16 Day Classic South Africa with Victoria Falls & Botswana
From
$4649
Land Only
$5939*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
(Hotels may vary based on departure day of the week)
| Sunday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town | Cape Town | |
| Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris | Hluhluwe | |
| Mountain Inn | Mbabane | |
| Kruger Gate Hotel | Kruger National Park | |
| Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose Arch | Johannesburg | |
| Victoria Falls Safari Lodge | Victoria Falls | |
| Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa | Kasane | |
| Wednesday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town | Cape Town | |
| Emdoneni Lodge | Hluhluwe | |
| Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris | Hluhluwe | |
| Mountain Inn | Mbabane | |
| Umbhaba Eco Lodge | Hazyview | |
| Kruger Gate Hotel | Kruger National Park | |
| Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose Arch | Johannesburg | |
| Victoria Falls Safari Lodge | Victoria Falls | |
| Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa | Kasane | |
| Thursday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town | Cape Town | |
| Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris | Hluhluwe | |
| Mountain Inn | Mbabane | |
| Umbhaba Eco Lodge | Hazyview | |
| Kruger Gate Hotel | Kruger National Park | |
| Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose Arch | Johannesburg | |
| Victoria Falls Safari Lodge | Victoria Falls | |
| Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa | Kasane | |
| Friday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town | Cape Town | |
| Anew Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris | Hluhluwe | |
| Mountain Inn | Mbabane | |
| Kruger Gate Hotel | Kruger National Park | |
| Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Melrose Arch | Johannesburg | |
| Victoria Falls Safari Lodge | Victoria Falls | |
| Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa | Kasane | |
Click a Date to Book Online
Click a Date to Book Online
Book By Dec 14, 2023 & Save!
| 2024 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $550 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Book By Dec 14 |
Book After Dec 14 |
Book By Dec 14 |
Book After Dec 14 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4649 | $5149 | $5939* | $6439* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4649 | $5249 | $6069* | $6669* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4849 | $5449 | $6239* | $6839* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5049 | $5549 | $6549* | $7049* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4999 | $5499 | $6389* | $6889* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4999 | $5599 | $6299* | $6899* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4999 | $5499 | $6299* | $6799* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4999 | $5599 | $6299* | $6899* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4999 | $5599 | $6349* | $6949* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4999 | $5599 | $6299* | $6899* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4999 | $5599 | $6349* | $6949* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4799 | $5299 | $6499* | $6999* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4849 | $5449 | $6549* | $7149* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4799 | $5299 | $6499* | $6999* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4799 | $5299 | $6499* | $6999* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4899 | $5499 | $6599* | $7199* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4899 | $5499 | $6599* | $7199* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5099 | $5599 | $6999* | $7499* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5099 | $5599 | $6999* | $7499* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5099 | $5699 | $6999* | $7599* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4899 | $5499 | $6649* | $7249* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4899 | $5499 | $6599* | $7199* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4899 | $5499 | $6599* | $7199* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5399 | $5999 | $6899* | $7499* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5449 | $6049 | $6899* | $7499* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5449 | $6049 | $6899* | $7499* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5399 | $5999 | $6899* | $7499* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5449 | $6049 | $6899* | $7499* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5399 | $5999 | $6899* | $7499* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5449 | $6049 | $6899* | $7499* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5399 | $5999 | $6899* | $7499* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5199 | $5799 | $6599* | $7199* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5199 | $5799 | $6649* | $7249* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5199 | $5699 | $6599* | $7099* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5199 | $5799 | $6599* | $7199* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5199 | $5799 | $6599* | $7199* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5199 | $5799 | $6599* | $7199* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5199 | $5799 | $6599* | $7199* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5199 | $5699 | $6599* | $7099* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4899 | $5499 | $6099* | $6699* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4999 | $5499 | $6199* | $6699* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4999 | $5599 | $6199* | $6799* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4999 | $5599 | $6199* | $6799* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4949 | $5449 | $6149* | $6649* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4899 | $5499 | $6099* | $6699* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4749 | $5249 | $6749* | $7249* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4799 | $5399 | $6799* | $7399* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $550 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Book By Dec 14 |
Book After Dec 14 |
Book By Dec 14 |
Book After Dec 14 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4799 | $5299 | $6599* | $7099* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4799 | $5399 | $6599* | $7199* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4799 | $5299 | $6599* | $7099* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $4799 | $5299 | $6599* | $7099* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5099 | $5699 | $6549* | $7149* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5099 | $5699 | $6549* | $7149* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5099 | $5699 | $6549* | $7149* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5099 | $5599 | $6549* | $7049* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $5099 | $5599 | $6549* | $7049* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival transfer, but does include flights Cape Town-Durban, Johannesburg-Victoria Falls-Johannesburg.
Passengers should select international flights from Johannesburg that depart no earlier than 7:30 PM on day 16. Passengers with late evening flights will have a long layover in Johannesburg airport.
Children under 12 years of age are not permitted on open vehicle game drives in Kruger National Park.
Please note, all passport holders should have four or more entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages in their passport when traveling to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and eSwatini. Click here for more information.
Accommodation Details:
Triple rooms are not available for this package.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights New York-Cape Town, Johannesburg-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- All intra-flights: Cape Town-Durban, Johannesburg-Victoria Falls-Johannesburg
- 14 nights accommodations
- 4 nights Cape Town
- 1 night Hluhluwe
- 1 night Mbabane (eSwatini)
- 2 nights Hazyview
- 2 nights Johannesburg
- 2 nights Victoria Falls
- 2 nights Chobe
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 26 meals: 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Game drives in modern 10-seater safari vehicles
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Take a tour of Cape Town, view the Castle of Good Hope, the Grande Parade and visit Table Mountain
- During the Cape Peninsula Tour, visit the Cape of Good Hope reserve and view the penguin colonies at Boulders Beach
- Game viewing cruise on the St Lucia Estuary, a uniquely diverse ecosystem
- Game drive through Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
- A thrilling game drive in an open-vehicle through Kruger National Park
- In Soweto, the most metropolitan township, visit Nelson Mandela's former home
- Visit spectacular Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Enjoy a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River
- Game drive through Chobe National Park, in northern Botswana
- Sunset game viewing cruise on the Chobe River
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Is This Trip Right for You?
This active program covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking on some touring days. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. A few early wake-ups are required. There are two long days spent on the coach between eSwatini and Hazyview, as well as between Hazyview and Johannesburg. For your comfort, several stops will be made along the way including a lunch break. While the majority of the tour will be performed in an air-conditioned motor coach, game drives will be conducted in small safari vehicles that cannot be air-conditioned. Visitors to Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe are encouraged to consult their health-care providers regarding malaria prophylaxis. We suggest you check with your health-care provider before signing up for this tour. During this tour, you may come into proximity of wild animals whose actions can be unpredictable. Certain inherent risks are involved which should be considered at your own discretion. This is a Classic program. For more information, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
This tourist class hotel is located in the heart of the Zulu's beautiful untamed Elephant Coast in KwaZulu Natal near to renowned Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Hotel Details
This tourist class hotel is located a short distance away from the Mbabane city center.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel faces the Zambezi National Park and overlooks a large central waterhole.
Hotel Details
This tourist class hotel is located in the heart of the Zulu's beautiful untamed Elephant Coast in KwaZulu Natal near to renowned Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Hotel Details
This tourist class hotel is located a short distance away from the Mbabane city center.
Hotel Details
This superior tourist class lodge is a fifteen minute drive from Kruger National Park.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel faces the Zambezi National Park and overlooks a large central waterhole.
Hotel Details
This tourist class hotel is located in the heart of the Zulu's beautiful untamed Elephant Coast in KwaZulu Natal near to renowned Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Hotel Details
This tourist class hotel is located a short distance away from the Mbabane city center.
Hotel Details
This superior tourist class lodge is a fifteen minute drive from Kruger National Park.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel faces the Zambezi National Park and overlooks a large central waterhole.
Hotel Details
This tourist class hotel is located in the heart of the Zulu's beautiful untamed Elephant Coast in KwaZulu Natal near to renowned Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Hotel Details
This tourist class hotel is located a short distance away from the Mbabane city center.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel faces the Zambezi National Park and overlooks a large central waterhole.
Hotel Details
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
This dinner will allow you to meet a local South African family and visit their home. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a home cooked three course meal with wine typical to South Africa. Give yourself the chance to experience local culture in a relaxed and comfortable environment with fascinating conversation about the way of life in South Africa, while also exchanging views as well as experiences with your hosts.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $59.00 |
Join a thrilling full day excursion to "Shark Alley" to experience great white shark cage diving. Early this morning depart Cape Town and head east to the coastal fishing town of Gansbaai. Upon arrival, the crew of your expedition boat will review the day's activities, safety etiquette and provide fascinating insight to these marine predators. Enjoy a light breakfast before boarding your boat and heading out into the open waters between Geyser Rock and Dyer Islander where great white hunt for seals and penguins. Outfitted with a wetsuit, lifejacket and snorkeling mask, climb through the top of the cage secured to the boat. You will take turns with your fellow divers watching these predators under water and from the comfort of the ship deck.
Return to the port in the early afternoon where you will be greeted with a hot bowl of soup and bread. Relax as the marine biologist recaps your adventure and answers any remaining questions before your return to Cape Town.
*Departure from the hotel will be as early as 4 AM and the drive from Cape Town to Gansbaai is approximately 2.5 hours (one way). The boat will be launched around 9 AM and the boat trip will last between 3-5 hours depending on the weather and sea conditions. Shower facilities will be available after the ship returns from the dive. The return transfer to Cape Town will be at approximately 2 PM and arrival at 4:30 PM. Pick-up and drop-off times are approximate and will be advised locally.
*Due to limited capacity, advanced booking is recommended for this tour. This is not an exclusive tour and therefore you may be with passengers from other tour companies. Shark sightings are not guaranteed and are dependent upon weather and sea conditions. Due to inclement weather and/or rough seas, this tour may be canceled and refunded.
*Sea conditions can be unpredictable and may become choppy or very rough at times. As a result, some customers experience discomfort and/or seasickness. Some over-the-counter medications, such as Dramamine or Benadryl, may help reduce or prevent seasickness. Clients who are prone to seasickness are advised not to participate in this tour.
*Optionals "Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving" and "South African Wine Tour" operate at the same time and should not be booked together.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $209.00 |
Wind through South Africa's fertile valleys, prized for their renowned vintages, and discover the rustic beauty of sprawling estates shaded by giant oaks and rows of vines running as far as the eye can see. Travel the country's principal wine route and enjoy tastings at some of the excellent vineyards along the way. Begin with a visit to Stellenbosch, South Africa's second oldest town and the historic heart of the country's wine region. First recognized as an ideal location for vineyards in 1679, viticulture has been entwined with the town's history ever since. Also of interest is the town's fascinating variety of architecture, including buildings in Cape Dutch, Georgian, and Victorian styles. Then continue northwest to the old, scenic village of Franschhoek, founded near the Drakenstein Mountains in 1688 by French immigrants, whose descendants eventually supplied highly sought after wine to Napoleon, Bismarck, and even King Edward VII. Stop for lunch on your own, and then enjoy a final tasting before bidding farewell to the wine country and returning to Cape Town.
Approximate tour duration is 8 hours.
*Optionals "Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving" and "South African Wine Tour" operate at the same time and should not be booked together.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $89.00 |
Treat yourself to a memorable evening of entertainment and traditional African gastronomy. Enjoy an exciting interactive djembe drumming session before dinner. Then, savor a 14-course meal with dishes from several African nations, accompanied by live performances. While dining, you will also witness an extraordinary Mali puppet show.
Approximate tour duration is 4.5 hours.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $59.00 |
Tonight, experience an unforgettable evening at The Boma Dinner & Drum Show. Enjoy the hospitality of the Zimbabwean people during an evening of entertainment featuring a four-course dinner including a variety of game meats and traditional Zimbabwean dishes. Revel in the energetic dance performances, lively songs, storytelling and interactive drumming show. This is a truly captivating event!
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #13 | 02 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $75.00 |
This dinner will allow you to meet a local South African family and visit their home. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a home cooked three course meal with wine typical to South Africa. Give yourself the chance to experience local culture in a relaxed and comfortable environment with fascinating conversation about the way of life in South Africa, while also exchanging views as well as experiences with your hosts.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $59.00 |
Join a thrilling full day excursion to "Shark Alley" to experience great white shark cage diving. Early this morning depart Cape Town and head east to the coastal fishing town of Gansbaai. Upon arrival, the crew of your expedition boat will review the day's activities, safety etiquette and provide fascinating insight to these marine predators. Enjoy a light breakfast before boarding your boat and heading out into the open waters between Geyser Rock and Dyer Islander where great white hunt for seals and penguins. Outfitted with a wetsuit, lifejacket and snorkeling mask, climb through the top of the cage secured to the boat. You will take turns with your fellow divers watching these predators under water and from the comfort of the ship deck.
Return to the port in the early afternoon where you will be greeted with a hot bowl of soup and bread. Relax as the marine biologist recaps your adventure and answers any remaining questions before your return to Cape Town.
*Departure from the hotel will be as early as 4 AM and the drive from Cape Town to Gansbaai is approximately 2.5 hours (one way). The boat will be launched around 9 AM and the boat trip will last between 3-5 hours depending on the weather and sea conditions. Shower facilities will be available after the ship returns from the dive. The return transfer to Cape Town will be at approximately 2 PM and arrival at 4:30 PM. Pick-up and drop-off times are approximate and will be advised locally.
*Due to limited capacity, advanced booking is recommended for this tour. This is not an exclusive tour and therefore you may be with passengers from other tour companies. Shark sightings are not guaranteed and are dependent upon weather and sea conditions. Due to inclement weather and/or rough seas, this tour may be canceled and refunded.
*Sea conditions can be unpredictable and may become choppy or very rough at times. As a result, some customers experience discomfort and/or seasickness. Some over-the-counter medications, such as Dramamine or Benadryl, may help reduce or prevent seasickness. Clients who are prone to seasickness are advised not to participate in this tour.
*Optionals "Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving" and "South African Wine Tour" operate at the same time and should not be booked together.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $209.00 |
Wind through South Africa's fertile valleys, prized for their renowned vintages, and discover the rustic beauty of sprawling estates shaded by giant oaks and rows of vines running as far as the eye can see. Travel the country's principal wine route and enjoy tastings at some of the excellent vineyards along the way. Begin with a visit to Stellenbosch, South Africa's second oldest town and the historic heart of the country's wine region. First recognized as an ideal location for vineyards in 1679, viticulture has been entwined with the town's history ever since. Also of interest is the town's fascinating variety of architecture, including buildings in Cape Dutch, Georgian, and Victorian styles. Then continue northwest to the old, scenic village of Franschhoek, founded near the Drakenstein Mountains in 1688 by French immigrants, whose descendants eventually supplied highly sought after wine to Napoleon, Bismarck, and even King Edward VII. Stop for lunch on your own, and then enjoy a final tasting before bidding farewell to the wine country and returning to Cape Town.
Approximate tour duration is 8 hours.
*Optionals "Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving" and "South African Wine Tour" operate at the same time and should not be booked together.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $89.00 |
Treat yourself to a memorable evening of entertainment and traditional African gastronomy. Enjoy an exciting interactive djembe drumming session before dinner. Then, savor a 14-course meal with dishes from several African nations, accompanied by live performances. While dining, you will also witness an extraordinary Mali puppet show.
Approximate tour duration is 4.5 hours.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $59.00 |
Tonight, experience an unforgettable evening at The Boma Dinner & Drum Show. Enjoy the hospitality of the Zimbabwean people during an evening of entertainment featuring a four-course dinner including a variety of game meats and traditional Zimbabwean dishes. Revel in the energetic dance performances, lively songs, storytelling and interactive drumming show. This is a truly captivating event!
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #13 | 02 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $75.00 |
This dinner will allow you to meet a local South African family and visit their home. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a home cooked three course meal with wine typical to South Africa. Give yourself the chance to experience local culture in a relaxed and comfortable environment with fascinating conversation about the way of life in South Africa, while also exchanging views as well as experiences with your hosts.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $59.00 |
Join a thrilling full day excursion to "Shark Alley" to experience great white shark cage diving. Early this morning depart Cape Town and head east to the coastal fishing town of Gansbaai. Upon arrival, the crew of your expedition boat will review the day's activities, safety etiquette and provide fascinating insight to these marine predators. Enjoy a light breakfast before boarding your boat and heading out into the open waters between Geyser Rock and Dyer Islander where great white hunt for seals and penguins. Outfitted with a wetsuit, lifejacket and snorkeling mask, climb through the top of the cage secured to the boat. You will take turns with your fellow divers watching these predators under water and from the comfort of the ship deck.
Return to the port in the early afternoon where you will be greeted with a hot bowl of soup and bread. Relax as the marine biologist recaps your adventure and answers any remaining questions before your return to Cape Town.
*Departure from the hotel will be as early as 4 AM and the drive from Cape Town to Gansbaai is approximately 2.5 hours (one way). The boat will be launched around 9 AM and the boat trip will last between 3-5 hours depending on the weather and sea conditions. Shower facilities will be available after the ship returns from the dive. The return transfer to Cape Town will be at approximately 2 PM and arrival at 4:30 PM. Pick-up and drop-off times are approximate and will be advised locally.
*Due to limited capacity, advanced booking is recommended for this tour. This is not an exclusive tour and therefore you may be with passengers from other tour companies. Shark sightings are not guaranteed and are dependent upon weather and sea conditions. Due to inclement weather and/or rough seas, this tour may be canceled and refunded.
*Sea conditions can be unpredictable and may become choppy or very rough at times. As a result, some customers experience discomfort and/or seasickness. Some over-the-counter medications, such as Dramamine or Benadryl, may help reduce or prevent seasickness. Clients who are prone to seasickness are advised not to participate in this tour.
*Optionals "Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving" and "South African Wine Tour" operate at the same time and should not be booked together.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $209.00 |
Wind through South Africa's fertile valleys, prized for their renowned vintages, and discover the rustic beauty of sprawling estates shaded by giant oaks and rows of vines running as far as the eye can see. Travel the country's principal wine route and enjoy tastings at some of the excellent vineyards along the way. Begin with a visit to Stellenbosch, South Africa's second oldest town and the historic heart of the country's wine region. First recognized as an ideal location for vineyards in 1679, viticulture has been entwined with the town's history ever since. Also of interest is the town's fascinating variety of architecture, including buildings in Cape Dutch, Georgian, and Victorian styles. Then continue northwest to the old, scenic village of Franschhoek, founded near the Drakenstein Mountains in 1688 by French immigrants, whose descendants eventually supplied highly sought after wine to Napoleon, Bismarck, and even King Edward VII. Stop for lunch on your own, and then enjoy a final tasting before bidding farewell to the wine country and returning to Cape Town.
Approximate tour duration is 8 hours.
*Optionals "Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving" and "South African Wine Tour" operate at the same time and should not be booked together.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $89.00 |
Treat yourself to a memorable evening of entertainment and traditional African gastronomy. Enjoy an exciting interactive djembe drumming session before dinner. Then, savor a 14-course meal with dishes from several African nations, accompanied by live performances. While dining, you will also witness an extraordinary Mali puppet show.
Approximate tour duration is 4.5 hours.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $59.00 |
Tonight, experience an unforgettable evening at The Boma Dinner & Drum Show. Enjoy the hospitality of the Zimbabwean people during an evening of entertainment featuring a four-course dinner including a variety of game meats and traditional Zimbabwean dishes. Revel in the energetic dance performances, lively songs, storytelling and interactive drumming show. This is a truly captivating event!
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #13 | 02 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $75.00 |
This dinner will allow you to meet a local South African family and visit their home. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a home cooked three course meal with wine typical to South Africa. Give yourself the chance to experience local culture in a relaxed and comfortable environment with fascinating conversation about the way of life in South Africa, while also exchanging views as well as experiences with your hosts.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $59.00 |
Join a thrilling full day excursion to "Shark Alley" to experience great white shark cage diving. Early this morning depart Cape Town and head east to the coastal fishing town of Gansbaai. Upon arrival, the crew of your expedition boat will review the day's activities, safety etiquette and provide fascinating insight to these marine predators. Enjoy a light breakfast before boarding your boat and heading out into the open waters between Geyser Rock and Dyer Islander where great white hunt for seals and penguins. Outfitted with a wetsuit, lifejacket and snorkeling mask, climb through the top of the cage secured to the boat. You will take turns with your fellow divers watching these predators under water and from the comfort of the ship deck.
Return to the port in the early afternoon where you will be greeted with a hot bowl of soup and bread. Relax as the marine biologist recaps your adventure and answers any remaining questions before your return to Cape Town.
*Departure from the hotel will be as early as 4 AM and the drive from Cape Town to Gansbaai is approximately 2.5 hours (one way). The boat will be launched around 9 AM and the boat trip will last between 3-5 hours depending on the weather and sea conditions. Shower facilities will be available after the ship returns from the dive. The return transfer to Cape Town will be at approximately 2 PM and arrival at 4:30 PM. Pick-up and drop-off times are approximate and will be advised locally.
*Due to limited capacity, advanced booking is recommended for this tour. This is not an exclusive tour and therefore you may be with passengers from other tour companies. Shark sightings are not guaranteed and are dependent upon weather and sea conditions. Due to inclement weather and/or rough seas, this tour may be canceled and refunded.
*Sea conditions can be unpredictable and may become choppy or very rough at times. As a result, some customers experience discomfort and/or seasickness. Some over-the-counter medications, such as Dramamine or Benadryl, may help reduce or prevent seasickness. Clients who are prone to seasickness are advised not to participate in this tour.
*Optionals "Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving" and "South African Wine Tour" operate at the same time and should not be booked together.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $209.00 |
Wind through South Africa's fertile valleys, prized for their renowned vintages, and discover the rustic beauty of sprawling estates shaded by giant oaks and rows of vines running as far as the eye can see. Travel the country's principal wine route and enjoy tastings at some of the excellent vineyards along the way. Begin with a visit to Stellenbosch, South Africa's second oldest town and the historic heart of the country's wine region. First recognized as an ideal location for vineyards in 1679, viticulture has been entwined with the town's history ever since. Also of interest is the town's fascinating variety of architecture, including buildings in Cape Dutch, Georgian, and Victorian styles. Then continue northwest to the old, scenic village of Franschhoek, founded near the Drakenstein Mountains in 1688 by French immigrants, whose descendants eventually supplied highly sought after wine to Napoleon, Bismarck, and even King Edward VII. Stop for lunch on your own, and then enjoy a final tasting before bidding farewell to the wine country and returning to Cape Town.
Approximate tour duration is 8 hours.
*Optionals "Full Day Great White Shark Cage Diving" and "South African Wine Tour" operate at the same time and should not be booked together.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $89.00 |
Treat yourself to a memorable evening of entertainment and traditional African gastronomy. Enjoy an exciting interactive djembe drumming session before dinner. Then, savor a 14-course meal with dishes from several African nations, accompanied by live performances. While dining, you will also witness an extraordinary Mali puppet show.
Approximate tour duration is 4.5 hours.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $59.00 |
Tonight, experience an unforgettable evening at The Boma Dinner & Drum Show. Enjoy the hospitality of the Zimbabwean people during an evening of entertainment featuring a four-course dinner including a variety of game meats and traditional Zimbabwean dishes. Revel in the energetic dance performances, lively songs, storytelling and interactive drumming show. This is a truly captivating event!
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #13 | 02 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $75.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
|
| SOUTH AFRICA - Passengers are required to have at least two, entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages (i.e. one side of such a page not front and back thereof) in their passport, each time entry is sought into South Africa, including re-entry from eSwatini. Therefore passengers continuing on to Zimbabwe and/or Botswana are required to have four blank visa pages. These pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport. South African government regulations prohibit airlines from boarding passengers without the required blank visa page. For more information, please visit the South African consulate website http://www.southafrica-newyork.net/homeaffairs/tourist_visa.htm or http://www.southafrica-newyork.net/homeaffairs/ |
| Children Under 18 Traveling to South Africa - The South African Department of Home Affairs no longer requires additional documentation for visitors under the age of 18 as of Nov 2019. Passengers traveling with children under 18 to South Africa will simply require a valid passport for entry. For more information please visit: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/statements-speeches/621-advisory-new-requirements-for-children-travelling-through-south-african-ports-of-entry-effective-1-june-2015.
|
| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
|
| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| South Africa & eSwatini - While the majority of South Africa is malaria-free, visitors to Kruger National Park and the Limpopo Province are encouraged to consult their health care providers regarding malaria prophylaxis. Malaria is endemic to the Kruger National Park Area. The Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province is considered a non-endemic area however as of March 2017, the CDC has received official reports of possible locally transmitted cases of malaria in this region and further investigation and surveillance is taking place. Visitors should use mosquito repellent and wear long pants, closed shoes, and a lightweight long sleeve shirt when in this area. Additionally, you may encounter mosquitoes in other areas, both rural and urban, especially during wet seasons. Please consult your physician before traveling to South Africa. Passengers arriving in South Africa after visiting or connecting 12 hours or more in designated yellow fever countries must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination. Designated yellow fever countries include but are not limited to Kenya, Senegal, & Ghana and it is recommended to check with the South African consulate prior to travel for the complete list of countries. This tour visits areas of high elevations on the Panorama Route (5,870 feet) and in eSwatini (6,110 feet), and may cause temporary altitude discomfort for some travelers. Those affected should avoid over-exertion, drink extra water, and eat lightly. |
| Zimbabwe - Malaria is prevalent throughout Zimbabwe, except in Harare, due to the capital's high altitude. The CDC strongly recommends that malaria prophylaxis and preventative measures be taken when traveling outside of Harare. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Zimbabwe. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB. |
| Botswana - Travelers to Botswana are encouraged to consult their health care providers regarding malaria prophylaxis. Visitors should use mosquito repellent and wear long pants, closed shoes, and lightweight long sleeve shirts. It is recommended that you see your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food, water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. The World Health Organization (WHO) website is also helpful and provides information on outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
|
| Climate & Clothing |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Spring and Autumn: 55-70°F, Summer: 60-80°F, Winter: 45-65°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. On game reserves, visitors should wear neutral colors such as brown, khaki, and beige for their own comfort. South Africa Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/africa/#south-africa-weather |
| Zimbabwe - November: - March 63°F-86°F; April - July: 43°F-85°F; August - October: 48°F-93°F. Victoria Falls offers a mild and dry winter from June to mid-August and a warm to hot spring, until the rains start in mid-November. The dry season around Victoria Falls generally is from May to October; the wet season is from November to March. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. On game reserves, visitors should wear neutral colors such as brown, khaki, and beige for their own comfort. A rain coat will be provided while on the Victoria Falls tour, however please wear shoes you do not mind getting wet and bring a small umbrella for extra protection. |
| Botswana - November - March 70°F-90°F; April - August: 55°F-75°F; September - October: 65°F-95°F. The summer season begins in November and ends in March with very high temperatures. This is also the rainy season, however it is unusual for there to be more than two consecutive days of rain. The winter season begins in May and ends in August and is the dry season when virtually no rainfall occurs. Winter days are invariably sunny and cool to warm; however, evening and night temperatures can drop below freezing point in some areas. The in-between periods - April/early May and September/October - still tend to be dry, but the days are cooler than in summer and the nights are warmer than in winter. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. On game reserves, visitors should wear neutral colors such as brown, khaki, and beige for their own comfort. Warmer clothes are recommended during the winter months. |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| SOUTH AFRICA: Books Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton Zulu by Caryl Ferey Mafeking Road by Herman Charles Bosman The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay Playing the Enemy by John Carlin Country of My Skull by Antjie Krog |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Southern Africa - Passengers arriving into Johannesburg and connecting to Cape Town must collect their luggage upon arrival to Johannesburg, and re-check their baggage into their connecting flight to Cape Town. Flights within South Africa and between South Africa and Zimbabwe have a weight restriction for luggage of 44 lbs. per piece of checked luggage and 14 lbs. per piece of carry-on luggage, with a limit of one checked and one carry-on piece of luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. A lock is recommended for checked luggage while traveling within Southern Africa. Passengers traveling while pregnant are advised to carry a doctor’s note approving their health is suitable for flying. Southern Africa authorities reserve the right to deny passengers boarding if they do not carry such a note. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Escorted Tour Participants in South Africa |
| Please note that the number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving at different points in the itinerary. All passengers will begin in Cape Town and continue to Johannesburg. Some participates will end their trip in Johannesburg, while others will continue with a post-tour extension to Zimbabwe or Botswana. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Cape Town Water Conservation |
| Cape Town is in a water-scarce region of South Africa and is susceptible to drought. During your stay, please be mindful of water consumption and support the local government’s conservation efforts, in the event water restrictions are in place. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Southern Africa & eSwatini |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $3 per person per day, US $2 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $4 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day Game Drive Ranger: US $5 per person per day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists, as well as on safaris. |
| Zimbabwe - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Botswana - A general guideline for tipping in restaurants is 10% and P45 ($5-6) for Game Rangers. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| South Africa & eSwatini - The Rand is the currency of South Africa. The Lilangeni is the currency of eSwatini however the South African Rand is widely accepted. When exchanging currency in a bank, a passport must be presented to complete the transaction. |
| Zimbabwe - Until June 2019, Zimbabwe operated under a multi-currency monetary system where the U.S. Dollar (USD) was the most widely accepted form of currency. The Zimbabwe Dollar is now the official currency of Zimbabwe. Travelers may withdraw local currency from international credit-card enabled ATMs, which will be marked as international and have the logos of the accepted credit card companies. Foreign currency may be exchanged at the bank, however travelers are encouraged to use credit cards where possible and only exchange amounts of money in cash that they anticipate using. Visa fees are payable in foreign currency and may be paid in cash. Foreign credit cards will continue to be accepted as a form of payment where facilities exist. |
| Botswana - The Pula is the currency of Botswana. The South African Rand is also accepted. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Local specialties include handcrafts such as basketware, beadwork, embroidery and sculptures, as well as exceptional gold, platinum, and diamond jewelry. Boutiques, malls, markets, and roadside stands abound. |
| Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls offers wood carvings and soapstone sculptures. |
| Botswana - Botswana boasts many areas in which tourists can purchase world class baskets, woodcarvings, jewelry, pottery, tapestries and fabrics. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
|
Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Zimbabwe - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Zimbabwe, there are issues with theft against tourists in public places. Americans and other foreigners are perceived to be wealthy and are frequently targeted by criminals who operate in the vicinity of hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas of the major cities and tourist areas such as Victoria Falls. Although the majority of crimes in Zimbabwe are non-violent, be alert to any suspicious activity. Always keep valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone. Passengers should not travel alone after dark. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk, and that you do not ride alone when possible. When not possible, we recommend that a hotel, restaurant, or shop call a taxi; instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers. When using ATM machines, be on the lookout for anyone watching or following you. In the unlikely event that you should fall victim to a robbery, do not resist, the majority of injuries from robberies occur as a result of resistance. Do not hitchhike and do not accept rides from strangers. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas. |
| On Safari - While on safari, it is very important that you follow all directions provided by your guide in order to ensure the safety of the group. Prior to the first safari, your driver/guide will review “safari etiquette” addressing, amongst other issues, off-road driving and hazards, and interaction with animals. Wildlife listed in the itinerary are based upon optimal conditions and therefore subject to change. While on tour you will be reminded by your guide of local safety and ecologic procedures to ensure your safety and the protection of the wildlife. Normal precautions include remaining in close proximity to your driver/guide and vehicle, avoiding tall grass and keeping noise to a minimum to not attract extra attention. Your driver/guide will advise you not to turn over rocks or dead wood and to stay clear of ground holes and caves, where scorpions, snakes and other potentially dangerous animal life may be hidden. Refrain from littering, feeding any animals or leaving food waste behind in the parks as this can upset their natural diets and lead to a dependence upon people. In addition, please do not purchase, collect, or remove any animal products, rocks, seeds, plants, or nests from the wild. Roadways to the game viewing sites are for the most part unpaved and will therefore be rough and dusty. Gate 1 safari vehicles are fitted with large roof hatches or open sides to allow for easy viewing of wildlife from all angles. Safari vehicles cannot be air-conditioned and you will be provided bottled water while travelling. Vehicles are equipped with seatbelts which must be worn on public roads. While safari vehicles typically move slowly, drivers warn passengers of bumps or potholes and many passengers may choose not to wear a seatbelt, it is still strongly recommended to do so. Passengers should always remian seated when the vehicle is in motion. Inside the National Parks and reserves there are designated picnic sites. Due to frequent use wildlife tends to avoid these areas with the exception of primates, reptiles, birds and small mammals. However, since picnic sites are open it is possible that a larger animal, such as an elephant, may wander through. Outside of the parks, it may be necessary to make more frequent shopping stops as these stores provide the only acceptable facilities while touring due to the lack of public rest stops. |
| Botswana - Civil unrest and disorder are rare, but in the event of a protest, visitors should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Visitors must be vigilant and take common-sense security precautions. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
|
| Cape Town - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Cape Town, there are significant issues with theft against tourists in public places. Do not carry expensive valuables or wear valuable items (jewelry, watches) out in public and keep cameras and other touristy items out of sight like money belts and hip bags. If you have any questions on how to use the ATM machines ask your Tour Manager, do not ask strangers. Carry little cash and use a credit card as often as possible as they are widely accepted. Keep your card in your eye sight at all times when paying. You should not explore alone and it is recommended to travel in small groups. Be sure to ask directions from your tour manager and the hotel to avoid less safe areas. Do not take public transportation on buses as these vehicles are targets for robbery. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk, and that you do not ride alone when possible. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas. Be sure to use the hotel safes at all times for your valuable items. |
| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
South Africa
|
Zimbabwe
|
Botswana
|
| Languages |
| South Africa - Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English are among the local languages. |
| Zimbabwe - Shona and Ndebele are the local languages. The official language is English. |
| Botswana - The official language is English. The local language is Setswana. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| South Africa - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Zimbabwe - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Botswana - The voltage used is 220 volts. Since February 2008, Botswana has experienced occasional periods of rolling electric power outages that have left many areas without power for several hours each week.Visitors are urged to carry flashlights. |
| Code of Conduct |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed. Conservative casual dress is appropriate. Rural areas tend to be more conservative than urban areas. In conversation, avoid discussing racial tensions. South Africa is one of the world's great examples of biodiversity. Please be mindful of this ecological significance and do not litter. |
| Zimbabwe - Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. |
| Botswana - Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. |
| Zimbabwe - Be sure that all food, including meats, vegetables and fruits are fully cooked. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. |
| Botswana - Be sure that all food, including meats, vegetables and fruits are fully cooked. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - South Africa |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: Day off for New Year's Day Mar 21: Human Rights Day Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Family Day Apr 27: Freedom Day May 1: Worker's Day Jun 16: Youth Day Aug 9: National Women's Day Sep 24: Heritage Day Sep 25: Day off for Heritage Day Dec 16: Day of Reconciliation Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Day of Goodwill Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 21: Human Rights Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Family Day Apr 27: Freedom Day May 1: Worker's Day Jun 16: Youth Day Aug 9: National Women's Day Dec 16: Day of Reconciliation Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Day of Goodwill |
| Holidays - Zimbabwe |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 21: Robert Mugabe National Youth Day Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 8: Holy Saturday Apr 9: Easter Sunday Apr 10: Easter Monday Apr 18: Independence Day May 1: Workers Day May 25: Africa Day Aug 14: Heroes' Day Aug 15: Defense Forces Day Dec 22: Unity Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 21: Robert Mugabe National Youth Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 30: Holy Saturday Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 18: Independence Day May 1: Workers Day May 25: Africa Day Aug 12: Heroes' Day Aug 13: Defense Forces Day Dec 22: Unity Day Dec 23: Unity Day Holiday Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day |
| Holidays - Botswana |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: Day off for New Year's Day Jan 3: Public Holiday (January) Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 8: Holy Saturday Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: Labour Day May 18: Ascension Day Jul 1: Sir Seretse Khama Day Jul 17 - 18: Presidents Day Sep 30: Botswana Day Oct 1: Public Holiday (October) Oct 2: Day off for Botswana Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: Day off for New Year's Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 30: Holy Saturday Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labour Day May 9: Ascension Day Jul 1: Sir Seretse Khama Day Jul 15: Presidents Day Jul 16: President's Day Public Holiday Sep 30: Botswana Day Oct 1: Botswana Day Public Holiday Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
|
| SOUTH AFRICA - Passengers are required to have at least two, entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages (i.e. one side of such a page not front and back thereof) in their passport, each time entry is sought into South Africa, including re-entry from eSwatini. Therefore passengers continuing on to Zimbabwe and/or Botswana are required to have four blank visa pages. These pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport. South African government regulations prohibit airlines from boarding passengers without the required blank visa page. For more information, please visit the South African consulate website http://www.southafrica-newyork.net/homeaffairs/tourist_visa.htm or http://www.southafrica-newyork.net/homeaffairs/ |
| Children Under 18 Traveling to South Africa - The South African Department of Home Affairs no longer requires additional documentation for visitors under the age of 18 as of Nov 2019. Passengers traveling with children under 18 to South Africa will simply require a valid passport for entry. For more information please visit: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/statements-speeches/621-advisory-new-requirements-for-children-travelling-through-south-african-ports-of-entry-effective-1-june-2015.
|
| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
|
| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| South Africa & eSwatini - While the majority of South Africa is malaria-free, visitors to Kruger National Park and the Limpopo Province are encouraged to consult their health care providers regarding malaria prophylaxis. Malaria is endemic to the Kruger National Park Area. The Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province is considered a non-endemic area however as of March 2017, the CDC has received official reports of possible locally transmitted cases of malaria in this region and further investigation and surveillance is taking place. Visitors should use mosquito repellent and wear long pants, closed shoes, and a lightweight long sleeve shirt when in this area. Additionally, you may encounter mosquitoes in other areas, both rural and urban, especially during wet seasons. Please consult your physician before traveling to South Africa. Passengers arriving in South Africa after visiting or connecting 12 hours or more in designated yellow fever countries must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination. Designated yellow fever countries include but are not limited to Kenya, Senegal, & Ghana and it is recommended to check with the South African consulate prior to travel for the complete list of countries. This tour visits areas of high elevations on the Panorama Route (5,870 feet) and in eSwatini (6,110 feet), and may cause temporary altitude discomfort for some travelers. Those affected should avoid over-exertion, drink extra water, and eat lightly. |
| Zimbabwe - Malaria is prevalent throughout Zimbabwe, except in Harare, due to the capital's high altitude. The CDC strongly recommends that malaria prophylaxis and preventative measures be taken when traveling outside of Harare. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Zimbabwe. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB. |
| Botswana - Travelers to Botswana are encouraged to consult their health care providers regarding malaria prophylaxis. Visitors should use mosquito repellent and wear long pants, closed shoes, and lightweight long sleeve shirts. It is recommended that you see your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food, water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. The World Health Organization (WHO) website is also helpful and provides information on outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
|
| Climate & Clothing |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Spring and Autumn: 55-70°F, Summer: 60-80°F, Winter: 45-65°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. On game reserves, visitors should wear neutral colors such as brown, khaki, and beige for their own comfort. South Africa Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/africa/#south-africa-weather |
| Zimbabwe - November: - March 63°F-86°F; April - July: 43°F-85°F; August - October: 48°F-93°F. Victoria Falls offers a mild and dry winter from June to mid-August and a warm to hot spring, until the rains start in mid-November. The dry season around Victoria Falls generally is from May to October; the wet season is from November to March. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. On game reserves, visitors should wear neutral colors such as brown, khaki, and beige for their own comfort. A rain coat will be provided while on the Victoria Falls tour, however please wear shoes you do not mind getting wet and bring a small umbrella for extra protection. |
| Botswana - November - March 70°F-90°F; April - August: 55°F-75°F; September - October: 65°F-95°F. The summer season begins in November and ends in March with very high temperatures. This is also the rainy season, however it is unusual for there to be more than two consecutive days of rain. The winter season begins in May and ends in August and is the dry season when virtually no rainfall occurs. Winter days are invariably sunny and cool to warm; however, evening and night temperatures can drop below freezing point in some areas. The in-between periods - April/early May and September/October - still tend to be dry, but the days are cooler than in summer and the nights are warmer than in winter. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. On game reserves, visitors should wear neutral colors such as brown, khaki, and beige for their own comfort. Warmer clothes are recommended during the winter months. |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| SOUTH AFRICA: Books Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton Zulu by Caryl Ferey Mafeking Road by Herman Charles Bosman The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay Playing the Enemy by John Carlin Country of My Skull by Antjie Krog |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Southern Africa - Passengers arriving into Johannesburg and connecting to Cape Town must collect their luggage upon arrival to Johannesburg, and re-check their baggage into their connecting flight to Cape Town. Flights within South Africa and between South Africa and Zimbabwe have a weight restriction for luggage of 44 lbs. per piece of checked luggage and 14 lbs. per piece of carry-on luggage, with a limit of one checked and one carry-on piece of luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. A lock is recommended for checked luggage while traveling within Southern Africa. Passengers traveling while pregnant are advised to carry a doctor’s note approving their health is suitable for flying. Southern Africa authorities reserve the right to deny passengers boarding if they do not carry such a note. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Escorted Tour Participants in South Africa |
| Please note that the number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving at different points in the itinerary. All passengers will begin in Cape Town and continue to Johannesburg. Some participates will end their trip in Johannesburg, while others will continue with a post-tour extension to Zimbabwe or Botswana. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Cape Town Water Conservation |
| Cape Town is in a water-scarce region of South Africa and is susceptible to drought. During your stay, please be mindful of water consumption and support the local government’s conservation efforts, in the event water restrictions are in place. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Southern Africa & eSwatini |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $3 per person per day, US $2 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $4 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day Game Drive Ranger: US $5 per person per day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists, as well as on safaris. |
| Zimbabwe - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Botswana - A general guideline for tipping in restaurants is 10% and P45 ($5-6) for Game Rangers. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| South Africa & eSwatini - The Rand is the currency of South Africa. The Lilangeni is the currency of eSwatini however the South African Rand is widely accepted. When exchanging currency in a bank, a passport must be presented to complete the transaction. |
| Zimbabwe - Until June 2019, Zimbabwe operated under a multi-currency monetary system where the U.S. Dollar (USD) was the most widely accepted form of currency. The Zimbabwe Dollar is now the official currency of Zimbabwe. Travelers may withdraw local currency from international credit-card enabled ATMs, which will be marked as international and have the logos of the accepted credit card companies. Foreign currency may be exchanged at the bank, however travelers are encouraged to use credit cards where possible and only exchange amounts of money in cash that they anticipate using. Visa fees are payable in foreign currency and may be paid in cash. Foreign credit cards will continue to be accepted as a form of payment where facilities exist. |
| Botswana - The Pula is the currency of Botswana. The South African Rand is also accepted. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Local specialties include handcrafts such as basketware, beadwork, embroidery and sculptures, as well as exceptional gold, platinum, and diamond jewelry. Boutiques, malls, markets, and roadside stands abound. |
| Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls offers wood carvings and soapstone sculptures. |
| Botswana - Botswana boasts many areas in which tourists can purchase world class baskets, woodcarvings, jewelry, pottery, tapestries and fabrics. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
|
Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Zimbabwe - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Zimbabwe, there are issues with theft against tourists in public places. Americans and other foreigners are perceived to be wealthy and are frequently targeted by criminals who operate in the vicinity of hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas of the major cities and tourist areas such as Victoria Falls. Although the majority of crimes in Zimbabwe are non-violent, be alert to any suspicious activity. Always keep valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone. Passengers should not travel alone after dark. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk, and that you do not ride alone when possible. When not possible, we recommend that a hotel, restaurant, or shop call a taxi; instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers. When using ATM machines, be on the lookout for anyone watching or following you. In the unlikely event that you should fall victim to a robbery, do not resist, the majority of injuries from robberies occur as a result of resistance. Do not hitchhike and do not accept rides from strangers. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas. |
| On Safari - While on safari, it is very important that you follow all directions provided by your guide in order to ensure the safety of the group. Prior to the first safari, your driver/guide will review “safari etiquette” addressing, amongst other issues, off-road driving and hazards, and interaction with animals. Wildlife listed in the itinerary are based upon optimal conditions and therefore subject to change. While on tour you will be reminded by your guide of local safety and ecologic procedures to ensure your safety and the protection of the wildlife. Normal precautions include remaining in close proximity to your driver/guide and vehicle, avoiding tall grass and keeping noise to a minimum to not attract extra attention. Your driver/guide will advise you not to turn over rocks or dead wood and to stay clear of ground holes and caves, where scorpions, snakes and other potentially dangerous animal life may be hidden. Refrain from littering, feeding any animals or leaving food waste behind in the parks as this can upset their natural diets and lead to a dependence upon people. In addition, please do not purchase, collect, or remove any animal products, rocks, seeds, plants, or nests from the wild. Roadways to the game viewing sites are for the most part unpaved and will therefore be rough and dusty. Gate 1 safari vehicles are fitted with large roof hatches or open sides to allow for easy viewing of wildlife from all angles. Safari vehicles cannot be air-conditioned and you will be provided bottled water while travelling. Vehicles are equipped with seatbelts which must be worn on public roads. While safari vehicles typically move slowly, drivers warn passengers of bumps or potholes and many passengers may choose not to wear a seatbelt, it is still strongly recommended to do so. Passengers should always remian seated when the vehicle is in motion. Inside the National Parks and reserves there are designated picnic sites. Due to frequent use wildlife tends to avoid these areas with the exception of primates, reptiles, birds and small mammals. However, since picnic sites are open it is possible that a larger animal, such as an elephant, may wander through. Outside of the parks, it may be necessary to make more frequent shopping stops as these stores provide the only acceptable facilities while touring due to the lack of public rest stops. |
| Botswana - Civil unrest and disorder are rare, but in the event of a protest, visitors should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Visitors must be vigilant and take common-sense security precautions. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
|
| Cape Town - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Cape Town, there are significant issues with theft against tourists in public places. Do not carry expensive valuables or wear valuable items (jewelry, watches) out in public and keep cameras and other touristy items out of sight like money belts and hip bags. If you have any questions on how to use the ATM machines ask your Tour Manager, do not ask strangers. Carry little cash and use a credit card as often as possible as they are widely accepted. Keep your card in your eye sight at all times when paying. You should not explore alone and it is recommended to travel in small groups. Be sure to ask directions from your tour manager and the hotel to avoid less safe areas. Do not take public transportation on buses as these vehicles are targets for robbery. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk, and that you do not ride alone when possible. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas. Be sure to use the hotel safes at all times for your valuable items. |
| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
South Africa
|
Zimbabwe
|
Botswana
|
| Languages |
| South Africa - Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English are among the local languages. |
| Zimbabwe - Shona and Ndebele are the local languages. The official language is English. |
| Botswana - The official language is English. The local language is Setswana. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| South Africa - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Zimbabwe - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Botswana - The voltage used is 220 volts. Since February 2008, Botswana has experienced occasional periods of rolling electric power outages that have left many areas without power for several hours each week.Visitors are urged to carry flashlights. |
| Code of Conduct |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed. Conservative casual dress is appropriate. Rural areas tend to be more conservative than urban areas. In conversation, avoid discussing racial tensions. South Africa is one of the world's great examples of biodiversity. Please be mindful of this ecological significance and do not litter. |
| Zimbabwe - Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. |
| Botswana - Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. |
| Zimbabwe - Be sure that all food, including meats, vegetables and fruits are fully cooked. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. |
| Botswana - Be sure that all food, including meats, vegetables and fruits are fully cooked. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - South Africa |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: Day off for New Year's Day Mar 21: Human Rights Day Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Family Day Apr 27: Freedom Day May 1: Worker's Day Jun 16: Youth Day Aug 9: National Women's Day Sep 24: Heritage Day Sep 25: Day off for Heritage Day Dec 16: Day of Reconciliation Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Day of Goodwill Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 21: Human Rights Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Family Day Apr 27: Freedom Day May 1: Worker's Day Jun 16: Youth Day Aug 9: National Women's Day Dec 16: Day of Reconciliation Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Day of Goodwill |
| Holidays - Zimbabwe |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 21: Robert Mugabe National Youth Day Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 8: Holy Saturday Apr 9: Easter Sunday Apr 10: Easter Monday Apr 18: Independence Day May 1: Workers Day May 25: Africa Day Aug 14: Heroes' Day Aug 15: Defense Forces Day Dec 22: Unity Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 21: Robert Mugabe National Youth Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 30: Holy Saturday Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 18: Independence Day May 1: Workers Day May 25: Africa Day Aug 12: Heroes' Day Aug 13: Defense Forces Day Dec 22: Unity Day Dec 23: Unity Day Holiday Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day |
| Holidays - Botswana |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: Day off for New Year's Day Jan 3: Public Holiday (January) Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 8: Holy Saturday Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: Labour Day May 18: Ascension Day Jul 1: Sir Seretse Khama Day Jul 17 - 18: Presidents Day Sep 30: Botswana Day Oct 1: Public Holiday (October) Oct 2: Day off for Botswana Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: Day off for New Year's Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 30: Holy Saturday Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labour Day May 9: Ascension Day Jul 1: Sir Seretse Khama Day Jul 15: Presidents Day Jul 16: President's Day Public Holiday Sep 30: Botswana Day Oct 1: Botswana Day Public Holiday Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
|
| SOUTH AFRICA - Passengers are required to have at least two, entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages (i.e. one side of such a page not front and back thereof) in their passport, each time entry is sought into South Africa, including re-entry from eSwatini. Therefore passengers continuing on to Zimbabwe and/or Botswana are required to have four blank visa pages. These pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport. South African government regulations prohibit airlines from boarding passengers without the required blank visa page. For more information, please visit the South African consulate website http://www.southafrica-newyork.net/homeaffairs/tourist_visa.htm or http://www.southafrica-newyork.net/homeaffairs/ |
| Children Under 18 Traveling to South Africa - The South African Department of Home Affairs no longer requires additional documentation for visitors under the age of 18 as of Nov 2019. Passengers traveling with children under 18 to South Africa will simply require a valid passport for entry. For more information please visit: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/statements-speeches/621-advisory-new-requirements-for-children-travelling-through-south-african-ports-of-entry-effective-1-june-2015.
|
| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
|
| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| South Africa & eSwatini - While the majority of South Africa is malaria-free, visitors to Kruger National Park and the Limpopo Province are encouraged to consult their health care providers regarding malaria prophylaxis. Malaria is endemic to the Kruger National Park Area. The Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province is considered a non-endemic area however as of March 2017, the CDC has received official reports of possible locally transmitted cases of malaria in this region and further investigation and surveillance is taking place. Visitors should use mosquito repellent and wear long pants, closed shoes, and a lightweight long sleeve shirt when in this area. Additionally, you may encounter mosquitoes in other areas, both rural and urban, especially during wet seasons. Please consult your physician before traveling to South Africa. Passengers arriving in South Africa after visiting or connecting 12 hours or more in designated yellow fever countries must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination. Designated yellow fever countries include but are not limited to Kenya, Senegal, & Ghana and it is recommended to check with the South African consulate prior to travel for the complete list of countries. This tour visits areas of high elevations on the Panorama Route (5,870 feet) and in eSwatini (6,110 feet), and may cause temporary altitude discomfort for some travelers. Those affected should avoid over-exertion, drink extra water, and eat lightly. |
| Zimbabwe - Malaria is prevalent throughout Zimbabwe, except in Harare, due to the capital's high altitude. The CDC strongly recommends that malaria prophylaxis and preventative measures be taken when traveling outside of Harare. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Zimbabwe. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB. |
| Botswana - Travelers to Botswana are encouraged to consult their health care providers regarding malaria prophylaxis. Visitors should use mosquito repellent and wear long pants, closed shoes, and lightweight long sleeve shirts. It is recommended that you see your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food, water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. The World Health Organization (WHO) website is also helpful and provides information on outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
|
| Climate & Clothing |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Spring and Autumn: 55-70°F, Summer: 60-80°F, Winter: 45-65°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. On game reserves, visitors should wear neutral colors such as brown, khaki, and beige for their own comfort. South Africa Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/africa/#south-africa-weather |
| Zimbabwe - November: - March 63°F-86°F; April - July: 43°F-85°F; August - October: 48°F-93°F. Victoria Falls offers a mild and dry winter from June to mid-August and a warm to hot spring, until the rains start in mid-November. The dry season around Victoria Falls generally is from May to October; the wet season is from November to March. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. On game reserves, visitors should wear neutral colors such as brown, khaki, and beige for their own comfort. A rain coat will be provided while on the Victoria Falls tour, however please wear shoes you do not mind getting wet and bring a small umbrella for extra protection. |
| Botswana - November - March 70°F-90°F; April - August: 55°F-75°F; September - October: 65°F-95°F. The summer season begins in November and ends in March with very high temperatures. This is also the rainy season, however it is unusual for there to be more than two consecutive days of rain. The winter season begins in May and ends in August and is the dry season when virtually no rainfall occurs. Winter days are invariably sunny and cool to warm; however, evening and night temperatures can drop below freezing point in some areas. The in-between periods - April/early May and September/October - still tend to be dry, but the days are cooler than in summer and the nights are warmer than in winter. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. On game reserves, visitors should wear neutral colors such as brown, khaki, and beige for their own comfort. Warmer clothes are recommended during the winter months. |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| SOUTH AFRICA: Books Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton Zulu by Caryl Ferey Mafeking Road by Herman Charles Bosman The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay Playing the Enemy by John Carlin Country of My Skull by Antjie Krog |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Southern Africa - Passengers arriving into Johannesburg and connecting to Cape Town must collect their luggage upon arrival to Johannesburg, and re-check their baggage into their connecting flight to Cape Town. Flights within South Africa and between South Africa and Zimbabwe have a weight restriction for luggage of 44 lbs. per piece of checked luggage and 14 lbs. per piece of carry-on luggage, with a limit of one checked and one carry-on piece of luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. A lock is recommended for checked luggage while traveling within Southern Africa. Passengers traveling while pregnant are advised to carry a doctor’s note approving their health is suitable for flying. Southern Africa authorities reserve the right to deny passengers boarding if they do not carry such a note. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Escorted Tour Participants in South Africa |
| Please note that the number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving at different points in the itinerary. All passengers will begin in Cape Town and continue to Johannesburg. Some participates will end their trip in Johannesburg, while others will continue with a post-tour extension to Zimbabwe or Botswana. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Cape Town Water Conservation |
| Cape Town is in a water-scarce region of South Africa and is susceptible to drought. During your stay, please be mindful of water consumption and support the local government’s conservation efforts, in the event water restrictions are in place. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Southern Africa & eSwatini |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $3 per person per day, US $2 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $4 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day Game Drive Ranger: US $5 per person per day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists, as well as on safaris. |
| Zimbabwe - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Botswana - A general guideline for tipping in restaurants is 10% and P45 ($5-6) for Game Rangers. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| South Africa & eSwatini - The Rand is the currency of South Africa. The Lilangeni is the currency of eSwatini however the South African Rand is widely accepted. When exchanging currency in a bank, a passport must be presented to complete the transaction. |
| Zimbabwe - Until June 2019, Zimbabwe operated under a multi-currency monetary system where the U.S. Dollar (USD) was the most widely accepted form of currency. The Zimbabwe Dollar is now the official currency of Zimbabwe. Travelers may withdraw local currency from international credit-card enabled ATMs, which will be marked as international and have the logos of the accepted credit card companies. Foreign currency may be exchanged at the bank, however travelers are encouraged to use credit cards where possible and only exchange amounts of money in cash that they anticipate using. Visa fees are payable in foreign currency and may be paid in cash. Foreign credit cards will continue to be accepted as a form of payment where facilities exist. |
| Botswana - The Pula is the currency of Botswana. The South African Rand is also accepted. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Local specialties include handcrafts such as basketware, beadwork, embroidery and sculptures, as well as exceptional gold, platinum, and diamond jewelry. Boutiques, malls, markets, and roadside stands abound. |
| Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls offers wood carvings and soapstone sculptures. |
| Botswana - Botswana boasts many areas in which tourists can purchase world class baskets, woodcarvings, jewelry, pottery, tapestries and fabrics. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
|
Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Zimbabwe - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Zimbabwe, there are issues with theft against tourists in public places. Americans and other foreigners are perceived to be wealthy and are frequently targeted by criminals who operate in the vicinity of hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas of the major cities and tourist areas such as Victoria Falls. Although the majority of crimes in Zimbabwe are non-violent, be alert to any suspicious activity. Always keep valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone. Passengers should not travel alone after dark. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk, and that you do not ride alone when possible. When not possible, we recommend that a hotel, restaurant, or shop call a taxi; instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers. When using ATM machines, be on the lookout for anyone watching or following you. In the unlikely event that you should fall victim to a robbery, do not resist, the majority of injuries from robberies occur as a result of resistance. Do not hitchhike and do not accept rides from strangers. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas. |
| On Safari - While on safari, it is very important that you follow all directions provided by your guide in order to ensure the safety of the group. Prior to the first safari, your driver/guide will review “safari etiquette” addressing, amongst other issues, off-road driving and hazards, and interaction with animals. Wildlife listed in the itinerary are based upon optimal conditions and therefore subject to change. While on tour you will be reminded by your guide of local safety and ecologic procedures to ensure your safety and the protection of the wildlife. Normal precautions include remaining in close proximity to your driver/guide and vehicle, avoiding tall grass and keeping noise to a minimum to not attract extra attention. Your driver/guide will advise you not to turn over rocks or dead wood and to stay clear of ground holes and caves, where scorpions, snakes and other potentially dangerous animal life may be hidden. Refrain from littering, feeding any animals or leaving food waste behind in the parks as this can upset their natural diets and lead to a dependence upon people. In addition, please do not purchase, collect, or remove any animal products, rocks, seeds, plants, or nests from the wild. Roadways to the game viewing sites are for the most part unpaved and will therefore be rough and dusty. Gate 1 safari vehicles are fitted with large roof hatches or open sides to allow for easy viewing of wildlife from all angles. Safari vehicles cannot be air-conditioned and you will be provided bottled water while travelling. Vehicles are equipped with seatbelts which must be worn on public roads. While safari vehicles typically move slowly, drivers warn passengers of bumps or potholes and many passengers may choose not to wear a seatbelt, it is still strongly recommended to do so. Passengers should always remian seated when the vehicle is in motion. Inside the National Parks and reserves there are designated picnic sites. Due to frequent use wildlife tends to avoid these areas with the exception of primates, reptiles, birds and small mammals. However, since picnic sites are open it is possible that a larger animal, such as an elephant, may wander through. Outside of the parks, it may be necessary to make more frequent shopping stops as these stores provide the only acceptable facilities while touring due to the lack of public rest stops. |
| Botswana - Civil unrest and disorder are rare, but in the event of a protest, visitors should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Visitors must be vigilant and take common-sense security precautions. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
|
| Cape Town - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Cape Town, there are significant issues with theft against tourists in public places. Do not carry expensive valuables or wear valuable items (jewelry, watches) out in public and keep cameras and other touristy items out of sight like money belts and hip bags. If you have any questions on how to use the ATM machines ask your Tour Manager, do not ask strangers. Carry little cash and use a credit card as often as possible as they are widely accepted. Keep your card in your eye sight at all times when paying. You should not explore alone and it is recommended to travel in small groups. Be sure to ask directions from your tour manager and the hotel to avoid less safe areas. Do not take public transportation on buses as these vehicles are targets for robbery. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk, and that you do not ride alone when possible. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas. Be sure to use the hotel safes at all times for your valuable items. |
| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
South Africa
|
Zimbabwe
|
Botswana
|
| Languages |
| South Africa - Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English are among the local languages. |
| Zimbabwe - Shona and Ndebele are the local languages. The official language is English. |
| Botswana - The official language is English. The local language is Setswana. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| South Africa - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Zimbabwe - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Botswana - The voltage used is 220 volts. Since February 2008, Botswana has experienced occasional periods of rolling electric power outages that have left many areas without power for several hours each week.Visitors are urged to carry flashlights. |
| Code of Conduct |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed. Conservative casual dress is appropriate. Rural areas tend to be more conservative than urban areas. In conversation, avoid discussing racial tensions. South Africa is one of the world's great examples of biodiversity. Please be mindful of this ecological significance and do not litter. |
| Zimbabwe - Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. |
| Botswana - Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. |
| Zimbabwe - Be sure that all food, including meats, vegetables and fruits are fully cooked. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. |
| Botswana - Be sure that all food, including meats, vegetables and fruits are fully cooked. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - South Africa |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: Day off for New Year's Day Mar 21: Human Rights Day Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Family Day Apr 27: Freedom Day May 1: Worker's Day Jun 16: Youth Day Aug 9: National Women's Day Sep 24: Heritage Day Sep 25: Day off for Heritage Day Dec 16: Day of Reconciliation Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Day of Goodwill Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 21: Human Rights Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Family Day Apr 27: Freedom Day May 1: Worker's Day Jun 16: Youth Day Aug 9: National Women's Day Dec 16: Day of Reconciliation Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Day of Goodwill |
| Holidays - Zimbabwe |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 21: Robert Mugabe National Youth Day Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 8: Holy Saturday Apr 9: Easter Sunday Apr 10: Easter Monday Apr 18: Independence Day May 1: Workers Day May 25: Africa Day Aug 14: Heroes' Day Aug 15: Defense Forces Day Dec 22: Unity Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 21: Robert Mugabe National Youth Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 30: Holy Saturday Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 18: Independence Day May 1: Workers Day May 25: Africa Day Aug 12: Heroes' Day Aug 13: Defense Forces Day Dec 22: Unity Day Dec 23: Unity Day Holiday Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day |
| Holidays - Botswana |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: Day off for New Year's Day Jan 3: Public Holiday (January) Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 8: Holy Saturday Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: Labour Day May 18: Ascension Day Jul 1: Sir Seretse Khama Day Jul 17 - 18: Presidents Day Sep 30: Botswana Day Oct 1: Public Holiday (October) Oct 2: Day off for Botswana Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: Day off for New Year's Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 30: Holy Saturday Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labour Day May 9: Ascension Day Jul 1: Sir Seretse Khama Day Jul 15: Presidents Day Jul 16: President's Day Public Holiday Sep 30: Botswana Day Oct 1: Botswana Day Public Holiday Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
|
| SOUTH AFRICA - Passengers are required to have at least two, entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages (i.e. one side of such a page not front and back thereof) in their passport, each time entry is sought into South Africa, including re-entry from eSwatini. Therefore passengers continuing on to Zimbabwe and/or Botswana are required to have four blank visa pages. These pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport. South African government regulations prohibit airlines from boarding passengers without the required blank visa page. For more information, please visit the South African consulate website http://www.southafrica-newyork.net/homeaffairs/tourist_visa.htm or http://www.southafrica-newyork.net/homeaffairs/ |
| Children Under 18 Traveling to South Africa - The South African Department of Home Affairs no longer requires additional documentation for visitors under the age of 18 as of Nov 2019. Passengers traveling with children under 18 to South Africa will simply require a valid passport for entry. For more information please visit: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/statements-speeches/621-advisory-new-requirements-for-children-travelling-through-south-african-ports-of-entry-effective-1-june-2015.
|
| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
|
| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| South Africa & eSwatini - While the majority of South Africa is malaria-free, visitors to Kruger National Park and the Limpopo Province are encouraged to consult their health care providers regarding malaria prophylaxis. Malaria is endemic to the Kruger National Park Area. The Waterberg region of the Limpopo Province is considered a non-endemic area however as of March 2017, the CDC has received official reports of possible locally transmitted cases of malaria in this region and further investigation and surveillance is taking place. Visitors should use mosquito repellent and wear long pants, closed shoes, and a lightweight long sleeve shirt when in this area. Additionally, you may encounter mosquitoes in other areas, both rural and urban, especially during wet seasons. Please consult your physician before traveling to South Africa. Passengers arriving in South Africa after visiting or connecting 12 hours or more in designated yellow fever countries must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination. Designated yellow fever countries include but are not limited to Kenya, Senegal, & Ghana and it is recommended to check with the South African consulate prior to travel for the complete list of countries. This tour visits areas of high elevations on the Panorama Route (5,870 feet) and in eSwatini (6,110 feet), and may cause temporary altitude discomfort for some travelers. Those affected should avoid over-exertion, drink extra water, and eat lightly. |
| Zimbabwe - Malaria is prevalent throughout Zimbabwe, except in Harare, due to the capital's high altitude. The CDC strongly recommends that malaria prophylaxis and preventative measures be taken when traveling outside of Harare. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Zimbabwe. For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB. |
| Botswana - Travelers to Botswana are encouraged to consult their health care providers regarding malaria prophylaxis. Visitors should use mosquito repellent and wear long pants, closed shoes, and lightweight long sleeve shirts. It is recommended that you see your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food, water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC website. The World Health Organization (WHO) website is also helpful and provides information on outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
|
| Climate & Clothing |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Spring and Autumn: 55-70°F, Summer: 60-80°F, Winter: 45-65°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. On game reserves, visitors should wear neutral colors such as brown, khaki, and beige for their own comfort. South Africa Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/africa/#south-africa-weather |
| Zimbabwe - November: - March 63°F-86°F; April - July: 43°F-85°F; August - October: 48°F-93°F. Victoria Falls offers a mild and dry winter from June to mid-August and a warm to hot spring, until the rains start in mid-November. The dry season around Victoria Falls generally is from May to October; the wet season is from November to March. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. On game reserves, visitors should wear neutral colors such as brown, khaki, and beige for their own comfort. A rain coat will be provided while on the Victoria Falls tour, however please wear shoes you do not mind getting wet and bring a small umbrella for extra protection. |
| Botswana - November - March 70°F-90°F; April - August: 55°F-75°F; September - October: 65°F-95°F. The summer season begins in November and ends in March with very high temperatures. This is also the rainy season, however it is unusual for there to be more than two consecutive days of rain. The winter season begins in May and ends in August and is the dry season when virtually no rainfall occurs. Winter days are invariably sunny and cool to warm; however, evening and night temperatures can drop below freezing point in some areas. The in-between periods - April/early May and September/October - still tend to be dry, but the days are cooler than in summer and the nights are warmer than in winter. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. On game reserves, visitors should wear neutral colors such as brown, khaki, and beige for their own comfort. Warmer clothes are recommended during the winter months. |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| SOUTH AFRICA: Books Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton Zulu by Caryl Ferey Mafeking Road by Herman Charles Bosman The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay Playing the Enemy by John Carlin Country of My Skull by Antjie Krog |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Southern Africa - Passengers arriving into Johannesburg and connecting to Cape Town must collect their luggage upon arrival to Johannesburg, and re-check their baggage into their connecting flight to Cape Town. Flights within South Africa and between South Africa and Zimbabwe have a weight restriction for luggage of 44 lbs. per piece of checked luggage and 14 lbs. per piece of carry-on luggage, with a limit of one checked and one carry-on piece of luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. A lock is recommended for checked luggage while traveling within Southern Africa. Passengers traveling while pregnant are advised to carry a doctor’s note approving their health is suitable for flying. Southern Africa authorities reserve the right to deny passengers boarding if they do not carry such a note. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Escorted Tour Participants in South Africa |
| Please note that the number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving at different points in the itinerary. All passengers will begin in Cape Town and continue to Johannesburg. Some participates will end their trip in Johannesburg, while others will continue with a post-tour extension to Zimbabwe or Botswana. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Cape Town Water Conservation |
| Cape Town is in a water-scarce region of South Africa and is susceptible to drought. During your stay, please be mindful of water consumption and support the local government’s conservation efforts, in the event water restrictions are in place. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Southern Africa & eSwatini |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $3 per person per day, US $2 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $4 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day Game Drive Ranger: US $5 per person per day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists, as well as on safaris. |
| Zimbabwe - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Botswana - A general guideline for tipping in restaurants is 10% and P45 ($5-6) for Game Rangers. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| South Africa & eSwatini - The Rand is the currency of South Africa. The Lilangeni is the currency of eSwatini however the South African Rand is widely accepted. When exchanging currency in a bank, a passport must be presented to complete the transaction. |
| Zimbabwe - Until June 2019, Zimbabwe operated under a multi-currency monetary system where the U.S. Dollar (USD) was the most widely accepted form of currency. The Zimbabwe Dollar is now the official currency of Zimbabwe. Travelers may withdraw local currency from international credit-card enabled ATMs, which will be marked as international and have the logos of the accepted credit card companies. Foreign currency may be exchanged at the bank, however travelers are encouraged to use credit cards where possible and only exchange amounts of money in cash that they anticipate using. Visa fees are payable in foreign currency and may be paid in cash. Foreign credit cards will continue to be accepted as a form of payment where facilities exist. |
| Botswana - The Pula is the currency of Botswana. The South African Rand is also accepted. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Local specialties include handcrafts such as basketware, beadwork, embroidery and sculptures, as well as exceptional gold, platinum, and diamond jewelry. Boutiques, malls, markets, and roadside stands abound. |
| Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls offers wood carvings and soapstone sculptures. |
| Botswana - Botswana boasts many areas in which tourists can purchase world class baskets, woodcarvings, jewelry, pottery, tapestries and fabrics. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
|
Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Zimbabwe - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Zimbabwe, there are issues with theft against tourists in public places. Americans and other foreigners are perceived to be wealthy and are frequently targeted by criminals who operate in the vicinity of hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas of the major cities and tourist areas such as Victoria Falls. Although the majority of crimes in Zimbabwe are non-violent, be alert to any suspicious activity. Always keep valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone. Passengers should not travel alone after dark. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk, and that you do not ride alone when possible. When not possible, we recommend that a hotel, restaurant, or shop call a taxi; instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers. When using ATM machines, be on the lookout for anyone watching or following you. In the unlikely event that you should fall victim to a robbery, do not resist, the majority of injuries from robberies occur as a result of resistance. Do not hitchhike and do not accept rides from strangers. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas. |
| On Safari - While on safari, it is very important that you follow all directions provided by your guide in order to ensure the safety of the group. Prior to the first safari, your driver/guide will review “safari etiquette” addressing, amongst other issues, off-road driving and hazards, and interaction with animals. Wildlife listed in the itinerary are based upon optimal conditions and therefore subject to change. While on tour you will be reminded by your guide of local safety and ecologic procedures to ensure your safety and the protection of the wildlife. Normal precautions include remaining in close proximity to your driver/guide and vehicle, avoiding tall grass and keeping noise to a minimum to not attract extra attention. Your driver/guide will advise you not to turn over rocks or dead wood and to stay clear of ground holes and caves, where scorpions, snakes and other potentially dangerous animal life may be hidden. Refrain from littering, feeding any animals or leaving food waste behind in the parks as this can upset their natural diets and lead to a dependence upon people. In addition, please do not purchase, collect, or remove any animal products, rocks, seeds, plants, or nests from the wild. Roadways to the game viewing sites are for the most part unpaved and will therefore be rough and dusty. Gate 1 safari vehicles are fitted with large roof hatches or open sides to allow for easy viewing of wildlife from all angles. Safari vehicles cannot be air-conditioned and you will be provided bottled water while travelling. Vehicles are equipped with seatbelts which must be worn on public roads. While safari vehicles typically move slowly, drivers warn passengers of bumps or potholes and many passengers may choose not to wear a seatbelt, it is still strongly recommended to do so. Passengers should always remian seated when the vehicle is in motion. Inside the National Parks and reserves there are designated picnic sites. Due to frequent use wildlife tends to avoid these areas with the exception of primates, reptiles, birds and small mammals. However, since picnic sites are open it is possible that a larger animal, such as an elephant, may wander through. Outside of the parks, it may be necessary to make more frequent shopping stops as these stores provide the only acceptable facilities while touring due to the lack of public rest stops. |
| Botswana - Civil unrest and disorder are rare, but in the event of a protest, visitors should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Visitors must be vigilant and take common-sense security precautions. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
|
| Cape Town - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Cape Town, there are significant issues with theft against tourists in public places. Do not carry expensive valuables or wear valuable items (jewelry, watches) out in public and keep cameras and other touristy items out of sight like money belts and hip bags. If you have any questions on how to use the ATM machines ask your Tour Manager, do not ask strangers. Carry little cash and use a credit card as often as possible as they are widely accepted. Keep your card in your eye sight at all times when paying. You should not explore alone and it is recommended to travel in small groups. Be sure to ask directions from your tour manager and the hotel to avoid less safe areas. Do not take public transportation on buses as these vehicles are targets for robbery. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk, and that you do not ride alone when possible. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas. Be sure to use the hotel safes at all times for your valuable items. |
| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
South Africa
|
Zimbabwe
|
Botswana
|
| Languages |
| South Africa - Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, and English are among the local languages. |
| Zimbabwe - Shona and Ndebele are the local languages. The official language is English. |
| Botswana - The official language is English. The local language is Setswana. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| South Africa - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Zimbabwe - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Botswana - The voltage used is 220 volts. Since February 2008, Botswana has experienced occasional periods of rolling electric power outages that have left many areas without power for several hours each week.Visitors are urged to carry flashlights. |
| Code of Conduct |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed. Conservative casual dress is appropriate. Rural areas tend to be more conservative than urban areas. In conversation, avoid discussing racial tensions. South Africa is one of the world's great examples of biodiversity. Please be mindful of this ecological significance and do not litter. |
| Zimbabwe - Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. |
| Botswana - Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. |
| Zimbabwe - Be sure that all food, including meats, vegetables and fruits are fully cooked. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. |
| Botswana - Be sure that all food, including meats, vegetables and fruits are fully cooked. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - South Africa |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: Day off for New Year's Day Mar 21: Human Rights Day Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Family Day Apr 27: Freedom Day May 1: Worker's Day Jun 16: Youth Day Aug 9: National Women's Day Sep 24: Heritage Day Sep 25: Day off for Heritage Day Dec 16: Day of Reconciliation Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Day of Goodwill Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 21: Human Rights Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Family Day Apr 27: Freedom Day May 1: Worker's Day Jun 16: Youth Day Aug 9: National Women's Day Dec 16: Day of Reconciliation Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Day of Goodwill |
| Holidays - Zimbabwe |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 21: Robert Mugabe National Youth Day Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 8: Holy Saturday Apr 9: Easter Sunday Apr 10: Easter Monday Apr 18: Independence Day May 1: Workers Day May 25: Africa Day Aug 14: Heroes' Day Aug 15: Defense Forces Day Dec 22: Unity Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 21: Robert Mugabe National Youth Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 30: Holy Saturday Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 18: Independence Day May 1: Workers Day May 25: Africa Day Aug 12: Heroes' Day Aug 13: Defense Forces Day Dec 22: Unity Day Dec 23: Unity Day Holiday Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day |
| Holidays - Botswana |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: Day off for New Year's Day Jan 3: Public Holiday (January) Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 8: Holy Saturday Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: Labour Day May 18: Ascension Day Jul 1: Sir Seretse Khama Day Jul 17 - 18: Presidents Day Sep 30: Botswana Day Oct 1: Public Holiday (October) Oct 2: Day off for Botswana Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: Day off for New Year's Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 30: Holy Saturday Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labour Day May 9: Ascension Day Jul 1: Sir Seretse Khama Day Jul 15: Presidents Day Jul 16: President's Day Public Holiday Sep 30: Botswana Day Oct 1: Botswana Day Public Holiday Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day |
![@images[i].Title](http://static.gate1travel.com/shared/africa/gallery/lion3.jpg)
![@images[i].Title](http://static.gate1travel.com/shared/africa/gallery/antelopes.jpg)
![@images[i].Title](http://static.gate1travel.com/shared/africa/gallery/cape-town2.jpg)
![@images[i].Title](http://static.gate1travel.com/shared/africa/gallery/elephants1.jpg)
![@images[i].Title](http://static.gate1travel.com/shared/africa/gallery/giraffe2.jpg)
![@images[i].Title](http://static.gate1travel.com/shared/africa/gallery/cheetah2.jpg)
![@images[i].Title](http://static.gate1travel.com/shared/africa/gallery/cape-town1.jpg)
![@images[i].Title](http://static.gate1travel.com/shared/africa/gallery/zebras1.jpg)
![@images[i].Title](http://static.gate1travel.com/shared/africa/gallery/victoria-falls1.jpg)
Our trip to Zambia, Botswana and South Africa was exceptional. Our tour manager, Belinda, was an absolute joy. Her insight and knowledge helped us understand the culture and uniqueness of Southern Africa. We enjoyed the magic of Victoria Falls and while on safari in Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta the animal and bird sightings were phenomenal. Our visits to Cape Town's Table Mountain and lush vineyards were a perfect ending. Once again, Gate 1 gave us a beautiful trip.
Nancy L.
I just wanted to add to the post-trip survey following my 10-day visit to Kenya and Tanzania. This was my 9th Gate 1 trip and arguably my best. Aside from being beautiful countries and people and incredible wildlife, the itinerary, lodging facilities and tour managers far exceeded expectations. My tour guides Jafar (Kenya) and Baraka (Tanzania) were excellent professional safari guides who were successful in showing us the best of the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater. They were very conscientious in catering to our specific needs. Staff of the Pride Inn Mara Camp were very helpful and attentive. But the staff of the Acacia Farm Lodge really captured my heart. They sang for us when we arrived and sang for us when we departed. I'm a hardened 74-year old engineer, and I cried. I didn't want to leave. And I definitely want to go back.
Ralph C.
We just returned from our sixth Gate 1 trip. Although the Tour Managers we had all on previous Gate 1 trips were good, Charl definitely raised the bar on how good a Tour Manager can be! Our tour group consisted of 37 persons. I equated his job as one who had the impossible task of herding 37 cats, but he made the impossible task possible. He took the time with each person in the group to answer their questions and make sure each person was satisfied with how the tour was proceeding. When he spoke with each person, he acted like that person was the only one in the group, and would not move on until that person was satisfied with his response. Charl's calm personality and demeanor kept everyone at ease and helped in maintaining group unity. Charl was always up early greeting everyone at breakfast and did not retire at night until everyone was done with dinner. When we were leaving Johannesburg to fly back home on the last day of our tour, Charl helped us resolve our delayed flight issue, and did not leave us until he knew we were satisfied with the rebooking of our flights. He almost missed his flight back to Cape Town to make sure we were okay! Charl is very proud to be from South Africa, and is very proud to be a representative for his country. Gate 1 should be proud to have Charl as a valued member of the Gate 1 team!
Lawrence P.
What a Wonderful Trip! We saw all the The Big Five, multiple times. The meals were delicious and introduced us to Kenyan cuisine. The accommodations were interesting and more than comfortable. The guides, Geof, Dennis, Muthee, and Moses, were welcoming and took great care of us. They were exceptionally knowledgeable and personable. The small group was awesome! We would certainly do again. Many Thanks to all that made this a most memorable trip,
Terry R.
What a wonderful experience! Our Uganda tour exceeded my expectations from the tour managers, the hotels and friendliness of their staffs, sights that we saw and guides who led us. It was amazing. We traveled the most with Paul and he did an excellent job in providing information, local color, water in the vehicles and even kept a roll of toilet paper for the ladies to use at the rest stops along the way. The trekking was wonderful and we were fortunate to see 10 chimpanzees and a gorilla family of 16! The total experience is one where I am still pinching myself that I experienced so much in a short amount of time. I will be a Ugandan Ambassador for the future. Looking forward to my next Gate 1 adventure in April to Albania, Montenegro, Croatia & Slovenia. Thanks again.
Cynthia B.
Our Discovery trip to Namibia was incredible due to the leadership and knowledge of our tour guide Herunga. His enthusiasm and love for his country was obvious as he shared commentary on the countryside, animal life and the customs and traditions of Namibia. Kudos also for our bus driver- Kenneth. Kind and funny and more than capable of driving our bus over washboard roads! We truly enjoyed our excursion!
Deborah L.
We had a wonderful trip to South Africa. Our guide Anna was outstanding. She as very intelligent very concerned in our safety, very to take in timing for all our excursions ,giving us accurate and interesting information. The hotels and meals were very good. But the real reason that our trip was so good was Anna our guide. I will give this trip a 10 out of 10.
Christa R.
I recently completed an extraordinary trip to South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls with Gate1. Without question, a really marvelous trip was made spectacular by the tour director Jason. Although I have not taken many, many tours, Jason easily was the best I have ever encountered. Highly informative, kind, intuitive, caring, diligent, and efficient, he made a spectacular trip all that it was. I think he is everything that a Tour Director should be. All of us were blown away at how successful the trip was, and attributed the smoothness and richness of the trip to his knowledge and efforts. I cannot recommend him highly enough. Cheers to Gate1 for having someone like Jason there for the members who are lucky enough to cross his path.
Steven P.
Our trip to South Africa was the best. Our tour Manager Gavin was very well knowledgeable and friendly. Experienced the Apartheid Museum, land in Eswatini ,Cultural Dance and Dinner, Game drive in Kruger nation park we're very memorable. Overall we all enjoyed the trip.
Suketu M.
The 14-Day Classic South Africa with Robben Island & Victoria Falls was wonderful. Our tour guide, Jason was available whenever we were needed. He took care of our every need. He also is very well-versed in the history and background of South Africa among other things. He answered every question that was asked in great detail. A friend in our group had a birthday during the tour and Jason arranged for a cake, ice cream and champagne to be served. Because we decided to stay an extra day in Johannesburg at the end of the tour, Jason arranged transportation for us for that day so we were able to visit the Apartheid Museum and shop at Eastgate Mall before going to the airport for our return trip home. Everything was Awesome! Thank You for a lifetime trip. We want to return in the future - so much to see, learn and experience.
Sherry S.
Our trip to South Africa and Victoria Falls was amazing! This was our 5th trip with Gate 1 and we are already planning our next adventure! Our tour guide Belinda was kind, knowledgeable and extremely helpful. She consistently treated everyone with respect and courtesy. We expressed wanting to go to Robben Island (please add to itinerary), and she assisted us in obtaining tickets and where to catch the ferry. Belinda did not hesitate to give us valuable information regarding shopping, currency exchange, safety and great restaurant recommendations. Honestly, our group had a few difficult people who complained unnecessarily and she handled them with great patience and professionalism. Lastly, I appreciate how our tour guide assists us in navigating through the airport to catch our return flight home without incident. Gate 1 will always be our choice for group travel!
Michelle R.
I just completed a trip to Africa. Our tour manager, Reiner was AMAZING! He makes me want to do more tours. He was so nice, knowledgeable, prompt approachable all rolled into one amazing guide! I just wanted to give him extra kudos, he truly deserves it!
Angela M.
Fantastic! Our tour manager Jason was absolutely amazing. He helped us arrange our flight back to Cape Town from Victoria Falls because we arranged our own flights and we were scheduled to fly home from Cape Town not from Johannesburg as was planned for our trip with Gate 1. He made sure that we didn't miss any of our planned excursions, there are just too many things he did for our group and for us to list here. All of our accommodations were beautiful and our tour guide, Deon, at the Mabula Game Reserve and our tour guide, Emmanuel, in Kasane for the Chobe National Park tour and Chobe River Safari Cruise were wonderful too. They were very knowledgeable, friendly and fun. Because of them we are Gate 1 travelers for life!
Sarah B.
Trip was spectacular. It was our first Gate 1 trip, but won't be our last. Our guide, Don, was the best guide we've ever had. What a wonderful company you are -across the board.
Barbara B.
I have only wonderful things to say about Gate 1 and have already encouraged about 5 people to consider your company for all their trips. Our guide, Roger, was phenomenal in every aspect. He was attentive to needs, approachable by all, and expressed concern at our wellbeing every single day! Because of my diabetes, I was worried about going on the morning safari trips without nourishment. So he took it upon himself to ask the chef at Mabula to make me an egg sandwich in the mornings (before breakfast opened), so I would not encounter any health matters out in the wilderness. Is that caring or what?! I was super impressed with the hotels, all meals, all excursions; in fact, I don't have a single complaint to share. I am sorry I didn't know about Gate 1 sooner as I would have used your company to make all of my previous tour trips. In that Africa was my last continent, it was made extremely memorable through the care and attention I received so far from home. I am a huge fan!
Teresa M.
Best ever! Three game drives to see all big 5, an actual kingdom in Eswatini, Mandela, Soweto, impala in our hotel area, Capetown, the Cradle of Human Kind, lions etc. The many venues were more than expected, as the real South African history was explained by some of the people who lived it and were engaged in the most recent student uprising in the mid 70's and current struggles. Belinda, our guide for the trip, made the bus ride commentary a learning time. She knew many of the other guides in the parks and museums who were also professionals. I need to mention the two bus drivers who literally went out of their way, Becki and Peter. All of these people love their country and so do I. The hotels were excellent and some of the choices were perfectly chosen to reflect the areas surrounding. Best trip ever!
Terry W.
I just wanted to send along a quick email and let you know just how AMAZING our trip was with Gate 1. My husband and I love to travel and not only was our vacation on par with how we like to travel (ex: very busy but not chaos) but it was SO MUCH EASIER than having to try to sort out all the details by ourselves. Particularly where safe lodging was and how safe our environments were. It was so comforting to have someone there could answer our questions and give us real and genuine answers about places to go and the safety of our environment. I doubt not we will travel through Gate 1 for our major international trips again. Charl (our tour guide) and Francis (our driver/guide in Zimbabwe) were absolutely phenomenal. Charl's fount of knowledge made even the longer bus rides extremely enjoyable and his knowledge of exactly where to go and how to get there was incredible. I cannot count how many times I was genuinely thankful that my husband and I did not try to make this trip ourselves and had the expertise of Charl (and Chris when he was our driver) to make sure we got everywhere we needed to go when we needed to get there and safely. Francis is just a true delight of a person to have around. He was so excited about Zimbabwe and tourism and his country and that genuine love just came through 10 fold. I am so happy to have had the experience of meeting him and would happily and easily tour with him again. (Charl too of course!). He was so positive and loving about Zimbabwe that I kind of wanna move there now. Thanks so much to both of them for such an excellent trip!
Kelli L.
The trip was outstanding. My wife and I loved every minute of the trip. Our guide, Mr. Herunga was one of the best guides we ever had with Gate1 and other tours, and the driver, Nathan, was not only an excellent driver, but also having been a tour guide, he could also answer many questions. Both of them sat with our group and meals and we so enjoyed that. Herunga was extremely attentive to all the needs of our 17 fellow travelers, several of whom had requirements that required a lot of his attention, dietary restrictions or other needs. He consistently demonstrated grace, patience, empathy and a can do attitude which all of us appreciated, but especially for my wife and me, we observed his care for their needs. Some matters that came up were simply beyond his control, but he took all matters in stride and did all he could to help. His attitude was always for the best interest of the group and that was everyone in the group and above all, he did all this with a great sense of humor. He also evinced great knowledge about his country, Namibia, whether about language, topography, geology, plant and wildlife, culture, foods, climate and so many other things. He also had familiarized himself with the US beforehand so he could draw comparisons on landscapes. As he escorted us to the gates at the airport, many of our group exchanged hugs with Nathan and him. Though there had been some grumbling about some of the matters noted above, including the cold weather, over which Herunga had no control, without exception, we found him to be an outstanding tour guide. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best, I would give him a 10+.
Oliver M.
It was a great trip. There were so many different experiences and different regions that it seemed like lots of "mini trips" rolled into one. There are multiple "favorites" and all are easy to recommend to our friends and acquaintances. Our guide worked hard to enable us to do and see everything on our itinerary, working around weather conditions, etc. Adel did a super job.
Margaret R.
We just completed a trip to Kenya Africa March 24-April 3. This trip was incredible. We knew this trip would be special but never expected it to be so amazing. We had one of the best guides Christopher. We had a small group 4 travelers. I always hope to have a guide that goes the extra mile. Christopher did not go the extra mile, he did a 10K . Extremely thoughtful, provided massive information about animals, parks, people of Kenya and culture. Because of our small group we did not have any other guides. No matter what park we were in he was able to provide information. He was excited to show us the animals. He gave me the opportunity to get safely close to the animals so I have amazing photos.
Kathy G.
Hi, I completed the survey on our recent South Africa trip, but wanted to add a comment about our travel manager, Renier. Our group of four (and actually our entire group on the tour) could not speak highly enough about Renier. He was super friendly with a great sense of humor. Extremely knowledgeable about every place we went. He loves what he does and it shows!. He found a way to make a group of 23 individuals into a close group in just a couple days. He made safety a number one priority followed closely by making sure we all had a great time and had every need covered. This was our 5th Gate 1 trip and they just keep getting better! We are already looking for our next trip. A tour manager can really make a difference in a trip, and Renier certainly did.Thank you Gate1 for a trip that probably cant be beat!. Please thank Renier for us one more time!
John J.
I know you're swamped with travel challenges, but I just want to share my excellent experience in Kenya and Tanzania and thank you for another great Gate 1 trip! We've had many incredible tour managers with Gate 1 and Wolfugan in Tanzania has now taken top spot. He was attentive to our every need, but so much more. He was a wealth of information which he shared in such interesting ways, providing us with great insight into the country, the culture, and the amazing wildlife. He didn't always just answer a question, he sometimes encouraged us to think by asking a question back and truly engaging us in learning. We are avid birders, so we asked him to point out birds along the way that he might not otherwise. His knowledge of all the local birds was beyond my imagination and his ability to spot an interesting bird while driving a game vehicle blew us away. The other two people in our game drive vehicle soon became birders too! His knowledge of the wildlife was superb as expected and his ability to maneuver the vehicle into just the right spot for viewing and even considered the lighting for great photographs allowed me to get the most amazing photographs and memories for a life time. Wolfugan truly went the extra mile to ensure we were having the best experience on drives, in our lodging, and at our meals. He made us comfortable with all of the Covid requirements being managed. He was friendly, personable, obviously very intelligent, and a delight to be around. I've been back home for a week, but my heart is still in Africa. Thank you Gate 1 for another amazing adventure!
Joyce T.
My first Safari, but won't be my last. Our Tour Guide, Christopher was fantastic. While filling out my post trip survey, I obviously gave him all "Excellent", but I wanted to write to truly tell you how Christopher made my trip complete. He handled every detail from the moment I landed in Nairobi, to the moment I left. Throughout my stay Christopher was extremely attentive to all of my needs. His knowledge of animals and birds was unbelievable. His insight into the Kenyan people, customs, food and all things Kenyan made the trip complete. His dialogue throughout the trip was educational, inspirational, humorous and enlightening. If I could give Christopher 5 out of 5 stars or 10 out of 10, I would do it without hesitation. Thank you Gate 1 and Christopher. Also, a shout out to Timothy who assisted in our Safari. He was excellent as well.
Arthur R.
Thank You for such a wonderful experience! I truly enjoyed every minute of my trip to South Africa October 5th through 16th 2021. Shaun was the tour guide and he was excellent. Shaun was very knowledgeable, accommodating, patient and a master of his craft. By far, the best tour guide I've ever had. Our itinerary was well planned with many fun activities. Gate 1 provided excellent lodging and hotel accommodations. The food was very good with many options for everyone. Honestly, I had no complaints. I highly recommend Gate 1 Travel. Again, Kudos to Shaun. I'm already planning my next Gate 1 Tour for 2022.
Elijah J.
My husband and I recently completed the 10 Day Kenya safari exploration (discovery tour) and Chris and Tony were great guides for our entire trip. They were knowledgeable, great at their jobs and concerned about keeping us all safe, healthy, and happy. We loved the trips and our guides - they went above and beyond to make our Kenya trip memorable for the entire group. Thank you!
Angela H.
The trip was great and we had fantastic time. What made it, is that Roger our tour guide was an experienced gentleman, knowledgeable, helpful, courteous and interacted positively with the group. The drivers were safe and very obliged. The choice of accommodation by Gate 1 was really good and the program was excellent. The group was exceptional. We all got together extremely well. In fact, we have formed a group on WhatsApp, exchanged photos and kept in touch. In all honesty, it is one of the best organised tours we have ever had! Thank you and congratulations Gate 1 on a job well done!
Michael & Nadia A. Melbourne, Australia
It was amazing! It exceeded all of our expectations! 27 minutes into our 1st safari in the Masai, we witnessed our 1st kill! we were looking at a beautiful cheetah and she just stood up, crouched and took off! It was thrilling & exciting to be witnessing the circle of life! Then in the same safari we saw a jaguar, multiple male & female lions with babies, elephants, giraffes, a hyena and multiple other amazing animals. Our Guide was floored that we saw so much in 3 hours, he actually stopped the truck, turned around & asked us who the magic one was! We told him that we now had high expectations for the next day! We ended up seeing all of the big 5 throughout the entire trip! Just blessed, very lucky and thankful! We look forward to booking our next vacation with Gate 1!
Elizabeth A. Seattle, WA
Our trip was great! Lots of what we anticipated and some lovely surprises. Fantastic tour director in S Africa! Excellent in Kenya & Tanzania.
Barbara H. Warwick, RI
Our trip to 14 days Classic South Africa with Victoria Falls -Phenomenal trip!! Our tour director Charl was the best we have ever encountered. He was very friendly, compassionate and thoughtful! Our well-being was his top priority!! He was so knowledgeable and kept everything well organized.The hotels were nice. Our whole experience far exceeded our expectations!! We are thankful for Charl and Gate 1 for making it such a memorable trip!!
Pamela L. Arlington Heights, IL
The trip was fantastic. Great itinerary. Got to see 4 of the Big 5. Our tour manager, John Finch, was the best I have ever encountered. He was so knowledgeable and every local he encountered he could converse in their local language.
Mary T. Long Beach, NY
Our trip was amazing - our guides Joel and Simon were really great. Joel the main guide kept everything well organized while Simon our safari guide was really patient, knowledgeable as well as always followed our request. We felt like being on a private safari in our car. It was amazing. The Hotels were nice. Our whole experience met our expectations! I will travel with Gate 1 more for sure :)
Soma S. Solymár, HU
Amazing! Far exceeded my expectations. South Africa is a beautiful country. I loved Cape Town and could stay there for even longer but I am so happy that the tour took us to so many different locations of stunning scenery. I feel we had the best tour director ever, Renier. He was very informative of each place we visited and answered all of our questions. He was funny and I am pretty sure he had a lot of fun with this group as well. The people I traveled with were wonderful and we made many friends along the journey. I'm so happy to have luckily picked Gate 1 for our first adventure/group trip. I'm excited about the next one!
Amy R. Knoxville, TN
It was a great trip. I have to say, we have been on many guided tours and travel usually twice a year with Gate 1, Trafalgar, Viking, Avalon, etc. and have never had a guide as wonderful as Don. He was amazing in so many ways, he made our trip complete. His knowledge is unparalleled and his enthusiastic way of presenting that knowledge was simply outstanding. It would only be better if Don could guide every trip we took. As far as Africa, what can I say but it was simply beautiful. The tour was fast-paced, but we knew that going in we'd be covering quite a bit of ground. It was a great itinerary, and I would do it all over again. Thanks for an amazing trip!!!!
Amelia L. Southaven, MS
Our trip was incredible - the best Gate 1 trip yet. Accommodations were above the normal standards & the Lake Elmentaita Serena Camp was just amazing!! Our Guide/Driver, Yusuf, was terrific - took us to see SO MANY animals. My wife & I were thrilled because we were “introducing” our family to Africa (including a 12 year old grandson and an 8 year old granddaughter). The experience was even better than if we had tried to design it all beforehand. Well done, all.
Clint B. Toano, VA
It was an excellent trip! Well organized and knowledgeable guide! Dexter is very friendly and helpful in trying to make everything perfect! Everything is delivered as expected and more! Thank you very much Gate 1!
Raymond L. Arcadia, CA