An African Journey

This holiday offers outstanding experiences as we travel through stunning scenery and can expect leisurely walking filled with interest both geological and ecological. Our excursions might include several hours on foot, by canoe, motor launch, or safari car. Some of the short walks can be reasonably energetic and our itinerary can mean we that we might sometimes face walking in the heat of the day. The highest point reached on this holiday will be 1085m if we pursue the option to visit Table Mountain (weather dependant). Ascents and descents can be up to 300m. Some days will be spent on leisurely walking around areas of special or historical interests. Other days will be spent on game drives within National Parks. The walks will generally be shorter than one might expect at this grade due to the abundance of things to se on the way and but the terrain and heat means one should be comfortable walking at Grade 3.

This holiday is for the traveller with a sense of adventure as we do spend a lot of time travelling on stone roads in order to cover the four countries that we will be visiting. We travel in a robust but comfortable 4-wheel-drive vehicle in which we encourage a policy of free-seating from day to day so that all can enjoy a fully shared experience as the journey unfolds.

The itinerary is adventurous, and we do go off the beaten track. We’ll explore lesser known destinations so local conditions, facilities and local transport may be more basic. Sometimes there may be changes to the itinerary at short notice for the purpose of following a route most expedient to circumstances on the day: however, the experience and stories to tell will be worth it!

Please note that for some activities during the holiday, local regulations require participants to sign a disclaimer prior to taking part in an activity to clarify that you understand the nature of the activity and are making an informed decision to proceed.

Get closer to nature with holidays that veer on the wild side of life.

From safaris in Africa, to sea lion spotting on the Galápagos Islands and visits through tropical rainforests alive with bird song and frog chorus; we share our planet with some of the world’s most magnificent animals. Who wouldn’t want to see elephants trumpeting, lion’s prowling and buffalo’s bathing around the waterholes of the African plains?

Without being designated as specialist wildlife holidays intended specifically for wildlife enthusiasts, these holidays will appeal to the traveller who likes to see wild birds, mammals and reptiles up close in their natural environment. Some holidays will have naturalist guides, others will simply be escorted by non-specialist tour leaders with an interest in the natural world.

From the swamps of the Okavango to the deserts of Namibia this holiday visits hugely diverse ecosystems. The list of potential sightings is endless.

In the holiday cost, we have included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity programme for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.

At your destination, you may have the option to book various local excursions and activities through a local operator. It's important to note that we are not involved in these activities or excursions, and we do not operate, supervise, or control them in any way. Your contract will be directly with the local activity supplier, and we bear no responsibility for their actions or omissions.

As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.

The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).

The currency used in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (NAD) - although the South African Rand is also widely accepted.

Botswana’s currency is Pula. Travellers cheques are accepted at some banks and ATMS are available in the major towns, however, mostly only accept Visa. Major credit cards are accepted at many shops and restaurants.  

As of 24 June 2019, Zimbabwe have announced that all financial transactions are officially conducted in the local currency known as “Zimbabwe Dollars.” Prices and transactions will be displayed in  Zimbabwean (RTGS) dollars, however you may find that US dollars are accepted in some businesses. You should check before making a transaction whether the price quoted is in Zimbabwean (RTGS) or US dollars as the symbol for both is $, and it is recommended to check exchange rates prior to any transaction. Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a severe shortage of cash. It’s not currently possible to make cash withdrawals with an international bank card.

Credit Cards are readily acceptable everywhere in Zimbabwe where the relevant arrangements have been made with the International Credit Card Companies such as VISA, MASTERCARD and others issued by different banks in the countries of origin of the travellers. Visitors are required to make the necessary arrangements with their banks before embarking on travel and when in the destination they need to look out for the logos of their respective credit cards. Visitors are however encouraged to use plastic money and only exchange amounts of money in cash that they anticipate using. Visitors may convert their money back to their foreign currency subject to prevailing terms and conditions. This may include proof in the prescribed format that one changed money upon their arrival.

Tipping is not a commercial transaction and hence visitors are at liberty to tip the way they want. It becomes incumbent upon the recipient to ensure adherence to the foreign exchange regulations.

It’s illegal to leave Zimbabwe with more than $2,000 (or equivalent) in cash. It’s illegal to exchange foreign currency anywhere other than at officially licensed dealers (eg banks or bureau de change). It is a good idea to carry small denomination notes as change is rarely available in smaller businesses.

In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organised they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations.  Your tour leader takes care of all the local administration, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.

If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.

Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.

If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.

Although airport/station transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport/station, depending on your arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.

Please be aware that you must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight/train arrival to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point or independent travel arrangements to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.

When you book a flight or rail inclusive holiday, transfers between the airport/station and hotel and back are included. On some holidays, where we offer various flight options, the transfer vehicle may wait for all flights to land before transferring to the hotel.  

If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.

To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.

Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.

You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

For entry into Zimbabwe, passports for British Citizens must be valid for 6 months after the return date of this holiday and these must have three blank pages within your passport.

British Citizens do require a visa for entry into Zimbabwe and the easiest way to get your visa is at passport control when you arrive in Zimbabwe. A single entry visa, which is what you will need, costs 55USD however this could change so please check the website before you leave. The only currency they will accept is USD. Some nationalities are visa exempt and the fees vary according to your nationality. To check which rules apply to your nationality please check the following website: www.zimlondon.gov.zw.

The process is: firstly, they give you an immigration form on the plane, you complete the form on the plane (they need name and address of the first hotel). Before luggage collection you hand your passport and the immigration form in, with the 55$USD and they stamp your passport with the visa. Clients are generally not asked to show return airline tickets, as we are leaving by truck. Our flight is from Cape Town South Africa. Its probably a good idea to have the info just in case though.  

The visa form asks about Sufficient funds. The figure of 400$USD on the immigration form has proved acceptable previously. 

Visas for clients travelling independently - Clients travelling independently will also need to organise their own visas for entry into Zimbabwe. However, clients booking their own flights are advised to speak to their airline to ensure they have all the required passport data prior to arrival at the airport in Zimbabwe; otherwise they could incur an extra cost. Please contact your local Zimbabwean embassy for more details.

For entry into South Africa, a passport is required and must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure. Your passport should have at least two blank pages when you present it at immigration to enter or leave South Africa. A visa is not required by holders of British passports bearing the inscription 'British Citizen' for holidays less than 90 days. Holders of non-British passports should check with the South African Embassy or their nearest consulate regarding requirements.

British nationals do not require a visa for a holiday or private visit of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Namibia and have at least 1 completely blank page for Namibian immigration to use.

For entry into Botswana a visa is not required for travel up to 90 days. A passport, valid for at least six months from the date of departure and at least two blank pages is required. Any passenger with a passport that does not comply with these requirements will be refused entry on arrival.

All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are provided except for two lunches and five dinners, which will be at your own expense. Most breakfasts and some lunches and dinners will be taken at the hotels and lodges, others will be prepared and cooked for us by a cook travelling with us on the tour.

The hotel(s) listed within this document are examples of standard only. Whilst we strive to deliver the hotel(s) listed within this Holiday Information Sheet, there will be times throughout the year when they change. You will be sent an accommodation list with air tickets about three weeks before departure. From time to time hotels will change near to departure and you will not be advised until after arriving into the destination. We always aim to provide a replacement of similar standard and location, although we cannot guarantee similar facilities such as pool or bar.

Good quality waterproof walking shoes or trail shoes with a thick, moulded sole with a good tread and a low heel are likely to be all that is required for these holidays. If you are a frequent walker and are comfortable in good quality hiking sandals, these may be adequate for some walks. You can wear lightweight walking boots if you prefer.

For the game drive/walk section of the holiday we recommend you bring clothing that is in keeping with the natural environment; natural, earthy tones work best such as browns, khaki and beige. Bright colours can scare off game, as these are colours that are not ones that they are generally familiar with. For the evening and early morning game drives a fleece or jacket and long trousers are recommended as it can become chilly during these periods and the vehicle's that we travel in can be open to the elements.

Please refer to the details given about malaria precautions and the advice given on wearing long sleeve tops and long trousers and closed shoes.

We recommend that you bring a torch with you, which will be useful when staying at the tented camps, where light is usually solar powered and poor or no lighting will be available in the evenings.

Binoculars will also be useful for wildlife spotting whilst on the game drives.

Documents and Information to take with you:

• Passport (make sure it's yours and valid)
• Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary
• Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)
• Holiday money
• Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
• Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
• Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
• Your holiday Booking Confirmation document
• Your travel insurance details
• Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)
• Photocopy of the personal details' pages of your passport
• A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant
• Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

In Zimbabwe the electricity is supplied at 230V A/C, and sockets accept 15 amp. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a three-pin plug with round pin, the three-pin square plug (as used in the UK) is also used. Many of the accommodation we use have both. More information can be found at www.powerplugadapter.uk.

In South Africa the electricity is supplied at 220-240V A/C. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a three-pin plug with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/

In Namibia the electricity is supplied at 220V A/C, and sockets accept 15 amp. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a three-pin plug with round pins. More information can be found at ttps://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/

In Botswana the electricity is supplied at 230V A/C, and sockets accept 15 amp. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a three-pin plug with round pin, the three-pin square plug (as used in the UK) is also used. Many of the accommodation we use have both. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/

Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.

Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.

As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.                        

Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday, you'll receive a complimentary Water to Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!

Zimbabwe National Tourist Board www.zimbabwetourism.net
Botswana Tourism https://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/
Namibia Tourism Board www.namibiatourism.com.na
South African Tourist Board www.southafrica.net

If you cannot find the maps or books locally, we recommend:

The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England

Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com

If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.

Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:

• Weather2 - www.myweather2.com
• BBC Weather - www.bbc.co.uk/weather

Health requirements in destination can change, and it's crucial for you to take responsibility in staying informed. Ensure that you consult a professionally qualified source and comply with any health requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure. Your GP can provide advice on vaccinations. Stay proactive about your health preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Zimbabwe.

You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.

Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid immunisation is recommended.

You might also like to consider immunisation against Rabies, Cholera, Diphtheria and Hepatitis B.

Malaria is present throughout the year in Zimbabwe; please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic.

There is a risk of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection (also known as bilharzia) that is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic.

No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to South Africa.

You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.

Diphtheria and Hepatitis A immunisations are recommended.

You might also like to consider immunisation against Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus, Cholera and Typhoid.

There is low to no risk of Malaria in South Africa, apart from the Kruger National Park where the risk is high.

There is a risk of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection (also known as bilharzia) that is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic.

No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Namibia.

You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.

Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid and Diphtheria immunisations are recommended.

You might also like to consider immunisations against Cholera, Rabies and Hepatitis B.

There is a risk of Malaria from November to June in the northern third of Namibia. There is a low risk of malaria in this part of the country during the rest of the year. There is a risk throughout the year in the Caprivi Strip, Kavango and Kunene river regions. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic.

There is a risk of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection (also known as bilharzia) that is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water.

No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Botswana.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid immunisations are recommended.
You might also like to consider immunisations against Rabies and Hepatitis B.

 There is a risk of Malaria from November to June in the northern half of Botswana, including the Okavango Delta, there is a low risk during the rest of the year. There is a low to no risk of malaria in the southern half of the country. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic.

 There is a risk of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection (also known as bilharzia) that is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic.

For further advice please visit:

• The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) travel health website at www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
• The NHS 'Fit for travel' website at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
• The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• Or a local travel health clinic

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

If you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you are unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland, please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is your go-to for the latest info on security, local laws, and the nitty-gritty of passports and visas at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Make sure to take a quick peek at the current advice for your upcoming destination—it'll only take a few minutes.

When you're out and about, stay aware of your surroundings. Take smart precautions with your credit cards and passport, and maybe tone down the flashy accessories. Less is more, especially when it comes to carrying cash—just enough for the day will do. Consider using a money belt for that extra layer of security. Stay alert, stay safe, and make the most of your travels!

We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam, and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.

Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.

For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.

We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.

Kindly share a mobile phone contact number with us. We'll utilize this solely for crucial communication pertaining to your holiday arrangements.

Ensure your mobile phone remains switched on and easily accessible when en route to the airport or during transit delays. This way, we can promptly reach you with any last-minute updates concerning your travel plans.

In consideration of others, we request that you switch off your mobile phone during walks or try to limit its usage. Additionally, during group meals, please minimize the use of mobile devices. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone on the journey.