Detailed Trip Notes
Suitability
Suitability
We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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Tour Itinerary
Road conditions can sometimes be rough, pot-holed and bumpy in this part of Africa, sometimes leading to delays and some drives might be long. However, the ever changing diversity of views and landscapes more than make up for this.
Some of the camp sites where we stay are situated in a wild life area where animals have freedom of movement.
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Please note: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including white-water) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
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Budgeting for your Tour
Other Sightseeing & Activites
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Excursion Prices
South Luangwa N. Park - Additional walking safaris US$50 & game drives US$45 (minimum of 3 for both activities). Additional park fees US$55 for one day entry. Kawaza Village visit US$20.
Lake Malawi - Snorkel and fins $10; boat trips $10; island cruise $25; canoeing $10, water skiing $25; speed boat hire per hour $70 (for 4 pax). Please note that not all activities may be available.
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Payment Method
The majority of optionals can be paid for by credit card (NOT debit card). Please check with your tour leader for the most up-to-date information in this regard. Please note that any credit card transactions may attract an approximate rate of 5% per transaction.
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Tipping
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
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Accordingly, you should allow US$40 for tipping
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Foreign Exchange
Local Currency: ZMK – Zambian Kwacha. MWK – Malawi Kwacha.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: We recommend taking your money in US$ cash (only accept post 2001 US$ notes) Avoid low and highest (US$1, 5 & 100) denomination notes as they are difficult to change. Please note that it is difficult to convert local currency back to US$'s so please ask your Tour Leader for guidelines on how much to exchange.
Travellers Cheques: Travellers cheques incur an average US$10 charge per transaction, so they are not recommended, except as an emergency back-up.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns – your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: Available Lilongwe but they are unreliable.
Credit Card Acceptance: Credit cards have limited use in Zambia, and incur a 5% bank charge.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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Local Costs
| |
UK |
Malawi |
Zambia |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
$1.20 |
$1.10 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
$1.80 |
$1.80 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
$1.50 |
$1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
$2.20 |
$2.20 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
$15.00 |
$15.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
$30.00 |
$30.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
$15.00 |
$15.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
Zambia: Most nationalities require a visa to enter Zambia. Visas can be obtained through the consular office, your travel agent or through Explore’s recommended Visa Service. Visas may also be available at all ports of entry for British citizens, but please contact your consular office for further information. Other nationalities must consult their travel agent or consular office.
Malawi: Visas are not required for nationals of UK, AUS, CAN, NZ and US. Other nationalities must consult their travel agent or consular office.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, diphtheria, typhoid, hepatitis A and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
Yellow Fever: Please note that you will require a Yellow Fever certificate for border crossings
Bilharzia: The existence of bilharzia has been reported in certain areas of Lake Malawi. Please be aware that if you choose to swim there may be a risk of contracting bilharzia. However, certain medical advice indicates that it can be cured with tablets available through your Travel Clinic.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
The wet season is generally regarded as running from December to March in Zambia, typically with short & heavy downpours and high heat & humidity. Travel in remote areas is difficult during this period as roads become impassable. The dry season (winter) runs from May through to November, with minimal rain and high sunshine hours. June to August is the coolest within this period, typically with blue skies. Heat builds up from September onwards.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of luggage (a soft bag or holdall) plus day sack. Total allowance: 20kg/44lbs maximum. Please note that it is important to keep within these restrictions.
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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Clothing
Clothing should be lightweight, but a warm sweater and/or fleece jacket is advisable as nights can be cold as Zambia lies on an elevated plateau. Nights at Lake Malawi can also be cold. It can be particularly cold on early morning game drives until the sun has risen. Rainwear is useful in case of an unexpected downpour. A scarf is advisable for dusty drives. Do not wear bright colours whilst game viewing.
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Footwear
Lightweight trail boots or shoes with grip for walking safaris plus trainers or sandals for general travelling.
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Equipment
Take a torch, water bottle, sunhat and sunblock. Binoculars are useful, as is a telephoto lens for keen photographers. Take a swimming costume and towel. Mosquito nets/screening is provided locally in the rooms where necessary, although you may wish to take some insect repellent. Bring your mask and snorkel if you want to peek into an other submarine world!
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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General Information
Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
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