South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Victoria Falls safari, lodges/hotels, 22 days

Transcription

1 South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Victoria Falls safari, lodges/hotels, 22 days

2 Itinerary Day 1 Cape Town Day 2 Cape Town, Cape Peninsula tour Day 3 Cape Town - Lambert's Bay Day 4 Lambert Bay - Springbok - Orange River Day 5 Oranjerivier - Ais Ais-bron - Fish River Canyon Day 6 Fish River Canyon - Sossusvlei Day 7 Sossusvlei and Deadvlei Day 8 Sossusvlei - Solitaire - Swakopmund Day 9 Swakopmund Day 10 Swakopmund - Cape Cross - Twyfelfontein - Khorixas Day 11 Khorixas - Etosha National Park Day 12 Etosha National Park Day 13 Etosha National Park Day 14 Etosha NP - Rundu Day 15 Rundu - Maun Day 16 Maun - Okavango Delta Day 17 Okavango Delta Day 18 Okavango Delta - Gweta Day 19 Gweta - Chobe National Park Day 20 Chobe NP - Victoria Falls Day 21 Victoria Falls Day 22 Victoria Falls- Johannesburg

3 Day by day On the Road with Djoser Djoser's active journeys offer an ideal balance of guidance and freedom. Our guide-assisted adventures cover the globe and feature wildlife, beautiful natural settings, historic sights and authentic cultural experiences. For most Djoser trips the daily schedule is not rigidly set, however on safari, the route and safety issues in national parks will often dictate our daily schedule and activity options. Our travel days are obviously fixed, but each day the program may deviate depending on the preferences of the group, in consultation with the tour leader. The tour guide offers a program daily, with planned excursions. You are never obligated to participate. Those who desire more freedom may go out exploring or may dine on their own. Your tour leader can offer suggestions for safe explorations and fun restaurants. You will find that Djoser participants will take advantage of this flexibility. We believe a sense of discovery is an integral element of a great trip. We offer the land program only. Below, you will find the day-to-day description days numbered to correspond with that of the Dutch participants (which includes their transit days from/to Amsterdam). This is so that when you are traveling and refer to this day-to-day description, all travelers will be on the same page or the same day number. Below you will first find the description of the route from Cape Town to Victoria Falls. Some trips will begin in Victoria Falls and end in Cape Town. Be sure to verify route before booking flights. From Cape Town to Victoria Falls Cape Town Day 1 Transit day Day 2 Cape Town, South Africa (land begins) After arrival you have time to explore Cape Town. In the city you will find many historical sites. Greenmarket Square is a cozy square with market stalls. The Grand Parade, the parade ground of the Dutch in the seventeenth century, was also the place of the large anti-apartheid demonstrations and where Mandela addressed the crowd after his release. Nearby are the Company Gardens and Castle of Good Hope, remnants from the Dutch period. In the harbor, named Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, you will find a variety of restaurants, jazz cafes and other entertainment venues, located mostly in the colorful, restored Victorian houses. The famous Table Mountain and Signal Hill, and lesser known Leeuwkop clearly define the view of Cape Town. From any point you can see the immense rising mountain slopes of Table Mountain. Often there is a thin blanket of fog or clouds that resemble a tablecloth on the mountain. Sports enthusiasts can hike to

4 the top while enjoying beautiful views. There is also a cable car at your disposal. Cape Peninsula Day 3 Cape Town, Cape Peninsula tour (visit Cape Point and Boulders Beach penguin colony) Day 4 Cape Town - Lambert's Bay On the way to the Cape of Good Hope, we follow one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world; Chapman Peak Drive. Along the way we visit some picturesque villages, such as Hout Bay, in Simon's Town on the way back. The last resort is famous for the presence of a colony of penguins. We take a look the boulder-strewn beach; Boulders Beach. Our destination is the Cape of Good Hope, Africa's most southwesterly point. Cape of Good Hope is a nature reserve with many animals and vegetation typical of this region, known as fynbos. At the most southwestern point of Africa you see in the west, the Atlantic and further east, the Indian Ocean. Bring your binoculars! In some periods of the year you can see whales off the coast. In the evening we return to Cape Town. The next morning we leave for Lambert's Bay. Just outside Cape Town we visit Blouberg Beach where we can get a quick look at Table Mountain. We follow the beautiful coastal road to the north. Through Velddrift we reach Lambert's Bay in about 4 hours. In the afternoon it is possible, if the weather conditions allow it to take an optional visit to Bird Island. This is home to over 17,000 shiner gannets and other seabirds. Orange River, Fish River Canyon Day 5 Lamberts Bay - Orange River (Namibia) Day 6 Orange River - Fish River Canyon On the way to Orange River the landscape becomes more and more desolate as we penetrate further into the adjacent Namaqualand. Along the way we pass small, sleepy towns. The landscape is green again when we come close to the broad Orange River, which forms the border between South Africa and Namibia. You can find along the banks irrigation projects where seasonal workers enter from Namibia. We cross the border at Vioolsdrif and stay in the Kara Valley in Southern Namibia. If time permits, there are optional hikes or you can rent a canoe to explore the river and its surroundings. We continue our journey in Namibia. Our destination this day is the second largest canyon in the world, the Fish River Canyon. The Fish River has an impressive 16-mile wide gorge carved over millennia. The canyon itself is 100 miles long. We drive to several viewpoints. With any luck we can see our first game such as springbok and Klipspringers up in the special quiver trees. Descending into the gorge is no longer allowed. Sossusvlei Day 7 Fish River Canyon - Sossusvlei Day 8 Sossusvlei

5 The farther north we drive the more desolate it is. The ultimate aim of our strenuous and dusty ride is impressive Sossusvlei, a large hollow in the dunes at the edge of the Namib-Naukluft Park. We drive in the early morning to Sossusvlei. This pan is surrounded by the world's highest sand dunes. The view of this sea of sand is particularly impressive in the evening and early morning. It seems as if the sand sea glows on your feet in the red light. It takes a lot of effort to climb the 656 foot high dunes, but the view of the eerie moonscape isworthwhile. You have the opportunity to take a stroll and explore in this bizarre environment and to observe how tough plants bravely resist the harsh conditions of the desert. In the afternoon there is the possibility to take a walk to the Sesriem Canyon. This canyon has arisen because the Tsauchab river over thousands of years, a 96 foot deep and 1.2 mile long fissure in the rock has eroded. In the winter months, there is no water in the canyon, so you can safely descend into the gorge. At other times of the year you will find a small stream here or a pool. Swakopmund Day 9 Sossusvlei - Swakopmund Day 10 Swakopmund Due to the rugged nature of the Namib-Naukluft we drive on the coast Swakopmund. Although this place is considered by the white inhabitants of Namibia as a resort, the seawater is usually icy cold. Walking along the broad Arnold Shad Promenade by the sea you are more likely to see sea lions than swimmers. Swakopmund is a bizarre relic from the German colonial period. German street names, German beer and especially people of German descent give this place a special atmosphere. In the center you can admire some colonial buildings, such as the former train station, which is definitely a must-see. In the evening you will find restaurants with various forms of wild offerings on the menu as well as bratwurst. The next day you have the time to explore Swakopmund or to to participate in (optional) activities such as quad biking through the sand dunes, a flight over the Skeleton Coast, visiting a township, or to spectacular go sand-boarding. Cape Cross and Twyfelfontein Day 11 Swakopmund - Cape Cross - Twijfelfontijn - environment Khorixas Day 12 Khorixas - Etosha National Park A straight road takes us out the next day to Swakopmund. Just north of the city where salt is extracted you can expect some traffic. Then we have leave civilization and paved roads behind us again and drive along one of the merciless coasts of Africa; the Skeleton Coast. This 40-mile-wide coastal strip forms a buffer between the sea and the backdrop of Kaokoland and Damara. The landscape is completely empty and the only landmarks are the distance poles, which number of miles from

6 Swakopmund state. In this coastal strip are gravel and sand plains where each year no more than 3 inches of rain falls. We stop at Cape Cross, where the Portuguese navigator Diego Cao was the first European to set foot on the Namibian coast. We take a look at the cross that he planted here in honor of the Portuguese King João I. In addition to its historical significance Cape Cross is known for its large colony of seals. We continue inland across desolate gravel plains along the Brandberg to near Twijfelfontijn. The area has worldwide fame for its many petroglyphs and inscriptions which can be seen in the rocks many of which are thousands of years old. You can see engravings of lions or elephants and geometric figures. In 2007 Twijfelfontijn was placed on the on the UNESCO World Heritage List.The next day we drive to Etosha NP. We stay two nights just south of the park. Etosha National Park & Rundu Day 13 Etosha National Park Day 14 Etosha National Park Day 15 Etosha NP - Rundu Etosha is undoubtedly one of the best game parks in southern Africa. For two days we take plenty for game drives (game quests). The name Etosha means great white place of dry water. This name refers to the vast, dazzling salt pan that covers a large part of the park. Only a few days a year you will find a small amount of water here, where flamingos and other water birds come. Most large game, however, reside in the adjacent grasslands and mopane bushes. Here we will also see the herds of zebra and wildebeest. It will require more effort to detect the rare black rhino and black-headed impala. In all restcamps you can sit and observe the watering hole. From afar you observe herds of

7 elephants arrive here to quench their thirst. Okavango Delta Day 16 Rundu - Maun Day 17 Maun - Okavango Delta Day 18 Okavango Delta Day 19 Okavango Delta - Gweta From Etosha National Park we drive via Grootfontein to Rundu. Further north we leave the dry desert behind us and reach the fertile Caprivi Region. We pass several Owambo villages. Near Rundu we see for the first time the Okavango River. The town itself is not large. The vast suburbs are mainly inhabited by Angolans who fled the war in their country. We stay overnight in a lodge, located on the Okavango River. If we get back in time you in the afternoon you can take an optional boat trip on the river. The next day we spend the night in Maun, our base for the Okavango Delta. The Okavango River, which originates in the highlands of Angola, leads down to the Kalahari Desert. A dense labyrinth of rivers, streams and islands is home to hippos, elephants, antelopes and hundreds of bird species. The Okavango is a bird paradise and you will certainly hear the insistent call of the many ospreys. The next day we sail (subject to water levels) by motorboat deep into the Delta. We explore the narrow waterways in dugout mokoro canoes to maneuver the water lilies, hyacinths and papyrus. Locally hired fishermen steer us through the maze of waterways and point out the game to you. We stay two nights in the middle of the bush in a camp that is already set up for us. The tents are equipped with cots and linens. From our camp we take an accompanied game walk. After returning from the Okavango Delta we drive to Gweta where we spend the night. Chobe National Park Day 20 Gweta - Chobe National Park, "a game cruise ' The Chobe National Park is best known for famous nature films that were made here on behalf of the National Geographic Society. In particular, the film Eternal Enemies, which recounts the ongoing struggle between lions and hyenas, enjoys international fame. The park has a huge variety of wildlife and is known for its huge elephant population. In autumn and winter many elephant stay close to the

8 Chobe River. We make a nice '' game cruise '' on the river, so you have the opportunity to observe and photograph the wildlife that comes to the banks. Often we see elephants, antelopes and with any luck a leopard. An optional "game drive" with open safari vehicles is possible. Victoria Falls Day 21 Chobe National Park - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Day 22 Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Day 23 Victoria Falls Book your flight home from Vic Falls (ZIMBABWE SIDE) Johannesburg and to U.S. In an hour we drive from Chobe National Park to the border with Zimbabwe. This border area is full of elephants as seen by the many brown spots on the road. The fine mist rising from the impressive Victoria Falls, can be seen from our residence. In the Afternoon, you can literally follow in the footsteps of David Livingstone to look at the largest waterfalls in the African continent. The noise of the falling water is deafening. The waterfall is known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, "the smoke that thunders". If you literally want to immerse in the Zambezi you can make a raft trip here, or if you find it too wild, a canoe trip. To get a good view of the falls, you can book the "Flight of the Angels". Or for the bold, the world's second highest bungee jump is located on the Zambezi Bridge! On day 23 the group drives together to the airport in Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) where you will say good by to the other travelers You will need to book your flight departing from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) to Johannesburg and on to the United States. Please note the departure times of the other Dutch travelers before booking your flights.

9 Practical information Accommodations & MealsAccommodations We stay mostly in good tourist class hotels and lodges. In the cities these accommodations are centrally located and in nature they are the nicest spots. The chalets sometimes have a private terrace, a built-in kitchenette and an outdoor barbecue. In the Okavango Delta we stay in a camp set up in the bush which is a unique experience. You sleep here in a simple tent which is equipped with a stretcher and bedding. The meals during the stay are included in the fare. Some examples of our usual hotels (subject to change) Etosha Fish River Canyon Rundu Victoria Falls Solitaire Chobe Orange river Etosha Safari Camp ( Canon Village Lodge ( N-Kwazi River Lodge ( Rainbow Hotel ( Solitaire Country Lodge ( Thebe River Lodge ( Norotshama River Resort ( Single room Djoser is single friendly! If you are traveling solo, we will match you with a same-sex roommate. If we cannot match you, there will be no additional room charge. For a reasonable charge, you may request single accommodations, subject to availability. Just indicate this preference on your booking form. You will find pricing for single accommodations on 'dates & prices' page. Hotel extensions It is always great to be well-rested when you begin a journey such as this. If you would like to book an extension hotel night upon arrival in the city where the land program begins, let us know on your booking form. You will find the prices for extension nights listed in the 'Dates & Prices' page. Meals The meals in the Okavango Delta are included. Other meals are not included.the basic dish of the countries through which we travel is maize porridge. In southern Africa it is called sadza. It is usually eaten with beef or goat with sauce, called 'relish'. It tastes best when you eat it with your hands. A local specialty in Namibia is Mahango, a kind of millet where they make porridge. In some better restaurants, hotels and lodges and restaurants in the wildlife parks you can get Western-style dishes; French fries, pastas, steaks and other meats are available.

10 The most famous local snack in southern Africa biltong. This salted, dried meat of beef or game is usually eaten as an appetizer, but also between appease your worst hunger as a snack. It can be compared to jerky. As for soft drinks, Cola, Fanta and Sprite are sold in most places. Also, mineral water is available everywhere but may, or may not be cooled. The local beers and wines are very good and affordable. Flights & Transportation Booking your international flight We provide the land package and transportation within the program as described. We do not arrange international flights from or to the United States or Canada. The land program will begin approximately two hours after the arrival of the Netherlands (NL) participants who will be arrive from Amsterdam. The land program will end about 4 hours prior to their scheduled departure time, which allows for time to get to the airport. The proposed flights for the Dutch participants and the LAND BEGIN and END times are listed below. They are subject to change based on flight delays or changes. We will keep you posted of any flight changes that we are aware of prior to the trip. When scheduling your flights, keep the following times in mind: Dutch participant proposed flights: (subject to change) Airline Your land program begins in CAPE TOWN and ends in VICTORIA FALLS Flight Schedules for trips that start in Cape Town: Carrier: Lufthansa Amsterdam - Frankfurt 18:40 to 19:50 Frankfurt - Johannesburg 22:05-08: 40 * Johannesburg - Cape Town 11:00 to 13:10 Victoria Falls - Johannesburg 13:55 to 15:35 Johannesburg - Frankfurt 19:15-05: 55 * Frankfurt - Amsterdam 8:05 to 09:15

11 * Arrival next day Flight schedule trips beginn and at Victoria Falls Amsterdam - Frankfurt 18:40 to 19:50 Frankfurt - Johannesburg 22:05-08: 40 * Johannesburg - Victoria Falls 11:25 to 13:05 Cape Town - Johannesburg 14:10 to 16:10 Johannesburg - Frankfurt 19:15-05: 55 * Frankfurt - Amsterdam 8:05 to 09:15 * September 27, Oct 4, Oct 11 and Nov 5 (Differentt flight and arrival times with British Airways. October 18 and November 8, 2015 have a different flight schedule with Lufthansa. T January 3 and February 14, 2016 have a different schedule with KLM. Before you book your flight To avoid flight change or cancellation costs get confirmation from our office that the trip has enough participants to be a GO. Verify the spelling of your name-within 24 hours When you book your flights, double check your flight records to confirm that your name is spelled on your ticket exactly as it appears on your passport. Some companies (for example, ORBITZ) will only allow a 24 hour window to correct any errors without penalty. You may incur heavy fees for changes, forfeiture of your flight ticket, or even worse, you could be denied entry to a border upon arrival. Send us a copy of your flight itinerary We will forward to the tour leader so they will know when to expect you at the hotel and when you will be departing. Keep in mind hotel extensions If the Dutch travelers arrive early in the morning, we recommend that you arrange to fly in the day or night before so you will be meet the group. Some trips involve an immediate transfer from airport to the next town so make sure you will arrive before the others so you don t miss the first meeting or transfer to the next location. We can arrange an extension hotel night for you. Prices for hotel extensions can be found in the 'dates & prices' section

12 If the Netherlands arrive in the late evening Should they arrive very late in the evening, the group will have their first meeting in the morning in the hotel lobby. You can check in earlier and relax or explore on your own. Airport transfer to/from hotel not Included If you will be arriving and or departing on the same flight as the Dutch travelers let us know. Then you can join them on the bus for the group transfer at no additional charge. Notify us in advance so we can alert the tour leader. If you schedule your flight at the same time as theirs, or later, you can join them on the group transfer to the airport at no additional charge. Otherwise, you can take an authorized taxi to the first hotel on the list we have provided for you. Private airport transfers can be very costly. If your flight is delayed, they are difficult to reschedule or cancel. With a taxi, you are not charged for waiting time or cancellations. Useful Links for booking your flights Orbitz.com ( Expedia.com ( Kaykak.com ( Local transportation The roads in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia are usually of good quality and partly paved. However, some parts of the road are unpaved, especially in the wildlife parks. IN western Namibia you will no find paved roads. In the big cities like Cape Town and Swakopmund there is no transport at our disposal; it's also more fun to explore these cities leisurely on foot from the central accommodation or with a (cheap) taxi. Our trip ends in Vicotoria falls We travel with a safari truck equipped with comfortable chairs and sliding glass windows. We have full access to these vehicles, so we can stop wherever we want. The "game drives" that are included in the price (Etosha NP) we do with our own truck. It is possible to book an optional game drive in an open jeep. Money Matters A summary of all trip costs can be found on our dates & prices' page. Prices may fluctuate throughout the year depending on currency exchange, gas costs, etc. Included in price - Land package (begins & ends at hotel) - Transport by well-equipped safari truck) - Accommodation in hotels, lodges and chalets - Tour Okavango Delta - Tour Cape of Good Hope

13 - Visit Cape Cross - Boat Chobe River - Entrance fees to all national parks & meals during stay in Okavango Delta, worth $365 When you book a trip - 25% of total costs due upon booking to hold your place - Payments by charge card or check are accepted - Balance is due 60 days prior to departure date While you are traveling South Africa Local Currency: ATM Machines: Charge Cards: Types of cash accepted: Rand Easily found Readily accepted Nambia Local Currency: ATM Machines: Charge Cards: Types of cash accepted: Namibian=Dollar ATMS in major cities of South Africa and Namibia Used at banks to get cash Euros accepted Botswana Local Currency: ATM Machines: Charge Cards: Types of cash accepted: Botswana = Pula ATMS in major cities of South Africa and Namibia Used at banks to get cash Euros accepted Zimbabwe Local Currency: ATM Machines: Charge Cards: Types of cash accepted: US Dollar ATMS in major cities of South Africa and Namibia Used at banks to get cash Euros accepted

14 Tipping It is customary to tip for services rendered. The tour leader will organize a tip jar at the beginning of the trip, from which tips to drivers, guides, hotel staff are paid. Depending on the size of the group, each participant will be asked to contribute $40 to $50. This does not include a tip for your tour leader. Tipping the tour leader is appreciated and the amount up to your discretion. ** You will find a list of all trip costs in the 'dates & prices' section, including your estimated out of pocket costs. Excursions Freedom and choice are important elements of a Djoser trip. In addition to scheduled group activities, wherever possible, you may decide which attractions you wish to visit, and with whom. Unless otherwise indicated, entrance fees are not included in the price, so you have the freedom to make your own choices. One person may prefer to stroll through the market in search of bargains, while someone else may want to relax by the pool, go to a museum, or take a bike ride. Join the guide or break off with others in the group to explore on foot or with the local transport. Some attractions should not be missed, or they are not easily accessible, or are en route to our next overnight location and are therefore built into the program. In the PRICES/DATES section you will find the estimated out-of-pocket, weekly expenses that have calculated in typical entry fees in addition to meals and other costs. During this journey through, the following excursions are included in the program: - A visit to the Cape Peninsula. We follow the beautiful Chapmans Peak Drive and stop at the Cape of Good Hope (National Park) and the penguin colony at Boulders Beach in Simonstown. - From our accommodation we enter the National Park Fish River Canyon to view the canyon from a number of viewpoints. - We visit the hollows Deadvlei & Sossusvlei located within the Namib Naukluft National Park. If there is time left we visit the Sesriemcanyon. - Visit the fur seal colony at Cape Cross on the Skeleton Coast. - Etosha National Park; We make our own safari trucks two game drives per day to observe wildlife / photography. - Excursion in the Okavango Delta; we drive jeeps deep into the Okavango Delta, making this a cruise by mokoro and walking with guide in search of game. - We take a boat trip on the Chobe River in Chobe National Park to observe the wildlife On the way our safari truck stops at a number of places where you will need to pay entry fees: - In Lamberts Bay we visit an impressive gannet colony at Bird Island - In the area of Doubt Fontijn we visit the mountain where more than 2000 engravings from the Bushmen can be admired. We also take a look at the organ pipes '' and 'burnt mountain' - The famous Victoria Falls are a short walk from our stylish accommodation.

15 Travel Documents When you book a trip we will provide you with more details about necessary documents. Passports should be current and valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date. If a visa is required, you may need extra pages in your passport for your stamps. Check all visa requirements carefully and leave yourself plenty of time to send and receive documents before your trip. Travel documents needed (subject to change. Check with consulates) Visa needed for: South Africa - NO Botswana - NO Nambia - NO Zimbabwe - YES Consulate links: South Africa ( Botswana ( Nambia ( Zimbabwe ( Visa expeditor If you are anxious about the visa process, or if you are short of time, you can pay an additional fee for an expediting service. They will look over your paperwork and should be able to guaranty a swift return of your visa or passport. TRAVISA ( Health Issues & Insurance Health Check for the Center for Disease Control for recommendations. Keep in mind that they may recommend an inoculation or medication such as malaria pills, which may be necessary for one specific part of a country but not another, or for a particular season. Shots are expensive. Make sure to get only what is needed. We recommend asking your doctor for a perscription to combat a more serious intestinal disorder. Center for Disease Control Travelers information ( When you book a trip we will provide you with information regarding the usual recommendations for the region we will visit. You will be responsible to check with your travel clinic or physician to review your plans and to find out the most up-to-date recommendations and needs for your particular situation. Plan to get your inoculations four to six weeks in advance of your trip. Some offices may need to preorder the medicines so call in advance. It is wise to pay careful attention to what you eat. Also, we recommend you bring medicines such as

16 pain-killer and for remedy for intestinal disorders (such as IMMODIUM) Bring a small first aid kit. Tweezers, band-aids, anticeptic cream, insect repellent, salt rehydration tablets. The tour leader will have a first aid kit. Climate and altitude changes can sometimes cause illness. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Bottled water is readily available. Excessive alcohol intake contributes to dehydration and makes you more vulnerable to illness. Make sure that you get plenty of rest and enough food and drink during the trip. Most people are recommened to get: - Vaccination against DTP and hepatitis A - Malaria tablets Center for disease control links South Africa ( Botswana ( Nambia ( Zimbabwe ( Insurance For piece of mind, we recommend that you procure travel insurance. In the event of an illness or injury, an emergency evacuation can be incredibly expensive and you would want access to the best possible facility. Also, lost baggage or missed flights can mean added expenses, Even events at home may prevent you from taking a trip, such as a lost job or ailing family member. It is important to get travel insurance immediately after booking. Most companies have a brief window (within 10 days of booking) for coverage for a preexisting condition. You will be asked to provide us with travel insurance contact information before your departure. You are free to choose your own provider. Over the years, we have recommended TRAVELEX. They offer a variety of plans and most importantly, they are responsive. Should you choose to go with TRAVELEX, you will contact them directly and the cost of your coverage will depend on the plan you choose. The cost will be based over the total cost of your trip and flights, and the amount is also subject to your age. Ask about the TRAVEL PLUS plan and the more economical TRAVEL LITE plan. * Arrange for insurance immediately after booking your trip so that you are covered for any pre-existing situation. TRAVELEX Group Composition Djoser travelers are active, enthusiastic travelers of all ages. Join an international group with travelers from the Netherlands, Belgium and North America, who will be the minority group on these trips. Most of our trips range from a minimum of eight participants to a maximum of 20 or 22. You will find couple and singles on our trips. Feel free to call us if you wish to know the demographic make-up of a

17 particular trips (number of singles and age range). Minimum group size: 8 Maximum group size: 20 What to expect when traveling with an international group Most of our trips are arranged in cooperation with Djoser, B.V. in the Netherlands. Because they cater to the voracious travel appetites of the Dutch, we can offer a vast number of programs around the world with hard-to-find itineraries, with numerous departure dates. On our trips, you will travel with an international group, with most participants from Holland and Belgium. The international make-up of our groups is the attraction for many regular Djoser travelers and adds another cultural element to the trip. Typically, there are only one to five North Americans per group. You will find that almost all of your fellow travelers have an excellent command of English and most are very willing to socialize. It s a great idea to extend an invitation to a few travel mates for coffee or a drink early in the trip. They will appreciate your effort and this is a great way to break the ice. It will be easier for them to test out their English skills in a quiet, one-on-one setting. Group members tend to warm up to one another in a day or two. As with every tour group, compatibility has most to do with individual personalities. The Dutch are experienced and hearty travelers. We attract travelers of all ages and we enjoy the mix! You will find our participants welcome opportunities for independent explorations in addition to group activities. No matter their age, Djoser travelers expect, and are up to lots of walking, hiking, biking, or whatever comes our way. The Dutch and Belgian travelers will fly as a group from Amsterdam. You will meet the group and tour leader at the hotel where you will begin the land program with the group. Tour Leaders & Support Staff Our trips will be guided by an experienced Dutch guide who speaks Dutch and English. He or she will be responsible for the organizational and technical aspects of the trip. He/she coordinates with the driver, hotels, and other vendors along the way. The tour leader has extensive travel experience and expertise as well as a comprehensive training. In-country agents Our experienced land representatives are situated in the destination country you will visit. We work closely with them and they function as the liaison between our office, the guide, drivers and hotels. They are also available in the case of an emergency and their number will be provided on your emergency contact list. Climate & Geography

18 Our trips are organized with weather conditions in mind. On our website, we will provide you with a weather summary of the region: Check temperature and rainfall for specific cities on your trip, during your month of travel at worldweather.org ( The seasons are opposite to ours and temperatures pleasant year-round. July is the coldest month and January the hottest. In geranial winters are dy. Morning and evenings may be quite cool so warm clothing and a warm sleeping bag are needed. In Botswana the rainy season is between November and d March but during this period the sun shines in South Africa and Namibia.