From the deserts and dunes of Namibia, to the wildlife rich parks of Botswana and Tanzania, and all the culture in between, this trip captures the essence of the African experience! Windhoek to Nairobi Overland 2008 GPF 12 22 Max 22, Avg 14 Africa Kenya, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Tanzania Windhoek Nairobi Namibia Kenya Wildlife/Nature 30 3 4 http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/southafrica/south_africa_stellenbosch.jpg Arrive in Windhoek at any time. Overnight in the heart of the Kalahari. Take the opportunity to walk with a local San Bushman to learn fascinating bush skills. Camp in Maun for a night in preparation before journeying deep into the Okavango Delta on mokoro (dugouts). The Okavango Delta is an experience not to be missed. Camp wild on remote islands for two nights and enjoy game walks, swimming, birdlife and game viewing in this pristine wilderness area. Leave the Delta behind and continue to Gweta to camp under ancient, upside-down looking Baobab trees. Chobe National Park is a wildlife gem with a huge variety of big game animals and birdlife. Not to be missed is an optional game drive or a sunset cruise which is a good opportunity for viewing hippo, crocodiles and watching the elephants wallow in the water. Tour Victoria Falls, a natural wonder of the world, which plunges into the Zambezi Gorge. Try whitewater rafting on the mighty Zambezi or, for the adventurous, an optional 111m bungee jump. Camp on the tranquil shores of Lake Kariba, home to hippo, crocodile and a wide range of bird life. Head towards the Luangwa River to spend the night and mingle with some friendly local villagers. Make your way down into “the valley” of the Luangwa River. South Luangwa National Park is wild and remote with an abundance of wildlife. Camp on the banks of the Luangwa River, explore the area on a game drives and game walks, visit the local village and school and be prepared to have wild animals walking around your tent at night! Travel to Chipata on the Zambia/Malawi border. Visit the local market just north of the town centre. Time to relax on the shores of “the Lake of Stars”. Take beach walks, swim in the crystal clear water and snorkel among the tropical fish. Fantastic wood carvings and souvenirs can be bought here as well. Cross the border and head for Tanzania. Climb out of Great Rift Valley through spectacular mountain passes towards the camp outside Iringa. Transit to the capital, Dar Es Salaam. The city started as a fishing village in the mid 19th century before becoming a port and trading centre. Zanzibar Island, “the spice island” has a rich history and culture. Visit the beaches, explore Stone Town, and soak up the island spirit and delicious seafood. Catch the ferry back to Dar Es Salaam and stay for another night at a relaxing beach spot just outside the main city core. Today pass Mt Kilimanjaro as you head towards Arusha to browse the craft markets. Numerous 4WD excursions in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to spot wildlife are complemented with seeing the Masai people herding their cattle across the open plains. There is an optional Masai village stop before travelling back to camp in Arusha for the final night. Travel back to Arusha where we will set up camp. Take time to relax before we set up camp for the night. Departing Arusha in the morning we make our way to Nairobi where the tour ends in the early afternoon. Arrive in Windhoek and make your way to the hotel. Attend a pre-departure group meeting with your tour leader scheduled for the evening.

Windhoek was originally the centre of a Nama chief who defeated the Herero inhabitants of the region in the mid 19th century. Germany then occupied the region in 1885, where they renamed the original site Windhoek. They built a fort here that eventually spanned a town that grew under its protection.

Windhoek became the seat of colonial rule in 1892, as the capital of the colony of South-West Africa (Deutsch-Südwestafrika). During World War I, Windhoek was captured by South African troops and became a British dominion. Until the independence of Namibia was inaugurated in 1990, Windhoek was recognized as the capital of South West Africa as administered by the South African government. With a population of 230,000, and an altitude of 1,654m, Windhoek is the capital of Namibia.

The city of Windhoek is traditionally known by two names: Ai-Gams, from the Nama people, which literally refers to the hot springs that were once part of Windhoek, while the second name, Otjomuise, meaning a place of steam, was given by the Herero people. Both traditional names reference the hot springs. Approximate Distance: 500 km
Estimated Travel Time: 9 hrs

Today we continue through the eastern part of Namibia, and cross into Botswana and travel into the heart of the Kalahari. Take the opportunity to walk with a local San Bushmen to learn fascinating bush skills (local guide may not be San due to nomadic lifestyle of San Bushmen).

Ghanzi, located western part of Botswana on the northern rim of the Kalahari Desert, is the administrative center of Ghanzi District, and is also known as the "Capital of the Kalahari". Ghanzi is an intriguing town, and is primarily a farming community that supplies the Botswana Meat Commission with most of the required beef produce. In fact, it is the starting point of a 800 km long cattle trek—one of the longest in the world. Cattle are driven on horseback or by truck across the Kalahari southeastward to slaughterhouses at Lobatse.

Ghanzi mostly consists of a variety of ethnic cultures for instance the Bushman, Bakgalagadi, Baherero, Batawana as well as Afrikaners. Other spellings include "Gantsi," which is more consistent with the national language of Botswana, Setswana, "Ghansi," and "Gantsi. Approximate Distance: 350 km
Estimated Travel Time: 7 hrs

As you travel from the Kalahari towards Maun, you will notice the landscape change slightly, as you approach more fertile lands. After arrival, you can pick up any supplies and prepare for you 2 night/3 day excursion into the Okavango Delta.

Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta and has for a long time enjoying the reputation of being Botswana’s own frontier town. Today it is one of the fastest growing towns in Africa. It was originally established in 1915 by the Batawana, a splinter group of the Bangwato. The name Maun means “place of reeds”.

Maun, although officially still a village, is the fifth largest town in Botswana. It is an eclectic mix of modern buildings and native huts. Maun is the "tourism capital" of Botswana and the administrative centre of Ngamiland district. Maun has developed rapidly from a rural frontier town and has spread along the Thamalakane River. It now boasts good shopping centres, hotels and lodges as well as car and 4-wheel drive vehicle hire. It still retains a rural atmosphere and local tribesmen continue to bring their cattle to Maun to sell. This community is now distributed along the wide banks of the Thamalakane River where red lechwe can still be seen grazing next to local donkeys, goats and cattle. Accommodation: Basic bush camping

After leaving some of our luggage in Maun, we begin our fantastic 3 day/2 night excursion into the delta as we drive about 1-2 hours (depending on which dock we go to) to the "dock" where we hop into a mokoro, a traditional dug-out canoe, that'll take us deep into the delta. After a couple hours in mokoro, we arrive to our basic “bush camp”. For 2 full days, enjoy game walks, mokoros (occasionally unavailable due to seasonality), birdlife and game viewing in the pristine wilderness area of the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta.

"Where all this water goes is a mystery", Aurel Schultz, 1897

The area of the delta was once part of Lake Makgadikgadi, an ancient lake that dried up some 10,000 years ago. Today, the Okavango River has no outlet to the sea. Instead, it empties onto the sands of the Kalahari Desert, irrigating 15,000 km_ of the desert. Each year some 11 cubic kilometers of water reach the delta. Some of this water reaches further south to create Lake Ngami. The water entering the delta is unusually pure, due to the lack of agriculture and industry along the Okavango River. It passes through the sand aquifers of the numerous delta islands and evaporates/transpirates by leaving enormous quantities of salt behind. This precipitation processes are so strong that the vegetation disappears in the center of the islands and thick salt crusts are formed. The waters of the Okavango Delta are subject to seasonal flooding, which begins about mid-summer in the north and six months later in the south (May/June). The water from the delta is evaporated relatively rapidly by the high temperatures, resulting in a cycle of cresting and dropping water in the south. Islands can disappear completely during the peak flood, then reappear at the end of the season. Approximate Distance: 300 km
Estimated Travel Time: 5 hrs

Enjoy one last sunrise in the delta before travelling back Maun in first Mokkoro, then by vehicle. Pick up your luggage, and proceed on to Gweta to our unique experience camping under ancient Baobab trees.

The town is situated between the larger towns of Nata and Maun and is on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, an immense area devoid of anything but salt and shimmering horizon. As the largest expanse of 'nothingness' on earth, the pans have area the size of Switzerland, and are clearly visible from outer-space. What is known today as the Makgadikgadi Pans is only a relic of what used to be one of the biggest inland lakes Africa has ever seen-Lake Makgadikgadi. The Makgadikgadi pan consists of two main pans, Namely Ntwetwe and Sowa pan, both of which are surrounded by myriad smaller pans. Although it is totally devoid of any water, people used to live there before it was declared state land. Villagers where allowed to graze their livestock inside the boundaries during dry season. Approximate Distance: 300 km
Estimated Travel Time: 7 hrs

Proceed towards Chobe National Park in the morning and camp over just outside of the park near the town of Kasane. This afternoon, take an optional game drive in the park, or an afternoon sunset boat cruise along the Chobe River - your best opportunity to view hippo, crocodiles and watch many elephants wallow in the water.

Kasane is situated on the banks of the Chobe River, near its mouth. This is where the Chobe and Zambezi rivers meet, creating a border area of four countries – Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Chobe National Park is Botswana’s first national park, and is situated along the Chobe River. It has one of the largest concentration of wildlife in all the Africa continent and one of the world's last remaining sizeable wilderness area. By size, this is the third largest park (11,000 sq km) of the country, though it is definitely the most diverse and spectacular.

The park is probably best known for its spectacular elephant population: with over 120,000 it has the highest elephant concentration of Africa. Moreover, most of them are probably part of the largest continuous surviving elephant population on Earth. The elephant population seems to have solidly built up since 1990, from the few initial thousands. By chance, they have not been affected by the massive illicit exploitation of the 1970's and 1980's. Elephants living here are Kalahari elephants, the largest in size of all known elephant species. Yet they are characterized by rather brittle ivory and short tusks. Damage caused by the high numbers of elephants is rife in some areas. In fact, concentration is so high throughout Chobe that culls have been considered, but are too controversial and have thus far been rejected. During the dry season, these elephants sojourn in Chobe River and the Linyanti River areas. During the rain season, they make a 200 km migration to the south-east region of the park. Their distribution zone however outreaches the park and spreads to north-western Zimbabwe.

Chobe National Park is also known for its lion population, who on occasion do hunt the elephants. The original inhabitants of this area were the San bushmen (also known as the Basarwa people). They were nomadic hunter-gatherers who were constantly moving from place to place to find food sources, namely fruits, water and wild animals. Nowadays one can find San paintings inside rocky hills of the park.
Approximate Distance: 120 km
Estimated Travel Time: 4 hrs

Take an optional early morning game drive in Chobe before leaving for Zambia. Cross the Zambezi River to enter into Zambia and continue to Livingstone. We will spend the next three days of our tour here, a great base to see both some natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, for the more adventurous, bungee jump with the Victoria Falls in view.

David Livingstone was born on March 19, 1813 in the village of Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. He first studied Greek, medicine, and theology at the University of Glasgow and while working in London, joined the London Missionary Society became a minister. He originally planned to gain access to China through his medical knowledge. The Opium Wars, which were raging at this stage with no signs of peace on the horizon, forced Livingstone to consider other options. From 1840 he worked in Bechuanaland (present-day Botswana), and in the period 1852–56, he explored the African interior, and was the first European to see the Mosi-oa-Tunya waterfall (which he renamed Victoria Falls after his monarch, Queen Victoria). Livingstone was one of the first Westerners to make a transcontinental journey across Africa. The purpose of his journey was to open the routes, while accumulating useful information about the African continent. In particular, Livingstone was a proponent of trade and Christian missions to be established in central Africa. His motto, inscribed in the base of the statue to him at Victoria Falls, was “Christianity, Commerce and Civilization.”

The town of Livingstone is a regional transport center, being located near the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe, and serves as a base for the many visitors to see this part of Africa, and the impressive Victoria Falls, a mere 12km from Livingstone.

The Victoria Falls waterfalls occur in a country that is perfectly flat. From its source on the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Zambezi River meanders for 1300 km across the wooded plateau of Zambia, eroding for itself a shallow valley on its mild descent to the site of the falls. The river eventually found a weak spot on the lower lip of the surface over which it passed, and forced a passage which was steadily deepened into an exit gorge. During the last half million years the river has scoured out eight of these cracks across its bed. The Victoria falls occurs where the river is 1688 m wide, presents the spectacle of an average maximum of 550 million liters of water a minute tumbling over the lip of the trench in five main falls, the Devil’s Cataract, Main falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow falls and the Eastern Cataract.
The highest of these is Rainbow falls, on an average 108 m high. A peak flood sees 750 million liters of water in one minute hurtling over the falls.

The name Zambezi comes from the Tonka tribe, also meaning Great River, but the Sotho-speaking Kololo people of the upper reaches of the river gave it the well-known name of Mosi o a Thunya (smoke that rises). The Lozi people call it by the same name but translated it into smoke that sounds. The Ndebele call it aManza Thunqayo (the water that rises like smoke). The Namibian people call it Chinotimba (a noise-making place like the distant sound of digging). Approximate Distance: 543km
Estimated Travel Time: 10 hrs

Today’s long journey across rough and bumpy roads takes up to the tranquil shores of Lake Kariba, home of many hippo, crocodile and a wide range of bird life. An optional sunset cruise on the lake is a photographer's dream.

Lake Kariba is an artificial inland sea that covers 282 km sq of the Zambezi Valley. It is the continent’s third largest dam after Aswan on the Nile in Egypt and Cahora Bassa on the same Zambezi River in neighbouring Mozambique. It is something of a feat of both engineering and human endeavour that the dam was built at all. The resident Batonka (Tonga) people who had in this area for centuries were to be displaced by the dam in the 1950s. They appealed to the Zambezi River God, the fish-headed, serpent-tailed Nyaminyami, whose image, like the Zimbabwe bird, is another popular motif in local curios. Approximate Distance: 240 km
Estimated Travel Time: 8 hrs

Travel north east up through the Zambian country-side, and spend the evening at Luangwa River. This is an interesting area full of friendly locals and intriguing local culture. Take a walk along the river and try to catch the eye of the wildlife skirting the shore.

The Luangwa River is one of the major tributaries of the Zambezi River. It rises in the hills of the northeast part of Zambia, on the border with Malawi, and flows in southwesterly direction for about 500 km through a broad, low-lying valley, before entering hills and joining the Zambezi at Luangwa town. The valley is a southern extension of the Great Rift Valley.

The Luangwa Valley contains the North Luangwa National Park and South Luangwa National Parks of Zambia, which are among some of the finest wildlife habitats in Africa. The river itself is home to large populations of hippo and crocodile. The river generally floods in the rainy season (December through March) and then falls considerably in the dry season, even completely drying out in its upper reaches. Approximate Distance: 544 km
Estimated Travel Time: 10 hrs

Make your way down into “the valley” of the Luangwa River, a wild and remote area in the South Luangwa Park . It has an abundance of wildlife that is rarely seen in other game reserves or national parks, and is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, full of hippo, crocodiles, elephants, lion and leopard. Camp on the banks of the Luangwa River for 2 nights and explore the area on a game walk and an open 4WD game drive. One optional activity available is a night drive, where the rangers us spotlights to see nocturnal. To combat the midday heat, check out the wonderful lounge area and swimming pool at our camp.

A totally different experience to parks elsewhere in Africa, Luangwa offers a real immersion to the bush life in an attractive habitat of sausage trees and lagoons. In the stunning light of early morning and late afternoon, one can often see elephants, impala, many variety of antelope, troops of baboons, hosts of water birds, crocodiles and hippos all through the same view finder of your camera or binoculars!

The park is reputed to have the highest concentration of leopard in Africa. It is estimated that there is one Leopard for every kilometre of river in the Luangwa Valley, so your chances of seeing this elusive nocturnal cat are heightened in this park. Pods of up to 500 hippos are possible to view in the dry season as the river shrinks and they are connected to areas of deep pools. On average during the year there are probably 35 – 42 hippos per kilometre!

World famous walking safaris are a favourite activity in South Luangwa and operate from June until October and morning and night drives in open topped safari vehicles are available year round. This is one of the few places in Africa where you are able to do games drives after dark with spotlight.
Approximate Distance: 230 km
Estimated Travel Time: 6 hrs

Today we depart the South Luangwa area and travel through to a slightly environment to Chipata, a town near the Malawian border. The visit here gives us a chance to re-visit civilization before continuing on to Lake Malawi. Take some time to stroll through the town, pick up any necessities, and even visit the local market just north of the town centre. Day 16 - Approximate Distance: 634 km ; Estimated Travel Time: 10 hrs
Day 18 - Approximate Distance: 235 km ; Estimated Travel Time: 5 hrs

Spend three days relaxing on the shores of “the Lake of Stars”. Beach walks, swimming in the crystal clear water and snorkelling among the tropical fish are all part and parcel of your stay. Visit various lakeside camps as we travel north along the shores of Lake Malawi.

This is Malawi’s main attraction and covers one fifth of the country. It is the third largest lake in Africa and is about 500km long. The lake has more fish species than any other lake in the world with around 600 different species. The largest family is the chichlids, which are exported all over the world to pet shops etc. The lake is also known for its good snorkelling and diving. The locals depend on the lake for fishing and survival and use dug out canoes to fish from and set out long nets. There are many different ethnic groups all speaking their own language, most are Christians and the rest have traditional beliefs as do most African countries

Up in the hills above Chitimba Beach is a mission station named after David Livingstone. In 1859 Livingstone reached Lake Malawi when he was trying to put an end to the slave trade. He then returned in 1861 accompanied by seven missionaries. They opened a mission station in the south lake area, but suffered from malaria, illness and conflict with slavers. In 1864 the surviving missionaries withdrew to Zanzibar. Livingstone then returned to the region in 1866 as part of an expedition to find the source of the Nile.

In 1869 he pushed north and was out of contact for two years. He was found by journalist Henry Stanley on the banks of Lake Tanganyika in 1871 and Stanley uttered the words “Dr Livingstone I presume.” Livingstone continued on his mission and died at a village called Chitombo in Zambia in 1873. His death rekindled a desire in missionaries to come to Malawi and eventually after setting up missions in various bad malaria areas, they set up a mission called Livingstonia in the high-lands of the eastern escarpment (with no malaria) It is still in operation today.

The mission station is described as a small piece of Scotland transported into the heart of Africa. The town is quiet and restful. There is a museum, church and school. There is also a hospital, clock tower and book shop. On the walk from Chitimba you can walk via Manchieve Falls, which fall about 50m and have a cave behind them where local people used to hide from slave traders. The walk up to Livingstonia can be quite strenuous and you should be reasonably fit especially if it’s hot. It’s about a 6 to 8 hour round trip. Approximate Distance: 534 km
Estimated Travel Time: 9 hrs

Begin the day by making the border crossing out of Malawi and into Tanzania. Climbing out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, view the vast tea plantations in the highlands along the way as you make camp outside Iringa.

Historically, Iringa was a centre of colonial administration. During German occupation, the German military constructed the town as a fortified defence against marauding Hehe tribal warriors intent on driving them out of the region. Gangilonga Rock, a site just outside of the town, is a legendary spot where the Hehe chief at that time, Chief Mkwawa, met with his people and decided how to fight the Germans. Iringa was also the site of several battles during the First and Second World Wars, and Commonwealth War Graves are located just outside of town. Approximate Distance: 522 km
Estimated Travel Time: 9 hrs

Transit to the capital, Dar Es Salaam. The city started as a fishing village in the mid 19th century before becoming a port and trading centre.

Dar Es Salaam - Arabic for “Abode of Peace” (a word closely related to the familiar “Yer u-salem” in Israel) - is the largest city in Tanzania. With a population estimated around 2,500,000, it is also the country’s richest city and an important economic centre.

The city was founded in the 19th century by Sultan Majid bin Said, the Sultan of Zanzibar, because of its strategic location on the East African coast, and its natural deep waterways. Though it really did not become a prominent centre until after the sultan’s death, German colonialists seized Dar es Salaam from its Arab rulers and fought off an uprising by the Bushiri local tribe. They built the small port into a trading center, making their mark with several grand edifices scattered around the waterfront, most notably the German Hospital, the Lutheran Church and St Joseph’s Cathedral.

The city changed hands to the British as the Germans lost their territories after World War II, and became Tanzania’s capital after independence. However, Dar es Salaam lost its official status as capital city to Dodoma in the mid-1970s, but it remains the centre of the permanent central government bureaucracy and continues to serve as the capital for the surrounding Dar es Salaam Region.

Life in Dar es Salaam revolves around the huge harbour, with the business district fanning out from here in a series of fascinating side and main streets. The cruise liners, cargo ships, and traditional dhows dot the habour while the bustling fish market of Kivukoni Front comes alive in the morning as the dhows offload the night’s catch. In the Asian business district, along India Street and the intersecting Indira Ghandi Street, you’ll find some of the best restaurants in East Africa.

Look out for the distinctive Makuti-palm roofed building that houses Nyumba ya Saana, the House of Art. Begun in 1972 by an American nun, the co-operative supports nearly 200 young artists, with work ranging from batiks through carvings, oil paintings, pottery, weaving and clothing. Other places worth a visit include the Kariakoo Market, the botanical gardens, and the adjacent National Museum, where archaeology buffs can see the skull of “Nutcracker Man”, antique tribal artifacts and some fascinating World War One memorabilia. Zanzibar Island, “the spice island”, has a rich history and culture. It was the centre of the slave & spice trade in the 1800s. Visit the beaches, explore Stone Town or enjoy some of the following optional activities: touring the spice plantations, visiting the slave pits, or viewing the ruins of the Sultan’s Palace.

Zanzibar Island, 'the spice island,' has an extremely interesting history and culture as it was the centre of the slave and spice trade in the 1800s. Cross to Zanzibar by ferry and explore Stone Town, whose optional tours include: the spice plantations, the slave pits, and the ruins of the Sultan's Palace. Spend two days on the north of the island (Nungwi) that has spectacular beaches. Take part in many of the optional activities, including some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world.

Zanzibar is one of the most fascinating places in East Africa, despite a heavy increase in tourism since the early 1990s. Thanks to an ambitious and far-reaching preservation programme funded by UNESCO and the Aga Khan, many famous old buildings have been restored, or are in the process of being renovated.

The Stone Town in Zanzibar town is the heart of the island. It has an intriguing maze of narrow, cobbled lanes hemmed in by Arabic buildings. The best way to see the Stone Town is, literally, to get lost. You can spend hours just wandering the alleys and squares, drinking potent coffee from pavement vendors, or buying sweetmeats from scores of tiny cafes. Remember that Zanzibar is overwhelmingly Muslim, and immodestly dressed women, or men in shorts, will get harassed and cause great offence. Never try to take a photograph without asking permission. The polite way to ask is “Tafadhali (pronounced tougher-thaarli) naomba ruhusu kwa kupiga picha yako.” Many guidebooks say the correct phrase is “nataka kupiga picha yako”, but this is incredibly rude, the equivalent of saying “give me your picture”. Catch the ferry back to Dar Es Salaam and stay for another night in the capital. Approximate Distance: 697 km
Estimated Travel Time: 12 hrs

Pass Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain and head towards Arusha to browse the craft markets and absorb the mix of cultures.

Official documents ceding independence to Tanzania were signed by the United Kingdom at Arusha in 1961. The Arusha Declarations for Self Reliance in Tanzania were signed in 1967 in Arusha. The Arusha Accords were signed at Arusha on August 4, 1993 by representatives of competing factions in the Rwandan civil war.

In 1994 the UN Security Council decided by its Resolution 955 of 8 November 1994 that Arusha should host the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. The establishment of the tribunal with its employees has influenced the local economy of Arusha. The tribunal is expected to end its normal work in 2008 with two more subsequent years for appeals handling.

Arusha officially became a city on 1st July 2006 (Source: Arusha Times http://www.arushatimes.co.tz/2006/19). The primary industry of the region is agriculture, with large vegetable and power producers sending high-quality produce to Europe.

Small-scale agriculture was badly hit by the coffee crisis of recent years and is now largely subsistence farming. Arusha has several factories including a brewery, tyre plant and a large pharmaceuticals maker. Distance: 223km

Serengeti NP and Ngorogoro Crater are typical Africa: wide-open plains, thorn trees, prolific wildlife …the perfect dream of Africa. Massive herds of Wildebeest and Zebra migrate annually on the plains. Spend 2 days on a 4WD excursion to these famous National Parks where you will see the Masai people herding their cattle amongst the wild game. On the third day, travel back to the camp in Arusha for the final night.

The 14,763 square kilometers of the Serengeti is made up of a variety of different habitats – plains, kopjes, river and forest. The vast size of Tanzania’s premier National Park makes game viewing only one aspect of the Serengeti - the scenery is simply breathtaking. A good camera is an essential item to take with you as well as lots of spare batteries, memory chips, .lm... There is no bad time to visit the Serengeti as every season has its own special highlight – even the rainy season has the daily thunder and lightening to look forward to. Changing seasons and light patterns form the most beautiful backdrop to view Africa’s majestic and incredible wildlife.

The Serengeti is a region of grasslands and woodlands in Mara Region in Tanzania.

It has more than 1.6 million herbivores and thousands of predators. Blue Wildebeests, gazelles, zebras and buffalos are the animals most commonly found in the region.

This area is most famous for the migration that takes place every year, which is considered to be one of the seven tourist travel wonders of the world. Every year around October nearly 1.5 million herbivores travel towards the southern plains, crossing the Mara River, from the northern hills for the rains. And then back to the north through the west, once again crossing the Mara River, after the rains in around April. This phe-nomenon is sometimes also called the Circular Migration. Over 250,000 wildebeest alone will die along the journey from Tanzania to Maasai Mara reserves in upper Kenya, a total of 500 miles.

Also in this area is the archeologically significant Olduvai Gorge where some of the oldest hominid fossils are found. Mara region, which contains the Serengeti National Park, is also close to Arusha region where you can find Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Departing Arusha in the morning we make our way to Nairobi where the tour ends in the early afternoon. 2845 2495 1750 1250 3445 2495 2310 2495 Local Payment 700 USD Accommodation Simple hotel (1 nt), participation camping (24 nts), inn/bungalow (4 nts). Brief Highlights Kalahari, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Zambezi Gorge, Lake Kariba, South Luangwa National Park, Lake Malawi, Dar Es Salaam, Zanzibar, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Windhoek, Arusha, Nairobi, Chobe National Park. Brochure Notes Combination This trip combines the Delta and Falls Experience DCW and Victoria Falls to Nairobi Adventure DVN. Departure Departures vary DepEnd Sat-Sun Group Leader Tour leader/driver, cook, local guides. Group Size Max 22, Avg 14 Included Highlights - Okavango Delta entrance with mokoro excursion
- South Luangwa National Park entrance with game drive
- Spice Plantation entrance and guided tour
- Serengeti National Park entrance with game drive
- Ngorongoro Crater entrance with game drive
Local Payment USD700 + National Park Fees $75USD Max Pax 22 Meal Budget Allow USD210 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included 29 breakfasts, 21 lunches, 20 dinners. Min Pax 12 StartFinish Windhoek to Nairobi Transport Overland vehicle, Safari vehicle, Mokoro (Dugout canoe), 4WD, Ferry. 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.

Your camping experience in the Okavango Delta is fondly called “bush camping”. This will be the most basic two nights of our trip, as there is no running water, no showers, nor toilets facilities. You will be truly camping in the wild, away from civilization and its comforts, and completely surrounded by nature – an unbelievable experience some in fact feel is the highlight of the trip.

The campsite in Serengeti National Park is extremely basic, with no electricity, simple bathing faciilties (no showers), and squat toilets. While camping at the Ngorongoro Crater rim, there is very limited electricity, occasionally warm showers, and both seated and squat flushing toilets.

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 This trip is done a combination of vehicles - a larger 22 seat overland vehicle for most of the trip, and in private 6-7 seat safari vehicles for the safari section in Tanzania.

Both styles of vehicles have their advantages - 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 African landscape. The smaller safari vehicles are more maneuverable, and have pop-up roofs and sliding windows, ideal for game viewing. If there is a large group, the group will be split up while travelling in the safari vehicles.

For your time in Zanzibar, please note that the overland truck will stay in Dar es Salaam, on the mainland. We use a large public ferry with in indoor seating area to cross to the island, and while there, our transportation will be in minibuses.

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.


Planeterra – The G.A.P Adventures Foundation also supports the work of Youth Challenge International in Africa.

Youth Challenge International (YCI) is a non-profit, charitable organization that combines community development, health promotion and conservation in projects conducted by international teams of volunteers. By involving youth in the solutions to the issues they face, YCI aspires to a world where young men and women aged 10 to 25 have access to education, healthcare and meaningful employment. Youth in Africa, South America and Asia face huge challenges and YCI is working right now to provide them with education on HIV/AIDS and basic employment skills training.

To achieve these aims YCI works within an international network and global constituency for youth. International volunteers aged 18 to 30 play a key role in the planning and implementation of development projects. Since 1989 YCI has successfully involved over 2000 Canadian youth volunteers in the implementation of our programs in developing countries such as Tanzania, Guyana, Costa Rica, and Vanuatu.

Each year we work with the staff at YCI to determine which African programs are in need of support. Through fundraising efforts and matched donations from travellers we have provided financial assistance to the following YCI programs:

The Planeterra Foundation has supported YCI's work in improving young men and women's lives in Tanzania. The ravages of HIV/AIDS combined with poor employment skills training for youth have lead to a loss of hope and reduced opportunities for young people. YCI addresses these problems by implementing three-day employment skills training seminars and HIV/AIDS education workshops for young men and women across Tanzania. These seminars and workshops have reached over 1,000 rural Tanzanian youth during the coming year - youth who typically receive little in the way of HIV/AIDS education or employment skills training.

Planeterra has also supported the research of a pilot project so that YCI may develop new partnerships in Kenya and Ghana and continue to develop their valuable programs within Africa.

Your donation is critical to YCI and your support will help them to continue their effective and valuable work within Africa.

For more information about this project and/or to make a donation please visit our website: www.planeterra.org or contact us at info@planeterra.org
Brochure Intro From the deserts and dunes of Namibia, to the wildlife rich parks of Botswana and Tanzania, and all the culture in between, this trip captures the essence of the African experience! Checklist ▪ Warm sleeping bag
▪ Fleece top
▪ Windproof/waterproof jacket
▪ Small towel and swimwear
▪ 4 shirts/t-shirts
▪ Sun hat
▪ 1 pair of shorts
▪ 2 pairs of long trousers
▪ 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
▪ Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
▪ Sport sandals
▪ Sunblock
▪ SunglassesPage 6/8
▪ Toiletries (biodegradable)
▪ 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)

NOTE: Insect netting covering windows and door of tent is provided. We also recommend to bring individual mosquito nets for better protection.

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 Anyone who is generally active and in good health should enjoy this trip. 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. This is a true African experience for outdoor enthusiasts interested in culture, adventure and wildlife, who enjoy simple campsites and basic wild camps. We will get dusty on occasion; but this is Africa!

Other Trip Comments
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!

Accommodation
Camping
While on safari (23 nights), we stay at designated campsites in national parks and towns. Campsite facilities in southern Africa are generally very good, but can be basic in certain places. There are hot and cold showers, restaurants, washing facilities and telephones available. Some camps in Namibia and Botswana have simple reed enclosures for showers, but do have flush toilets. 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 warm and comfortable. All camp chairs have a comfortable backrest.

Wild Camping
While in the Okavango Delta (2 nights), we camp wild on remote islands. Wild camps have no facilities; we will take our own water and all equipment. Wild camping can be very enjoyable, however please remember that we leave no trace of our stay and take all rubbish away with us. Toilets will be of the "dig and bury" variety and we will provide "bucket in a tree" style showers (with canvas screen for privacy). Wild camping is the ultimate African bush experience as we camp right in amongst the wildlife, so there is a possibility of elephant and other game coming very close to camp. Your safari guides will have your safety as a priority, so please ensure that you obey all their bush camping instructions.

Simple Hotel
1 night in Windhoek we will stay in twin rooms.


Inn/Bungalows (3 nights)
On Zanzibar Island we will stay in bungalows. Basic rooms, twin and multi sharing rooms with shared ablutions.

Transportation
Walking - easy to moderate walks throughout the tour (from 1/2 to 4 hours)
Mokoro (dugout canoe): poled by our local guides in the Okavango (subject to water levels)
Ferry: we take which ever is departing. Both are safe and reliable.
Vehicle - overland safari vehicle. Comfortable touring and good for game viewing. Large, sliding windows and viewing hatches give everyone a good view.

Food
This trip includes three healthy meals per day, except where otherwise indicated in the itinerary, when we will try out local restaurants. The tour leaders do the shopping and meal planning for each group. He/she will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. A rough idea of what these will consist of is: breakfast - cereals or coffee and toast or the occasional fried breakfast; lunch - cheese, cold meats, salads on bread or rolls; dinner - braais (local barbecue), potjies (stews), stir fries etc. We use regular plates, cups and cutlery. All cooking and eating utensils will also be provided. All beverages will be at your own expense. We will not supply bottled drinking water although it is available at many shops along the tour.

Language
There are multiple official languages in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Tanzania, although English is widely spoken. There are also numerous dialects spoken throughout different parts of these lands.

Namibia:
Full country name: Republic of Namibia
Area: 825,418 sq km (318,261 sq mi)
Population: 1.8 million
Capital city: Windhoek (pop 161,000)
People: 86% African (50% Owambo, 9% Kavango, 7% Herero, 7% Damara, 5% Nama, 4% Caprivian, 3% San, 2% Baster, 0.5% Tswana), 7.4% mixed, 6.6% white Languages: English, Afrikaans, German, Oshivambo, Herero, Nama
Religion: Christian, Lutheran, native religions
Government: Republic
President: Sam Nujoma
Major industries: Meat packing, fish processing, dairy products, mining (diamond, lead, zinc, tin, silver, tungsten, uranium, copper), millet, sorghum, peanuts, livestock, fish, tourism.
Major trading partners: UK, South Africa, Spain, Japan, Germany, USA

Formally known as South West Africa. The whole territory became German protectorate in 1884, except for the British/Cape Colony enclave of Walvis Bay. After the First World War the territory was administered by South Africa until independence on 21 March 1990. The capital is Windhoek and the second largest town is Walvis Bay, Namibia’s only port. Swakopmund is a coastal town with a German influence and revolves mainly around tourism. Namibia’s economy relies on diamond mining in the south, cattle farming in the north, fishing along the coast and tourism. Most of the country is desert or semi desert. There is a population of around 1.8 million. This, around 1, 5 people per sq. km is one of the lowest in the world. The official language is English although there are many different cultures including Herero, San, Koikoi, Owambo, Afrikaans and German. Namibia was at one stage a German colony therefore having German-speaking people. About 75% of the locals are Christian and the others have traditional beliefs. Namibia is a land of contrasts. Being largely semi-desert and desert, midsummer temperatures may rise to 40°C, while winter night temperatures can drop to freezing. Along the coast it is cool, with regular morning fogs. Namibia’s rain falls in summer, from October to April, and the land averages 300 days of sunshine annually.

Botswana:
Full country name: Republic of Botswana
Area: 600,370 sq km (231,800 sq mi)
Population: 1.6 million Capital city: Gaborone (pop 192,000)
People: Botswana 60%, Bakalanga, Basarwa, Bakgalagadi
Languages: English, Setswana
Religions: indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 50%
Government: parliamentary republic
President: Festus Mogae
Major industries: diamonds, copper, nickel, coal, salt, soda ash, potash, livestock processing, sorghum, maize, millet, pulses, groundnuts (peanuts), beans, cowpeas, sunflower seed, livestock
Major trading partners: EU, Southern African Customs Union (SACU), Zimbabwe

The first inhabitants of Botswana were the San (Bushmen). They still populate the country, but the Tswana tribe is now more prominent. Other tribes include the Kalanga, Nbukushy, Yei and the Herero. The Herero women still wear the full-length Victorian-style dresses, which were introduced to them by German missionaries in the late 1800’s, however it is now a tribal trademark. The British controlled Bechuanaland (as Botswana was then known) from 1885 until the country received their independence on September 30th 1966. Ironically diamonds were discovered in Botswana in 1967! Interesting fact – Botswana’s diamonds do very well on the International market as they are classified as “Blood free,” meaning they are not used to fund guerrilla warfare. Botswana has the strongest economy and currency in Africa, mostly due to their diamonds and livestock. The European Union put many stipulations on their imported meats and Botswana’s tight vetenary checks, aiming at controlling foot and mouth, mean that the EU are happy to buy their meat. Agricultural income will improve when they have combated the problem of widespread drought. They are currently installing irrigation systems around the country to try to feed the most water-deprived areas. Botswana handles it’s international debt much better than any other African country with the interest being paid with one months export earnings, rather than the six months earnings it takes most other African countries. With the amount of for ex the have saved up the country could survive with no income for 36 months. Botswana has the world’s highest birth rate at 3.5%, and average women have 5 children. The country has a strong currency, the Pula meaning rain and the Thebe meaning raindrop. Government policies and poaching: Their policy on tourism is “high cost and low impact” therefore rather having a few less tourists and charging more money for the privilege of a visit to a park or similar. The country has a very good army, which has an anti poaching unit. Poaching has in the past been a problem in the country but in now almost under control. The army is allowed to shoot to kill without asking questions if you are caught poaching. Rhinos are very few due to poaching and they have breeding programs in place.

Okavango Delta:
The Okavango delta is one of the world’s largest inland water systems. It's headwaters start in Angola’s western highlands, with numerous tributaries joining to form the Cubango River, which then flows through Namibia (called the Kavango) and finally enters Botswana, where it is then called the Okavango. Millions of years ago the Okavango River use to flow into a large inland lake called Lake Makgadikgadi (now Makgadikgadi Pans). Tectonic activity and faulting interrupted the flow of the river causing it to backup and form what is now the Okavango delta. This has created a unique system of waterways that now supports a vast array of animal and plant life that would have otherwise been a dry Kalahari savanna. The delta’s floods are fed from the Angolan rains, which start in October and finish sometime in April. The floods only cross the border between Botswana and Namibia in December and will only reach the bottom end of the delta (Maun) sometime in July, taking almost nine months from the source to the bottom. This slow meandering pace of the flood is due to the lack of drop in elevation, which drops a little more than 60 metres over a distance of 450 kilometres. The delta’s water dead-ends in the Kalahari – via the Botetle River, with over 95 per cent of the water eventually evaporating. During the peak of the flooding the delta’s area can expand to over 16,000 square kilometres, shrinking to less than 9,000 square kilometres in the low period. As the water travels through the delta, the wildlife starts to move back into the region. The areas surrounding the delta are beginning to try out (the rains in Botswana occur approximately the same time as in Angola) and the wildlife starts to congregate on the edge of the newly flooded areas, May through October. The delta environment has large numbers of animal populations that are otherwise rare, such as crocodile, red lechwe, Sitatunga, elephant, wild dogs, buffalo, wattled crane as well as the other more common mammals and bird life. The best time for game viewing in the delta is during the May-October period, as the animal life is concentrated along the flooded areas and the vegetation has dried out. The best time for birding and vegetation is during the rainy season (Nov.- April) as the migrant bird populations are returning and the plants are flowering and green.


ZIMBABWE
Full country name: Republic of Zimbabwe
Area: 390,000 sq km
Population: 11.2 million
Capital city: Harare (population 1.6 million)
People: Shona (76%), Ndebele (18%), Batonka (2%), Shangaan (1%), Venda (1%), European, Asian
Languages: Shona, Ndebele, English
Religion: Christian, Mwari
Government: Parliamentary democracy
President: Robert Gabriel Mugabe
Major industries: Mining, agriculture, clothing, tourism. Major trading partners: South Africa, UK, Argentina, US, Japan

Formally called Southern Rhodesia. Zim is a beautiful country with many different highlights. The country has over the years had many problems. It had a fierce civil war in the 60’s and 70’s, which led to black majority rule. It also had a bad drought in the 80’s. The country at this stage has serious economic problems. The capital is Harare and the second city is Bulawayo. Robert Mugabe has been in power since independence in 1980 from the British rule. The countries climate can be pleasant as it lies between 900 and 1700 m above sea level. The country itself is around 400 000 sq km. About 80 % of Zim’s population depends on agriculture; mostly at the subsistence level (farming for themselves and not commercially). The staple is maize although they grow cotton, coffee, tea, tobacco, wine grapes and sugar cane. Farming has recently taken a plunge due to government problems.

ZAMBIA
Full country name: Zambia
Area: 752,615km2 (17th largest in Africa)
Population: 10.4 million
Capital city: Lusaka
Largest Towns: Lusaka, Ndola, Livingstone, Kabwe, Kitwe.
People: Bemba, Tonga, Nyanja, Ngoni, Lozi plus many other different groups as well as Colonial ex-pats and people of Asian descent
Official Language: English
Other Languages: Bemba, Tonga, Nyanja, Lozi
Religion: Christian, ZCC and Islam
Government: Multiparty parliamentary democracy
President: Levy Mwanawasa
Currency: Kwacha
Major industries: Agriculture (mainly subsistence farming), mining, tourism

• Formally called Northern Rhodesia, Zambia gained its independence from colonial Great Britain in 1964.
• By the end of 1970, Zambia has become one of the poorest countries in the world due to corruption, mismanagement of the economy and a fall in the world copper price.
• In the 1990s Kuanda, the president since independence, was forced to amend the constitution, legalizing opposition parties and setting full elections in 1991. They were defeated by Frederick Chiluba. However, Zambia’s situation has not improved.
• The country has three distinct seasons: cool and dry from May to August, hot and dry in September and October and rainy between November and April.
• The majority of the population are subsistence farmers and there are also some large commercial farms growing sugar cane.

INTERESTING FACTS
1. Zambia is the fourth-largest supplier of copper in the world and the leading producer of cobalt. Combined the mining of these two minerals accounts for 75% of Zambia’s foreign exchange and 5% of employment in the country.
2. There are 73 officially recognized ethnic groups living within Zambia’s borders, each with their own culture and language.
3. Unlike many African countries, Zambia’s borders do not adhere to any logical language or tribal boundaries.
4. Unlike neighbouring Botswana the Zambian government does not have a comprehensive anti-poaching policy and poaching remains a major problem facing Zambia’s wildlife.
5. Approx 750 different species of bird have been recorded in Zambia. 6. The Victoria Falls on the Zambian side is known as “Mosi oa Tunya” (the smoke that thunders)

The Victoria Falls:
Rising in Northern Zambia, the Zambezi River flows in a southwesterly direction passing through Angola and winding its way through the Barotse Plain in Zambia before entering the Caprivi Swamps where the Chobe River joins it. From this point the Zambezi takes an easterly course creating the boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Here the river plunges 108 metres into the gorge below, forming the Victoria Falls, named in 1855 by David Livingstone in honour of his Queen, also known as “mosi-oa-tunya” - the smoke that thunders. In the season of floods - March to June - the river swells greatly, but the shallow valley contains it and the movement of the water is still slow. Only a few minor rapids high up the valley, and the small Gonye falls, give it a flurry of speed. Along the full width of its course the river tumbled into a deep trench only about 200m wide. The Falls measures 1708 meters across and has a mean maximum flow of 700 000 cubic meters per minute. The river has eroded the soft earth filled cracks in the original volcanic basalt plateau and has, during the past half million years, cut back a deep zigzag path forming a gorge 100 kilometers in length. The falls are divided into the Devil’s Cataract (27m wide and 60 m high), the main falls, which in turn are divided by a projecting rock (524m + 297m wide and 83m high) and the Eastern Cataract 304m wide and 96m high. In 1960 the flow of the Zambezi was constrained by a massive wall, Kariba, the then largest dam ever built, and backed up a lake 220 km long and in places 30 km wide. After escaping the confines of Kariba Dam, the Zambezi continues flowing on through Cabora Bassa Dam in Mozambique, finally reaching the Indian Ocean.

The Zambezi River:
The mighty Zambezi River, 2700 kilometres in length is Africa’s 4th longest river. This river is one of the largest and most impressive rivers in Southern Africa. It crosses southern Africa from west to east flowing through six countries. The river rises in the far northwestern corner of Zambia and flows briefly through Angola before entering Zambia again and further down becomes the border between Zambia and Namibia and briefly Botswana and then plummets over the Victoria Falls. It then acts as a border between Zim and Zambia and forces its way down the Batoka Gorge and enters Lake Kariba. Beyond the lake the Kafue adds to the flow of the Zambezi as it runs through Mana Pools and Lower Zambezi National Park. The Luangwa River then joins it and then the Zambezi enters Mozambique and creates the Cahora Bassa dam. Downstream from here the river slows and broadens and the Shire River, which drains Lake Malawi, joins it as the Zambezi flows over coastal plains, finally flowing into the Indian Ocean at a vast delta north of Beira.

SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK
• A totally different experience to parks elsewhere in Africa, Luangwa offers a real immersion to the bush life in an attractive habitat of sausage trees and lagoons. In the stunning light of early morning and late afternoon, one can often see elephants, impala, puku, troops of baboons, hosts of water birds, crocodiles and hippos all through the same view finder of your camera or binoculars!
• The park is reputed to have the highest concentration of leopard in Africa. It is estimated that there is one leopard for every kilometre of river in the Luangwa Valley, so your chances of seeing this elusive nocturnal cat are quite high in this park.
• Pods of up to 500 hippos can be seen in the dry season as the river shrinks and they are confined to areas of deep pools. On average during the year there are probably 35 – 42 hippos per kilometre.
• World-famous walking safaris are a favourite activity in South Luangwa and operate from June until October and morning and night drives in open-topped safari vehicles are available year round. This is one of the few places in Africa where you are able to do games drives after dark with a spotlight.
• Huge varieties of animals can be seen in Luangwa, over 100 species of mammals and over 420 species of birds. For keen birdwatchers in particular, the wet season in Luangwa is one of the ‘must see’ sights in the world. The birdlife in Luangwa really is something special. There are an abundance of water birds including commonly seen Yellow-Billed, Saddle-billed, Open-billed, White, Black and Abdims Storks. Egrets, Ibises and Herons also abound on the lagoon areas. Other birds that can be seen include Lilac-breasted Rollers, Meyer’s Parrots, Lilians Lovebirds and Carmine BeeEaters (the latter have huge nesting colonies along the river banks around October time).


Commonly seen mammals
• Elephants, Hippos, Lions, Leopards, Impala, Waterbuck, Hyenas, Giraffes, Zebra, Baboons, & Warthogs.
• Other mammals in the park sometimes seen include Kudu, Sable Antelope, Jackals and Wild Dogs. Night safaris offer the chance to see Civets, Genets, Porcupines and Mongoose and a greater chance of seeing lion and leopard. Luangwa specialties
• Zebras (Crayshaw’s, a variety of Burchells Zebra)
• Puku (mostly found exclusively in Zambia)
• Thornicrofts Giraffe (an endemic sub-species of Giraffe)
• Cookson’s Wildebeest (an endemic sub-species of Wildebeest)

HISTORY OF THE PARK
• Back in 1938 North and South Luangwa Game Reserves were created to protect and control wildlife populations, especially elephants.
• In 1939 a gentleman called Norman Carr became a ranger in Luangwa. Over the years to come he was to have a huge impact on conservation in Africa. He established the first public camp in Zambia, and developed walking safaris, which involved visitors in the real bush experience away from the noise of vehicles. These walking safaris put Luangwa firmly on the map in terms of tourism and remain popular to this day.
• From 1972 several smaller game reserves combined to form what is now South Luangwa National Park.

NB: South Luangwa can become inaccessible during the wet season (early/mid-November to April)

• The Luangwa River is the most intact major river system in Africa and is the life blood of the park's 9,050km 2.
• The Park hosts a wide variety of wildlife and vegetation.
• The changing seasons add to the Park’s richness ranging from dry, bare bushveld in the winter to a lush green wonderland in the summer months.
• There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species. The only notable absence is the rhino, sadly poached to extinction in South Luangwa National Park (they have recently been reintroduced into North Luangwa National Park)

MALAWI
Full country name: Republic of Malawi
Area: 118,500km2 (35 that)
Population: 10.4 million
Capital city: Lilongwe (pop 260,000)
People: Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian, European
Languages: English, Chichewa, regional languages
Religion: 55% Protestant, 20% Roman Catholic, 20% Muslim, traditional indigenous beliefs
Government: Multi-party democracy
President: Bakili Muluzi
Major industries: Tea, tobacco, sugar, sawmill products, cement, consumer goods, tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, corn, potatoes, cassava (tapioca), sorghum, pulses, cattle, goats
Major trading partners: US, South Africa, Germany, Japan, Zimbabwe, UK Currency: Kwacha (K)

INTERESTING FACTS
• The country is known as the “warm heart of Africa” and really does have some of the friendliest people in Africa.
• Malawi during the colonial times was known as Nyasaland.
• In 1966 the country became a republic and Dr Hastings Banda the president. He soon pronounced himself as the “President for life”; banning foreign press and waging vendettas against any group he regarded as a threat and gained total economic control. He slowly destroyed the country and in 1994 Malawi had its first multi party election, which was won by Bakili Muluzi, who quickly abolished such laws as night curfews and gave back freedom of speech and free schooling to primary schooling children. He also lifted the law that said men could not have long hair and women could not wear trousers. However, things slowly got worse as food prices soared and subsidies were withdrawn or reduced and unemployment got to 50 %. Charges of corruption and mismanagement of funds are frequently reported.
• Malawi is about 900 km long and between 80 and 150km wide. It has a population of around 11 million, which is overpopulated for such a small country.
• About 85% of the people are rural inhabitants, either subsistence or workers on commercial farms. The main exports are tobacco, sugar and tea. Tourism is also a big income.

LAKE MALAWI
• This is Malawi’s main attraction and covers one fifth of the country.
• It is the third largest lake in Africa and is about 500km long.
• The lake has more fish species than any other lake in the world with around 600 different species. The largest family is the chichlids, which are exported all over the world to pet shops etc.
• The lake is also known for its good snorkeling and diving. The locals depend on the lake for fishing and survival and use dug out canoes to fish from and set out long nets.
• There are many different ethnic groups all speaking their own language and most are Christians and the rest have traditional beliefs, as do most African countries.

BILHARZIA
• Or schistosomiasis, is a disease transmitted by minute worms, which are carried by infected humans and a certain species of water snail.
• Both hosts need to be present for the worms to exist and transmit the disease. The disease can exist in any lake, pond and patch of standing water in Africa where the worms already exist. It does not occur in the sea or fast flowing water.
• Lake Malawi, in places, has got bilharzias present. It is normally present in areas where there is no wind or wave action or where there are a lot of reeds. The places you go to on the tour do not generally have these conditions and are low risk.
• The moral of the story is; enjoy your holiday and if you choose to go swimming and you are concerned about it then swim for less than ten minutes at a time and towel of when you’re done.
• The disease is curable and if you worried you can have it checked out when you get home by having a blood test and be aware it can have a long incubation period (weeks or months).

ZANZIBAR
• There are two main islands and several smaller islands. The main island of Zanzibar is about 40km of the coast of Tanzania. The island is about 85km long and between 20 and 30 km wide and covers an area of 1500 sq km. The island is surrounded by coasts of rocky inlets or sandy beaches with lagoons and mangrove swamps and coral reefs. • Humidity is generally quite high although relieved by sea breezes and the temperatures are generally consistent through the year.
• The main crops grown are coconuts and cloves. Bananas, citrus fruits and other spices are also grown commercially.
• The first European arrivals were Portuguese navigators looking for a trade route to India. They reached Zanzibar at the end of the 15th century and established a trading station.
• At the end of 17th century they were ousted by the Omani Arabs. During this period Zanzibar became a major slave-trading centre.
• In 1840 the Omani Sultan Said moved his court from Muscat to Zanzibar and the island became a Arab state and a important centre of trade and politics in the region. Livingstone and Stanley also spent time here.
• Zanzibar was a British protectorate from 1890 until 1963 when the state gained independence.

SLAVERY IN AFRICA
• The height of slavery was in the mid 19th century; It is estimated that between 80,000 and 100,000 Africans per year were sold into slavery or were killed by the Swahili Arabs and dominant local tribes. • Most were taken from Zambia and Malawi and taken to the shores of Lake Malawi and sold to wholesalers and then taken across the lake. They were then marched across Mozambique usually chained or tied and carrying elephant tusks for export.
• Any slaves too ill to make the journey were simply abandoned. Most died of dehydration or were killed by wild animals.
• At the coast they were loaded into dhows and shipped to Zanzibar. They would be packed tightly together with no food and water and lying in their own excrement. The bodies of those who perished were left lying amongst the living.
• Those who survived where auctioned in Zanzibar and then shipped to places such as Arabia or India.

STONE TOWN
• The Stone Town is the unofficial name for the capital of Zanzibar.
• There is a restaurant and bar next door to Karibu Inn on the RHS, which is great for a quiet drink. There’s also a small cafe across the road, next to archway, which serves chips (be patient) and ice cream. Shop which sells water next door.
• Two bureaux de changes found up the road on the way to Africa House. Second one (after post office) usually has a better rate. Open until 6 - 7.00 pm. To get to the post office, walk out of Karibu, straight down the alleyway. Turn left at the main road and it’s further up on the LHS - about 3mins walk.
• There is a phone/fax facility at a shop next door, which is reliable, but expensive.
• Some curio shops up this road take credit cards. Good one is near Africa House on the corner.
• There is a great T-shirt shop (modern) up the main road on the RHS.
• If pax need a cash advance, ask Hamim to take them to a place - the rate and commission is not too bad. Otherwise the Greenland Bank near the market does advance at the government rate. You can also try the international hotel and there is also a hotel near the market (fruit & veg) that can change US$ TC’s to US$ cash, but not sure of the name.
• Blues Restaurant is great for sundowners, but quite pricy. The night food market on the waterfront is great and really cheap. Try Zanzi pizzas, potato balls, meat/tuna/chicken kebabs, prawns, octopus, chips etc and be sure to try the sugar cane juice. Peachy’s Pizza does coffees and ice-cream at night. Be careful of the area though.
• Look out for hotels with rooftop bars for a great venue for sundowners and photos.

NORTH COAST – NUNGWI
Definitely noisier and busier than the East Coast. The Fat Fish rocks here on a Sunday night with live music. Walk into the village to buy bread, water, fruit etc. Basically all the guesthouses up there are fine. Hamim will recommend you H&H, he’s one of the owners. Usually just take the one with the best price and a freebie. You can do a Dhow snorkeling trip for US$10 in the North, which is recommended. You can go to Cholo’s at night (the most beautiful disco-bar on the beach). Or you can go to Kendwa Rocks, depending on your group, which is a lot quieter and very cool! It’s just south of Nungwi. Highly recommended The north coast, Stone Town itself, hiring a motorcycle for at least one full day (be aware that this can be dangerous!) and doing a drive around the island and having dinner at the market in front of the old fort in Stone Town.

MOUNT KILIMANJARO
• Is an almost perfectly shaped volcano, which rises from the plains. • The mountain is snowcapped and not yet extinct.
• It is 5895 metres and the highest peak in Africa and the world’s highest freestanding mountain.

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK
• It covers 14 763 sq km and is the country’s most famous park.
• On endless and almost treeless plains are literally millions of hoofed animals.
• The Wildebeest is the chief herbivore and the main prey of the large predators. The wildebeest are also famous for their yearly migration pattern.

NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA
• This area joins up with the Serengeti and is famous for its crater.
• It is an incredible 20km wide volcanic crater with 600m walls packed with just about all East Africa’s wildlife species.
• There are no giraffe in the crater as the sides are too steep for them; There are also no female elephants.
• In the crater is a soda lake called Lake Migadi, which has usually got flamingos present. Animals do move in and out of the crater but most stay there due to the good grazing and good hunting.

Dossier Disclaimer The information in this dossier 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. The group leader will advise you of any changes at the initial group meeting. 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 improve the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your dossier to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro From the deserts and dunes of Namibia, to the wildlife rich parks of Botswana and Tanzania, and all the culture in between, this trip captures the essence of the African experience. 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
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.

We also use local guides for some included activities where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.
Health IMPORTANT ADVISORY

There is currently an outbreak of wild poliovirus 1 in Namibia. As such we would like to provide the following information and advice:

Travellers to Namibia
1) All travellers to Namibia (including returning residents) are advised to obtain a booster dose of polio vaccine at least 10-14 days before travelling. If travel will commence in ≤10-14 days individuals should still be immunized.

2) Travellers should always practice strict hand hygiene and use safe water sources.

3) Choice of vaccine: the trivalent oral polio vaccine (TOPV) is the most accessible polio vaccine in SA and will be provided free of charge at government clinics. The vaccine is safe. Vaccine associated paralytic polio is a very rare complication and occurs in 1 in 2-3 million doses in susceptible individuals only. The only absolute contraindication to vaccination with TOPV is in persons with severe humoral immunodeficiencies. These individuals can be vaccinated with the inactivated polio vaccine alone (available only on section 21 through the MCC) or using the combination Td and inactivated polio vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria and inactivated polio). Pregnant individuals who have essential travel to Namibia should receive an inactivated polio vaccine.

Individuals entering SA from Namibia (includes returning SA citizens and visitors to SA)
1) These individuals should be advised to report to the nearest health care facility if they develop acute onset of paralysis (weakness or an inability to move any of the limbs) and to inform the health care worker of their visit to Namibia.

2) There is no role for vaccination of individuals from Namibia at border entry into South Africa. The vaccine will not prevent paralytic disease if individuals are already infected. Spread of infection can be prevented through scrupulous hand hygiene (washing hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling or preparing food) and always using a toilet or designated ablution facility to prevent faecal contamination of the environment. If these individuals are returning to Namibia they should be immunized before they return (see travellers above).

Issued by Epidemiology Unit NICD June 15th 2006

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 South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia 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. IMPORTANT ADVISORY

There is currently an outbreak of wild poliovirus 1 in Namibia. As such we would like to provide the following information and advice:

Travellers to Namibia
1) All travellers to Namibia (including returning residents) are advised to obtain a booster dose of polio vaccine at least 10-14 days before travelling. If travel will commence in ≤10-14 days individuals should still be immunized.

2) Travellers should always practice strict hand hygiene and use safe water sources.

3) Choice of vaccine: the trivalent oral polio vaccine (TOPV) is the most accessible polio vaccine in SA and will be provided free of charge at government clinics. The vaccine is safe. Vaccine associated paralytic polio is a very rare complication and occurs in 1 in 2-3 million doses in susceptible individuals only. The only absolute contraindication to vaccination with TOPV is in persons with severe humoral immunodeficiencies. These individuals can be vaccinated with the inactivated polio vaccine alone (available only on section 21 through the MCC) or using the combination Td and inactivated polio vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria and inactivated polio). Pregnant individuals who have essential travel to Namibia should receive an inactivated polio vaccine.

Individuals entering SA from Namibia (includes returning SA citizens and visitors to SA)
1) These individuals should be advised to report to the nearest health care facility if they develop acute onset of paralysis (weakness or an inability to move any of the limbs) and to inform the health care worker of their visit to Namibia.

2) There is no role for vaccination of individuals from Namibia at border entry into South Africa. The vaccine will not prevent paralytic disease if individuals are already infected. Spread of infection can be prevented through scrupulous hand hygiene (washing hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling or preparing food) and always using a toilet or designated ablution facility to prevent faecal contamination of the environment. If these individuals are returning to Namibia they should be immunized before they return (see travellers above).

Issued by Epidemiology Unit NICD June 15th 2006

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 South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia 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.

Important Notes 1. 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.

2. Yellow fever certificate is needed.

3. 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.

4. This tour is a section of a longer tour. You may be joined by both passengers who have been travelling on other sections or who are starting in Windhoek as well. Due to this the arrival time of your leader and fellow passengers is not set. Approximate time of arrival of your leader is 17:00.

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.

6. Please note that this trip is a combination of multiple G.A.P Adventures tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments. 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 dossier 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 Windhoek Townlodge
Ballot St., Windhoek
Namibia
Telephone: + 264 61 252536
Postal Address: Box 6586, Windhoek
Joining Instructions The tour departs Windhoek on Day 2 in the morning.

A brief departure meeting will be held in the hotel reception area in evening on Day 1 of your tour. This tour is a section of a longer tour. You may be joined by both passengers who have been travelling on other sections or who are starting in Windhoek as well. Due to this the arrival time of your leader and fellow passengers is not set. Approximate time of arrival of your leader is 17:00.

The tour ends in Nairobi on Day 30 after breakfast.



Pre-arranged transfers with G.A.P Adventures:
Look for a transfer person on walking out of the 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.

Airport Shuttle Services:
When arriving at the international terminal, walk straight ahead and out the doors and just to your left you will see a mini-van. This is the shuttle service to Windhoek/Windhoek hotels/guesthouses and departs when the vehicle is reasonably full (Cost is $120N payble in South African Rand 1ZAR=$1N).

Taxis:
When arriving at the international terminal, walk straight ahead and out the doors and just to your left you will see sedan vehicles which are the taxis. The amount should be $250N but agree the price before getting into the vehicle. The airport is 40km from the city centre. 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 Laundry can be done at most campsites by the local women. The price can be different from area to area. Please be aware that the clothes get washed in unpurified water, and this can lead to ringworm infections and irritable skin conditions. It might be better to bring some eco-friendly soap with you on tour, as well as some clothes pegs, and do your own washing. Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This amount is a portion of the price of the trip and the final payment for your tour. 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 costs savings on to 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 over the age of 70, or 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 senior 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 and culture shock ratings in this dossier for more information.

Please note that all passengers, regardless of age 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 Each of the countries you visit have their own currency, and all can be obtained locally by changing foreign currency. 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. Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
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.

NAMIBIA
Guided Desert Walk $25
Quad biking 1-3 hrs $40 to $85
Dune boarding (lie down or stand up) $30 to $47
Horse riding $62/$45 (1 pax/2 or more)
Parasailing $55
Township tour $52
Dolphin Cruise $62
Flight (1.5 hour) $150
Flight (2 hours) $255
Flight (2 hours + Skeleton coast) $255
Fishing (5 hours) $55
Skydiving (tandem) $210
Skydiving (static) $80
Ballooning Swakopmund (1 hours + breakfast) $380
Gariep canoe trip $45

BOTSWANA
Chobe Game Walk and Sunset Cruise $75
Chobe Game Drive $40
Bush walk $20
Village tour $15
Makgadikgadi Pans day trip $80
Local Drive $11 (min 4)
Khama II Rhino Sanctuary game drive $25 (min 4)
Moremi Falls $43 (min 4)

ZAMBIA/ZIMBABWE
Vic Falls entry $10
Game drives (2 hours) $40
Elephant riding (2-3 hours) $130
Horse riding (1.5 hrs plus) $45-55
Flight (helicopter) $95 (15 mins) $190 (30 mins)
Flight (microlight) $95 (15 mins) $190 (30 mins)
Rafting (half day) $110
Rafting (full day) $135
River boarding $135
Canoe (upper Zambezi full day) $135
Zambezi cruise $35
Mukuni Village tour $25
South Luangwa morning drive $30
South Luangwa night drive $40

MALAWI
Canoe Hire $30
Scuba Diving $ 60
Snorkeling equipment $15

ZANZIBAR
Prison Island Tour $55
Spice Tour $25
Dolphins Tour $40
Scuba Diving $ 70

ARUSHA
Arusha to Nairobi Shuttle from $20
Ngaramtoni markets-Thursday & Sunday (Bus 250TZS and Walking Tour $7)
Tenguru markets-Saturdays only (Bus 200TZS and $7 Walking tour)
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. The route we follow is relatively safe and your guide knows the countries intimately and will endeavor to show you the best parts while looking after you. We do not enter Zimbabwe on this trip. In the cities keep a careful eye on your belongings. In the wild areas, your guide will brief you on the necessary precautions, follow this advice and you will be fine. Be aware, but not paranoid, and you will have a great trip. We also recommend that you wear minimal jewellery and that you keep valuable items safely stored. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2008 - December 31st 2008. 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.

As of January 26th, the Zambian government will no longer be issuing any visa waivers to individuals or tour operators. All travelers will be required to obtain a visa prior to entering the country, either at the border or in advance from your local embassy. Please note that the fees associated with Zambian entrance visas have increased for the majority of nationalities. We advise you to contact your local Zambian consulate or embassy to confirm the procedure and costs of obtaining an entrance visa. We Want Your Photos Want to see your photos and/or stories in print or on the web? Then enter our "Great G.A.P Adventures Photo Story Contest". Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/contests/photo-story-contest to upload your photo stories! There are travel and camera prizes worth more than $5000 available to be won! If you prefer to submit slide film or photos instead of digital entries online, just make sure they are clearly marked with your name and contact details on each and the place where it was taken. Unfortunately, we are unable to return any entries. Send mailed entries to "Photo Editor" at our head office.
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 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. During the winter months (May to October), the temperatures can get quite cold in Namibia. It is wise to bring plenty of layers for cool mornings and evenings. 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.