Tour Overview:
Choosing the African Discovery tour is a great choice, offering you a comprehensive camping adventure taking in some of the best highlights between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls. Tried and tested over many years this tour offers incredible value for money with new and exciting experiences each day, connecting you to the grass roots of Africa. Following your arrival in the City of Gold, (Johannesburg), your epic journey includes breathtaking views and a variety of terrain from the bustling of wild animals roaming Kruger and Chobe National Parks, to feeling the wet Zambezi spray off thundering Victoria Falls and the tranquil waters of the Okavango Delta. This two week adventure tour allows you to touch and embrace the magic of Africa, leaving you with an everlasting desire to discover more of this diverse continent.
Highlights & Adventure Boosts
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Tour Summary:
Day 1: Johannesburg – Greater Kruger Park (Distance Travelled: +/- 500km)
Highlights included: Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels view point
Adventure Boost: Moholoholo Wildlife rehab Centre
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Kruger National Park (Distance Travelled: +/- 120km)
Highlights included: Full day game drive in the Kruger National Park
Adventure Boost: Entrance fee Kruger National Park
Optional activities: Night game drive
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: Kruger National Park – Polokwane (Distance Travelled: +/- 250km)
Highlights included: Amarula Lapa Visit, Polokwane Game Reserve, Polokwane Game Walk
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4: Polokwane – Elephant Sands, Botswana (Distance Travelled: +/- 820km)
Highlights included: Limpopo River, Francistown, roaming wildlife, Elephant Sands
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5: Elephant Sands, Botswana (Distance Travelled: +/- 30km)
Highlights included: Elephant watering hole
Adventure Boost: Nature walk with breakfast in the bush
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6: Elephant Sands – Livingstone, Zambia (Distance Travelled: +/- 320km)
Highlights included: Chobe River, Zambezi River and Entrance to view Victoria Falls
Adventure Boost: Sunset Dinner Cruise
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7: Livingstone / Victoria Falls (Distance Travelled: 0km)
Highlights included: Free day to choose from many activities (optional extras)
Meals included: Breakfast
Highlights & Adventure Boosts
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Day 1:
Johannesburg – Greater Kruger Park, South Africa
Distance travelled: +/-500km
Departing from South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, we drive across the scenic Mpumalanga province and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery. We stop at the gigantic Three Rondavels rock formations and enjoy the crisp air and fantastic surroundings looking down onto Blyde River Canyon and further afield to the lowveld and Greater Kruger. After lunch we visit Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, experiencing firsthand the remarkable work done by committed volunteers who rehabilitate displaced, traumatized predators and endangered mammals from the surrounding areas. All animals are then prepared to be released back into the wilds of Africa. Making our way to our isolated bush camp within the greater Kruger Park, We spend the night at a tranquil rest camp sharing stories and experiences to one another around the amber light of a campfire.
Highlights included: Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels view point,
Adventure Boost: Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab Centre
Accommodation: Nsele bush camp or similar
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2:
Full Day Kruger National Park
Distance travelled: +/-120km
Waking at sunrise, we eagerly wait for Park Rangers to open the gates of the camp to let us re enter the wilds of Kruger for an intense yet rewarding day of game tracking with our eagle eyed guide at the wheel. Kruger is home to over 505 species of birds, 148 species of mammals and many reptiles which we enthusiastically search for during the morning and afternoon. The impressive atmosphere of the park enables you to understand why it is held in such high esteem amongst explorers from all over the world who visit this park. We avoid the hot midday sun and enjoy the peacefulness the rest camp has to offer. There are many facilities available for game viewers such as; restaurants, souvenir stores and swimming pools. We return to our camp in the late afternoon, happily exhausted and highly satisfied with the day’s events. For those wanting more game driving there is the option of heading out on a night safari. Early evening we all enjoy a lovely dinner gathered around the warm fire crackling in the stillness of night.
Highlights included: Full day game driving in Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Nsele bush camp or similar
Optional activities: Night game drive
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3:
Kruger National Park – Polokwane
Distance travelled: +/- 250km
Waking to the wild sounds of animals in the distance we enjoy a wholesome breakfast on our bush lodge at this magnification private reserve. After an interesting visit to the Amarula Lapa, where we taste and learn about the famous Amarula tree, the day’s journey takes us over beautiful scenic mountain passes and through flourishing citrus farms nestled along the valleys and hills of the Limpopo Province. Previously called the Northern Province, this land of myths and legends is also highly rated as an Eco-tourism destination in Southern Africa. Arriving in Polokwane, we enter the Polokwane Game Reserve and set out to explore the area on foot. There are over 21 species of mammals, including white rhino, and 200 species of birds inhabiting the reserve and this is an exciting and thrilling way to get up close to some of these species without the man made barrier of a vehicle between you and nature. We spend the night at a nearby lodge camp where we prepare for our epic journey crossing the Great Limpopo River into Botswana.
Highlights included: Amarula Lapa visit, Polokwane Game Reserve, Polokwane game walk
Accommodation: Boma in the bush or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4:
Polokwane – Elephant Sands/ Nata, Botswana
Distance travelled: +/- 820km
After breakfast we embark on a new journey taking a pleasant two hour road trip north to the Botswana border post, “Martins Drift”. Crossing the Limpopo River we clear immigrations before changing currency into “Pula” the local currency of Botswana. Rain being a sought after luxury in Botswana the currency is called “Pula and Thebe” interpreted means “rain drops” in Tswana, the national ethnic language. More than one-half of the population live in rural areas and are largely dependent on subsistence crop and livestock farming. We meander through vast open savannahs passing many local villages and bustling trading towns, including Palapye, before our lunch stop in Francistown, a once thriving gold mining town. We complete our road trip crossing over “veterinary fences” (to control foot and mouth disease) into wilder habitat where elephants roam freely and if we are lucky we may see some! We arrive at the tranquil rustic setting of Elephant Sands Safari Lodge in the late afternoon and if we are lucky we may see elephants come up to the lodge and the campsite at night.
Highlights included: Limpopo River, Francistown, roaming wildlife, Elephant Sands
Accommodation: Elephant Sands Safari Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5:
Elephant Sands, Botswana
Distance travelled: +/- 30km
After a refreshing night’s sleep out in the wilds of Botswana, we join a 4×4 vehicle and take out to a wild, remote and safe location where we enjoy a morning nature walk where we may encounter wild animals. While on this walk we enjoy a late breakfast deep in the wild savannah landscape before returning to the main camp for the afternoon. This spectacular bush camp offers many optional activities you may join, from quad bikes, micro light flights, game drives or take the time to relax in the warm sun around the crystal clear water of the camps cool swimming pool. After a great dinner we can observe the elephant waterhole at night before retiring under the millions of shinning stars in our milky way.
Highlights included: Breakfast in the bush, nature walk, Elephant watering hole.
Adventure Boost: Nature walk with breakfast in the bush
Optional activities: Afternoon 4×4 Game Drive
Accommodation: Elephant Sands Safari Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6:
Elephant Sands – Livingstone, Zambia
Distance travelled: +/- 320km
Feeling refreshed and soothed from a peaceful night’s sleep, we have an exciting day ahead of us. A short journey takes us north crossing the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi River via a river ferry and into Zambia. Formally known as Northern Rhodesia, Zambia’s population comprises of more than 70 different Bantu ethnic groups speaking different dialects. Some ethnic groups are small, and only three have enough people to constitute at least 10% of the population and most Zambians are subsistence farmers. Arriving at our beautiful campsite on the banks of the Zambezi River, just south Livingstone, over lunch you get the opportunity to choose and book some exciting excursions or adventure actives for the following free day. Without hesitation or valuable time lost, we enter the gates into the Victoria Falls National Park witnessing firsthand the intense exhilaration of energy generated from this spectacular natural wonder. With tons of water gushing over the rock face and the cool spray of water over us, we explore the many nature paths winding through the dense moist forest surrounding the face of Victoria Falls. Early evening we end our day joining a peaceful sunset cruise on the Zambezi River soaking up the African ambience with herds of elephant and wild buck wondering the muddy banks. We return to camp for an enjoyable evening.
Highlights included: Chobe River, Zambezi River, entrance to Victoria Falls
Adventure Boost: Sunset cruise Zambezi River with dinner
Accommodation: Zambezi Waterfront or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7:
Livingstone / Victoria Falls
Distance travelled: 0km
Today is a free day at leisure to explore and enjoy what this magnificent destination has on offer. The Zambezi boasts one of the world’s highest rated rivers for pure white river rafting through its many challenging and novice rapids. Alternative options are: the David Livingstone museum is easily accessible and provides in-depth historical insight dating back including the discovery of the falls; or explore the colonial town on foot and visit the local trading markets. Some choose crossing the border for a day visit into the neighbouring Zimbabwean town, Victoria Falls is a great way to spend a few hours or take a leap of faith bungee jumping to the foot of the falls. Doing an elephant back safari is a stunning way to get close to these animals and enjoy a guided trail riding these majestic mammals. From game walks, helicopter flips or jet boating to name a few, Livingstone will capture and fulfill your imagination, validating the myths of the African spirit.
Highlights included: Free day to choose many activities
Accommodation: Zambezi Waterfront or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
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Camping Trip – Kruger National Park & Zambia |
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PRICE per person R5 275 pp Adven. Boost USD$140 pp Pay to the tour leader Single Supplement R300 book your own tentTour Price includes your tour, accommodation, included highlights and meals as indicated. Adventure Boost : This portion guarantees your activity because we book it in advance, however this portion may only be paid on the day of departure to your tour leader. Single Supplement will secure your own tent and must be paid when booking your tour. |
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ACCOMMODATION UPGRADE – Spoil yourself and get a twin en-suit room |
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PRICE per person R5 275 Adven. Boost USD$140 Pay to the tour leader Accom. Boost USD$230 pp Pay to the tour leader Single Supplement USD$460 ppbook your own roomTour Price includes your tour, accommodation, included highlights and meals as indicated. Adventure Boost : This portion guarantees your activity because we book it in advance, however this portion may only be paid on the day of departure to your tour leader. Single Supplement will secure your own Room and must be paid when booking your tour. |
2014 Departure Dates |
Useful Information |
| Monday every second week ends Sundays Leaving Johannesburg 05h00 End Date
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What is the Adventure Boost? These are activities that are available on the tour but are optional to you, to streamline the adventure to suit your individual taste, style and pocket. Paying for the adventure boost on departure benefits local communities and businesses as this money goes directly to the operator.Food & Meals The crew will buy fresh meat, vegetables and fruit each day, ensuring that all needs are catered for. The local produce is cost effective and a healthier option too. We all help with the cooking and cleaning on tour – working as a team creates harmony and lasting friendships long after the tour is over. We do enjoy local specialties occasionally at the local restaurants, which is for your pocket. Lunch is usually not included as there are many local shops with various lunch options for you to try out.Camping & Upgrading The camping grounds we have selected are chosen for their exquisiteness and convenience to places we explore, most of which are situated close to National Parks and places of interest. These have shared ablution facilities and most have extra’s like restaurants, shops, pubs and swimming pools and depending on availability you have the opportunity to upgrade to rooms with en-suite facilities if you’d rather spend some nights out of the tent. If you don’t want to camp at all, please, when booking, we recommend that you pay for the upgrade at the time of booking to secure accommodation. |
TOUR INFORMATION
TOUR STYLE:
Adventure Camping
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Tour highlights, transport, accommodation, meals as indicated and the services of an ENGLISH speaking driver / tour leader.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
Visas, visa fees, travel insurance, flights, airport transfers, optional activities, laundry, gratuities, passports and items of a personal nature.
ADVENTURE BOOST:
These are activities that are available on the tour but are optional to you, to streamline the adventure to suit your individual taste and pocket.
ACCOMMODATION:
Choose between our specially selected camping grounds with shared facilities or if your taste is a home from home en-suite facility, with a pool, restaurant and bar, whatever your style, whatever your adventure, we’ve got it covered!
TRANSPORT:
Minibus: With a minimum of 4 passengers to a maximum of 18.
BOOKING INFORMATION:
On confirmation of booking you will receive pre-departure and all relevant information. After receipt of full payment, travel vouchers and all pertaining information will promptly be delivered to you! If you could please contact your local travel agent for flights arrangements to and from your tour start and finish destination.
| DEPARTURE POINT & DROP OFF POINT These facilities are approximately +-10km’s from Johannesburg International Airport. MoAfrika Lodge Tel: +27 82 506 9641 Email:info@moafrika.com 120 Sandham Rd Norton Home Estate Benoni, Johannesburg |
PICK UP TIME: 05h00DROP OFF TIME: Early Evening |
| PRE-TOUR ACCOMMODATION The tour departs from Johannesburg early in the morning of Day 1; we advise – and we have experience with this advice – that you arrive the day before departure to overcome any jet-lag and to acclimatise to Africa. We would be happy to book pre-tour accommodation for you – please call or email us (or speak to your agent) with your arrival details and accommodation requirements.If you so desire and time allows, we suggest that you stay an extra night or several after the tour ends to experience Johannesburg. Drinking at a world famous shebeen in the Alexander township is an experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world!! The Alexander Township is where you can eat a hearty plate of African cuisine, quench your thirst with traditional home-brewed ale while listening to Kwaito with a shebeen queen, and maybe visit the first home of our former President Nelson Mandela.We have suggested the below accommodation for your convenience, the price is a guide line only and may vary slightly depending on season. Twin Room en-suite Sharing: R560.00 Single Room en-suite: R 455.00 Dorm Bedded Room: R175.00 |
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WHAT TO BRING
Luggage allowance is 20kg per passenger on most airlines, we don’t have a specific weight allowance, but suggest to travel lightly. We do suggest bringing a large soft backpack and a smaller bag for the day. Please bring a mixture of lightweight cool clothing for the day and warm clothing for the mornings and evenings, even when it’s not cold at night, after being in the sun all day, when the sun goes down, you will feel the temperature drop! Game drives can also be chilly. A towel and a pillow is a necessity. A money belt/pouch is more convenient and comfortable than carrying a wallet or purse around. We suggest leaving your valuables at home or use the lodge safe to store valuables and or your cash, passports and travel tickets. A sleeping bag is needed unless you choose to upgrade.
VACCINATIONS / HEALTH
Below is a table indicating the vaccinations suggested for this tour. Please note this is a guide line only and you should seek professional medical advice with regards to vaccinations/tablets. You will need to visit your gp or clinic at least 6 weeks prior to departure should you decide to take anti-malaria tablets. Some area’s visited are malarial.
C = Compulsory
R = Recommended
R* = It is an immigration requirement to have a Yellow Fever certificate if travelling to Zambia from South Africa and in reverse. If travelling from infected countries a certificate of proof may be required.
NB: This information is a guide line only you can contact us at Rush Adventures for any queries or advise regarding vaccinations on any of the tours and we will gladly assist you.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Please note the visa requirements be checked at least one month prior to travel.
Most nationalities do not need visas in advance as they are obtainable at the border entry points and can be paid for is US dollars $ – cash.
Below is a table indicating visa’s required when traveling from overseas. Please see your local consulate/embassies or a visa specialist for up to date information and assistance pertaining to visas. UK citizens can go to www.fco.gov.uk for travel information. Other nationalities please contact your local relevant embassy.
PERSONAL EXPENSES / SPENDING MONEY
Spending money. Souvenirs, drinks, snacks, tips and items of a personal nature is to your own discretion and needs/wants. We suggest you budget on R200.00 ($10 – $15) a day. Most of your spending will be done in South Africa and therefore in South African Rand. In Botswana the currency is Pula and Zambia the currency is Kwacha. Any added optional activities, accommodation before or after the trip, is for your discretion. It’s advised to bring US dollars ($) for any international airport taxes or visas.
Spending money is advised to be in cash in either South African Rand or US Dollars. Pound Sterling or Euro can be exchanged into Rand on arrival and/or as you travel. Your guide will give general guidance in regards to this during the tour.
ATM MACHINES
Are found throughout South Africa, Botswana and in Livingstone. Please note these are sometimes unreliable and only dispense local currency so visa or mastercard’s and certain banks are the only cards that will dispense local currency.
CREDIT CARDS
Can be used for additional activities although as we all know carry additional charges.
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES
Can be inconvenient to cash but make for suitable emergency funds.
TIPPING/GRADITUITY
It is customary to pay gratuity to staff at the end of the tour should the standard be worthy of this. In areas where tourism is an integral part of the economy we suggest to do so, but naturally this remains at your discretion.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
We give you the maximum flexibility on tour, therefore we offer a number of optional activities. Below are approximate prices in US dollars ($). Prices are subject to change but not astronomically.
| Botswana – | Elephant Sands Game Drive | $25 |
| Chobe Open Game Drive | $25 | |
| Zambia – | Zambezi Jet Boating & Cable Car | $110 |
| Elephant back safari | $160 | |
| Lion Encounter | $140 – $225 | |
| Bungee Jump over the Falls | $90 – $155 | |
| Flights over the Falls (various modes) | $140 – $280 |
INSURANCE
Rush Adventures strongly advise full travel insurance valid for the duration of your tour to cover you for medical emergencies and repatriation to your home country should the need arise. Your guide can hold a copy of this if you so wish. Please leave a copy of your insurance with your nominated emergency contact. We can provide specialist travel insurance for your tour through our local operator. Please contact Rush Adventures for more information.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
We believe that you will get the most of your journey by respecting the culture and the locals from the places you visit. Our tours benefit the communities we pass through, minimizing any negative impact on the environment and by getting involved with local charity projects assisting the communities. We ensure the campsites used are left clean as they will be found clean. If we could kindly ask you to take into consideration the traditions and be respectful of others and the communities in which they live, for example dressing respectfully in conservative areas.
Remember: Proactive and responsible travel helps develop and more importantly maintain cross-cultural boundaries, understandings and friendships with the locals, and this will add to your experience of Africa, its cultures and your adventure.
HOW TO BOOK – 3 EASY STEPS
AFRICAN DISCOVERY ADC14
We are based in Johannesburg, South Africa GMT+100.
Our reservation’s office is open Monday to Friday from 08h00 to 17h00
To contact us and speak to one of our helpful, experienced and friendly consultants don’t hesitate to call us on: +27 11 974 8245 or send us an email: info@rushadventures.co.za
- Confirm the date you would like to travel with your consultant.
- Fill in the booking form with all required information and details to your tour. We will then send you an invoice with your booking number.
- Make the payment via an Internet bank transfer or deposit directly into the Rush Adventures banking account. Once payment is confirmed, confirmation of travel and all pertaining vouchers and documents will be promptly sent to you.
A deposit of 20% is required on booking and the balance is due 6 weeks prior to departure.
A cancellation fee will be charged accordingly to Rush Adventure in the event thereof. All conditions are stated on the booking form.
Please notify us when booking if there are any dietary requirements or medical conditions to make your tour streamlined to your individual needs. The Adventure Boost is payable to the tour leader on the day of departure.
Simply fill out your details below and click on the submit button. The bookings will be processed and you will be contacted promptly. We thank you for choosing your adventure with Rush and we ensure you of a memorable tour experience second to none!
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