Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click here to go to our general FAQ, which has essential information that applies to all of our programs.

Resources to Learn & Teach about Southern Africa

Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.

Terms and Conditions

It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.

GEEO Program Confirmation Process

We require a minimum of 6 participants for most GEEO programs. We officially confirm that a program will run once at least 8 people have signed up, which provides a margin for individual cancellations. Nearly all GEEO programs ultimately meet this enrollment quota, and in the rare event that a program does not meet the minimum requirement and GEEO cancels the program, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative or provide a refund of your deposit if you prefer. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we will notify the entire group once 6 people are booked and again once 8 people are booked. We always emphasize the importance of exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements, especially given the unpredictable nature of travel. For example, we typically recommend booking flights with flexible change/cancellation policies.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.

• If you cancel 60 days or more prior to departure, all your program fee payments will be refunded besides your $350 deposit which is kept on file for future use
• If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to departure, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit is kept on file for future use
• If you cancel within 30 days of departure, you will receive no refund, but your deposit is kept on file for future use

Trip Notes

1. TRANSPORTATION: This is not a physically demanding journey; however, traveling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a comfortable and safe air-conditioned touring vehicle for the long drives
2. YELLOW FEVER: According to the WHO and CDC, there is no risk of yellow fever in Botswana. It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are traveling to Botswana from a Yellow Fever endemic country, or have recently traveled to a Yellow Fever endemic country (with entry stamps in your passport), including the following countries (but not limited to): Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Zambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela.**We advise all travelers to Botswana who are coming from one of the above countries, or who have visited them in the last 10 years, to be prepared with a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate or letter from your doctor with proof of vaccination. Yellow Fever inoculations need to be administered at least 10 days prior to your entry into the country. Border officials in Botswana have been strictly enforcing these requirements. Travelers without the correct documentation run the risk of being denied entry, and will not be able to continue with the tour. (Any additional travel expenses will be on your own account.) ** This means you should either skip the Zambian side of Victoria Falls or get a Yellow Fever Vaccination.
3. WEATHER: This trip takes place during Southern Africa's winter months, so it is very important to pack warm clothes and sleeping bag that can handle cold temperatures, particularly while you are in the Namib desert.
4. EXTRAS: Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Extras! Specially designed for travelers with unique interests, Extras are optional add-ons to your trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Some extras must be booked prior to departure, and you may find the details under Optional Activities below and email travel@geeo.org to book them.
5. WATER IN CAPE TOWN: Cape Town is currently experiencing one of the worst droughts it has seen in over 100 years, and while we want you to have the best time possible while there, please try to reduce your water usage.
6. MONEY EXCHANGE: We strongly advise that you bring ZAR or USD from your home country or exchange money before the start of the tour, to avoid delays on tour. Please see the Money Exchange section for more details.
7. DRONES: The use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.

Group Leader Description

All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure’s group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO), and an expert driver. All of our leaders in Southern Africa are registered and licensed tourism guides, meaning they have a broad knowledge base of the region’s history, cultures, and wildlife, and are legally certified to lead/guide tours in the regions visited. Most of our leaders in the region are from South Africa, though it may be possible that you’ll have a leader from another country in the Southern African region. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting. In addition, as an integral part of the team, your driver is skilled and experienced driver who has intimate knowledge of the vehicle and routes traveled.

Fitness Level

This trip is pretty light on physical requirements. The most difficult part is the long drives and slightly less comfortable camping accommodations.

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Traveling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in southern Africa. On this tour, we provide only a few meals for you and your group members, so as to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what, and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility in your choices. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. While in the larger centers, your group leader will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip. Your tour leader prepares the meals included in the Okavango Delta, arranging to purchase the foodstuffs before our bush camping excursion begins. Breakfasts will generally be cereals, but if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Lunches will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes. For the included meals, vegetarian meal requests and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival.

About our Transportation

For all of our standard class trips in southern Africa, including this tour, we use a private local bus for the journey. With air conditioning and sliding windows, this style of transportation is a comfortable way to travel through the region. In addition, even with a full group of 18 travelers, there will be extra space for the benefit of the group. Having our own private vehicle throughout the tour allows us the flexibility of making stops when needed. In addition, we are able to travel to out-of-the-way locations where public transportation does not reach. Road conditions in South Africa are generally good, though once in Namibia and beyond, the road quality deteriorates. As such, we slow our traveling speed and enjoy some sand and bumps en route – something which is of course part of the adventure of traveling in Africa! In the Okavango Delta, we leave our bus behind and explore the area in mokoros – traditional dug-out canoes. The mokoros usually seat two people and are handled by ‘polers’ – so named as they move the mokoro forward by using a very long pole pushed into the ground under the water. This is a relaxing and peaceful way to take in the fascinating environment and wonderful scenery of the delta.

About Accommodation

Hotel 6 nights in comfortable twin rooms with en suite or shared facilities. Lodge 4 nights in standard rooms with en-suite facilities. Guesthouse 1 night is spent in a guesthouse. Rooms are twin or single with shared facilities. Basic Camping (participative, please bring your sleeping bag and towel) 1 night is spent in pitched tents in the Delta with very basic facilities (no shower, dig-out toilet). Tents are twin share. Adventure Tents 1 nights are spent in simple Dorm/Adventure tents. Rooms are twin or single with shared facilities. Camping (participative, please bring your sleeping bag and towel) 4 nights are spent in pitched tents in Etosha National Park and Solitaire Area. Tents are twin share with shared facilities.

Single Travelers

Half of GEEO’s participants travel by themselves, so please don’t worry if you do not have a travel companion for your trip. Our program fee is for one traveler in double-occupancy accommodation, and GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender if you do not have a travel companion. Most of our programs have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that you can pay to have a room to yourself. You will only incur an additional charge if you specifically request a single room. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please find your program on our extra services page. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org to request a single room. Please note that if you have booked the “My Own Room” option for this tour, you will not have your own single accommodations on Days 5, 6, 8, 9, 12, and 13.

Joining Instructions

Day 1 is an arrival day, and no activities have been planned. Upon arrival to the city on Day 1, or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us, please make your way to the joining hotel. Please note: Check-in time will be in the afternoon. Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note at reception from your tour leader. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on Day 1, usually between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., during which you will get a chance to meet your tour leader and other travelers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details. If you miss the Welcome Meeting, your tour leader will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need and with instructions for the next morning. If you have not booked a pre-arranged transfer, you can make your own way to the Shearwater Village by taxi. When arriving at the international terminal, depart the arrival hall and outside you will find taxis to town. It is approximately 20 km from the airport and takes about 25 minutes (cost is about $30 USD for a taxi). If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call the local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the hotel via taxi.

Emergency Contacts

Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures Local Representative (South Africa) From outside South Africa: +27 713823286 From within South Africa: 071 3823286 If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

Packing List

Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft-shelled suitcase (please avoid a hard-top case) or duffel bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced, and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are often unavailable, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable. During the winter months (May to October), the temperatures can get quite cold in Namibia and Botswana. It is wise to bring plenty of layers for cool mornings and evenings. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable. Please be advised that if you plan to bring a drone with you, the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited. Health & Safety

• N95/KN95 face masks (at least a few just in case there is an outbreak within your group)
• Hand sanitizer
• Rapdi Covid tests/Antigen tests (at least 3)

Suggested Checklist

• Sleeping bag (cannot be rented)
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Compact, packable winter coat
• Light windproof/waterproof rain jacket
• Camping towel
• Sun hat
• Personal clothing for weather in the 50s to the 80s – we recommend packing 8-9 days of outfits so you only have to do laundry twice
• At least one pair of long pants
• Daypack
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Sport sandals or flip-flops
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Watch or alarm clock
• Small flashlight or headlamp
• Toiletries – your hotels will have soap and shampoo
• Camera
• First-aid kit, including: lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking

Optional Checklist

• Lightweight silk sleep sheet
• Travel pillow
• Money belt
• Water bottle
• Swimsuit (a previous traveler said they did not use their swimsuit as there were no swimming opportunities, but this may vary depending on the dates, weather, etc.)
• Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
• Chargers for electronics as well converters/adapters, if needed
• AirTags or Tile trackers
• Packing cubes
• Earplugs
• Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy here
• Ziplock bags for wet clothing
• Reading/writing material
• Hand sanitizer/baby wipes

Document Checklist

• Passport (with photocopies)
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Travel insurance ID card
• Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
• USD/EUR cash
• Credit/debit card
• G Adventures vouchers
• GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent a few days before departure

Laundry

Please note that you will be on the move a lot, and there will therefore not be a lot of time for same-day laundry service. Please ask your guide for advice and assistance if any laundry needs to be done. Most travelers on this trip find that Swakopmund and Windhoek are the most convenient places to do laundry, although facilities are also available in Cape Town and Victoria Falls.

Passports and Visas

All GEEO programs require that the participant have a valid passport. Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double check the information we provide below by searching here. For this program, you must have at least 6 empty pages in your passport. Namibia, for some unexplained reason, requires that you have 3 empty passport pages. That means you might need to apply for a new passport. We are not sure if this is actually enforced, but better be safe than sorry. ZIMBABWE U.S. citizens can be granted a Zimbabwe visa at the port of entry upon payment of the requisite visa fees. In the past you could also apply for an eVisa (non-refundable), but as of 8/7/23 it was not working, and even when it did work, it would likely take you more time and effort to obtain an e-visa than a visa upon arrival. A single-entry visa is $30 USD, a double-entry visa is $45 USD, and a multi-entry visa is $160. We have heard from a traveler that they now charge $50 for the multi-entry, but the state department still lists $45. We recommend seeing Victoria Falls from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian side, which would likely necessitate a double- or multi-entry visa. BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA, AND SOUTH AFRICA U.S. citizens do not need visas for any of these countries for the duration of the stay involved with this program. Non-Americans should check with their nearest embassy.

Money Exchange

The local currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR), and the rand is also accepted as a form of payment in Namibia. The official Namibian currency is the Namibian dollar (NAD). In Botswana, the local currency is the pula (BWP). Zimbabwe uses the U.S. dollar and the South African rand. As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. We recommend that you obtain cash from ATMs while traveling; they will dispense the local currency. We do, however, recommend that you bring at least $200 USD in cash for emergency use or in case you have trouble with the ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but you may be charged an international transaction fee; ask your financial institution about their international fees. Please note that if you are carrying U.S. dollars, the bills should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and dated recently. For Zimbabwe, we strongly advise that you bring ZAR or USD from your home country or exchange money before the start of the tour, as it can be difficult to obtain cash at ATMs. Please note that due to past problems with forgery in Africa, USD notes that are older than the year 2006 are not accepted. Large note ($50 or $100 USD) can be difficult to exchange in some places but will provide the best exchange rate. If you plan to buy your visas at the borders, you will need to bring cash U.S. dollars to pay the visa fees. Please note that you cannot use the local currency or any other currency to buy the visas; they must be purchased in USD. Please note that in many areas, there may be occasional power-outages when there will be no electricity for hours at a time. In addition, ATMs outside of larger centers often run out of cash or can be out of order unexpectedly. These factors could affect your ability to access money from ATMs. As such, please do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

Tipping

Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of this program and an expression of satisfaction with the people who assist you on your trip. Amounts given are up to your discretion. Tipping is also one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the local community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry in Africa. Giving a tip should be seen as a formal “thank you,” and the action should in no way be awkward. The best method of tipping someone who has served your entire group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope, which the tour can present to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s). You may use the following as a guideline: Tour leader: $5-8 USD per day Local guides: $2-3 USD per day Safari Guide/Driver: $2-3 USD per day Restaurant Staff: 10-15% of cost of bill Okavango Delta polers: 50-100 BWP (Botswana pula)

Vaccinations

GEEO cannot provide any medical advice, so it is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. We recommend contacting Passport Health (http://www.passporthealthusa.com/), which has travel clinics located throughout the United States. You can also check the CDC's recommended vaccinations for your destination. Please take this seriously!

Flights

We find the best prices for flights are often available around 90 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. You should wait until this trip is confirmed before you book non-refundable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. This program begins in Victoria Falls and ends in Cape Town. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Victoria Falls. You may want to arrive in Africa one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. If you have never been to Paris before, there is a lot to see! You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. You can depart from Cape Town any time on the final day of the program, or stay later to see more of the city. We recommend adding at least one extra day in both Victoria Falls and Cape Town before and after this program, respectively.

Plugs and Converters

There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers (also called electrical converters). The adapter is for your device's plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two- to three-pronged power cord to fit the local outlets. The transformer/converter changes the local voltage to the voltage used in the U.S. You will want to bring plug adapters for plug types G, M, D, and N. The voltage used throughout Southern Africa is 220-230 Volts. (Standard U.S. electrical outlets are 120V.) Most new devices, including phones and laptops, are made to work with the different voltage rates, but some devices, like hair dryers, may only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device's plug or manual to see what voltage range it requires. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity; for example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work with voltages between 100V to 240V. If your device can’t handle the higher voltage, you’ll need to purchase a transformer/converter. You can find world transformers/converters online or at many retail stores in the travel section.

Expectations

Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program you are considering. Remember, our programs are quite adventurous.

• The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe, well-located place for you to sleep. The hotels on this trip can be pretty basic.
• We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Expect some looooooong days in our vehicle.
• You must be able to easily carry or roll your luggage, so do not over-pack.
• We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart.
• Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip as they are not the traditional “guide” you may be expecting. While our trips are educational, they aren’t study/lecture trips. We want you to learn through exploring, and much of your experience will be based on how active you choose to be in acquiring knowledge and interacting with locals.

Hopefully this is the kind of adventure you are interested in!

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Weather

This trip takes place over the Southern Hemisphere’s winter. It is a great time to travel in this region, as it will be relatively dry and the temperatures will be comfortable, with highs between 50º and 80º F. At night in the desert, it can get quite cold, so make sure you pack warm clothes.

Advice From Past Participants

"Be prepared for a lot of sand and dust. It can get cold at night so bring layers. There were not very many opportunities for laundry so be prepared to do some sink laundry. There are some long rides on the bus so bring some reading material or headphones. Many people were a bit disappointed with only using their phones for cameras when taking pics of wildlife so encourage bringing a camera with zoom." "I recommend arriving early and staying late in order to see Victoria Falls and Cape Town. The bathrooms were nice along the way (no holes in the floor passing as toilets...), and even though the road trip days are long, it's actually quite an "easy" "familiar" trip. It's not like parts of Asia that feel SO different. Aside from camping which is a bit more rugged, this trip was very doable and I'd recommend it to pretty much any type of traveler. Plus only one camping night was totally "wild" without facilities. Every other camping night had showers and toilets." "Pay attention to the timing of Victoria Falls optionals. It was written in the itinerary as if white water rafting, helicopter ride, Zambezi sunset cruise and Chobe safari were happening on the same day. White water rafting had to happen on a different day than the helicopter ride, safari, etc. I highly recommend Dusty Road Township Experience in Victoria Falls. Our group loved it. The host shared stories, locals spoke highly of it, and the food was delicious. https://www.dustyroad.africa/" "Bring layers. Temperatures were freezing at night. I was grateful for my packable winter jacket. We used our sleeping bags as blankets for safari on some mornings." "Laundry options were limited. Most days we arrived at hotel/lodge/campsite in the evening and left early morning. Pack lightly, but bring undergarments for at least 5-6 days." "Bring USD cash. It was helpful to have USD cash. Sometimes the ATM machines were not working. Most of the time credit cards could be used to make a purchase. There was a credit card fee to book optionals on tour. No fee with cash." "People may want to reserve additional nights in Victoria Falls when they book. It sells out quickly. Shearwater Ecovillage (G Hotel) is fantastic. There were no rooms available for my additional dates of stay. I reserved a room at N1 Hotel because it was located near Shearwater (.25 miles) and affordable. I would recommend N1 Hotel as an alternative."