliers, not Kiboko Adventures. Some of these activities involve outdoor adventure and as such, contain an element of risk. You should only participate in activities that you feel comfortable you can handle. Please remember to check if your travel insurance covers these adventure activities. (30) PARTICIPATION KIBOKO ADVENTURES camping tours are fully serviced camping tours. All camp duties including erecting and dismantling of tents, washing of dishes and cooking of all meals are taken care of by the 2 / 3 Kiboko staff members. (31) PASSPORTS All travellers will require their passport and it is the participant’s responsibility to ensure that they are holding a valid passport and sufficient blank pages for any visas required and for entry/ departure stamps. Minimum 2 blank pages required for entry into South Africa. Please check that passports will be valid for 6 months after the end of the safari. If clients have more than 1 passport, please use the same passport for the entire safari.
IMPORTANT: Participants must carry with them on safari, either a return airticket to their country of origin or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket in order to comply with entry regulations.
(32) PERSONAL SAFETY The central areas of the larger towns and cities (e.g. Johannesburg, Cape Town, Victoria Falls and Windhoek) have a criminal element that preys on unwary tourists! Do not walk alone in apparently deserted places; wherever possible walk with a group. Be on the look out for pickpockets and bag snatchers. Do not carry more cash than required. Keep a photocopy of the first few pages of your passport, visas and airtickets, separately from the original documents.
When visiting wildlife areas please listen to your guide. Safety precautions need to be taken seriously. Many of the safari camps are unfenced and dangerous animals can, and do, wander through the camps. Do not walk into the bush without your guide or approach any wild animals too closely. It is dangerous. Do not swim in any rivers (presence of crocodiles). Never feed any animals, however inquisitive they appear to be. Walking, unless on a pre-arranged guided tour, is not allowed in any of the National Parks or Reserves. (33) PHOTOGRAPHY For photography of birds and animals a 300mm telephoto lens is recommended. Films & batteries are only available in larger cities and tend to be expensive. We recommend that you take along sufficient films and a spare battery for your camera. Participants mustnot take photographs of border posts or military/ police posts as this can lead to an unpleasant situation and even arrest. In most parts of Africa it is considered respectful to first ask permission before taking a photograph of the locals (eg the Herero in Namibia) and in many cases, payment is expected. Some cultures believe that the camera steals their soul and we request your respect and understanding in their beliefs. Please refer to point (39) VIDEO / DIGITAL CAMERAS for information on recharging of batteries.
We would be most grateful to receive a copy of your best slide, print or digital photo, suitable for inclusion in our next brochure. Should your photograph be selected, your name will appear in the brochure and you will receive 5% rebate on another safari to be undertaken within a 24-month period (discount is applicable on land arrangements only). The slides/ prints should be mailed to: Kiboko Adventures Marketing Department P O Box 39599 Capricorn Square Cape Town 7948 South Africa Or E-mailed to: kiboko@kiboko.co.za (34) PROBLEMS ON TOUR We pride ourselves on running quality safaris in often-remote locations. Should you experience any problem while on safari, please do not hesitate to discuss this in private with the safari guide, in order that he may attempt to rectify the matter. (35) SLEEPING BAG/ PILLOW Sleeping bag, foam mattress, small pillow are provided. (36) SMOKING ON TOUR For the comfort and safety of our travellers we have a NO SMOKING policy in all our vehicles and inside our tents. Where travelling times are long this proves no great hardship as we have stops en route. As a courtesy to other clients on the tour, we also request participants to observe a NO SMOKING policy during meal times, and thank you for your co- operation in this respect. Cigarette stumps and matches must be discarded in the campfire and not in the campsite grounds, rivers etc. An empty soft drink can is a practical ashtray on safari. Please note that South African law does not permit smoking in public areas such as airports, shopping malls and restaurants, except in designated smoking areas. (37) TIPS / GRATUITIES Tipping of your Guide & Assistant is not compulsory but entirely at clients own discretion, and will vary depending on length of trip, number in party, and individuals impression of service. As a guideline for excellent service we would recommend tipping up to the equivalent of between Euro 3 and Euro 5 per passenger per day for the Guide and between Euro 2 and Euro 3 per person per day for assistants, river guides and mokoro polers. Throughout southern Africa, tips of +-10% though not compulsory, are customary for good service in bars and restaurants, unless a service fee is included on the account. (38) VIDEO / DIGITAL CAMERAS Many people bring video / digital cameras on safari. The power supply in the countries that we will be visiting is mostly 220-240 volts. It is possible to recharge the video or digital camera in the vehicle. Each vehicle has 3 standard South African 3 point plug points. This can only be done whilst driving so as not to run down the batteries of the vehicle. We recommend that you take along enough batteries and recharging equipment. (39) VISA REQUIREMENTS It is the passenger’s sole responsibility to ensure that they are in possession of the necessary visas prior to departure (unless available on entry). All clients should verify with their Travel Agent or relevant consulate concerning visa entry requirements. If extending your journey to other countries, please establish entry requirements for these countries as well. Care must be taken that visas do not expire before the proposed entry date to each country (visas are usually valid for 3 months from the date of issue). Page 5 of 10 (40) VISIT OF AFRICAN VILLAGES As a form of respect and general courtesy towards local inhabitants and village dwellers we do not encourage the invasion of their privacy and homes by tourists. There are a few villages that allow tourist visits at a nominal fee. Many tourists are happy to pay this small charge for the opportunity of seeing the way in which the local inhabitants live. (41) WATER Water is a precious commodity in Africa. Please use water sparingly. Please do not waste water (eg when brushing teeth, unnecessary washing of hair, lengthy showers etc). Safe or purified drinking water is carried on the vehicle but should clients prefer, bottled mineral water may be purchased (at client’s own cost) at bottle stores and shops en route. (42) WHAT TO PACK – SUGGESTED CLOTHING & PERSONAL ITEMS –MAXIMUM 15KGS IN SOFT SPORTS BAG Most people make the mistake of taking along too much clothing. Take along comfortable, casual and semi-casual, "wash and wear" clothes. Bright colours and white are not suitable for game viewing. Please avoid clothing resembling army uniform (ie: camouflage clothing). This list below is purely a guideline, and will depend on the countries visited, duration/length of the safari as well as month/season travelling. Additional warmer clothing may be required during June/July/August:
3-4 pairs of shorts
1 light cotton dress/sarong for the ladies
1 jersey for the evenings (April to August)
1 tracksuit / warm sleepwear (April to August)
1 windbreaker/ rain jacket (December to March)
1 warm jacket (May - September: winter nights can be very cold!)
1 pair of sandals/ thongs/ rafting or canoeing shoes
Plus 1 set smart/casual clothing if including town stays. IMPORTANT: Please dress appropriately when crossing borders (no bare feet, bare chests, no bikini tops, no sunglasses or hats); visiting markets, villages, and towns and when travelling in the vehicle. In Moçambique and Malawi, ladies should wear a T-shirt/ shirt and a sarong/ skirt when going to or leaving the beach. Topless or nude sunbathing or swimming is not permitted. Also remember the following: - 1 litre water bottle (essential)
1 torch + batteries (essential)
Tissues or disposable moist tissues (eg Wet Ones)
Plastic bag (to pack wet/ dirty clothing)
Pen for immigration formalities and a notebook
Multi-purpose knife (eg Swiss army knife) Spectacles (if worn) - some people have trouble with contact lenses & dust You are also welcome to bring along a bottle of your favourite drink/liquor.
COUNTRY INFORMATION
SOUTH AFRICA
Area: 1,233,404 sq km Population: 48 million Official languages: English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, South Sotho, North Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu. Currency: The currency unit is the South African Rand (ZAR), which is divided into 100 cents. Travellers can exchange their currency into ZAR on arrival at Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airports (located in International arrivals hall - open 24 hours) or in most commercial banks in the country. Banks are open Monday to Friday 09h00-15h30 and Saturdays 09h00-11h00. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted (except in rural areas). Visa requirements:
Entry into South Africa is permitted for a maximum duration of 90 days for most nationalities. Most nationalities are visa exempt. Please verify with your travel agent of local consular representative.
NB: Passports must have minimum 2 blank pages for immigration entry/ departure stamps. Visas are obtainable from: Diplomatic or consular missions abroad or: - PRETORIA:
Director General Home Affairs, Private Bag X114, Pretoria. Tel: (021) 3148911.
SOUTH AFRICAN RESIDENTS: South African citizens travelling on foreign passports do not need a departure permit from South Africa, however, they may only use their foreign passport to enter and depart from the country where their passport originates. They must now acquire and travel on a South African passport to any other country they visit, obtaining any visas required. Foreign passport holders who are permanent residents of South Africa (other than British & Irish subjects) need a re-entry visa for South Africa and must ensure that the residence status appears on their passports. Electricity:
220 / 230 volts AC. Round three pin plugs.
No compulsory vaccinations required, except Yellow Fever if coming from an endemic area (Zambia). Malaria prophylaxis are recommended during the summer months of December to May for the Northern Province, Mpumalanga and northeast areas of KwaZulu Natal. Please see HEALTH under GENERAL INFORMATION.
Airport Tax: Recommended reading: The Covenant - James Mitchener Cry
SWAZILAND
Area: 17,363 sq km Population: 912,000 Official languages: English & Swati
Currency: The currency unit is the Lilangeni, plural Emalangeni (E), which is fixed at a value equal to the South African Rand (ZAR). Rands are accepted throughout Swaziland and it is not necessary to change to Emalangeni. Visa requirements:
Most Commonwealth and European countries and the USA are visa exempt. Please verify with your travel agent or local consular representative. Those nationals requiring visas for Swaziland should apply before departure.
Visas are obtainable from: Diplomatic representatives abroad or: - MBABANE:
Chief Immigration Officer, P.O.Box 372, Mbabane, Swaziland. Tel: (+268) 4042941.
Swaziland Consulate, P O Box 8030, Johannesburg, 2000. Telephone: 011 4037473.
Electricity:
No compulsory vaccinations required. Malaria prophylaxis recommended throughout the year in the lowveld areas. Please refer to HEALTH under GENERAL INFORMATION for more details.
Recommended reading: The Kingdom of Swaziland – D Hugh Gillis BOTSWANA Area: 582,000 sq km Population: 1.8 million Official languages: English & Setswana
Currency:
The currency unit is the Botswana Pula (BWP), which is divided into 100 thebe. Travellers
can exchange their currency or South African Rands for BWP at Johannesburg International Airport, Gaborone airport and at Commercial Banks in Maun, Kasane or in South Africa. Banks in Botswana are open Monday to Friday 08h30- 15h30 and Saturdays 08h30-11h00. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are only accepted in major towns. BWP are accepted in commercial banks or at bureau de change in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Entry requirements:
Entry into Botswana is permitted for a maximum duration of 90 days. Most Commonwealth and European countries and the USA are visa exempt. Please verify with your travel agent or local consular representative.
Visas are obtainable from: Botswana diplomatic or consular missions, or by British embassies or consulates in countries
where there are no representations of Botswana or the following: -
The Chief Immigration Officer, PO Box 942, Gaborone, Botswana Telephone (+267) 3611300.
The Botswana Consulate. 33 Hoofd St., Braamfontein, Jnb. Telephone: (+27) 011- 4033748.
Electricity:
230 volt. Both square and round pin wall plugs are used.
No compulsory vaccinations required. Malaria prophylaxis recommended particularly in the northern areas of Botswana during the summer months of December to May. Please refer to HEALTH under GENERAL INFORMATION for more details.
Airport tax:
Recommended reading: The Guide to Botswana - Alec Campbell The
Cry of the Kalahari - Mark and Delia Owen
Okavango: Sea of Land, Land of Water - Peter Johnson and Anthony Bannister
The Lost World of the Kalahari - Laurens van der Post
NAMIBIA
Area: 825,000 sq km Population: 1.8 million Official language: English
Currency: The currency unit is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is equal to 100 cents. The NAD is pegged at the same value as the ZAR and the South African Rand is currently acceptable in Namibia. Travellers can exchange their currency or South African Rands for Namibian Dollars on arrival at Windhoek International Airport or in commercial banks in Windhoek and Swakopmund. Banks are open Monday to Friday 09h00-15h30 and Saturdays 09h00-11h00. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in major towns but not in rural areas. Visa requirements:
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of intended departure from Namibia. Entry into Namibia is permitted for a maximum duration of 90 days. Most Commonwealth and European countries and the USA are visa exempt. Please verify with your travel agent or local consular representative.
Ministry of Home Affairs, P/Bag 13200, Windhoek, 9000
Consular Office, 197 Blackwood Street, Arcadia, Pretoria.
Namibia Tourism Office, Standard Bank Centre, Heerengracht, Cape Town 8000.
Electricity:
220 / 240 volts AC. 50Hz round three pin 15 amp fused plugs.
No compulsory vaccinations required. Low risk Malaria area, prophylaxis recommended north of Etosha during the summer months of November to June and along the Kavango River and the Caprivi throughout the year. Please see HEALTH under GENERAL INFORMATION.
Airport Tax:
Recommended reading: Lords Of The Last Frontier - Lawrence G. Green
Deserts, Paths and Elephants: Travel guide to Namibia - Michael Winooski
ZIMBABWE
Area: 390,580 sq km Population: 12.3 million Official language: English, Shona, Ndebele
Currency:
Zimbabwe does not have an official currency at the moment. Due to extreme fluctuating inflation they discontinued the Zimbabwe dollar. South African Rands and USD are the most widely accepted currencies.
Visa requirements:
Most nationals require visas, which can generally be obtained at the border on arrival, at a cost of +-USD50 to USD80 (British passport holders). The visa cost is the responsibility of the visitor and not the safari operator.
Boeing rd, West Bedfordview, 2007. Telephone +27 11 615 1117.
Electricity:
220 / 240 volts. Few camps have electrical power, and most work off generators with limited supply.
No compulsory vaccinations required. Malaria prophylaxis recommended particularly in the northern areas of Botswana during the summer months of December to May. Please refer to HEALTH under GENERAL INFORMATION for more details.
Airport tax:
Recommended reading: Don’t lets go to the Dogs Tonight – Alexandra Fuller
Hold my Hand I’m Dying – John Gordon Davis
ZAMBIA
Area: 752,615 sq km Population: 9.6 million Official language: English
Currency:
The currency unit is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMK). Travellers can exchange their currency or South African Rand and Botswana Pulas for Zambian Kwachas at commercial banks in Zambia. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are only accepted in major towns. United States Dollars (USD) in cash, is widely acceptable, and is considered the preferential form of payment in most areas of Zambia. Banks in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana or Namibia do not accept ZMK BANK notes.
Visa requirements:
Most nationals require visas, which can generally be obtained at the border on arrival, at a cost of +-USD50 to USD80 (British passport holders). The visa cost is the responsibility of the visitor and not the safari operator.
Zambian High Commission, 1159 Ziervogel St., Arcadia, Pretoria. Telephone: 012-3261847.
Electricity:
220 / 240 volts. Few camps have electrical power, and most work off generators with limited supply.
Health: Yellow
is compulsory to enter countries after travelling to Zambia. Malaria prophylaxis
recommended throughout the year. Please refer to HEALTH under GENERAL INFORMATION for more details.
Airport tax:
Recommended reading: Zambia – Chris McIntyre Zambia
WE WISH YOU A WONDERFUL AND MEMORABLE SAFARI! CLIMATE CHART
WARNING: *
Some nights can be very cold in winter (June to August). A warm sleeping bag and a warm jacket are essential.
Rainfall may be experienced between late December and late March. A light raincoat/ windbreaker is essential.
CAPE TOWN JOHANNESBURG SWAKOPMUND VICTORIA FALLS WINDHOEK CAPE TOWN
100-200 100-200 100-200 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50
JOHANNESBURG
100-200 100-200 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50
200-300 100-200 100-200 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50
0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 50-100
SWAKOPMUND
0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50
VICTORIA FALLS
100-200 100-200 100-200 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50
WINDHOEK
0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50 0-50
BioAlliance Pharma acquires the European commercialization rights to pafuramidine for the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia Building a consistent product portfolio in opportunistic infections in cancer and AIDS patients BioAlliance Pharma to host a conference call today at 11.30 AM CET Paris time (10.30 AM GMT, London time) Paris, December 5, 2007 â
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