From exciting game drives to the cosmopolitan vibe of Cape Town and everything along the way, this adventure has it all. Enjoy big game viewing, diverse cultures, stunning scenery, beaches and modern cities. South Africa Encompassed Overland 2009 GPF 12 22 Max 22, Avg 14 Africa Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland Johannesburg Cape Town South Africa South Africa Culture/History, Wildlife/Nature 25 3 Basic http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/southafrica/southafrica_capetown.jpg Arrive in Johannesburg at any time. Head east towards Mpumalanga through a fascinating landscape complete with mountains, panoramic passes, valleys and waterfalls in beautiful forests. Keep your eyes open for some of Africa's raptors, the crowned eagle, snake eagle, falcons and kites. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Spot the "Big 5", and many other animals in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife areas. Enjoy two days of game viewing where you will have a chance to search out some incredible animals while enjoying the wonderful natural surroundings of the Kruger National Park. Today we leave the wildlife of Kruger behind us, and enter into Mozambique, a colourful, vibrant, fascinating country. The journey takes us past Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, to a stop in Marracuene - a popular stop where you can take a canoe ride, relax by the pool, or enjoy the forested scenery of the area. Travel north to a beautiful coastal area near the town of Inhambane, where our campsite is on top of the sand dunes with spectacular views over the Indian Ocean. Take the some time to discover the delights of this wonderful Indian Ocean beach by walking the dunes, going horseback riding, taking a boat cruise, or playing in the rolling surf. Sea lovers can enjoy snorkelling or diving at one of the few coral reefs, while seafood lovers will find themselves to be in paradise. Notice the definite Latin flare to the city of approximately two million people, as Maputo openly embraces it’s Latin heritage. There is a unique feel to this city, with its popular seafront, colonial architecture, and colourful jacaranda trees, Maputo has style.
The mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, lead by King Mswati III, is one of three monarchies in Africa. Here explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, which is situated in the Swaziland’s “Valley of Heaven”, the Ezulwini Vallley. You will spend the evenings here in traditional beehive huts, and in your free time take the opportunity to go horse riding, mountain biking, trailing, game viewing or visiting a Swazi Village. Today we re-enter South Africa into one of its most diverse regions, and stay in the St. Lucia area near the coast, where you may take optional boat trip on the estuary or go for a horse ride on the beach. On day 13, you can visit the Umfolozi Game Reserve which is a safe haven for both the white and black rhino, as well as lions, buffalo, elephant, and leopard. Spend most of the day travelling the coast to Durban. Explore the beach and dive into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean just out the front door of our guest house. South from Durban, we travel through on to the Eastern Cape province, into the heartland of the Xhosa people, and to Coffee Bay, a paradise on a large stretch of Indian Ocean coast referred to as the Wild Coast. Here you will have a full day to explore the dramatic scenery of the rocky beaches, hidden lagoons, and coastal cliffs. Try your luck at surfing the waves, scuba diving, horse riding, or hiking one of the various nature trails in the rolling green hills. The Hogsback mountains, in the Eastern Cape, are a part of the Amatola mountain range. The mountains are an ideal location to relax and soak up the scenery. Spend two days hiking along the many trails in the area, rock climbing or abseiling the many cliffs, or just relaxing by the garden at the hotel. Today we descend from the mountains of the Hogback area and cross many unique valleys as we continue on to the Addo Elephant National Park, a unique wildlife area. Although famous for the Addo elephants, this park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and we embark on an afternoon game drive in search of the resident elephants, black rhino, lion, buffalo and even leopard. Indigenous Tsitsikamma forests surround the campsite in the village of Storms River. Optional Activities in the area include hiking a portion of the Otter Trail or along the coastline, abseiling, scuba diving, snorkeling, boat rides, canoeing, whale watching, or even the world’s highest bungee jump. On Day 21, we’ll visit the breathtaking Tsitsikamma National Park for nature walks along the rugged coastline. After visiting "The Heads" in Knysna, a town nestled on a tranquil lagoon on the coast, we take a scenic drive to travel over the Outeniqua Mountains into the area known as Klein Karoo (“Little Karoo”), where we make the quiet town of Oudtshoorn our base. In the late afternoon, we’ll visit the interesting Cango Caves. Our journey takes us further west to quaint and beautiful Stellenbosch, the oldest town in South Africa. We’ll get settled at our camp and continue to explore the wine farms and vineyards to get a taste of the area, of course of its outstanding wines. Visit the famous, beautiful, and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Enjoy some free time to explore the historic center and its museums, visit Robben Island, climb the prominent Table Mountain, take in some local theatre, or just relax on the beach and enjoy the Cape's sunshine. Arrive in Johannesburg any time and make your way to the joining point hotel. A brief departure meeting will be held in the hotel reception area in evening on Day 1 of your tour. Upon arrival look for information from your tour leader on the hotel bulletin board regarding the meeting time.

Our starting hotel is located outside of the city of Johannesburg, but take some time on an excursion to Soweto or to the famous Apartheid Museum.

George Harrison discovered gold near present-day Johannesburg in March 1886 on the Witwatersrand. Surveyors were instructed by the government to lay this farm out as a future town. They completed their work on 03 Dec 1886. The name Johannesburg was written for the first time on their plans of streets and stands.

Only five days after the completion of the survey the first 986 stands were auctioned, and the first building to be erected was a corrugated iron hut. Within 12 months, Johannesburg was the second largest town in Transvaal, and by the middle 1890s there were 20 separate mining companies working from headquarters in Johannesburg.

The Transvaal government granted Johannesburg municipal status in 1897. Later, the city became almost deserted with the advent of the Anglo-Boer war on 11 Oct 1899, as trainloads of refugees fled. Johannesburg was placed under martial law, to protect the existing claims. After the war, the labour shortage led to a proposed suggestion to import Chinese labour. The first load of 1055 Chinese labourers arrived in 1904. By 1905 they numbered 46,895. In December of 1905 the British liberal party ( who just won the national elections) suspended the Chinese recruitment. Between 1903 and 1997, 55,877 miners had been killed in mine accidents. In the same period 47,229 tons of gold had been produced.

Johannesburg officially became a city in 1928, and by 1960 it had more than 1 million inhabitants. Today, Johannesburg is fondly known as eGoli, or place of gold.
Approximate Distance: 400km
Estimated Travel Time: 10 hrs

Depart Johannesburg early and head east towards the Mpumalanga region of South Africa. Pass a dramatic landscape that is characterized by mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests. Camp for the night in Blyde River Canyon and along the way take in the breathtaking views from God's Window.

The Blyde River Canyon is one of the most spectacular canyons in Africa and its cliffs rise between 600m-800m from the riverbed below. At the ‘Three Rondavels viewpoint’ (also called ‘The Three Sisters’) is an unforgettable view of three huge rock spirals rising out of the far wall of the canyon. Their tops appear to have a hut-like rounded roof. Where the Blyde River and the Treur River meet, water erosion has formed one of the most remarkable geological phenomena in the country, known as ‘Bourke’s Luck Potholes’. Over thousands of years, surreal cylindrical rock sculptures created by whirling water have formed a series of dark pools which contrast artfully with the streaked white and yellow lichen covered rocks. Following the road and the Treur River south, there are further viewpoints; Wonder View, God’s Window and the Pinnacle.

The Three Rondavels are named after the Swazi Chief - Maripi’s wives. From the lowest to the highest, they are Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maserote. Approximate Distance: 250 km (excluding game drives)
Estimated Travel Time: 8 hrs (with stops)

Welcome to big game country! The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Spot lion, elephant, rhino and many other animals in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife areas. Enjoy the early morning and afternoon game drives where you will have a chance to search out some incredible wildlife.

Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld (low-lying bush land), this national park of nearly 2 million hectares. Kruger National Park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. Notably as well is its mixed biological, historical and archaeological significance.

The Kruger National Park is truly the flagship of the South African National Parks, and it is home to a huge array of plants and animals. With over 145 species of mammals, it is possible to see all the classical African big game, including elephant, black and white rhino, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, warthog and many antelope species. Large carnivores include lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyena. There are also many smaller mammals equally enticing species.

Some of the bird life here cannot be found elsewhere is South Africa, as 507 species reside in the park. Hornbills, Starlings, Vultures, Rollers, Bee-eaters and Shrikes typify the ubiquitous avi-fauna, and birders can look forward to pursuing the big 6 (Saddle-billed Stork, Kori Bustard, Martial Eagle, Lappet-faced Vulture, Pel’s Fishing Owl and Ground Hornbill). Eagles are common: Bateleur, Martial, Black-breasted Snake, Brown Snake, African Hawk, African Fish and Tawny are all regularly seen, and in summer: Wahlberg’s, Steppe, Lesser Spotted. The Park’s numerous water points make for excellent birding, while the rest camps and picnic sites are exceptionally rewarding for birders.

The interaction between man and bush is evident in the Kruger National Park, from the bushman rock paintings to the majestic archaeological sites like Thulamela and Masorini. This is also regarded and preserved as a treasure, as they represent the cultures, people, and events that played a big role in the history of the Kruger National Park.

With Kruger being so vast it naturally has a tremendous botanic diversity. Simplistically the park can be divided into 16 macro eco-zones. The northern half of the park, north of the Olifants River is predominantly mopane veld, while south of the Olifants the ecozones are thornveld. There are 336 tree species in the park.

On 26 March, 1898, South African President Paul Kruger signed a proclamation for the founding of a government game park in the Eastern Transvaal, between Crocodile and the Sabie Rivers. As a large animal habitat, this area was at the time an extensive hunting grounds, but mosquito and Tsetse fly populations however, prevented human settlement in the area. The area stayed untouched until after the Anglo-Boer, when the new British administration accepted the idea of a game sanctuary and appointed a warden for what was called Sabie Game reserve. They appointed Major James Stevenson-Hamilton, who was the first to raise the idea that the area should be opened for animal viewing by the public, instead of the proposed plan of opening it for hunting.

The first road in the newly named Kruger National Park was laid down from Sabie bridge to the Olifants River, the second from Sabie Bridge to Pretoriuskop and the third from Sabie bridge to Crocodile bridge. The first three tourist cars entered the park in 1927, using the entrance at Pretoriuskop. Among the passengers was a seven-year old, Douglas Jackaman, who was so impressed by what he saw that he later became a camp manager in the park.

No accommodation was provided for the visitor, they made their own camps in thorn-bush enclosures. Visitors also carried weapons for their protection. In 1944 a cordon system was introduced between the park and local farms to decrease the impact of foot and mouth disease on the parks wildlife. Stevenson-Hamilton retired through the years of the Second World War, through which time the park was closed. The park was again opened to the public in 1946 under new control. Approximate distance: 250 km
Estimated Time: 6 hrs

Today we leave the wildlife of Kruger behind us, and enter into Mozambique, a colourful, vibrant, fascinating country. The journey takes us past Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, to a stop in Marracuene - a popular resting stop for people traveling through southern Mozambique. This afternoon, enjoy some time by the pool pr the river, use the on-site volleyball court, or even take a canoe on the river.

Our camp is situated on the banks of the Incomati, a beautiful location in the wonderful area of Marracuence, known because of its unique indigenous forests and fantastic crab fishing. Approximate distance: 390 km
Estimated Time: 9 hrs

Today we explore more of Mozambique as we travel north to a beautiful coastal area near the town of Inhambane. In the afternoon arrive at your campsite, built on top of the sand dunes, with spectacular views over the Indian Ocean. Enjoy the hospitality of the local people and taste what is arguably some of the world’s best and freshest seafood. Take the some time to discover the delights of this wonderful Indian Ocean beach by walking the dunes, going horseback riding, taking a boat cruise, or playing in the rolling surf. Sea lovers can enjoy snorkelling or diving at one of the few coral reefs.

Situated on a peninsula protecting a spacious bay, Inhambane was the most southerly trading point regularly used by the Arabs, and when Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama rounded Africa in the late 15th century, he pulled into the bay of Inhambane to replenish stocks and to explore. He took an immediate liking to the place and its people and named it Terra de Boa Gente or ‘Land of the Gentle People’. It took another 40 years before the Portuguese established a trading post and settlement and sadly the friendly people of Inhambane were rewarded lives slavery. One of the goods that passed through here was copper, brought down by safari traders from mines in the interior of Zimbabwe and the Northern Transvaal of South Africa.

Mission work was started in the area In 1560 by Father da Silvera, the Jesuit missionary, and through trade and religion, Inhambane became of on Portugal’s most important settlements on the Indian Ocean coast of Africa. Although large ships seldom pass here in present day, it still has the largest fleet of working dhows in the country. In the old quarter of town is the 170 year old Cathedral of our Lady of Conception where a rusted (and somewhat perilous) ladder leads to the top of the spire, offering grand views of town and harbour. Approximate Distance: 500km
Estimated Time: 9 hrs

Travel south to the capital of Mozambique, Maputo. Several rivers meet the sea at this wonderful locale, and two islands, Inhaca and Portuguese, lie just off the coast.

Notice the definite Latin flare to the city of approximately two million people, as Maputo openly embraces it’s Latin heritage. This is a unique feel to this city, with its popular seafront, colonial architecture, and colourful jacaranda trees, Maputo has style. There are also some excellent restaurants where you can enjoy cool drinks and peri-peri prawns. The infamous Fere de Populare has dozens of bars and discos where Mozambicans dance well into the night to seductive Latin beats.

Spend the day here exploring the city, starting at the top of Av Samora Machel outside the imposing Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao. Continue down the road and pass the Casa de Ferro (Iron House), which was designed by the same architect as the Eiffel Tower, and the Jardim Tunduru, the botanical gardens. Wind your way to the railway station on Praca Trabalhadores where you can view the large, imposing central dome, also designed by Monsieur Eiffel. Finally, make you way to the Av 25 de Setembro to find the Central Market, where you can fill your shopping bag and empty your wallet!

But it hasn’t always gone well for Maputo. Lourenco Marques, the Portuguese navigator, came ashore in 1545 to find a protected bay with potential for trade. Inhaca Island, just off-shore, was chosen by the Portuguese as a safe base for a small settlement. The British and Dutch tried to establish trading posts in the 17th and 18th centuries, but it was too far outside the sphere of East Coast Swahili influence and little profit was made in this quiet outpost. The discovery of diamonds and gold in what was then the Transvaal province of South Africa changed the fortunes of Lourenco Marques (as Maputo was then known). The Witwatersrand developed a railway line, built in 1894 and Lourenco Marques and its port began to prosper. By the mid-20th century, the city had also become the playground of hordes of Transvaal holiday-makers. But independence, politics and civil war caused some internal strife within Mozambique and Maputo. Approximate Distance: 400km
Estimated Travel Time: 6 hrs

The mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, lead by King Mswati III, is one of three monarchies in Africa. Swazi's are proud of their traditional lifestyle and cultures. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Swaziland’s “Valley of Heaven”, the Ezulwini Vallley. Overnight in traditional beehive huts and take the opportunity to go horse riding, mountain biking, trailing, game viewing or visiting a Swazi Village (own expense).

Mlilwane was the first wildlife sanctuary in Swaziland, created in the 1950’s by a well known Swazilander, Tedd Reilly, on his farm. He has been instrumental in the conservation of Swaziland’s natural heritage for many years. This reserve is a gentle relaxed place with zebra, many antelope species and crocodiles. Several hippos have become so used to being fed in the afternoon, that these enormous beasts plod out of the dam to chomp, dribble and munch in front of the Hippo Haunt Restaurant. So close are they, that your entire camera frame is filled with their wide toothy mouth and glistening nostrils. Around the restcamp a variety of animals mill around looking for food, but watching a warthog snuffling near the camp fire while his friend roasts on a spit above, is somewhat disquieting. This reserve offers hiking, cycling and horse riding and a variety of rustic accommodation. Approximate Distance: 277km
Estimated Time: 6 hrs

Today we depart for the beautiful Zululand area, re-entering South Africa into one of its most diverse regions. We stay in the St. Lucia area near the coast. Here take the optional boat trip on the estuary or go for a horse ride on the beach. On day 13, visit the Umfolozi Game Reserve which is a safe haven for both the white and black rhino, and as well lions, buffalo, elephant, and leopard call the reserve home. Spend the closing part of the day on a game drive and stop at waterhole hides to watch game come down to drink.

The St. Lucia Wetlands is a huge expanse of estuaries which is dominated by Lake St. Lucia, the largest estuarine body of water in South Africa. The St. Lucia Marine Reserve, which extends roughly from Sodwana in the north to Mapelane in the south, contains no less than five different ecosystems, and is home to complex body of vleis (wetlands), pans, swamp forests and grasslands. These include the lake itself, a wilderness area known as Mfabeni and Tewati, a marine conservation area, the reed and papyrus wetland of the Mkuze swamps and western shores, and a fossil shoreline more than 25,000 years old.This was the first game reserve in South Africa. Today the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park stands as a beacon to the efforts for conservation in South Africa.

After the crushing defeat in the Battle of Blood River, where an estimated 3,000 warriors fell, the Zulu retreated across the Tugela River into the region known as Zululand. In 1879, the ruler Cetshwayo refused a British ultimatum, and aBritish army invaded from Natal (Durban). The Zulu annihilated a British force in the Battle of Isandlhwana, and only in 1887 was the war ended and Zululand annexed by Britain. In 1897 it was incorporated into the greater Natal region. Two rebellions - in 1888 and 1906 - were suppressed.
Approximate Distance: 275km
Estimated Time: 6 hrs

Spend most of the day travelling the coast to Durban. Here you may say goodbye to some travellers who are finishing their trip here, and you may also by met by new G.A.P Adventures travellers beginning their trip here in Durban.

Very little is known about the first residents of the area around Durban as there is no written history of the area before it was “discovered” by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1497. Da Gama had applied the name Natal (nativity) to this stretch of coast, first seen on Christmas day of that year. The first European settlers in the area where mostly survivors of shipwrecks. One of these survivors, Rodrigo Tristaa, survived a wreck in 1552 of the Portuguese galleon Saint John, was the first to make his home here.

The Zulu nation’s formation provided wealth for a trade market in this area - European merchants set up a harbour where the base of trade with Zulus could be formed. Durban was thus created by a population of 26 hard-living traders and ivory hunters. It was named on 23 June 1835, after the governor of the Cape, Sir Benjamin D’Urban. The centre of Durban grew around its sugar cane plantations, as large numbers of Indians were brought to work on the plantations. As a result, present-day Durban it the city with the largest Indian population outside of India.

The city has grown into one of South Africa's best-known and most popular coastal resorts and commercial ports. With stretches of safe, sandy beaches and abundance of holiday accommodation destinations available and all-year sunshine attract visitors to this festive city every year. This city is enjoyed for its vibrant mix of cultures and experiences, with a large diverse population of people. The beach front area has the usual attractions, from fair grounds to restaurants, to water sports and the now world famous “uShaka Marine World”. South from Durban, we travel through on to the Eastern Cape province, into the heartland of the Xhosa people, and to Coffee Bay, a paradise on a large stretch of Indian Ocean coast referred to as the Wild Coast. Here you will have a full day to explore the dramatic scenery of the rocky beaches, hidden lagoons, and coastal cliffs. Try your luck at surfing the waves, scuba diving, horse riding, or hiking one of the various nature trails in the rolling green hills. Leaving Coffee Bay behind we head on a scenic drive to Hogsback. The Hogsback mountains, in the Eastern Cape, are a part of the Amatola mountain range. The mountains are an ideal location to relax and soak up the scenery. Spend the next two days hiking along the many trails in the area, rock climbing or abseiling the many cliffs, or just relaxing by the garden at the hotel.

The area is surrounded by three ridges that locals have said "resemble the bristle's on a hog's back". Come enjoy its indigenous forest with parrot and lourie, waterfalls, horse-rides and various walks. Hogsback is an ideal stop for nature lovers. Approximate Distance: 640km
Estimated Travel Time: 5 hrs

Today we descend from the mountains of the Hogback area and cross many unique valleys as we continue on to the Addo Elephant National Park, a unique wildlife area. Although famous for the Addo elephants, this park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and we embark on an afternoon game drive in search of the resident elephants, black rhino, lion, buffalo and even leopard.

Although the Addo Elephant belongs to the same species as the African Elephant, it is smaller, with more rounded ears and the females generally have no tusks. The park was named after the KhoiKhoi name Kadouw, which they gave to a forting place over the nearby Sundays River. The bush here is a combination of acacia, Spekboom, Gwarrie and Boerboon. The English name for the Spekboom is “Elephants food”.

In 1919 the professional hunter, Major Jan Pretorius, was hired by the administration of the Cape Province to destroy the entire herd that inhabited the area at the time. It took him a year to kill 120, but he was then stopped due to a public outcry. Only sixteen Addo Elephants remained, but they were peppered with bullet holes, panic stricken, vengeful and cunning. And they declared war on man.

In 1931, after a change in policy, the area was proclaimed as a national park. The Elephants, however, were still on the war path, destroying crops and attacking anyone who came near. Finally, in 1952, one of the beleaguered farmers of the area suggested that a fence made up of tram rails and lift cables be erected around the park. This finally kept the Elephants secure and out of the surrounding farming area.

The black rhino was re-introduced into the park in 1961, and now the park is home to a number of different animals, including the big 5 (elephant, black rhino, lion, buffalo, and leopard), zebra, kudu, eland, warthog, and many types of buck.
Approximate Distance: 235km
Estimated Travel Time: 5 hrs

Indigenous Tsitsikamma forests surround the campsite in the village of Storms River. Optional Activities in the area include hiking a portion of the Otter Trail or along the coastline, abseiling, scuba diving, snorkeling, boat rides, canoeing, whale watching, or even the world’s highest bungee jump. On Day 8, we’ll visit the Tsitsikamma National Park.

Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan word meaning, “place of much water.” Covering a thin belt of marine along 68 dramatic kilometres of South Africa's most spectacular, the Tsitsikamma National Park protects a wonderland of inter-tidal and marine life. Here, surging waves crash over rocky coastline and old hardwood forests knot the coastal cliffs.

Although Tsitsikamma boasts a magical world of intertidal life and reefs in its marine part, there is also the famous terrestrial part of the park with its lush forest, delicate fynbos and sheer cliffs. The park thus offers a variety of habitat for many species of birds; cormorants (Cape and White-breasted), Kelp Gulls and African Black Oystercatchers are prominent along the coastline, and the forest hosts African Crowned Eagle and African Wood Owl, plus some of the accipiters such as African Goshawk and Black Sparrowhawk.

The highlight of the Tsitsikamma National Park is the Storms River Mouth, a large and abrupt estuary over which a precarious rope-bridge is slung. In addition, there are the more sheltered water ways such as the Nature’s Valley Lagoon and the Groot River. Walking is the main activity in the park – you will have time to hike a portion of the famously spectacular Otter Trail. A walk in the area is well worth it – the scenery of the unspoiled nature in the area is breathtaking.
Approximate Distance: 250 km
Estimated Travel Time: 7 hrs

After visiting "The Heads" in Knysna, a town nestled on a tranquil lagoon on the coast, we take a scenic drive to travel over the Outeniqua Mountains into the area known as Klein Karoo (“Little Karoo”), where we make the quite town of Oudtshoorn our base. In the late afternoon, we’ll visit the interesting Cango Caves.

The Cango Caves are sculptured by nature through the ages, and is filled with mysterious and breathtaking limestone formations in a wide variety of natural colours. They lie in the Swartberg Mountain Range in a limestone belt measuring 1.5km in width and almost 16km in length. This part of the continent was once below the ocean. As the continent rose, the Little Karoo found itself above the water level. The caves started to form some 20 million years ago, when the water level dropped to such an extent that the ground water could start to seep into the limestone. As the water seeped into the ground it absorbed carbon dioxide from the decaying plant and animal matter in the soil and this made it fairly acidic. As it seeped into the limestone, cavities were created that filled with water. Rivers also formed on the surface and cut deeply enough into the limestone to allow them to reach the level of the water pockets. This caused the water to flow out about 4 million years ago. The cave was then, for the first time, exposed to air and the speleothems (cave formations) began to form. The portion of the caves that are accessible to the public extends for 1.2km, with a further 4.1km being kept closed for conservation.

Oudtshoorn, situated on the edge of the Garden Route, is the principal town and commercial centre of the Klein Karoo region. Shielded from the coastal belt clouds, wind, and rain by the mountain ranges, Outshoorn enjoys more sunny days than any other town in South Africa. The town is an oasis-like setting in a fertile valley cupped by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain ranges, and originated as a settlement along the Grobbelaars Rivers which meanders southwards from the Swartberg, providing fertile soil and water for irrigation. As such, mainly agricultural crops thrive here, including produce such as lucerne, tobacco, fruit, grapes and grains.

Oudtshoorn is notably the ostrich capital of the world. Here ostriches are found in great numbers and the region produces the world’s best feathers, leather products and meat. Amidst the 400 ostrich farms surrounding the town, three have distinguished themselves worthy enough to be named show farms. In addition, the Klein Karoo is one of South Africa's eight wine regions, where the sweet and desert wines are well known.
Approximate Distance: 350km
Estimated Travel Time: 5 hrs

Our journey takes us further west to quaint and beautiful Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa. We’ll get settled at our camp and continue to explore the wine farms and vineyards to get a taste of the area, of course of its outstanding wines.

At the Spier Wine Estate as they offer a Cheetah Outreach Programme, were you can enjoy a personal encounter with a hand-raised cheetah. Spier is also home to Eagle Encounters, a programme which rehabilitates birds which have been injured, poisoned or illegally removed from their nests, and then returns them to the wild.

For the young at heart, you may try to visit Monkey Town (an exotic monkey rehabilitation centre), situated just outside Somerset West, not too far from Stellenbosch. The Monkey Town center’s aim is to provide refuge and rehabilitation to primates that have been displaced as well as to increase public awareness of the problems concerning habitat conservation of these primates.

Additionally, Stellenbosch has many museums and galleries that house national and international art collections and the Stellenbosch Conservatoire is the country’s oldest music school.

Stellenbosch was founded in 1679 by the Governor of the Cape Colony, Simon van der Stel, who named it after himself — Stellenbosch means "(van der) Stel's forest". It is situated on the banks of the Eerste River ("First River"), so named as it was the first river he reached and subsequently followed during an expedition over the Cape Flats to explore the territory east of Cape Town. The town grew so quickly that it became an independent local authority in 1682 and the seat of a magistrate with jurisdiction over 25,000 km sq in 1685.

Stellenbosch lies in a fertile valley surrounded by vineyards, orchards and mountains. The area has a Mediterranean-type climate, with hot summers, cool winters and clear, sunny skies. It is at the start of the Cape Fold mountains, which have created soil favourable to vines. Soon after the first settlers arrived, this grapes were planted by the French Huguenots, in the fertile valleys around Stellenbosch and soon it became the heart of South Africa’s wine industry. Together, the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek valleys form the Cape Winelands, the largest of the two main wine growing regions in South Africa. Stellenbosch Wine of Origin area includes 106 cellars – most of which are open the public. The South African wine industry produces about 1,000,000,000 litres of wine annually.
Approximate Distance: 97km
Estimated Time: 1 hr

Cape Town offers many different activities – something for everyone. Visit Robben Island, Table Mountain, explore Cape Point (Cape of Good Hope), or visit the old French Hugonote town of Franschoek and surroundings (1h drive). For the not so faint hearted there is numerous adrenaline activities in the surrounding areas, from skydiving to abseiling to a Shark diving trip at Hermanus (1h drive). Or wonder through the city centre with some of the oldest buildings and gardens in South Africa (Botanical Gardens and Parliament Gardens). Do not miss the wonderful Cultural Historical Museum, Planetarium and numerous other small museums and theatres.

Cape Town's name originated from the term 'Cape of Good Hope' when Bartholomew Diaz and other seafarers looked forward to the sight of Table Mountain, like an inn that promised hospitality and prosperity. The city is steeped in a rich history and is a cultural melting pot with its diverse and vibrant character being derived from Khoxisan and other African tribes from the North, and Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers. Cape Town is the third most populous city in South Africa, with over 3 million inhabitants, and is the provincial capital of the Western Cape. It is also the legislative capital of South Africa, where the National Parliament and many government offices are located.

The oldest existing building in South Africa, the Castle, was built in 1666 to protect the new settlement at the Cape. Still operational as a military base, today its five imposing stone walls also house a museum with artifacts dating back to the 17th century and troops dressed in historic uniform parade on its cobbled grounds.

Nearby, across the Grand Parade, stand the Drill Hall and Cape Town's Italian Renaissance-style City Hall, completed in 1905. The Slave Lodge, the second oldest building in Cape Town, has served many purposes in its nearly three centuries. Originally built as accommodation for the slaves of the Dutch East India Company, it was also Cape Town's first post office, a library and the Supreme Court. Today it is home to the SA Cultural History Museum and its displays of ceramics, toys, silver and textiles from Cape Town's past, as well as artefacts from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.

The historic Company Gardens, established by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 as a vegetable garden from which to supply fresh produce to passing ships, today offers city dwellers and office workers a peaceful refuge from the bustle of the city's commercial centre. A cobbled avenue, lined with oak trees, leads to the South African Museum, the South African National Gallery, the Bertram House Museum and the Jewish Museum, which is housed in the oldest synagogue in South Africa.

Just beyond, South Africa's Parliament buildings stand in imposing array around the cobbles of Stal Plein ("plein” meaning "square"). Numerous other buildings of historic interest, such as Koopman de Wet House in Strand Street, Heritage Square in Bree Street, and many along the upper reaches of Long Street, are dotted throughout the city centre.

Situated on the lower slopes of Signal Hill, the Bo-Kaap (literally "upper Cape") is home to many descendants of the Malay slaves brought to the Cape during the 17th century. Most of the families, which inhabit its colourful rows of houses, are devout Muslims, and the call to prayer can be heard in the narrow, cobbled streets throughout the day. The Bo-Kaap Museum portrays aspects of Cape Muslim culture.

For shopping, dining and entertainment the V&A Waterfront is a hotspot for foreigners and locals alike. Still a working harbour, the Waterfront is an example of creative architecture and restoration and has become South Africa's most visited tourist attraction. The Waterfront offers over 250 shops from designer boutiques to craft stalls, a host of restaurants and coffee shops and plenty of other activities.

The top of Table Mountain offers spectacular views in all directions and gives a birds eye view of the city. The upper cable car station is situated at 1067m and the revolving cable car makes sure that your trip up and down gives you a good look in all directions. Once on top, you can follow paths to various look-out points, make use of the telescopes, and enjoy a light meal or simply a sundowner drink in the restaurant. In summer, early evening is a great time to plan your trip as the sunsets are beautiful. Regardless of the weather in the city, take a light jacket as it can often be cool on the mountain top (and sometimes the cable car may even close due to high winds).

After Alcatraz in the United Stated, Robben Island (Island of Seals) is possibly the best-known prison island in the world. Having served over the centuries as a penal settlement, leper colony and lunatic asylum, its notoriety has come more recently from the fact that former President Nelson Mandela and many of his colleagues were imprisoned here during the apartheid era. Visitors can travel to the island, a world heritage site, via an organized boat tour, which departs daily from the V&A Waterfront. Tour ends after breakfast at approximately 08:00 am. 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR 2209 2019 1259 1029 2699 1899 1489 2249 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 2770 ZAR Accommodation Simple hotels (3 nts), Participation camping (13 nts), Guesthouse (multi-share) (4 nts), Chalet (2 nts), Beehive hut (2 nts). Brief Highlights Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Kruger National Park, Milwane Game Reserve, Swaziland, Zululand, Umfolozi Game Reserve, Addo Elephant Park, Tsitsikama National Park, Cango Caves, Wine tasting in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Inhambane, Durban. Brochure Notes Combination This tour combines our Kruger and Swaziland Express DCJ and South Africa Discoverer DCD. Departure Departs monthly DepEnd Mon-Thurs Group Leader Tour leader/driver, Cook, Local guides. Group Size Max 22, Avg 14 Included Highlights Mlilwane Game Reserve entrance with Swazi village visit, Kruger National Park entrance with game drives, Addo Elephant Park entrance with game drive, Cango Caves entrance, Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch. Max Pax 22 Meal Budget Allow USD95 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.
Meals Included 24 Breakfasts, 21 Lunches, 19 Dinners. Min Pax 12 Recommendation Want to see more? Check out the full circuit Southern Africa Overland - see trip code DLCL. StartFinish Johannesburg to Cape Town Testimonial "This was a fantastic trip with so many hightlights it is impossible to encompass the trip in a paragraph...one of the best travels in my life." - Jeffrey Patry travelled on South Africa Encompassed Transport Overland vehicle, Walking. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any 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 G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. 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 they use prostitutes.
About Accommodation Camping in Africa is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites in national parks and outside towns. Campsite facilities in southern Africa are generally good, but can be basic in certain places. There are generally small restaurants and/or bars, washing facilities and occasionally telephones available.

The camps have flush toilets, and showers at some camps are outdoors, having simple reed enclosures for privacy. Additionally, warm water is available at most sites, but it is not guaranteed to always be warm when you take your shower; the warm water may be used up others who also use the camp. We usually set-up camp within close proximity to the toilet facilities, though occasionally to reach them you may to walk a short distance.

All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied, including camp mattresses, which are warm and comfortable. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person safari canvas tents. Please note that most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents, though most travellers find these more than adequate, as they have a base area of approximately 4 square meters. These tents are regularly treated with a waterproofing agent, but under certain rainy conditions, the tent fabric may become saturated to the point where seepage or leakage may occur. All tents have built-in mesh insect netting on the windows and doors.

We travel with our own portable camp chairs with a comfortable back-rest, and we utilize our own cooking equipment to provide the group good quality camp meals.

In camping within the national parks and conservation areas, some camp sites are enclosed for keeping the resident wildlife out. Other camps are open to the natural environment – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area.

Despite the challenge that a few days “roughing it” may pose to some, the experience of being that close to nature, camping under the African stars, and seeing incredible wildlife at your tent door-step is not just gratifying but ultimately an experience of a lifetime.
About our Transportation We use a large 24 seat overland truck to criss-cross through southern Africa. The overland truck allows the entire group to travel together, and because of its height, is great for game viewing and for enjoying the scenic landscape.

Road conditions can run the full gamut from new to being in very poor condition. This style of travel is by no means luxury, but it does allow us the flexibility of making stops when needed, and reaching some out-of-the way parts of Africa where the traditional safari crowd would not dare to go.

Here’s a quick look at the well-equipped G.A.P Adventures overland truck:
- storage for luggage underneath
- Onboard individual safe box under each seat
- Front view windows
- Large sliding windows, great for game viewing
- Fully equipped retractable kitchen
- Intercom between seating area and driver
- Inverter for battery charging
- A cd-player with an input for mp3s

Please note that our trucks do not have on-board bathrooms.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer 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. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Associated Planeterra Project In South Africa, Planeterra supports the following community project:

Shalati Community Project
The HIV/AIDS epidemic is having a devastating effect on the lives of millions of children worldwide especially in Africa. South Africa has one of Africa's strongest economies, but the HIV pandemic has weakened the nation and has taken a severe toll on its adult population. South Africa has the sixth highest prevalence of HIV in the world, with 18.8% of the population estimated to be infected. As children lose one or both parents to the epidemic, they are often either taken into care by other family members or find themselves suddenly responsible for the care of their younger siblings. As a result, the fabric of society has begun to shift and change in unprecedented ways.

In the South African community of Shalati there are many single parent families and a vast number of orphaned children, often cared for by their grandparents. This is due in part to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Many children do not begin school until the age of eight, and receive no formal education and limited support during their early formative years. Based on the needs of these families and children, we aim to assist the local community with their goal of building and developing a pre-school so that children are provided with a secure and nurturing environment to learn and grow.

How you can help
Donations raised through the Planeterra Foundation will provide funding for the construction and development of the preschool.

For more information about this project and/or to make a donation please visit our website at www.planeterra.org or contact us at info@planeterra.org
Brochure Intro From exciting game drives to the cosmopolitan vibe of Cape Town and everything along the way, this adventure has it all. Enjoy big game viewing, diverse cultures, stunning scenery, beaches and modern cities. Checklist •Fleece top
•Windproof/waterproof jacket
•Small towel and swimwear
•4 shirts/t-shirts
•Sun hat
▪ Warm sleeping bag
•1 pair of shorts
•2 pairs of long trousers
•1 pair hiking pants/track pants
•Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
•Sport sandals
•Sunblock
•Sunglasses
•Toiletries (biodegradable)
•Watch or alarm clock
•Water bottle
•Purification tablets or filter
•Pocketknife
•Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulbs)
•Money belt
•First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

Optional Items:
Camera and film, reading/writing material, binoculars, cover for backpacks.

Documents:
•Passport (with photocopies)
•Travel insurance (with photocopies)
•Yellow Fever Certificate (with photocopies)
•Airline tickets (with photocopies)
•USD cash and traveller's cheques
•Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
•G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
•Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Departure Tax USD40, may be included in the international air ticket Detailed Trip Notes A combination of camping and basic accommodation makes for a comfortable tour, with plenty of opportunity for outdoor activity. This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a comfortable and safe customized safari truck for the long open road drives.

REGIONAL INFORMATION
Climate
Southern Africa is renowned for its excellent outdoor living climate. The winter months are from May to September and are characterized by cold nights and pleasant days. Summer is from October to April and starts off with increasing dry heat and dust. Rains generally only start from mid to late December and last until March; this period is hot and humid. For the winter months, we recommend a sleeping bag rating of 3 seasons.

Local Currency
The official unit of currency in South Africa is the Rand, in Mozambique the currency is the Metical and the Swaziland currency is Emalangeni. The South African Rand is accepted throughout Swaziland. But please note that you will not be able to change Emalangenis back to Rand in South Africa.

Electricity
220-240V, 50Hz. Electric plug types come in two sizes and are standard throughout the countries. The two and three square pin standard plug are acceptable in most parts of these countries.

Language
English is one of the 11 official languages of South Africa. There are also numerous dialects spoken throughout different parts of the country. In Mozambique the official language is Portuguese.

SOUTH AFRICA
Full country name: Republic of South Africa
Area: 1,221,037km2 (447,443mi2)
Population: 47,432,000 (July 2005 estimate), 44,819,278 (Census 2001)
Capital cities: Cape Town (Legislative), Pretoria (Admistrative) and Bloemfontein (Judicial)
People: Zulu, Afrikaners, Xhosa, Basotho (South Sotho), English South Africans, Bapedi (North Sotho), Indian/Asian, Venda, Tswana, Tsonga, Swazi, Ndebele, others
Language: Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Swati, Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Northern Sotho, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda
Religion: Zion Christian 11%, Pentecostal/Charismatic 8%, Catholic 7%, Methodist 7%, Dutch Reformed 7%, Anglican 4%, other Christian 36%, Islam 2%, none 15%
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Major industries: mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metal working, machinery, textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, food stuff, commercial ship repair.
Major trading partners: U.S., UK, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, China, France, Saudi Arabia, Iran (2004).
Currency: Rand (ZAR), consisting of 100 cents

MOZAMBIQUE
Full country name: Republic of Mozambique
Area: 799,380km2 (308,642mi2)
Population: 19,686,505 (2006 estimate)
Capital city: Maputo (989,386 – 1997)
People: Makua, Yao, Makonde, Tonga, Tsonga, Chopi, Shona, Nguni, others
Language: Portuguese (official); Swahili, indigenous dialects, including Makua, Ronga, Tsongan, and Muchope
Religion: Indigenous beliefs (50%), Christian (38%), Muslim (11%), Other (1%)
Government: Republic
Major industries: Cashews, shrimp, fish, copra, sugar, cotton, tea, and citrus fruits
Major trading partners: Belgium, South Africa, Spain, Zimbabwe, Japan, Portugal, Australia, United States, and Pakistan
Currency: Metical (MZM), consisting of 100 centavos. Get used to carrying around bills in large quantities; Mt100,000 in your pocket makes you feel richer than you are. Keep US dollars or South African rand handy when outside of Maputo. (In southern Mozambique, you can often use South African rand for purchases.) Banks charge high commissions (sometimes as much as 10%) for changing money, especially traveller’s checks, which are difficult to exchange outside of Maputo anyway. You can save money by changing currency at private bureaux or in supermarkets. You can rarely use credit cards outside Maputo.

Mozambique is a country in transition - uncertain of its future and recovering from a painful and traumatic past. Since the end of the civil war in 1992, cyclones, droughts, devastating floods, and outbreaks of famine have dealt one setback after another to this unfortunate nation and combined to keep it one of the poorest and least developed corners of the world. For the first time in decades, however, Mozambique is peaceful, optimistic, and planning for development and growth.

The first inhabitants were ancestors of the Khoisani people. Bantu-speaking people migrated during the first and fourth centuries and were the farmers and ironworkers. Its Portuguese influence was gained through explorers reaching it shores around 1948 for commercial and slave trading purposes and later was expanded with the search for gold.

After World War II, Portugal maintained it’s colonial hold on the country and immigrate numbers soared. By 1962 calls for independence were growing ever louder and the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) was established. An armed campaign in September 1964 failed to gain the seperation so desired. However in 1974, the Portuguese government was overthrown by a military coup, and Portugal resolved to grant independence. On June 25, 1975 the Republic of Mozambique was proclaimed.

With independence came a one-party state allied with European communist powers. Literacy programmes and health initiatives were introduced. Privately-owned industries and land were nationalised. In 1977, the opposition to the ruling party, Frelimo, by the Mozambique Resistance Movement (Renamo), resulted in over five million civilians being displaced and approximately 900,000 people perishing in fighting and from starvation. A formal peace agreement was signed in 1992 and in 1994 the country’s first democratic elections were held. Since then Mozambique has enjoyed relative peace.

SWAZILAND
Full country name: Kingdom of Swaziland
Area: 17,363km2
Population: 1,100,000
Capital city: Mbabane (50,500)
People: Swazi, Zulu, Shangaan-Tsonga and European
Language: English, Swati
Religion: Christian (60%), indigenous beliefs (40%)
Government: Monarchy beliefs (40%)
Major industries: Sugar, mining (coal and asbestos), wood pulp, agriculture, soft drink concentrates
Major trading partners: South Africa, Japan, UK, USA
Currency: lilangeni (plural emalangeni, denoted by the symbol E, 1R=1E)

The smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere. Swaziland - independent since 1968 - is one of only three monarchies left in Africa. Swaziland is a little, landlocked kingdom, bounded on all sides by South Africa except for roughly 100km (60mi) of border with Mozambique in the east.

The King, appointed in accordance with Swazi tradition, is the Executive Head of State. If he is absent, or unable to perform his duties, for any reason, the Queen Mother acts on his behalf. Parliament is made up of the Senate, which is the Upper House, and the House of Assembly.

The country supports a surprisingly wide range of ecological zones, from savannah scrub in the east to rainforest in the Northwest, with patches of fynbos, the 'fine bush' so renowned in South Africa. The mountainous border country with Mozambique is harsh and dry, and sharp mountains poke out of the highveld in the west. Nearly three quarters of Swazis work in agriculture, mainly at subsistence level, although the nation is not self sufficient in food.

Swaziland's natural resources are extremely well managed, and despite the country's size it lays claim to some of the best game reserves and national parks in southern Africa. Elephants, lions and rhinos have been reintroduced after being wiped out (rhinos had been absent for 70 years), and after some bloody battles between rangers and poachers, populations of both black and white rhinos are no longer critically endangered.

Centuries ago, a great migration from Central Africa occurred. A sub-group known as the Nguni, which today includes the Zulu and Xhosa, branched off from the main stream of this movement to follow the East Coast.

The first steps towards the creation of the Swazi Nation were taken around 1750 when NqwaneIII led his people inland to settle in, what is now, Southern Swaziland. Ngwane absorbed, or drove out, other people to establish himself in this area. His successor, Sobhuza I was troubled with raids by the Zulu's to the south and re-established his capital near present-day Lobamba, which has remained the heartland of the Nation. Mswati II succeeded Sobhuza I and inherited a Kingdom twice the size of Swaziland today. Still troubled by the quarrelsome Zulu's, he established his capital at Hhohho, in the northern mountains, and welded his people into a nation. They were known as the people of Mswati-Mswazi to the Zulu's, hence the name "Swazi" today. During the Anglo-Boer War, in 1899, King Sobhuza II was born and after the death of his father, Bhunu, his grandmother, Labotsibeni assumed the Regency until the King came of age.

After the war, Britain ruled Swaziland for 66 years as a Protectorate. Upon ascending the throne, Sobhuza II continued his mother's struggle with the British to recover land, belonging to the Swazi Nation, which had supposedly been ceded to concession holders by King Mbandzeni during the 1800's.

A system of dual control persisted; the British Resident Commissioner and his district officers, on the one hand, and the King, the National and Inner Councils, and the local chiefs, on the other. However, constitutional changes suggested by King Sobhuza II in the years leading up to Independence in September 1968 were eventually accepted. After Independence, it was recognized that the Constitution, created with western thinking by the British, did not suit the traditional needs of Swazis. King Sobhuza Ii ruled Swaziland from 1921, when he ascended the throne, until his death in 1982. His long rule is remembered for the wisdom of his insistence on the maintenance of traditional tribal values at a time of modern development. Sobhuza was followed in 1986 by King Mswati, who continues to maintain and represent tradition. He runs the country with the Council of Ministers, a small core of advisers. There is a little dissent in the country, although most Swazis seem committed to maintaining their culture despite external pressures of modernization. Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro From exciting game drives to the cosmopolitan vibe of Cape Town and everything along the way, this adventure has it all. Enjoy big game viewing, diverse cultures, stunning scenery, beaches and modern cities Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local G.A.P Adventures operator - Indaba Explorations (South Africa). If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures Operator - Indaba Explorations (South Africa)
Open 5 days a week, 9am to 6pm local time (GMT +2).
Tel: Int. Dialing Code +27 21 845 7400 +27 21 887 7661 (during office hours)

Indaba Emergency Cell Phone: +27 (0) 82 556 4562 (Rudolf) or +27 (0) 82 444 4303 (Yolanda), after hours

If you are unable for any reason to contact Indaba, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Finishing Point Hotel Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description On this tour, you will be accompanied on your trip by two G.A.P Adventures crew members – a driver and a cook, one of whom will also be the group tour leader.

All of our group leaders in southern Africa are registered and licensed tourism guides, meaning that they have studied to have a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife, and are legally certified to lead/guide tours in the regions visited. Most of our leaders in the region are from South Africa, though it may be possible that you’ll have a leader from another country in the southern African region. As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. He/she will provide information on the places where you are travelling, and will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure.

All of our overland truck drivers are experienced in the routes travelled, and highly skilled in dealing with different terrains. All of our cooks will organize and lead the meal preparation, and have experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups. Health We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Travelers should also carry a basic first-aid kit. Travellers to Kenya and Tanzania should observe similar precautions to those taken elsewhere in Africa. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling with the group. Be aware that all safaris enter malaria areas. Your doctor should be able to recommend the necessary prophylactics. Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.

Sand flies:
Are generally found on the coast but they can also be found in dry & dusty conditions inland, these and Mosquito’s tend to come out in the early evening and early mornings. Insect repellent is a must during these times.

Malaria:
You must have prophylactics which you can obtain from your local doctor back home.

It is very important that you wear sun block, even on a cloudy day when it feels cool as we are near the equator and the sun is very strong. A sunburn can turn a pleasant trip into a painful trip.

Even when days are cool please be sure to drink a minimum of two liters of water and refrain from drinking to many diuretics, as while when traveling outdoors the breeze can dehydrate you quickly as well as the heat.

Diahorrea:
It is very common for people traveling overseas to get an upset stomach due to a change of climate and food. Please make sure that you wash your hands and stay away from street food.

Ringworms:
Can be found in humid conditions, they are easily treated with ointment.

Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician. Important Notes 1. A valid passport and visas are required for entry into Mozambique, Swaziland and re-entry into South Africa.

2. An essential part of your safari is participation - from putting up your tent (while camping) or packing away in the morning, to helping with meal preparation and cleaning up - it is all part of your adventure and when everyone puts in a little effort the trip will run smoothly. Your tour leaders will do all the meal preparation, but we do ask the clients to help with the washing up. Team spirit is part of the fun! All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. All tents have built-in insect nets. Mattresses are also available, which are approximately 4cm thick, warm and comfortable.

3. This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a comfortable and safe customized safari truck for the long drives.

4. It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate if you are traveling to South Africa from a Yellow Fever endemic country.

5. Please note that this tour is a combination of several G.A.P Adventures tours. As such, your group tour leader, fellow passengers, or vehicle may change between the individual tour sections. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel Airport Game Lodge
21 Fourth Road
Bredell, Kempton Park
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)11 396 2969
Website: http://www.sa-venues.com/ga/airport_game_lodge.htm Joining Instructions Please note that the Airport Game Lodge offers a complimentary airport pickup. Upon your arrival in Johannesburg, you need to call the hotel directly. They will arrange to pick you up. The hotel is about 5 miles from the airport.

If you have a pre-arranged transfer, look for a transfer person on walking out of international arrivals with a sign G.A.P Adventures and your name. Ask him/her what hotel he/she will take you to (do not volunteer this information). Then present your passport for proof of identity.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned.

The tour departs Johannesburg on Day 2 at 06:30 am.

The tour ends in Durban on Day 15 after breakfast. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. 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. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Most hotels and backpackers offer a laundry service, or have self service washing mashines that operate with coins. In Mozambique laundry can be done by hand by the local women in the area of the camp sites. Prices must be negotiated, and advise on this can be obtained from your Tour leader. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals As mentioned above, most of the meals on this tour are included in the tour price. When a meal is not included, this is because there are often many options available - we would like to give you the opportunity to explore a bit and test the local cuisine yourself. In these cases, your tour leader will be able to suggest some good local restaurants or options for you to choose from.

All included meals will be prepared from fresh local produce. The majority of the shopping for foodstuffs will be done before the trip departs, and fresh goods, such as meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, will be bought en route during the trip from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes.

Our cook will organize the meal preparation and lead the way here, but will prepare a duty schedule for ensuring a fair, rotating participation from you and your group members in the meal preparation and dish washing duties.

Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival. Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange South Africa, Mozambique, and Swaziland each have their own currency – please see below in this section for more details.

The easiest foreign currency to exchange for locally for any of the local currencies is the $US; however the British Pound and Euro may also be exchanged as well. $US notes that are older than year 2002 are not accepted everywhere and can be difficult to change. In addition, $US notes prior to 2000 are worthless in some areas of Africa, as they are rarely accepted and impossible to exchange. We recommend $US 50 notes, and $US 100 notes can be difficult to change in some places.

If you plan to rely on cash, please bring foreign currency (Euro, Pound, USD) with you, as it is often expensive to buy these currencies locally. And in more rural areas, it is often not likely. Please note that South African Rand is widely accepted in throughout southern Africa, and you may use this as you “foreign currency” while travelling in other countries in the region.

Travelers’ cheques are not recommended in Africa. They are difficult if not impossible to exchange in many places. Where they are excepted, you often need the receipt of the purchase of the cheques, and the process of changes cheques where possible is extremely time consuming. Please no not expect to rely on traveller’s cheques for access to cash in Africa.

Debit cards are very useful for cash advances, but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept a 4-digit PIN). The Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards; it is harder to find machines Master Card/Cirrus cards. While there are many ATMs in the major centres, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Africa. Check with your bank.

Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns ONLY but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Credit cards, especially Visa cards, ARE INDEED USEFUL, HOWEVER, for taking cash advanced in ATMs

Please note that in many areas there may be occasional power-outages, where there will be no electricity for hours at a time. In addition, ATMs outside of larger centers often run out of cash or can be out of order unexpectedly. These factors could affect your ability to access money from ATMs. As such, please do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money.

A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best, with traveller's cheques being a distant third option. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. Experience has shown that it is better upon arrival at the airport/starting city, to draw a large amount of money from the ATM’s in the local currency. Your Tour Leader can advise you on the approximate amounts of money you will need for each country of your tour.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR) which in turn is divided into 100 cents. There are notes of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 rand in circulation. There are also coins of R1, R2, R5 and of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

Mozambique’s local currency is the Metical, though the US$ and Rand as these are widely accepted. Mozambique Metical (MZN) = 100 centavos. Notes are divided in 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are as follows: 10, 5, 2 and 1 metical and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. Note: The new Metical replaced the old Metical (MZM) on 1 July 2006. 1 (new) MZN = 1,000 MZM. The old notes ceased being legal tender on 31 December 2006.

The currency in Swaziland is the Lilangeni (SZL) = 100 cents. The plural of Lilangeni is the Emalangeni. Notes are divided in E200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are divided in 5, 2 and 1, and 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. It is also advisable to use Rand as it is widely accepted in Swaziland. (E1 = 1 Rand), but take note that Coins are not accepted.
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Optional Activities Optional activity prices are subject to change and can fluctuate in relation to the high/low season and the number of people on a specific excursion. Not all excursions listed here may be available, due to season, or weather conditions. As generally not a lot of time is spent in start/end cities, you may want to arrange to arrive early, or stay longer after the trip in order to allow sufficient time to participate in optional activities there.

All prices are in US dollar amounts.

SOUTH AFRICA
Johannesburg
Soweto Township tour $58

Kruger NP
Sunrise or sunset Drives $18
Full day Drive in Open Vehicle $46

Zululand/St Lucia Wetlands
Estuary Kayak $38
Ocean Boat Experience (half day with shipwreck visit and lunch) $50
Nature and Birding Boat Cruise $20
Half day Eastern Shore / Cape Vida (incl. refreshments and equipment) $42
Scenic Flight $93
Guided Mountain Bike Trail (per hr) $8
Deep Sea Fishing $80
Night Drive on Eastern Shore $36
Full Day Game Drives in Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Parks $78
Full Day Eastern Shore $58
Zulu Cultural Tour $27

Hogsback
Horse Riding (1 1/2hrs) $22
Abseiling (3 hrs) $22

Tsitsikama Area
Wood Cutters Forest Hike (am/pam) $13; (midday w lunch) $25
Canopy Zip-line Tour (3hrs) $57
Bungee Jumping $85

Oudtshoorn
Classic Ostrich tour (1 h, incl. tea, coffee or juice) $4

Cape Town
Table mountain & cable car (One way/Return) $11/$22
Robben Island (Every hour 09h00 - 15h00) $23
Boulders Beach Entrance (Jackass Penguins) $4
Cape of Good Hope (Cape Point) Entrance $8
Shark Cage Diving (Incl.Transfer) $195

MOZAMBIQUE
Inhambane
Scuba Diving – Price variable
Snorkelling $18
Quad bike trail $43
Panzi Island trip (Incl. lunch) $54
Catamaran day trip to sea (Incl. lunch) $83
Horse riding (approx. 1 1/2 hr) $30
Boogie board hire $2
Dee Sea Fishing Boat Charge (4h, incl. all equipment) $129
Coastal Scenic flight - Price on request

SWAZILAND
Sun rise / Sun set Game Drive $21
Guided walks / cycling (per hr) $8.50
Cultural village tour $8
Horse riding (per hr) $13
Mountain biking (per hr) $8 Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security 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, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please 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. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. 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 options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
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 and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. It is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, as an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal 'thank you', and the action should in no way be awkward. The best method of tipping someone that has served the whole group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group as a whole should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s).

You may use the following as a guideline, all given in a per client format: Restaurant/Café servers: 10% of cost of bill, especially when in a large group (no envelope required); Driver / Camp Cook / Tour Leader US$1.50 each, per day worked, per traveller. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy 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. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety Travelers must exercise common sense and caution at all times. Tourists should stick to set travel arrangements and avoid unknown areas. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and a record of your travelers' checks and credit card numbers separate from where you keep the originals. South Africa, like any many countries, has its problems but your guide knows the country intimately and will endeavour to show you the best parts while looking after you. Be aware, but not paranoid, and you will have a great trip. We also recommend that you wear minimal jewelry and that you keep valuable items safely stored. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1st, 2009 - December 31st, 2009. Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.
We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, or sports bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning game drives. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable. 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 are likely to be of a variety of ages 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.