Trip Notes JOHANNESBURG TO CAPE TOWN HIGHLIGHTS SUMMARY

Transcription

1 Trip Notes Trip Code: AZJ Countries: South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho Amended: October 2013 Edition No: TH Valid from: 01 Jan 31 Dec 2014 JOHANNESBURG TO CAPE TOWN HIGHLIGHTS Travel through the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Mpumalanga Province and visit the numerous natural attractions Visit Kruger, the largest National Park in South Africa with its wealth of wildlife Take an afternoon nature walk in Hlane Royal National Park in the Kingdom of Swaziland Take a boat ride in the St. Lucia wetlands Walk in the Drakensberg, amongst the highest mountains in Southern Africa Enter the little visited nation of Lesotho with a distinctly rural and hilly feel Explore the Garden Route with stunning coastline and spectacular scenery Enjoy great wines and rolling vineyards set out below rising peaks around Stellenbosch Discover Cape Town with its beautiful backdrop of Table Mountain and the peaks of the Twelve Apostles, this cosmopolitan city is full of life SUMMARY This traverse of South Africa includes something for everyone: wildlife, beaches, culture, mountains and some fantastic scenery. The remarkable Drakensberg Mountains and dramatic canyons of Mpumalanga, Kruger National Park, the wetlands of St. Lucia, the Kingdom of Swaziland, mountains of Lesotho, plus the famed Garden Route and wonderful Cape Town - it's all there! We walk along some beautiful stream paths in the Drakensberg Mountains and enjoy the magnificent views of the Berg, along with visits in Mpumalanga to Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes and Gods Window. These natural attractions really are a sight to behold. Kruger National Park is a wildlife lover's paradise. It is undeniably one of the best national parks in South Africa and there is every chance of seeing lion, rhino, elephant, leopard and buffalo as well as giraffe, cheetah and a multitude of plains' game. A nature walk in Hlane Royal National Park, Swaziland, also gives you the opportunity observe the most interesting secrets of the bush and birdlife on foot! The St. Lucia wetlands on the Elephant Coast is known as a place where it is not uncommon to see crocodiles right in town. Moving west, Lesotho is a little-visited nation with its rolling hills and culture. Here we do some gentle walks and there is the option of a cultural visit to a local village. One of the world's greatest drives is that along the Garden Route and through the winelands to Stellenbosch. The stunning coastal scenery and the rolling vineyards and rising peaks of the winelands are a photographers delight. Finally we arrive in the bustling, beautiful and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. This trip really does have something for everyone!! Flora and fauna There are a number of opportunities to see wildlife, in particular Edeni Game Reserve, known for its leopards and where we can have a game walk; Exodus Travels Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE Sales & Reservations: sales@exodus.co.uk

2 Kruger National Park, with the greatest numebr of species of any park in Africa; St. Lucia Lake, with its crocs, hippos and sharks (sometimes); and Hermanus, with it spectacles of whales (August-November). The game viewing is generally at its best from July to September. This is because visibility improves due to the trees losing their leaves and because the game is more restricted to the areas that have water. The bush at this time though, is much drier compared to earlier in the season and scenically the country is generally at its prettiest in April- June. The migratory birds are visible between October-April. Whales migrate along the southern coast of Africa between August and October. Being on these selected departures will increase your chances of seeing them from the shore. However, as with all wild animals, sightings should be seen as a great benefit rather than a guaranteed experience. The best time to see the flowers is in the spring (August & September). almost certainly see some of the big five and a huge variety of smaller mammals. We game drive through the park to the campsite, where there will be a chance for a swim and hot showers. We have two days in the park and on Day 4 both morning and afternoon game drives are included to maximise our chances of seeing the plentiful fauna of this great Park. FC (B,L,D) Day 5 (Day 6 Ex London) To Swaziland We enter Swaziland and overnight in the Kings old hunting grounds, now the beautiful Hlane Royal National Park. In the afternoon there is the opportunity to leave the vehicle and enjoy a nature walk (optional). Seeing animals and tracks outside of the confines of a vehicle is a thrilling experience and gives us the chance to see and hear the variety of smaller animals and birds that are often passed by on game drives. FC (B,L,D) IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? Due to the nature of this trip there are some long driving days as we cover a lot of the country but there is lots to do and see along the way, plus we stop regularly for toilets, refreshments, photographs and leg stretches. All camping on this trip is fully supported, so all cooking and other camp chores (including erecting and dismantling your tents) are done for you by your guide and assistant, allowing you to get the most out of your holiday! This trip is classed as leisurely/ moderate grade. It is designed for people in good health who enjoy the outdoors. It is a varied trip, with sightseeing, city tours, game viewing, beach activities and walking. The moderate grading is given as some of the walks, especially in the Drakensberg, require a reasonable level of fitness. Legal Note: all group members joining this tour will be asked to sign an indemnity form at the start of the holiday. This indemnity form is a requirement of the South African Tourism Service Association which our local supplier is a member of. As a client of Exodus Travels Ltd, your rights under the Package Travel Regulations (1992) are unaffected, and Exodus remains liable for the actions of our subcontractors. LAND ONLY ITINERARY The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the type of accommodation normally used (if different standards of accommodation are used - see accommodation section below for key to codes), and meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Day 1 (Day 2 Ex London) Start Johannesburg We leave the airport and make our way, on good roads, to the old gold rush town of Pilgrim's Rest on the eastern escarpment. En route we travel through South Africa's highest town, Belfast (1,970m) and the scenic Robbers Pass. We overnight in Graskop (Mpumalamga), with views over the Graskop Gorge. Our driving time today will be approximately 5 hours plus sightseeing. SH (L,D) Day 2 (Day 3 Ex London) Panorama Route and Edeni Reserve Today we explore the aptly named Panorama Route. We drive through some spectacular countryside and we stop at scenic places like Bourke's Luck potholes and Blyde River Canyon, the third largest of its type in the southern hemisphere. From here we continue to a private game reserve, Edeni, well known for its leopard population. This evening we will have the opportunity to go on an open game-vehicle sunset game drive (optional). FC (B,L,D) Days 3/4 (Days 4/5 Ex London) Kruger National Park This morning we head out looking for wildlife on foot as we head on a game walk through the reserve. From here we continue to Kruger National Park, justifiably one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. It is also one of the oldest, established by the president Paul Kruger in It has arguably the greatest variety of animals of any park in Africa, with lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black and white rhino, as well as cheetah, giraffe, hippo and many species of antelope and smaller plains' game. The total census includes 147 mammals, 507 birds and 114 reptiles as well as 336 different trees. The campsites are also excellent and the general infrastructure good. If you see all the predators you will be very lucky, however you will Day 6 (Day 7 Ex London) To St. Lucia This morning we drive south towards the town of Big Bend on our way to the border and back into South Africa. We continue towards the small town of St. Lucia between the Indian Ocean and Lake St. Lucia. It is not uncommon to come across stray hippos in the centre of town and the nearby lagoon is a haven for crocs, hippos, birds and even sharks! FC (B,L) Day 7 (Day 8 Ex London) St. Lucia This morning we head out on a boat on the lagoon making our way to the eastern shore. Here we go on a game walk accompanied by a local guide. We return to town and have the rest of the day free to relax or take part in one of the optional activities on offer. These includes visiting a local crocodile farm, snorkelling, whale watching (in season - June-November), going to the beach and doing sunset and night game drives on the western shore of the lake. FC (B,L,D) Day 8 (Day 9 Ex London) Drive to Dundee We leave St. Lucia today and drive through the Natal midlands and on to Dundee. En route we stop at Rourke's Drift and have a chance to learn about the famous battle at the local museum. Immortalised by Hollywood in the film Zulu! The events that took place here are well known and the small cluster of buildings isolated in the enormity of the African Bush are a moving reminder of this troubled time. FC (B,L,D) Day 9 (Day 10 Ex London) Royal Natal National Park We continue through the Natal midlands and on to the Northern Drakensberg, our base for the next 2 nights. The Drakensberg is a basalt escarpment forming the border between Kwa Zulu-Natal and Lesotho and continuing into the Free State. It means 'Dragon Mountains', but the Zulu named it Ukhahlamba ('the barrier of Spears'). This is a more accurate description of the sheer, forbidding, jagged escarpment. The walking takes us through the lowland areas with magnificent views. SH (B,L,D) 2

3 Day 10 (Day 11 Ex London) Drakensberg Our route will have us walking into the natural amphitheatre, past Protea trees. The Protea is the national flower of South Africa, as well as the name of their cricket team. SH (B,L,D) Day 11 (Day 12 Ex London) Lesotho Today is a long day's drive as we travel through the eastern farmlands of the Free State and enter Lesotho at the Maseru border post. This mountainous kingdom has been shielded from outside influence over the generations and the Bastho people historically used this strategic location as a defence against events on the plains below. The lodge situated in this rugged mountainous region provides us with an ideal opportunity to experience the Lesotho culture. Our driving time today will be approximately 7 hours. SH (B,L,D) Day 12 (Day 13 Ex London) Free day for hiking The day is free to relax and experience the unique culture that Lesotho has to offer. Mountain ridges protrude into the town and an optional day walking with local guides and their ponies to a local village is recommended. Alternatively the craft shops and markets can be an enjoyable way to pick up some African souvenirs. SH (B,L,D) Day 17 (Day 18 Ex London) To Cape Town In the morning we leave Hermanus and, hugging the coastline (there is always a good chance to see whales in season), we drive along this scenic route to Gordon's Bay and then onto Stellenbosch. The afternoon will be spent visiting a few of the vineyards, which make this area world famous. Having enjoyed the local produce, wine tasting is optional. We then take a short drive to Cape Town. SH (B) Day 18 (Day 19 Ex London) Cape Peninsula After an early morning breakfast we drive via the coastal suburbs of Clifton, Camps Bay and Hout Bay and then over Chapman's peak drive to the famous Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, which covers an area of 7,680 hectares. The reserve is home to eland, bontebok, grysbok, springbok, wildebeest, baboon and ostrich. Rugged cliffs, unspoilt beaches, shipwrecks and beautiful flora are the main features of the reserve. We will also visit the famous Cape Point lighthouse. In the afternoon we take a short (1 hour) walk that is almost entirely downhill. Our destination is the Cape of Good Hope with a detour to Diaz beach. The trail ends at the famous signboard 'Cape of Good Hope'. We then return to Cape Town passing through the former Royal Navy base town of Simonstown and a visit to the resident Penguin Colony (optional). SH (B) Day 19 (Day 20 Ex London) Free day in Cape Town The day is free and an optional trip to Robben Island, site of Nelson Mandela's incarceration during the apartheid period, is highly recommended. Weather permitting a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain is a must for any visitor to this picturesque city. Alternatively the beaches of Cape Town are a great place to relax and unwind. SH (B) Day 20 (Day 21 Ex London) Depart Cape Town The morning is free for some last minute shopping or sightseeing. Depart Cape Town (B) For those on group flights, these depart in the evening and will arrive in the UK the following day. REVERSE ITINERARY Day 13 (Day 14 Ex London) To the Great Karoo On the road today as we drive south to Graaf-Reinet, the oldest town on the Eastern Cape founded in Our driving time will be approximately 8 hours passing through the desert landscape of the Great Karoo. SH (B,L,D) Day 14 (Day 15 Ex London) Tsitsikamma National Park We drive down to the coast over the Baviaanskloof Mountains and the Kouga Mountains before arriving at Tsitsikamma National Park at Storms River mouth. This national park protects the indigenous forests as well as the marine life 50km out to sea. We camp on a beautifully positioned campsite with the waves breaking a stone's throw away. FC (B,L,D) Day 15 (Day 16 Ex London) Day of optional activities Our second day in the Tsitsikamma N.P. is free to enjoy the beautiful setting. There are a range of optional activities including walks to the Storms River gorge and along the rocky coast, snorkelling, sea and river cruises and a tree canopy tour through the forests. In season, approximately August to October, the marine park becomes home to a population of migratory whales. FC (B,L,D) Day 16 (Day 17 Ex London) To Hermanus We drive along the beautiful Garden Route coastline via George and the rolling cultivated fields of the Western Cape Boland to Hermanus. The route is stunning and follows the ragged coast passing through small fishing villages and seaside resorts. Hermanus is an interesting little town, rightly famous for its delicious seafood and a visit to one of the great restaurants in the evening is highly recommended. It is also widely regarded as the best place in the world for land-based whale watching from August to November. SH (B,L) Cape Town to Johannesburg itinerary (AZJR) Day 1 (Day 2 Ex London) Cape Town We arrive in Cape Town and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after the flight or explore the city at the bottom of Africa. Cape Town sits in one of the most beautiful locations of any of the world's major cities with the impressive bulk of Table Mountain as its backdrop and Table Bay in the foreground. The city is a melting pot of cultures as people from Europe, Africa and Asia have all settled (either voluntarily or forcibly) here over the centuries. The city is a blend of European and African and a great place to watch the world go by or visit its various sites and museums. SH Day 2 (Day 3 Ex London) Cape Peninsula After an early morning breakfast we drive via the coastal suburbs of Clifton, Camps Bay and Hout Bay and then over Chapman's peak drive to the famous Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, which covers an area of 7,680 hectares. The reserve is home to eland, bontebok, grysbok, springbok, wildebeest, baboon and ostrich. Rugged cliffs, unspoilt beaches, shipwrecks and beautiful flora are the main features of the reserve. We will also visit the famous Cape Point lighthouse. In the afternoon we take a short (1 hour) walk that is almost entirely downhill. Our destination is the Cape of Good Hope with a detour to Diaz beach. The trail ends at the famous signboard 'Cape of Good Hope'. We then return to Cape Town passing through the former Royal Navy base town of Simonstown and a visit to the resident Penguin Colony (optional). SH (B) Day 3 (Day 4 Ex London) Cape Town free day The day is free and an optional trip to Robben Island, site of Nelson Mandela's incarceration during the apartheid period, is highly recommended. Weather permitting a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain is a must for any visitor to this picturesque city. 3

4 Alternatively the beaches of Cape Town are a great place to relax and unwind. SH (B) Day 4 (Day 5 Ex London) Stellenbosch and Hermanus Leaving Cape Town behind, we drive out to the vineyard region of Stellenbosch where we have the option of visiting wineries and doing some wine tasting. We then continue towards Hermanus driving via Gordon's Bay. There is always a good chance of seeing whales when in season. Hermanus is an interesting little town, rightly famous for its delicious seafood and a visit to one of the great restaurants in the evening is highly recommended. It is also widely regarded as the best place in the world for land-based whale watching from August to November. SH (B,L) Day 5 (Day 6 Ex London) Garden Route Today we drive along the beautiful Garden Route coastline via the cultivated fields of the Western Cape Boland and the town of George towards the Tsitsikamma National Park. The route is stunning and follows the ragged coast passing through small fishing villages and seaside resort. This national park, at the mouth of the Storms River, protects the indigenous forests as well as the marine life 50km out to sea. We camp on a beautifully positioned campsite with the waves breaking a stone's throw away. FC (B,L,D) small cluster of buildings isolated in the enormity of the African Bush is a moving reminder of this troubled time. FC (B,L,D) Day 13 (Day 14 Ex London) Drive to St. Lucia Today we head for the Indian Ocean and the small town of St. Lucia on the shores of a lake renowned for its hippos, crocs and birds. FC (B,L,D) Day 14 (Day 15 Ex London) St. Lucia This morning we head out on a boat on the lagoon making our way to the eastern short. Here we go on a game walk accompanied by a local guide. We return to town and have the rest of the day free to relax or take part in one of the optional activities on offer. These includes visiting a local crocodile farm, snorkelling, whale watching (in season - June-November), going to the beach and doing sunset and night game drives on the western shore of the lake. FC (B,L) Day 6 (Day 7 Ex London) Tsitsikama National Park Our second day in the Tsitsikamma N.P. is free to enjoy the beautiful setting. There are a range of optional activities including walks to the Storms River gorge and along the rocky coast, snorkelling, sea and river cruises and a tree canopy tour through the forests. In season, approximately August to October, the marine park becomes home to a population of migratory whales. FC (B,L,D) Day 7 (Day 8 Ex London) Graaff Reinet We head over the Kouga Mountains and Baviaanskloof Mountains as we head towards Graaff Reinet. This small 19th century town is set in the middle of the Karoo National Reserve and is a stop-over on our way to Lesotho. SH (B,L,D) Day 8 (Day 9 Ex London) Long drive to Lesotho Today is a long day's drive as we traverse the Great Karoo and enter Lesotho. This mountainous kingdom has been shielded from outside influence over the generations and the Bastho people historically used this strategic location as a defence against events on the plains below. The lodge situated in this rugged mountainous region provides us with an ideal opportunity to experience the Lesotho culture. SH (B,L,D) Day 9 (Day 10 Ex London) Lesotho The day is free to relax and experience the unique culture that Lesotho has to offer. Mountain ridges protrude into the town and an optional day walking with local guides and their ponies to a local village is recommended. Alternatively the craft shops and markets can be an enjoyable way to pick up some African souvenirs. SH (B,L,D) Day 10 (Day 11 Ex London) Drakensberg Mountains Re-entering South Africa we drive through the eastern farmlands of the Free State and make our way towards the Drakensberg Mountains. The Drakensberg is a basalt escarpment forming the border between Kwa Zulu-Natal and Lesotho and continuing into the Free State. It means 'Dragon Mountains', but the Zulu named it Ukhahlamba ('the barrier of Spears'). This is a more accurate description of the sheer, forbidding, jagged escarpment. The walking takes us through the lowland areas with magnificent views. CC (B,L,D) Day 11 (Day 12 Ex London) Drakensberg - the Amphetheatre Our route will have us walking into the natural amphitheatre, past Protea trees. The Protea is the national flower of South Africa, as well as the name of their cricket team. CC (B,L,D) Day 12 (Day 13 Ex London) Rourke's Drift and Dunde Today we drive through the Natal midlands and on to Dundee, en route we stop at Rourke's Drift and have a chance to learn about the famous battle at the local museum. Immortalised by Hollywood in the film Zulu! The events that took place here are well known and the Day 15 (Day 16 Ex London) To Swaziland Today we head into our third country, Swaziland and overnight in the Kings old hunting grounds, now the beautiful Hlane Royal National Park. In the afternoon there is the opportunity to leave the vehicle and enjoy a nature walk (optional). Seeing animals and tracks outside of the confines of a vehicle is a thrilling experience and gives us the chance to see and hear the variety of smaller animals and birds that are often passed by on game drives. FC (B,L,D) Days 16/17 (Days 17/18 Ex London) Kruger National Park We cross back into South Africa and head towards Africa's most famous national park: Kruger. The park was established by the president Paul Kruger in It has arguably the greatest variety of animals of any park in Africa, with lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, black and white rhino, as well as cheetah, giraffe, hippo and many species of antelope and smaller plains game. The total census includes 147 mammals, 507 birds and 114 reptiles as well as 336 different trees. The campsites are also excellent and the general infrastructure good. If you see all the predators you will be very lucky, however you will almost certainly see some of the big five and a huge variety of smaller mammals. We game drive through the park to the campsite, where there will be a chance for a swim and hot showers. We have two days in the park and on Day 18 both morning and afternoon game drives are included to maximise our chances of seeing the plentiful fauna of this great Park FC (B,L,D) Day 18 (Day 19 Ex London) Edeni Reserve After game driving out Kruger National Park we head to Edeni Private Game Reserve This evening we will have the opportunity to go on a sunset game drive (optional). FC (B,L,D) Day 19 (Day 20 Ex London) Bourke's Luck potholes, Blyde River Canyon and Graskop Today we head out of the park and make our way towards Graskop (Mpumalanga). En route we will drive through some spectacular countryside and we stop at scenic places like Bourke's Luck potholes 4

5 and Blyde River Canyon, the third largest of its type in the southern hemisphere. SH (B,L,D) Day 20 (Day 21 Ex London) Drive to Johannesburg On our final day we drive along good roads towards Johannesburg arriving at the airport in time for the flight home. (B) ACCOMMODATION We stay in a selection of chalets, cabins and hotel accommodation as indicated; otherwise we will be camping in two-person tents throughout the safari. Camping is undeniably the best way to experience Africa and campsites in Southern Africa are particularly well cared for, clean and tidy with facilities are of a reasonable standard. All communal camping gear is provided, including spacious igloo tents, stretchers with foam mattresses and folding stools. Transport The type of vehicle used will depend on the size of the group but it will be minibus in style and fitted with individual forward facing seats and towing a trailer for equipment and luggage. Please note there are some long driving days, but the scenery is breathtaking so this should not prove too much of a hardship. WEATHER AND SEASONALITY In the Drakensberg we stay in comfortable mountain chalets with separate twin sharing rooms and shared bathrooms. The chalets are open plan with a large lounge and dining area, perfect for evening meals. In Maputo our hotel is ideally located right on the beach in a safe area of a suburb of Maputo. Rooms are en-suite but it is a fairly basic hotel. Most hotels do not provide mosquito nets. The tents have mosquito mesh across the windows. Single Accommodation: A single supplement is available on this trip; please contact us for availability and prices. Extra Accommodation: If you require any additional accommodation either before or after the trip, we can book this for you (subject to availability) in Cape Town or Johannesburg provided you notify us at the time of booking KEY TO ACCOMMODATION: We indicate in the itinerary what type of accommodation is provided on each day. The descriptions are guidelines only and are used to give an idea of the accommodation offered, rather than an exact description. SH Standard Hotel, Lodge or Gite - no-frills hotel, usually with twin rooms and en suite facilities. Service and amenities are generally adequate. FC Full-service Camping - two person tents sometimes in a private or public campsite that contains a communal ablutions block and other amenities and sometimes in a wild camp with toilet tents and mess tent or dining equipment provided. All camp chores are done for you from erecting / dismantling of your tent, to cooking & washing up. FOOD & TRANSPORT Food Your guide and assistant generally prepare the meals included in this trip. A rough idea of what the meals will consist of is as follows: Breakfast - cereals, coffee, tea and toast. The occasional full cooked breakfast too. Lunch - cheese, cold meats, salads, bread or rolls, fresh fruit. Dinner - potjies (stew), braais (barbecue), stir fries, pasta. with fresh vegetables. Most generally cooked on the open fire. Please be aware that we need at least two weeks notice to deal with special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian or allergies.) For this reason if you did not indicate these on your booking form please advise the Exodus office as soon as possible. The tour leaders do all the shopping and meal planning and cooking for each group. He/she will always try to obtain fresh produce wherever possible. We also supply the following drinks: fruit squash served with breakfast and tea or coffee served with breakfast and dinner. All other beverages will be at your own expense. We do not supply bottled drinking water although it is available at many shops on tour if you want to buy it yourself at +/-R10 / lt. ( 1 or US$1.6). 5 Although the greater part of South Africa lies north of the tropic of Capricorn, the altitude moderates the temperature. Summer months are from October to April and the average daytime temperature is 25ºC to 30ºC. The average night time temperature is 10ºC to 20ºC. The winter months are from May to September and average temperatures are about 10ºC colder at this time of year. In and around Cape Town, most of the rainfall is in the winter but it is frontal rain, which comes off the Atlantic. Therefore it can rain solidly for 2 days, and in between there will be warm sunny days! There is likely to be very little rain inland between the months of April through October and in July, August the nights can be very cold, especially in the Drakensberg where temperatures can drop below freezing. However the days are warm and crisp with generally cloud free skies. During the months of November through February rain can sometimes be expected and the temperature will be higher. However, as anyone who has travelled to these parts will say, rain is often a blessing; it manifests the local colours, drops the sometimes sweltering temperatures and never generally lasts too long. It also means the night times are incredibly clear. Due to the ocean's proximity to the mountains and the winds, it is fairly common to experience tabletop clouds on the higher mountains in and around Cape Town. JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK 22 days, normally depart London Sat, return Sat Itinerary Start The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before Day 1 of the itinerary.

6 Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of South African Airways (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. If you are travelling to Cape Town on flights via Johannesburg, please note that you will need to collect your baggage in Johannesburg, even if your bag has been checked all the way through to Cape Town (and even if you are told at Heathrow that you do not need to pick it up). After collecting the bag, you are required to clear customs, and you should then drop it off at the bag drop for the onward flight. This only applies to the outbound flight - you do not need to do this at the end of the trip on the return flight. UK Regional Flights The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice. If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays. We use local leaders and locally owned and run accommodation in each of the areas visited, which directly benefits the local communities. This helps to provide employment and sustain local practices through buying locally produced and sourced goods. In Malelea, Lesotho, we stay in a community owned lodge and have the opportunity to visit some of the community projects which are supported by tourists staying here including the local school. Revenue from entrance fees to various parks and reserves is used for conservation efforts and protection of these areas PRACTICAL INFORMATION Passports and Visas All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. South Africa British passport holders and most European and Commonwealth Passport holders do not require a visa to travel to South Africa. Please note that all travellers to South Africa who do require a visa are required to have a minimum of 2 blank consecutive pages in their passport i.e. a left hand page and a right hand page to enable an entry visa to be issued. Swaziland British passport holders and most European and Commonwealth Passport holders do not require a visa for Swaziland. Lesotho British passport holders and most European and Commonwealth Passport holders do not require a visa for Lesotho. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccinations and Health Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for this trip. JOINING THE TRIP IN JOHANNESBURG (OR CAPE TOWN) 20 days, normally start Johannesburg (or Cape Town) Sun, end Cape Town (or Johannesburg) Fri For Johannesburg to Cape Town departures: Your trip will start at Johannesburg International Airport in the morning of Day 1 of the itinerary described below, at the arrival time of the group flight. Land only clients can be picked up at a local hotel 45 minutes before the group flight arrives and transferred to the airport. For the reverse itinerary, Cape Town to Johannesburg departures: Your trip will start at our hotel in Cape Town in the morning of Day 1 of the reverse itinerary. If you would like us to organise a private transfer, please ask our sales team for the price. Please ensure that you provide us with all relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure. The cost of a taxi is likely to be about 35 (approx. US$55) should you decide to make your way independently. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Malaria prophylaxis is essential on this trip, and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited on this trip. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Insurance - are you adequately covered? You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If you are a UK citizen and travelling in Europe you should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This gives free medical care in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Local Time GMT +1 or 2hrs 6

7 Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 6 and 16 people. There will be a local leader and drivers and local guides where needed. There will be a local leader as well as a driver and local guides where needed. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 18 years. MONEY MATTERS Currency Information The national currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR), with an exchange rate of 16 to the UK and 10 to the US$. The national currency of Swaziland is the Swaziland Emalangeni (SZE), with an exchange rate of 16 to the UK and 10 to the US$. The national currency of Lesotho is the Lesotho Maloti (LSM), with an exchange rate of 16 to the UK and 10 to the US$. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. Lightweight long trousers or zip off long trousers that can become shorts. Warm sweater/fleece. Head torch and spare batteries 2 litre water bottle Sunhat Sunglasses Sun cream Wet wipes Hand gel Binoculars. Optional items: At all times a good waterproof windbreaker in your day pack is recommended should the cooler winds pick up during the course of a walk. Neutral coloured clothing should be used on game drives and walking safaris. There are numerous opportunities to do laundry along the way, normally every 3 or 4 days. The unit of currency in South Africa is the Rand, the Rand can also be used in Swaziland and Lesotho. We suggest that most people bring cash. Please bear in mind, however, that due to the nature of the tour, it would be better to obtain what you require for the first week on arrival at the airport or before your trip. Your leader can advise you if you are in any doubt. ATM availability/credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques Credit Cards can be used in major shops and restaurants but will not be accepted at curio stalls and small shops. You will be able to pay for optional excursions by credit card although please note there may be an extra charge for this. Travellers Cheques can be cashed at banks in major towns during banking hours at regular intervals throughout the tour. There are ATMs in Johannesburg, Grasskop, Kruger National Park, Dundee and Cape Town as well as other places along the way. Extra Expenses and Spending Money Incidentals: we suggest you allow about 8 (approx. US$15) per day on incidentals. Own expense meals will cost on average of 10 to 20 (approx. US$15 to $30) depending on personal preferences and drinks. Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group sizes) Kruger National Park Night Drive, sunrise and sunset drives - R220 per person. Nature walk Hlane - R170 Half day snorkelling in Tsitsikamma - R100 Tsitsikamma Boat Cruise - R40 Tsitsikamma Tree Canopy Tour - R495 Wine Tasting - R30 - R50 Hout Bay Seal Island Cruise - R65 Boulders Beach - R55 Table Mountain - R115 one way / R225 return Half day Township Tour in Cape Town - R450 Full day Township Tour in Cape Town - R770 Robben Island - R250 per adult. If you would like to book this excursion then please advise the Exodus office at least 4 weeks before travel. We will take all names and the tickets will then be payable locally - this is to avoid disappointment as it is a popular tour. Once you have signed up then we cannot accept cancellations. Refunds will only be issued if we are refunded by the ticket office for adverse weather conditions etc. Baggage and Baggage Allowance At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 23kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of 23kg. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check and/or the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. Reading List: Long Walk to Freedom Nelson Mandela South Africa Handbook Fodors The Mind of South Africa Alistair Sparks The Covenant James Mitchener For novels, try the writings of Nobel Prize winner Nadine Gordimer or Booker Prize novelist John Coetzee. If you are interested in any of these books then you can order them from our own Exodus shop, 'Exodus Travel Essentials', Tipping (leader and local staff) Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Tipping is entirely optional but we recommend approximately 2-3 (approx. US$3.50-5) per person per day. WHAT TO TAKE Essential Equipment and Clothing Good solid walking boots. Sleeping bag (3 season) and pillow 7

8 JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment. In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition. To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for? IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be contacted on 0044 (0) The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent. Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website. Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www. exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information? Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP 1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days. 3. Complete your booking and payment When you re ready to book, go to for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. 8