tanzania adventure (IYGST)

Nairobi to Nairobi 8 days.

• Route: Nairobi to Nairobi
• Length: 8 days
• Transport:
• Accommodation:

Countries Visited

Kenya

Kenya is a country full of life and colour; of tribes and tradition and of wildlife and game parks.

In the lively capital of Nairobi there are so many attractions to fill a few days. The Karen Blixen museum was donated by Denmark after popularity of 'Out of Africa'. The location of the museum now is also home to some beautiful wildlife including horses. Most visitors also take in the elephant orphanage and giraffe sanctuary, offering the chance to feed the giraffes from a raised platform.

Of course it's the wildlife that draws most people to Kenya due its excellent national parks and reserves such as The Maasai Mara (also known as the Masai Mara to the Mara to locals), Nakuru and Samburu . Of course most people want to get a snap of the big five but there are also good chances of seeing the lesser predators of the genet, jackal and hyena.

Mount Kenya is the country's highest mountain and is the 2nd largest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro. Standing at a height of over 5000 metres, it towers over the surrounding plains and is no mean feat to scale with most climbers regarding it as more of a challenge that it's taller cousin in Tanzania.

Kenya's music scene is one of the most eclectic in the whole of Africa. With over 40 regional languages across the country, the folk music of Kenya is incredibly varied. Many of the regions have their own type of music, and one of the most inspiring is the Polyphonic style of the Maasai region in which chanting makes up the song's rhythm.

Tribes all over Kenya are proud of their products, whether it is music or textiles or food. The staple diet is mainly maize based and although each region has its own specific taste, there are many that are common across the country. One of these is Sukuma wiki. It is a phrase that means "to push the week". This meal is full of seasonal vegetables which will last a family a week.

Kenya does pack a lot into a small space but don't underestimate the country, in terms of tourism it is Africa’s biggest hit!

Tanzania

Tanzania is the place for the classic East Africa safari experience, home to some of the world’s most famous game parks. The wide open plains of the Serengeti, green after the rains, brown and burnt in the dry season and home to thousands of hoofed animals and fierce predators, is perhaps the quintessential image of Africa. Flat and rolling with long grasses the plains get its name from the Maasai word siringitu, "the place where the land moves on forever". Game viewing in the Serengeti is amazing and as you camp out at night, don't be surprised to hear lions in the distance as you recount your amazing sightings during the day. Most visitors either choose the Serengeti as their favourite game park or the Ngorongoro Crater. This huge caldera - a volcano which collapsed in an immense explosion measures 19km in diameter and 265km² in area. There is an excellent chance of spotting many of the Big Five as well as many, many other species.

Tanzania is also home to the Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. It stands at nearly 6000 metres. There are many routes to the summit and each bring a fantastic sensation of accomplishment. Standing at the foot of this giant, is the town of Moshi and not only does it boast one of the most magnificent landscapes in the world, it is also a central region in Tanzania's coffee district.

After safari or mountain climbing where better to relax than the island of Zanzibar. From the white beaches with the lapping sky blue waves, to the stone paved walkways, you can disappear into a world of calm. There is opportunity to visit the slaving forts of Stone Town, visit the spice farms, or scuba dive on the islands fantastic coral reefs.

Tanzania is a country full of challenges and beauty, but also it is a chance to relax. Pick your challenge and discover Tanzania.

Day 1: Nairobi

The frenetic streets of Nairobi offer an exhilarating introduction to modern African life.

Day 2:

Learn about the life of the Meru as privileged guests at a family homestay. Perhaps explore the nearby markets, learn about Tanzanian coffee production or get to know the family's farm. Make friends and learn firsthand about life on the land.

Day 3: Karatu

Travel across the Great Rift Valley and through lands home to the Masai Mara. Be welcomed by the Umburu people on a visit to a local village.

Day 4 to 5: Serengeti National Park

Enter the Serengeti National Park, home to large herds of zebras and the iconic Big Five. Spot as many animals as possible on a game drive, then drift to sleep amid the calls of nocturnal birds. At dawn, an optional balloon ride over the park offers a chance to watch the animals of the African savanna from above - an unforgettable experience well worth splashing out for.

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater

Visit the fascinating Olduvai Gorge, the 'Cradle of Mankind', where some of the world's oldest humanoid skeletons were discovered. Set up camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, overlooking jagged volcanic peaks and rolling grasslands.

Day 7: Arusha

Rise early and explore Ngorongoro's floor by 4x4 in search of wildlife including wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, lions, elephants, hippos and maybe an elusive black rhino or leopard. Afterwards, make tracks to the village community of Mto Wa Mbu to admire local artwork and interact with the residents. At night, camp under a blanket of stars on the outskirts of Arusha.

Day 8: Nairobi

Travel to Nairobi where the African odyssey ends. Why not stay on for a few days to soak up more of the fascinating Kenyan culture.

What else you need to know

itinerary disclaimer

The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure.

physical preparation

There are many long hours spent driving on rough roads on all Africa itineraries. While most people love the chance to watch the changing landscape and daily village life, feedback shows that long periods of inactivity does not appeal to all clients. We provide the approximate daily distance covered and how long this normally takes to drive in hours so that you can choose the safari experience which is right for you. 

African conditions are extremely tough on vehicles. While we fastidiously maintain our vehicles at our workshops, you should not expect Africa to be your traditional touring experience. While it is certainly our aim to avoid them, it is important that you set off on your trip knowing that the occasional breakdown can happen and are best treated as part of the Africa adventure. 

The step up into the overland truck, while not overly high can become tiring and you need to judge yourself to be physically fit enough to haul yourself up and down at least 8-10 times a day, as can the constant setting and packing up of camp.

included activities

This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

Local family farm visit and community walk - Homestay
Games drives - Serengeti National Park 
Olduvai Gorge - en-route to Ngorongoro Crater
Game drive - Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

 

 

optional activities

We list the following optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Dragoman nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with Dragoman.

Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi - US$14
Giraffe Centre, Nairobi - US$12
NNP Animal orphanage & Safari walk, Nairobi - US$20
Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi - US$30-35
Bomas, Nairobi - US$10
National Museum, Nairobi - US$14
Balloon ride, Serengeti - US$485 (must be pre-booked see Important Notes)
Bike excursion around Musoma with local guide (approx 3 hours), Lake Victoria - US$20

spending money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

tipping

If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Dragoman destinations. We recommend that any tips are given to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader.

The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers: 

Restaurants: Please check the bill and if there’s an addition of 10% service charge, there’s no requirement for tipping. Otherwise, 10% of the total bill amount is appropriate. 

Local markets and basic restaurants - leave the loose change.

Local guides/Porters: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest US$ 1 per person, per day for local guides/porters. 

Your Crew (including the leader, cook and driver): You may also consider tipping your crew for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline US$ 2-3 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

important notes

Local Partner:

Dragoman runs this trip in conjunction with our trusted local partner 

Flexible Itineraries: 
We must emphasize that the routes, activities and places visited or described in these Trip Notes are intentions and are meant as a rough guide only. We intend following the route detailed but exact night stops cannot be guaranteed. It sometimes happens that we decide to make a change to our basic planned itinerary. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, road or bureaucratic conditions may demand it. Or it may be because we find a better, more interesting route. While actually en route, unexpected hospitality, a local festival or a great place to chill out can determine our exact route and itinerary on any given trip.

Overnight stops and driving distances each day may vary to best suit the needs of the group.

An optional sunrise balloon ride over the Serengeti is possible on this itinerary. Please see days 4-5 for full details of activity. As the balloon only holds 16 people, places are limited and must be booked in advance. Please enquire when booking your trip to book this optional activity.

group size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), non-participatory camping (6 nts)

Accommodation on this trip is mainly in two person dome tents. (Please refer to the Checklist to see if you require a mattress or sleeping bag.

The type and variety of accommodation is determined by conditions on each of our routes. Each route is different  on some we use a mixture of campsites and wild camps; on others we also use hotels. 

In Africa it is not usually practical to camp when staying in towns and cities so we use hotel accommodation and eat out in local restaurants. 

There may be the occasional night stop, when staying in the grounds of a hotel, or at a campsite which may also have cabins available. In this case there may be a choice of camping or upgrading to a room (at additional cost). 

Campsites do have facilities but are usually not to the same standard as you would find in western countries. For example the bathroom facilities can be very basic (the toilets may be squat style hole in the ground). There is rarely toilet paper provided and shower facilities can be as simple as a hose pipe spurting out cold water.

Wild camps have no facilities at all. 

Not all campsites are as basic as this description; it's just to make sure there are no surprises for you.

meals

While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialties so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section of these notes for details of meals included.

Allow USD $20 for meals not included.

meal inclusions

All meals while camping

When travelling on an Dragoman trip you have chosen a non -participation camping trip. This means that you will you will have a cook who will do all the cooking for you. Of course if you would like to help  they more than welcome it. You may also get the chance to help with the shopping  just ask you leader to help arrange this. 

If you have any dietary requirements please tell us at the time of booking and also remind your crew at your welcome meeting.

A typical camp breakfast might be toast with spreads, cereal and something hot such as eggs or pancakes as well as tea and coffee. 

Lunch is almost always a sandwich with healthy salad and assorted fillings, sometime with fruit to follow. There may be a chance on occasion to buy your lunch.

Dinner might be a BBQ, Rice dish, pasta dish and there is always the chance to try some African food such as ugali/pap and stew. 

One thing is sure; you definitely won't go hungry or lose weight on your safari! When you are not camping you will have the freedom to decide where, what and with whom you eat.

transport

Safari vehicle, 4x4 safari vehicle

Our trucks are purpose-built, self contained safari vehicles. Dragoman’s fleet of vehicles varies depending on your group size, trip route and style.

Please Note: In South Africa some departures may use vans and luggage trailers subject to group size and vehicle availability

group leader

On this trip you will be accompanied by 4 crew members, Group Leader, Cook Driver and your Camp Assistant.

Your Group Leader’s role involves organizing the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip and managing trip logistics. 

Your Group Leader will work towards making the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible for all travelers. Dragoman trips are built around the co-operation and participation of all the group members under the supervision of the group leader.

While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting, especially when tracking and identifying game - we think it's the best of both worlds. 

Our Group Leaders are chosen for their leadership skills and are wonderful ambassadors for our company and our beautiful continent and its people.

Your Cook is responsible for the cooking and will help to coordinate the work groups for preparing the meals and washing up! Cooks are also responsible for organizing food shopping (they are always happy to have you on board) and most importantly, they make sure high hygiene standards are kept at all times while camping.

Your Driver’s main responsibility is to get you to your destination safely; they are also responsible for the maintenance of the vehicles along the way. 

Your Camp Assistant is responsible for setting up camp; they also assist the cook in preparing your meals.

We endeavor to provide the services of an experienced leader and crew; however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.

joining point

Hill Park Hotel
Kambere road off Bunyara road
Nairobi
Kenya
Phone: +254-20-2726697 or 2724312
Fax: www.highpointcourt.com

our joining point hotel

The Hill Park Hotel (formally known as the High Point Hotel) is a character hotel built in the 1960's. Facilities are excellent including a pool, great gym and a sauna. There is free wireless internet and also computer in the lobby for guests to use. The restaurant is in a separate building (along with a barber shop!) and set in lovely garden surrounds. Our rooms are double story with a sitting area on the first floor and bedroom and en suite upstairs. They are clean and comfortable with a definite 60's edge!

joining point instructions

If you have pre-booked a transfer please look out for our representative holding an board with your name at the arrival terminal. 

If you fail to see our representative walk to the Europcar desk which is located diagonally across on the far right hand side of the arrival terminal and request your transfer.

If you are making your own way to the hotel, there is a taxi stand outside the airport building. A taxi should cost approximately USD20, and must be paid in Kenyan Shillings.

arrival complications

We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your 
group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.

If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.

No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.

finishing point

Hill Park Hotel
Kambere road off Bunyara road
Nairobi
Kenya
Phone: +254-20-2726697 or 2724312
Fax: www.highpointcourt.com

our finishing point hotel

The Hill Park Hotel (formally known as the High Point Hotel) is a character hotel built in the 1960's. Facilities are excellent including a pool, great gym and a sauna. There is free wireless internet and also computer in the lobby for guests to use. The restaurant is in a separate building (along with a barber shop!) and set in lovely garden surrounds. Our rooms are double story with a sitting area on the first floor and bedroom and en suite upstairs. They are clean and comfortable with a definite 60's edge!

 

finishing point instructions

If you have pre booked a departure transfer please inform your leader and they will notify you of your departure transfer time.

It is possible to book taxis to the airport via our hotel- please enquire at the reception. The approximate price will be around USD20 in Kenyan shillings.

Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers

At Dragoman we believe you should make the most of the places you visit, so if you would like to see more of your joining or finishing point cities, why not book additional accommodation to extend your stay. Dragoman can take away the hassle of time zones and language barriers by making the booking for you. This accommodation is only available at the joining or finishing city of your trip, immediately before or after the trip you are travelling on.

While Dragoman is happy to assist with booking your pre and post trip accommodation, it is important that you understand you may be able to book your own room at a cheaper rate directly through the hotel or on the internet.  Our additional accommodation prices are based on the hotel’s rate plus an administration fee. Please note our rates do not reflect last minute walkin rates or internet specials.

We can also book arrival airport transfers for you as long as we have your flight arrival details.  These are normally payable in cash upon arrival, however we do have pre paid transfers in a few destinations.

Please contact our reservations team for details of the accommodation and transfers that we can offer.

emergency contact

We have a dedicated 24 hour telephone number which should only be used once you have left the UK and in the event of a real emergency. Should you need to call the number, we will do what we can to help but please bear in mind that real progress or action may not be possible until normal office hours.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, please let us know and then make your way to the joining hotel as instructed in this Update. If you have cannot get through leave a message as these will be regularly checked and the crew informed if necessary.

Emergency Number: +44 (0) 1728 862222.

In the case of an on ground issue or problem the Kenya Office can be reached on +254-20-892126/7/8/9 during business hours and +254-733-523-813 (24 hours) This is where all all reservation/ transfer, late arrival or general enquiry issues should be directed. In case of genuine crisis or emergency (ONLY), you can reach our local operator on: +254-736-213-383. For all other enquiries please contact our Reservations department.

emergency funds

Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.

visas

Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.

KENYA
Kenyan visas are required by most nationalities. Visas are available at point of entry to most nationalities. Some nationalities require visas to be purchased in advance - you MUST check before departure. If you plan to purchase your visas on arrival you will need new (post 2003), clean American dollars cash and the cost is around USD50. All nationalities should check with the Kenyan embassy in their country for more information.

TANZANIA
A visa is required by visitors of most nationalities including from the EU, USA and Australia. It is recommended you purchase your visa in advance. The cost is approximately US$75 depending on nationality. At the present time you do not require a multi entry visa to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda due to an agreement between the three countries (ie if you exit Kenya to Tanzania you can re enter Kenya on the same visa). However if your trip visits Tanzania twice after a visit to a country other than those listed above, you may need to purchase two visas.

Border crossings on this trip
Exit Kenya - Namanga
Enter Tanzania - Namanga
Exit Tanzania - Namanga
Enter Kenya - Namanga

laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels but can be quiet expensive. Self-service laundries are scarce in Africa. There are few laundry facilities outside of the large cities in Africa. We recommend you bring non-polluting, biodegradable laundry soap and hand wash while travelling in this region. You may wish to bring a piece of rope to tie between trees to act as a line and maybe even a few pegs. Our trucks carry tubs which can be used for cold water hand washing.

Ask your leader/guide who can point out the best places to do your laundry on the trip. They are usually at any 2 night stop to allow enough time for drying. Note that laundry is often done by hand possibly resulting in some damage to clothes. Leave your delicate evening wear at home.

what to take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb. 

Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.

WATER
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 liter plastic bottle takes 2 liters of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by using the chemically sterilized water stored in the purpose built storage tank or in water jerry cans in your Overland vehicle. You are free to refill your bottle as many times a day as you like. You are helping the environment and your hip pocket! In some Southern African countries, tap water is treated and good to drink so you can avoid the purchase of bottled water by refilling from the tap.

LUGGAGE
The size of baggage that can be brought on this tour is limited by the locker space on the truck. Different trucks have different-sized lockers however to be safe we recommend that your bag be no larger than 66cm deep, 30cm wide, and 30cm high. The weight limit for luggage on all trucks is maximum 20kg. Backpacks should not have an external frame unless it can be easily removed and stored separately to avoid damaging other people's luggage.

CAMPING EQUIPMENT
A sleeping bag (we recommend a 3-4 season). It can get very cold at night in winter months in desert and mountainous regions. If you are travelling during the hot season you may wish to also pack a sleep sheet so you will be comfortable no matter what the weather. Pillows are not provided so please bring a travel pillow along. While we provide a mattress for each client, some travellers find they like the extra comfort of a double layer and choose to bring their own mattress. 

A simple plastic bag/waterproof toiletry bag (that can hang on a nail on the back of a door) will be useful to keep your clothes dry inside basic camp shower structures.

CLOTHING
You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing, some warm items for the evenings, and long shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes in malarial areas. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry. Some people like to take jeans for evenings out but they can be tough to dry and should not be used for trekking. Avoid nylon and other synthetics, which can be very uncomfortable in hot weather. Ex-military or military style clothing and equipment is NOT recommended.

BATTERIES/POWER
Most of our trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras every couple of days. We always recommend that you carry an extra battery for your camera just in case. Your vehicle will be equipped with a 12 volt cigarette lighter socket which may be used at the crew’s discretion, however, do bear in mind that only one piece of equipment can be charged at a time and it will not be allowed if there is a risk of running the vehicle’s batteries low. Batteries may also be recharged from hotel room wall sockets. We suggest you bring a mix of normal and rechargeable batteries and the appropriate recharging unit. Hotels and most campsites have electricity and charging of batteries is advised before checking the following day.

VALUABLES
Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe and the safe on the overland truck to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. 
We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.

local dress

When packing, be aware that dress standards can be conservative in some parts of Africa. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no short shorts in culturally sensitive areas (Mosques, small villages, etc). We recommend a mixture of loose, lightweight clothing and warm clothing for the evenings. Topless sun bathing is unacceptable through out the whole of Africa.

checklist

The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.

Passport
Any Visas required for this trip
Vaccination Certificates
Travel insurance including insurer details, 24 hr emergency contact telephone number and policy number
Flight Tickets
Trip confirmation voucher
Photocopies of important documents to be kept separately (we recommend you keep a copy at home as well)
Money (travellers cheques/cash/credit cards)
Your Kitty (where applicable)
Money belt or pouch (to be worn under clothes)
First aid kit
Personal Medication/prescriptions
Prescription glasses
High protection sunscreen
Lip balm
Hat / wide brim hat
Sunglasses
Insect repellent
Antihistamine / insect bite cream
Antibacterial gel / wipes
Eye mask
Ear plugs
Alarm clock 
Torch/flashlight 
Night clothes/sleepwear
Travel sickness tablets
Swimming costume
Swimming towel
Walking shoes with good grip
Refillable water bottle
Camera
Film, memory cards
Binoculars
Daypack to carry your personal needs during the day 
Luggage lock (and keys) 
Smarter clothes for nights out
Warm clothes for the cooler nights
Comfortable travelling clothes (light, easily washable, quick dry) 
Waterproof jacket or small umbrella
Toiletries
Bath towel
Travel plug / international adapter
Mobile phone - check you have international roaming access
Rubber flip flops for showers


Camping Equipment
4 season sleeping bag (one that zips down all one side is useful for warm nights).
Inner sleep sheet
Travel pillow
Thermarest/Personal mattress (optional)
Please refer to Trip Notes (What to Take) for more details

money exchange

Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.

The best way to manage your money in Africa is a mixture of cash, an ATM card (best to have both Visa and MasterCard) and some traveller’s cheques.

Cash
Cash is easily changed at exchange bureaus and they generally offer the best rates. US$ large bills, in good condition, 2003 series onwards only, are more widely accepted; any old or damaged notes may not be accepted.

EUR or GBP are also widely accepted. The South African Rand can also be used widely in countries of Southern Africa.

When changing money, only use reputable authorized money exchange vendors and never anyone on the street. There are many instances of travellers being given counterfeit notes or being tricked when money is being counted out.

Travellers Cheques
You should also carry some traveller’s cheques for back up emergency cash.
While traveller’s cheques are undoubtedly the safest way to carry money, they are becoming harder to cash around the world and can often result in unfavorable exchange rates. It can also be tricky to reach banks during banking business hours which are often short in many African countries. Note: Receipts for traveller’s cheques are required by banks and money changers.

Visa and MasterCard
With ATMs being increasingly available in the many major towns and cities, credit or debit cards are a convenient way to access money. A charge is made for each international transaction - please check with your bank how much this fee will be. 

Check with your bank before leaving home that your card can be used as a debit card in Africa. You may also want to notify your bank that you are visiting Africa as it is not unknown for banks to freeze cards which show sudden transactions in other countries.

If you are on a multi country tour, your tour leader/local guide will be able to give you an approximate idea of how much money you may need for your stay in each country.

departure tax

All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.

keeping in touch - communication while on the road

If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.

issues on your trip

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager. 

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.

health

All Dragoman travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If in the opinion of our group leader or company representative any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Dragoman reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in these trip notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.

There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that the Tour Operator, Intrepid, reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. 

Yellow Fever
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries in Africa. You may be needed to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate.

It is also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home.

Please check with your doctor before leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you will be visiting.

Drinking water: 
As a rule we recommend you do not drink tap water, even in hotels, as it contains much higher levels of different minerals than the water you may have at home. For local people this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for travellers from other continents, drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally this is not serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it is enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Bottled water is widely available but we recommend that you fill up from your vehicle (we treat our water) if you are on a camping trip. Water consumption should be about 3 liters a day (this should be easy for most!)

First Aid: 
The leader will be carrying a basic First Aid kit, but can not administer any drugs.

Re-hydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhoea blockers are available from many pharmacies. 

Please inform the leader of any specific medical requirements on day 1 at your group meting.

safety

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Dragoman itinerary, and Dragoman makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.


Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in Africa differ from those in the western world and not all hotels have a fire exit or smoke detectors. You may stay at hotels with unfenced pools and no life guard on duty. Some hotel balconies do not meet UK standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm.

Pick-pocketing is very common, especially in larger cities. We strongly recommend that you do not carry large amounts of cash and use a secure neck wallet or a money belt.

Travellers must exercise common sense and caution at all times. You should stick to set travel arrangements and avoid unknown areas. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and a record of your travellers' cheques and credit card numbers separate from where you keep the originals. You should avoid carrying large amounts of cash, or walking by yourself at night.

While staying in National Parks it is important that you listen to any advice given by your tour leader and the park rangers regarding responsible and safe behavior.

On some trip you will at times stay in unfenced campsites within National Parks. While this is a fantastic experience, there are a few safety rules to follow

travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please see  http://www.dragoman.com/info/travel-insurance

When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.

If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the Bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. 

your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

Age restrictions apply to this trip: minimum age 12

single travellers

Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On a selection of our Comfort and Original style trips you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you will have your own room (where available). Please refer to the important notes if this trip has a single supplement and any accommodation on the trip that the single supplement will not apply to. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour, pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.

responsible travel

We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.dragoman.com for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller.

a couple of rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Dragoman travellers. Dragoman's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

 

These trip notes have been compiled to help you prepare for your journey, once you have booked. They include the full itinerary and dates, information and kit lists, meeting hotels, insurance, vaccinations, visas, and other information that will help you get ready for your trip.

Please ensure you have an up to date version of these Trip Notes

These trip notes were printed on 03/12/2012