Livingstone & Botswana in Depth Tour Itinerary
REF: AFL32
VERSION: 4
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Duration:8 days - Livingstone to Maun
Countries Visited:Zambia - Botswana
Age Guide:18-75 years
Max Group Size:10
Transport:Safari Vehicle, 4W Drive, Boat, Internal Flights, On Foot
Accommodation:Lodge/Hotel (3 Nights), Tented Camp (4 Nights)
What's Included:Meals - 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners - Local English Speaking Guides - All Activities, Sightseeing and Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary - All Tolls & Taxes - Domestic Flights Kasane to Okavango Delta, Okavango Delta to Maun and Return Maun to Nxai Pan
Local Payment:NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:Zambia - Livingstone - Victoria Falls National Park - Zambezi Sunset Cruise - Botswana - Chobe National Park - Game Drive - River Cruise - Okavango Delta - Return Flights to Okavango Delta - Tented Safari Camps - Mokoro Excursion - Walking Safari - Return Flights to Nxai Pan - Nxai Pan Game Viewing - Maun
Optional Highlights:No optional highlights
Meeting Point:

The Zambezi Sun Hotel

Mosi-oa-Tunya Road

Livingstone
 
Zambia
 
Tel:  +260 213321122

If you would like pre or post tour accommodation booking at this hotel please contact Kumuka or your agent

Introduction:

See the mighty Victoria Falls and step back in time as you stand in David Livingstone's footsteps, gazing in awe at Devil's Cataract.  Enjoy Chobe with its large elephant herds and good opportunities to spot buffalo, lion and many species of plain's game.  Look out for more wildlife as you fly over the watery wilderness of the Okavango Delta.  Finally experience the stark, white landscape of the lunar-like Nxai Pans. 

The tour ends in Maun, with good air connections to Johannesburg and the rest of Africa.

Day 1:

Livingstone.  You will be met on arrival at Livingstone airport and transferred to the meeting point for check in.

The pre departure meeting will be held at 3pm in the reception area. This will allow you to meet the local guide, and fellow travellers. Following the meeting, you will be transferred to the sunset cruise along the Zambezi. If lucky, you should be able to see an array of bird life, hippos, elephants, monitor lizards and perhaps even a rhino.

Please note that pick up for the sunset cruise is generally at 3.30pm in the winter and 4.30pm in the summer. Depending on the group size, some transfers and activities may be on a shared basis with other non Kumuka travellers. 

No meals included

Day 2:

Livingstone to Chobe.  This morning you will be taken to Mosi Oa Tunya National Park. Deparure time is generally at 8.30am. There will be free time to explore the many walkways and to see Victoria Falls from several different angles. This is also a very good opportunity to visit the craft markets at the entrance to the national park.  The variety of goods available here tends to be the greatest seen anywhere on the tour.

After walking back to the hotel you will be collected from the lodge at 10.30am and transferred to Kasane in Botswana. This drive is 80km and takes around 2 hours including border formalities.  Accommodation is at a delightful lodge set on the Chobe River. 

The afternoon is free for you to relax. Enjoy dinner overlooking the river and perhaps spot some wildlife.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 3:

Chobe. In the morning there will be a very early game drive into Chobe National Park.  Chobe is renowned for its large populations of elephants and these can usually be seen in the early morning as they drink from the river. Also in this area of the park are healthy numbers of lions, many buffalo, giraffe and many plains game. This is also the best opportunity to catch a glimpse of an elusive leopard or to see some of Botswana's rarer and less well known antelope - the Puku, Sitatunga and Red Lechwe. 

Relax around the pool during the heat of the day or find a shady spot along the river bank to sit back and watch the world go by.  After lunch, as the temperature drops, there will be a riverboat trip along the Chobe river which will offer more great opportunities for getting close to the wildlife.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Day 4:

Chobe to Okavango Delta.  Our destination today is the watery wilderness of the Okavango Delta.  A flight from Kasane Airport on the edge of Chobe National Park will  take you deep into the Okavango Delta.  This flight will give an excellent overall impression of the layout and extent of the world's largest inland delta. Depending on the time of year that you visit, the delta may be green and lush, with the flood in full force or it may be drier and more savannah like. Please note that for the benefit of wildlife transfer planes are not allowed to fly too close to the ground, therefore whilst wildlife will be visible from the air it will probably not be close enough to photograph.

On arrival at Ntswi airstrip you will be met and transferred to your tented camp.    The sights and sounds of the bush will surround you and this is the ideal place to really experience the best that nature has to offer.

Depending on exact arrival time there will be either an afternoon game walk and/or guided mokoro trip.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 5:

Okavango Delta.  A full day to enjoy the delta.  During your stay there will be bush walks and trips in mokoro canoes.  All activities are accompanied by a professional guide who will provide information on the plants, animals, bird life and geography that you encounter. The middle part of the day is a good time to spend resting in the shade or relaxing on the viewing deck.  The camp has a reference library to provide more information on the wildlife and geography of the region. 

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 6:

Okavango Delta via Maun to Nxai Pan.  After a final breakfast in camp you will be transferred to the air strip for your return flight to Maun and then on to Nxai Pan. The exact time of the flight will be dependent on plane scheduling and will be confirmed to you on the day. 

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 7:

Nxai Pans. Today we explore the stark Nxai Pans area. A remote area only accessible by flight or 4WD, this is a relatively unknown national park but home to a substantial population of springbok as well as giraffe, wildebeest, lions, spotted hyena, gemsbok, eland and many other smaller mammal species. Occasional sightings of the rare brown hyena have also been made here. This park is unusual in that it really comes into its own during the rainy season as herds of buffalo, zebra and elephant make their way to the pan to drop their young. Birdlife is also spectacular. Historically it was an important watering point on many pioneer and bushman trails and is also where artist Thomas Baines painted his infamous clump of Baobab trees in 1861.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8:

Nxai Pans to Maun.  Today after breakfast we take another charter flight back to Maun. The tour ends on arrival.

Please note that no accommodation is included in Maun today.

Finishing Point:

Maun Airport

If you would like post tour accommodation booking in Maun please contact Kumuka or your agent

Please Note:

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible, but please note that Africa does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Africa can vary dramatically; however we always try to use the best facilities available. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

What's Not Included:

All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, visas, pre- and post-tour accommodation.

Pre Departure Information Follows
Pre Departure Meeting:

The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 3pm the day of the scheduled departure date at the meeting point. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers.

In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting.

All passengers MUST bring:

  1. Passport.
  2. Vaccination Certificate.
  3. Travel Voucher.
  4. Travel Insurance Policy.
Insurance:

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. It is also very important that your insurance policy is relevant to the Kumuka style of travel. Kumuka offers a specially negotiated insurance policy specifically tailored to adventure travel. As well as providing substantial cover for medical emergency, cancellation and curtailment, personal luggage, money and valuables and legal expenses, this insurance will also provide cover for the adventure activities you may choose to undertake whilst on tour. Please call us on the Kumuka freephone number 0800 068 8855 (UK only), or on 1300 667 277 in Australia, for further information.

No client will be allowed on tours without suitable insurance. If you have already arranged insurance elsewhere, please be aware that many of the optional activities such as bungy jumping or water rafting may not be covered on your policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance.

At the start of your tour you will be asked to present your original policy document and complete an insurance information form. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original.

Please note: you will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

Passport:

Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.

Visa Requirements:

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Africa trip. Country entry regulations change daily, http://www.kumuka.com/ provides up-to-date visa information. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Medical Information and Vaccinations:

Vaccinations:

You must have an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination if crossing borders within Africa. Southern African countries i.e. South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe DO NOT need the International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination if you are only travelling between these countries.

Compulsory Inoculations:

Yellow Fever if you are arriving from an infected area. Please refer to your GP or Immunization Clinic.

Strongly Recommended:

Diphtheria, Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Meningitis, Hepatitis A & B, Yellow Fever.

These may vary from country to country, please consult your GP or local Travel Clinic.

We also recommend:

- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
- That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.

You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details.

Medical Supplies:

We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items:

Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.

A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

Malaria:

Anti-malaria tablets are essential. Get professional advice from your GP or Travel Clinic about types of tablets, as resistant strains exist. These tablets may need to be taken at least 1 week before travelling to Africa, during your travels and sometimes for 4 weeks after leaving a malaria area. DO NOT forget to follow your prescribed routine. DO NOT CHANGE THE ROUTINE, once prescribed by your Doctor. As there is considerable resistance in parts of Africa, the only effective prevention is to NOT get bitten. Dusk till dawn is the time when mosquito's bite therefore, always protect your self with repellents and long clothing during this time. Malaria is the most common serious ailment that affects our clients; do not expose yourself to unnecessary risk.

Security:
  • Do not take unnecessary valuables with you.
  • A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
  • DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in Africa, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Likewise do not leave your valuables in your tent - there is a safe available on the truck.
  • Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care.
  • Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
  • Kumuka vehicles have secure doors but it is never foolish to be cautious.
Money:

We suggest passengers budget for between US$200-250 per week for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.

Your money should be taken in a combination of Cash and Travellers Cheques (we suggest ¼ Travellers Cheques and ¾ US Dollars cash). These should be carried in a mixture of denominations. In some cases your crew will recommend you only change a small amount of money, however in countries such as Uganda and Tanzania the exchange rate is higher for large denomination notes.

Please note that we are advising passengers to take a limited number of US$100 and US$50 notes to Africa. This is due to recent cases of counterfeit bank notes. Cash is generally easier to exchange, however it is safer to carry some traveller’s cheques in case of theft or loss. Travellers must produce their sales advice slip and their passport or a photocopy of their passport when cashing travellers cheques.

Credit Cards are not acceptable in many places and should only be relied upon in capital cities and in Southern Africa; they are, however, useful in case of emergency.  Please note Scottish Pound notes are NOT accepted in Africa.

Please do NOT rely on using ATM’s. They are not widely available or reliable though this situation is slowly changing.

Tipping and Bargaining:

For many, tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment. Sales and service taxes are imposed in some restaurants and bars.

Bargaining is also expected and in all markets prices are inflated to accommodate such a practice. Rule of thumb is to cut the offer in half and work upwards. This can sometimes be hard work but do not let yourself be intimidated by stallholders, you can always say no and walk away.

The tips below are purely given as a guideline. Poor service should result in lower tips; in serious circumstances a report should be lodged with local ground staff or on the feedback form. We recommend the following amounts are not exceeded except in special circumstances.

ALL prices are PER day PER GROUP (so split between the number of passengers each day) – generally paid as a total sum in USD at the end of each trip.

Suggested tipping for all routes on Kilimanjaro
Guide                  USD$ 15
Cook                  USD$ 10
Assistant Guide   USD$ 10
Porters               USD$ 7 – NOTE there will be at least 2 porters per trekker

Suggested tipping for all Gorilla treks
Guide                  USD$ 15
Assistants            USD$ 10

Suggested tipping for all driver/guides on lodge based and family tours
Guide                  USD$ 15-20

Luggage and Personal Equipment:

How much should I take?· 

  • The best rule for packing is to limit your self to a weight limit of 15 KGs. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your crew at the Pre Departure Meeting.
  • A frameless or internally framed backpack or light case is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.
  • A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. 
  • We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards traveller’s cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.
  • The roads in the game parks are very dusty it is a good idea to pack your clothes in plastic bags inside your bag to protect them from dust.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!

Personal Effects:

We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many lodges there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible.

Contrary to expectations it does get cold in Africa. Southern Africa, particularly South Africa and Namibia get quite cold at night between June and August. Mount Kilimanjaro will be cold at night all year round, due to the extreme altitude. You will need to bring your warmest clothes.

Personal Effects:

Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes/CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen.

NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

Local Customs:

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.

Books and Reading Material:

You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.

Climate Information:

For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com

Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!

Time:For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com
Language:

English is widely spoken in the countries we visit in Africa but you might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

Food:Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs or allergies can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs. Please note we will attempt to provide for these special requests, however they cannot be guaranteed - please ensure the tour guide is aware of any special requests.
Photography:

Africa has some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in the world. To capture these scenes you will need to bring a camera with a good zoom lens. For game photography, a 200mm lens or higher is recommended. Tripods tend to be bulky and cumbersome and a versatile beanbag is a good substitute.

If you are using print film, all supplies plus any filters and other accessories should be obtained prior to departure. We do not recommend that you develop your film whilst in East Africa, as the standards vary considerably and are often unreliable.

NOTE:- Protect your camera from the elements, particularly dust, as getting your camera repaired will be impossible in most places.  A good idea is to use an old tea towel or t-shirt to wrap your camera up inside it’s dustproof camera bag when not in use.

Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations

Accommodation:We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. For this lodge safari we have selected lodges for their spectacular location and quality of service. The lodges are located within the parks we visit to allow the best access to game. All accommodation is ensuite and to a high standard.
Per & Post Tour Accommodation:If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).
Optional Activities:Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Although Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by a third party.
Drug Policy:

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.

Staying in Touch:

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

Tour Feedback:

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com

Contact Details:

KUMUKA WORLDWIDE

UK OFFICE

Hillswood Business Park 3000
Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS
Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664
Email: sales@kumuka.com
www.kumuka.com

AUSTRALIAN OFFICE

Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492
Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
Map:
This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.
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