BOTSWANA, ZAMBEZI & CAPE TOWN

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1 YOUR TOUR DOSSIER Journey deep into the heart of Southern African and discover its diverse array of natural treasures. Spot elephants and big cats on the floodplains of Chobe National Park, observe wildlife from the water on a Zambezi River cruise, gaze in awe at the thundering Victoria Falls, before exploring Cape Town s dramatic coastline and stunning Winelands region. This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to Southern Africa. Please take the time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important information such as flight details, visa requirements and travel insurance. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner Day 1: UK to Livingstone Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Livingstone, Zambia via Johannesburg, South Africa. Day 2: Livingstone to Chobe National Park D. On arrival into Livingstone, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax in your well-appointed safari lodge, surrounded by the wild sounds of Africa. Day 3: Chobe National Park B/D. After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Chobe National Park. Encompassing a colossal mix of floodplains, swamps and woodlands, Chobe is home to one of the largest concentrations of big game in Africa, as well as over 460 species of birdlife. Famous for a staggeringly large elephant population, your chances of experiencing these majestic giants up close are extremely high. Elephants aren t the only mammals wandering the floodplains of Chobe however, large herds of buffalo can also be seen, as well as giraffes, zebra and a variety of antelope, making this a prime hunting spot for prides of lions, African wild dogs, leopards and cheetahs, which stalk their prey across the Botswana plains. In the afternoon you will take to the waters on a private boat to spot the wondrous birdlife such as the sacred ibis or the African fish eagle that make the river their home. Day 4: Chobe National Park B/D. This morning, embark on a boat cruise along the Chobe River where you ll observe the national park and its fauna from a different vantage point. The Chobe River supports a diversity and concentration of wildlife unparalleled anywhere in Botswana. Witness hippos and crocodiles up close from the safety of your boat and admire the great herds and predators on the shores that have travelled miles to drink from its waters. Day 5: Chobe National Park to Victoria Falls B. After breakfast, cross the border into Zimbabwe where you ll enjoy a scenic drive through Zambezi National Park, home to a wide variety of larger mammals before being dropped off at your Victoria Falls hotel. In the evening enjoy a cruise on the mighty Zambezi River to watch the sunset over this stunning landscape. Day 6: Victoria Falls B/D. Today is your chance to experience one of Earth s greatest spectacles in all its wonder. At 1.7km wide Victoria Falls empties 550 million litres a minute in an immense curtain of water to the chasm below; the spray from which can be seen for miles around, prompting the local Kololo tribe to name it Mosi-oa-Tunya or The Smoke that Thunders. Your knowledgeable English speaking guide will instruct you on the formation of the Falls and the local customs surrounding them, adding to the truly unforgettable experience of being up close to this thundering natural wonder. In the evening enjoy a traditional Boma dinner centred around an open fire. Day 7: Victoria Falls to Cape Town B. After breakfast, transfer to Livingstone Airport for your flight to Cape Town via Johannesburg. On arrival you will be transferred to your city centre hotel, for an evening at leisure. Day 8: Cape Town B/L. Explore the Cape Peninsula today on a scenic tour past pristine beaches and picturesque harbours. You ll journey along the breath-taking Chapman s Peak Drive, famed for its spectacular, mountain-hugging roads and rugged seascapes, before stopping off at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Here you ll have a chance to spot a wide variety of wildlife, in particular the Chacma baboons of which there are around 400 individuals. From here you ll travel onwards to Cape Point where you can witness the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean currents which combine to create treacherous swells against the rocks that have plagued mariners for centuries and sent many an explorer to the bottom of the ocean. Lunch will be served at the Black Marlin restaurant with astounding views and irresistible seafood, before paying a visit to nearby Boulders Beach, home to a large colony of African penguins. Lastly, you ll take a wander in the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, set dramatically on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain before returning to Cape Town. Day 9: Cape Town B. Sandwiched between two oceans and a kilometre high mountain, Cape Town s staggering natural setting, Mediterranean climate and cosmopolitan culture make it the most visited city in all of Africa. Today is at leisure to discover what makes this city so extraordinary. Explore its golden beaches, take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for sweeping views across the harbour or relax with a chilled glass of wine at an Atlantic seaboard bistro. Day 10: Cape Town B/L. Set out this morning on a scenic drive towards the stunning Winelands region. Situated in a cool valley backed by a dramatic mountain range, manicured vines stretch as far as the eye can see, studded with lime-washed wineries built over 300 years in the unique Cape Dutch style which blend in seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. First stop is Franschhoek, which enjoys a magnificent setting at the head of a narrow valley. One of the oldest towns in the Republic of South Africa, in recent times it has strongly established itself as the country s culinary capital. The final stop is a visit to elegant Stellenbosch, home to historic streets, a number of fascinating museums and the country s most prestigious university. Spend some time exploring this charming town before enjoying a fascinating cellar tour and wine tasting at the award-winning Boschendal Wine Estate. Day 11: Cape Town to London or extension B. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight back to the UK, via Johannesburg, South Africa, or continue on to your extension. 1

2 ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP Hotel information Chobe National Park (3 nights): 4H Chobe Safari Lodge Border of Chobe National Park, Kasane, Botswana Contact number: Victoria Falls (2 nights): 4H Cresta Sprayview Hotel Corner Reynard Road and Livingstone Way, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Contact number: Cape Town (4 nights): 4H Rockwell All Suite Hotel 32 Prestwich Street, Greenpoint, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa Contact number: Accommodation All accommodation is 3 or 4H and features an en suite bathroom, air-conditioning and TV. Mercury Holidays has visited and inspected all of the hotels to ensure that they meet the high standards of service which we require for our clients. If the hotels detailed are not available alternatives will be used of a similar standard. Final confirmation of your hotels will be sent in a document approximately 10 days before you travel. Meals 1 Number of nights spent Namibia Chobe National Park 3 < Coach Air Boat Botswana Johannesburg Breakfast daily, lunches and dinners as applicable will either be in the hotel or local restaurant. Any dietary requirements and dislikes should be made known to our reservations staff at the time of booking. < South Africa 4 Cape Town Livingstone 2 Zambia Victoria Falls Zimbabwe ON YOUR ARRIVAL ARRIVALS On your arrival in Livingstone you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Akilanga, holding a sign displaying: Mercury Holidays. The Mercury Holidays/Akilanga representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries. However, if you need to contact Akilanga during your stay the details are: Akilanga Head Office Address 343 Surrey Ave, Johannesburg, 2194, South Africa Phone: Emergency contact information Please find below the emergency contact details for Akilanga Ms Diana Scrooby mobile number: ON YOUR ARRIVAL ARRIVALS On your arrival in Livingstone you will be met by a representative from our local agent, holding a sign displaying: Mercury Holidays. The Mercury Holidays/South Africa representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries, however if you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are: WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR Visas There is no visa required for entry into Botswana or South Africa. A Visa will be required for entry into Zambia and Zimbabwe, a joint visa for these two countries can be purchased either prior to departure or upon arrival*. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity. *If purchasing your Zimbabwe/Zambia visa upon arrival please ensure you have the correct amount of cash as change isn t always available. Further information can be found at African Eagle 72 Bevan road, Rivonia, Johannesburg Telephone Number duty@ae.co.za Emergency contact information Please find below the emergency contact details for African Eagle 24 hour: or country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. Physical Accessibility This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves moderate days of walking on uneven paths and small hills, and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. This is an escorted tour, meaning you will have the services of an English speaking guide during each excursion ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. Tipping Tipping is at your discretion, however we would recommend approximately 6 per person (100/120 ZAR) per day. Tips are accepted in the local currency, however it is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency that you only pay with notes, as coins cannot be exchanged. Electricity Supply The electricity supply is 230V. You will need a three pin TYPE C plug adapter in South Africa and Botswana. Health and Vaccinations It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from Insurance We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call and quote WK830 for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking. Group Size The minimum number of passengers on your tour will be 10 and the maximum number of passengers will be 30. If in the unlikely event your tour does not reach the minimum passenger numbers, then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable. 2

3 Itinerary Changes The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times or sailing conditions. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to the local conditions. Currency Exchange The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). The currency in Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP). The currency in Zambia is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMK). The Zimbabwean dollar is no longer valid currency, with all transactions currently conducted in US dollars ($). We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. Some local banks will not change money back into Euro s or Pound Sterling, so do not change up too much money. It is advisable to carry smaller note denominations as some outlets and vendors may not accept the larger notes. US Dollars are widely accepted in Botswana. WHAT TO PACK You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any dinners where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour. Please also bear in mind that there will be several shopping opportunities throughout your tour. Credit Card Information As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels. Insect repellent High factor sun cream and a hat with a big brim for sunny days Comfortable walking shoes such as trainers Sunglasses Towel, swimsuit and plastic bags Ruck sack or light bag per person Personal toiletries and first aid kit Light rain coat Binoculars Personal drinks bottle A plug adaptor - the voltage in South Africa is 220 Volts with plugs and sockets having 3 round pin connections Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc. Your initial flight is to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone via Johannesburg with South African Airways (SA) departing from London Heathrow Terminal 2. IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Baggage Allowance Each passenger is entitled to 23KG of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding in size and 1 personal item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop case. Weight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure. WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. Airport Extras If you wish to arrange Airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras. Tel , quoting HX313. 3

4 YOUR TOUR DOSSIER CAPE TOWN CITY STAY If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact Make the most of your stay in Southern Africa s most beautiful city with a 2-night extension to fully explore what makes this destination so popular. Take a cable car or hike to the top of Table Mountain for panoramic views over two oceans, explore the brightly coloured terraces of Bo-Kaap, one of Cape Town s oldest residential areas, take a catamaran to Robben Island, the site of Nelson Mandela s notorious incarceration or explore the spectacular beaches of the Atlantic seaboard, backed by the towering rocks of the Twelve Apostles. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your Cape Town extension. Hotel Your stay in Cape Town will take place at the 4H Strand Tower Hotel on Bed & Breakfast. Located in the city centre, close to the shops and eateries of the V&A Waterfront and all the prime city attractions, the Strand Tower Hotel is the ideal place to stay in South Africa s most beautiful city. Comfortable rooms offer incontestable panoramic views of Table Mountain, Lions Head, and the harbour and facilities include a rooftop pool, spa, gym & sauna, a restaurant and bar and an in-house bakery. You will need to take some extra money with you to cover drinks and personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, and any extra snacks. Your stay in Cape Town is not escorted by a tour guide. All transfers are included. Weather and Climate Please refer to the Cape Town climate chart featured on page 3. Hotel Information Strand St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa Telephone: Please note This extension takes place after your main tour. Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. 4H Strand Tower Hotel

5 YOUR TOUR DOSSIER DURBAN BEACH STAY EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact Spend 5 nights in South Africa s eastern coastal city of Durban located in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The city is known for its African, Indian and colonial influences. A relaxing break to explore Durban at your own pace is the perfect way to complete your tour. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension in Durban. Hotel (5 nights) Your stay in Durban will take place at the 4H Blue Marlin Hotel on Half Board. The Blue Marlin hotel is perched at the top of a green hill in the welcoming town of Scottburgh, with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and offers a private walkway down to the beach. The accommodation at Blue Marlin features 122 modern rooms, which are equipped with selected DSTV channels, coffee and tea facilities, ceiling fans, a bath and/or shower as well as a daily cleaning service. Sea facing rooms boast unrivalled views of Scottburgh Beach. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, bar, PADI dive centre, seasonal entertainment, pool bar, spa (at a fee) and games room. Hotel Information 180 Scott St, Scottburgh, 4180, South Africa Telephone: Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure. Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs and laundry plus any meals and drinks that are not included. Your stay in Durban is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers are included. Please note This extension takes place after your main tour. WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.