13 Day Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari Adventure
From
$8549
Land Only
$10039*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
| Tuesday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Radisson Blu Hotel Lusaka | Lusaka | |
| Royal Zambezi Lodge | Lower Zambezi National Park | |
| The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa | Livingstone | |
| Sable Valley | Hwange National Park Sikumi | |
| Palm River Hotel | Victoria Falls | |
| Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo | Johannesburg | |
Not Included:
Gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival transfer, but does include departure transfer and flights Lusaka-Lower Zambezi National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park-Livingstone, & Victoria Falls-Johannesburg.
Due to limited space in safari vehicles, please pack your belongings in a soft-sided duffel bag. Traditional suitcases with rigid frames or hard plastic sides should not be used. Due to the use of light aircraft flights (4 or 20 seat small planes), there is a weight restriction for luggage of 44 pounds per person (including hand luggage) which is strictly enforced.
Please note, all passport holders should have four or more entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages in their passport when traveling to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. 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?
Package Includes
- Small groups of maximum 16 travelers
- Flights New York-Lusaka, Johannesburg-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - All intra-flights: Lusaka-Lower Zambezi National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park-Livingstone & Victoria Falls-Johannesburg
- 11 nights accommodations
- 1 night Lusaka
- 3 nights Lower Zambezi National Park
- 1 night Livingstone
- 3 nights Hwange National Park
- 2 nights Victoria Falls
- 1 night Johannesburg
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- Arrival transfer included only with airfare purchase on package arrival dates†
- Departure transfer
- 25 meals: 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern 4x4 vehicles
- Services of English-speaking tour manager (Day 2-12)
- Services of local guide in Johannesburg (Day 12-13)
- Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides on included services
- National Park fees
*Light aircraft (4 to 20 seat planes) are used for intra-flights
Tour Highlights
Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.
- Enjoy personal game drive experiences in safari vehicles that seat no more than seven
- A thrilling game drive in an open-vehicle through Lower Zambezi National Park
- Take a river cruise with a chance to view wildebeests along with hippos and crocodiles on the water's edge
- Test your luck and see how many of the "Big Five" you'll spot in Hwange National Park
- Embark on a sundowner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River
- Visit spectacular Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
†Arrival transfer is available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates if pre/post accommodations are booked through Gate 1 Travel
Not Included:
Gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
Is This Trip Right for You?
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Discovery Tours 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 first class lodge overlooks the Zambezi River and the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park.
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
| 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.
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| SOUTH AFRICA - Passengers are required to have at least one, entirely blank (unstamped) visa page (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 two 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/ |
| 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 |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| 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. |
| Zambia - It is recommended that you see your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip. The CDC recommends that malaria prophylaxis and preventative measures be taken when traveling in Zambia. Travelers are encouraged to wear insect repellent and clothing that adequately covers arms and legs. Passengers traveling to Zambia must carry proof of yellow fever vaccination if traveling through or from a country with risk of yellow fever. |
| 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:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Zambia - Zambia is situated in the tropics and receives a good amount of rainfall. The dry season (May - October) is divided into the cool dry season (May - August) and the hot dry season (September & October). In the west season (November - April), many areas become inaccessible and most camps in Kafue, Lower Zambezi and more remote parks close down. Further north, rains arrive earlier and leave later. Eastern and higher areas generally receive more rain than western and lowland areas. December through March are the wettest months, and the humidity is high. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. A bandanna or light scarf is recommended as protection against dust and dirt on game drives. On game reserves, it is recommended to wear neutral colors such as khaki and beige, which are most comfortable during the heat of the day. Binoculars are a must for wildlife viewing, and a long-range lens is recommended for photography. |
| South Africa & eSwatini - Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended. A bandanna or light scarf is recommended as protection against dust and dirt on game drives. On game reserves, it is recommended to wear neutral colors such as khaki and beige, which are most comfortable during the heat of the day. Binoculars are a must for wildlife viewing, and a long-range lens is recommended for photography. South Africa Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| Zimbabwe - 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. A bandanna or light scarf is recommended as protection against dust and dirt on game drives. On game reserves, it is recommended to wear neutral colors such as khaki and beige, which are most comfortable during the heat of the day. 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. Binoculars are a must for wildlife viewing, and a long-range lens is recommended for photography. |
| 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 your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| Zambia - Flights between Lusaka, Zambia and Lower Zambezi, Zimbabwe have a weight restriction for luggage of 44 lbs. total, inclusive of checked and 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. |
| 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. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| 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 Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, 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. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. 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. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| 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 - The Zimbabwe Gold is the official currency and operates within a closed currency system, meaning it cannot be purchased or exchanged outside the country. Zimbabwe has operated under a multi-currency monetary system for many years, with the U.S. Dollar (USD) being one of the most widely accepted form of currency. Visa fees are payable in foreign currency and may be paid in cash. |
| Zambia - The Kwacha is the currency of Zambia. By law, payments within Zambia can be made in Kwachas only, even if the price is quoted in USD. Most hotels, restaurants, and large shops will take credit cards. Most banks have ATMs which accept Visa cards for cash. Visa is more readily accepted than MasterCard or American Express. |
| 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. |
| Zambia - Local specialties include handcrafts such as basketware, pottery and woodwork. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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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 conditions and sightings cannot be guaranteed, including the "Big 5." 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 remain 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. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
South Africa
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Zimbabwe
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Zambia
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| 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. |
| Zambia - English is the official language. There are more than 70 local languages, with the most common being Bemba. |
| 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. The national electric company of South Africa has imposed planned power outages, locally referred to as "load shedding," to cope with overdemand on the electrical grid. Hotels in major cities are equipped with back-up generators so there are no interruptions to normal services, however hotels outside of major cities may have supplemental generators that provide electricity to only essential services. Power is generally restored within 2-3 hours of the outage, however this can vary. Passengers traveling with CPAP machines must notify Gate 1 Travel in advance so accommodations can be made to ensure there are no interruptions to run these machines through the night. |
| Zimbabwe - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Zambia - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| 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. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| 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. |
| 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 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 21: Human Rights Day Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Apr 6: 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 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 21: Human Rights Day Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter Mar 29: 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 Dec 16: Day of Reconciliation Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 27: Day of Goodwill |
| Holidays - Zimbabwe |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 21: Robert Mugabe National Youth Day Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 4: Holy Saturday Apr 5: Easter Sunday Apr 6: Easter Monday Apr 18: Independence Day May 1: Workers Day May 25: Africa Day Aug 10: Heroes' Day Aug 11: Defense Forces Day Dec 22: Unity Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 22: Robert Mugabe National Youth Day Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 27: Holy Saturday Mar 28: Easter Sunday Mar 29: Easter Monday Apr 19: Independence Day May 1: Workers Day May 25: Africa Day Aug 9: Heroes' Day Aug 10: Defense Forces Day Dec 22: Unity Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day |
| Holidays - Zambia |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 8: International Women's Day Mar 12: Youth Day Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 4: Holy Saturday Apr 5: Easter Apr 6: Easter Monday Apr 28: Kenneth Kaunda Day May 1: Labour Day May 25: Africa Freedom Day Jul 6: Heroes' Day Jul 7: Unity Day Aug 3: Farmer's Day Oct 18: Prayer Day Oct 24: Independence Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 8: International Women's Day Mar 12: Youth Day Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 27: Holy Saturday Mar 28: Easter Mar 29: Easter Monday May 1: Labour Day May 25: Africa Freedom Day Jul 5: Heroes' Day Jul 6: Unity Day Aug 2: Farmer's Day Oct 18: Prayer Day Oct 24: Independence Day Dec 25: Christmas Day |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: Southern Africa & eSwatini |
Tour Manager: US $12 per person per day Driver: US $4 per person per day, US $2 per half day Game Drive Ranger: included Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| South Africa & eSwatini - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists, as well as on safaris. |
| Zimbabwe - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Zambia - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists, as well as on safaris. |
The trip was another great Gate 1 experience. The tour manager, Herunga, and driver, Joseph, were friendly to all and expert at their jobs. Each day was filled with great stops and sights in the very large country of Namibia. Resorts and meals were top notch. The game drives in Etosha NP were expertly done with many animal sightings on each outing
David D.
The trip was amazing. It was well planned and Silver and Joseph took such good care of us. Loved the culture, scenery and seeing the animals. Namibia is the perfect African country to visit.
Lana C.
I had the trip of a lifetime! There was so much variety for our activities in each country. I particularly loved all the animals and nature, especially in the Okavango Delta. And I loved all of the boat trips. Our small group size of 6 enabled us to have great flexibility, including a cooking lesson in the home of a local in Cape Town. Our tour manager Renier was exceptional. His attention to details and to each of us as individuals was unparalleled. Coming from a busy city like New York, I admired his savvy and efficiency. He endeavored for us to avoid long lines and maximize our time. Words cannot express how much I enjoyed this adventure!
Dani E.
What a fantastic trip I had on the 13 day Zambia, Botswana and SA adventure thanks to our amazing tour guide, Renier, a great itinerary and 12 wonderful new friends. This was my first Discovery trip and I can assure you not my last! The memories of this trip will last a lifetime. Thank you so much Gate 1- you are #1 in my book.
Sue B.
Our trip to South Africa was just amazing and all the credit goes to our Tour Manager Anne. She made our 10-12 days in South African an amazing experience which I will never forget. Anne is the best tour guide EVER. She is energetic, friendly, knowledgeable and it was a great pleasure to be part of her group. We enjoyed this experienced to the utmost. Anne is not only organized but keenly aware of the groups concerns and would do anything to satisfy everyone in the group. Anne is real, genuine and she enjoys what she does and we all appreciated her. I will not hesitate to go on another tour with Anne. One clear example is when I lost my cell phone. She was so interested in helping that she contacted park rangers, hotel employees and anyone she thought could help. I was actually moved and can't thank her enough. She showed that she care and that feeling was felt by me personally and by the group as a whole. Everyone in our group loved Anne. Please forward these comments to her as she well deserves to be commended.
Marco G.
I just wanted to add to the survey by saying that that the tour manager, Belinda, was outstanding. She was extremely helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. The tour was run flawlessly. It was especially great that she knew so many people in the airports, hotels, and parks - which facilitated a smooth experience for us. She was the best!
Joseph W.
This trip was wonderful and more than I expected. Paggge, and Joseph were wonderful, could not have asked for a better pair to lead us. Pagge was the tour director, and Joseph the driver. This is my third Gate 1 trip and I've never had a driver who was more responsive to our needs. Pagge and Joseph worked as a team.
Lenna R.
I've enjoyed my Namibia trip tremendously. The itinerary, lodges, restaurants are all very nice. I want to particularly mention that my tour manager/guide Kenneth deserves special mention and kudos. He was very thoughtful, helpful and delightfully accommodating with our needs and took care of every little details through the whole trip. His attention to our needs made this trip especially enjoyable and worry free. He's truly one of the best guides. This was really an unforgettable and marvelous trip!
Wei C.
Amazing trip & great services. Our Tour Manager Charl was the perfect host, made us feel special dedicating time to each throughout the tour. Charl took us through different countries along with all the logistics of flights and borders with efficiency making it seem simple. His knowledge offered a thorough insight about South Africa's history, culture and flora. Exceeded our expectations!
Ana S.
Our trip was wonderful. Jason our tour director was fantastic. He personally met us at the airport upon arrival, and took care of every detail or minor difficulty we may have had along the way (hot water issues in our room, minor food preferences). He even arranged an activity for a free afternoon. He was knowledgeable, engaging, accommodating, well organized, which made the trip, which has challenging logistics, a pleasure. The accommodations on the tour were great, much better than we anticipated, with many large included meals. No one went home hungry. We were surprised that we were able to see a vast array of wildlife on our game drives, leopards, lions, elephants galore, hippos, and up close and personal with an "on shore" crocodile on our river safari. The recent change to the Pullman Hotel in Cape Town is a good one. In summary, it was a fantastic and unforgettable African adventure.
Barry B.
The trip to Namibia was beautiful and unique. The diversity of the landscape that we covered was amazing. From dunes, to the ocean, to the desert to game parks. Climbing on big daddy dune, bush dinners and the game drives at Etosha National Park were the highlights. Silver was a great guide and provided us with useful information and interesting history. James was the driver and kept us safe on the drives. The food in Namibia was delicious and I was able to try some very interesting foods including game meats and mopane worms. The visits to the tribes were another unique experience as well as the visit to the Mondessa township. The music and dancing that each visit brought was a moving experience. Overall, another great experience in Africa and Gate 1 trip.
Amanda J.
This was the trip of a lifetime. It was so much more than just the safari game drives and river excursions - though those were numerous and spectacular! Of course, we saw (up close) the Big Five and more! It is amazing to be directly within the wildlife's own habitat. You are in the cage, and the animals roam free! At one time a lioness strolled by within 2 feet of my shoulder. But beyond that, it was a great cultural, educational, experience where we learned history and customs, music, dance, lifestyles etc. to give you an example, we had one evening with a home hosted dinner in Cape Town; another African food dance and musical dinner activity; visited the poor township of Soweto, toured Nelson Mandela's house, The Apartheid Museum; toured the beautiful wine country (more spectacular than Napa), made it to the Cape of Good Hope and awesome Victoria Falls. We had the most fabulous tour guide (Jele) who was beyond knowledgeable, with a wonderful personality. He held our group together "like a family," while informing us and guiding us through sights, border crossings, and handled any of our fellow travelers' particular issues/problems with ease. I met some very wonderful fellow travelers in our group! It was simply a magnificent trip.
Howard G,
We had a fabulous time on our South Africa, Botswana and Zambia tour and are highly recommending this Gate 1 Travel itinerary to our friends and family. Our tour guide, Renier, was fantastic. He was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, humorous, extremely helpful, and very capable of successfully solving a variety of issues that were presented to him by our fellow travelers. He worked very hard to ensure that every traveler was comfortable and having a great time, the whole trip. We enjoyed every moment of the tour - each day was better than the last. We loved seeing Victoria Falls, the experience on the dinner train and flying on the small planes (a first for us). But the time on safari - in Chobe National Park and at Moremi Crossing - were definitely the highlight of the tour. Our son and granddaughter (14) joined us, and they loved every moment, too. Everyone we met along the way was so friendly and cheerful, especially the train conductors - who invited us into the locomotive and let me and my granddaughter toot the horn. We felt extremely safe in the hands and vehicles of the safari rangers during the game drives and bush walk. The rangers were excellent, and we learned so much about the animals and the savanna from them and saw more species of animals than we expected to. Seeing the leopards and lions up close was definitely thrilling. Thanks for a terrific trip!
Devoni W.
Still recovering from the long flight. This was the best trip we have ever taken, bar none, and we are experienced travelers. There are many reasons why it was great, most of all was our tour director, Renier. He was a delight, went above and beyond what I and others would have expected. He was knowledgeable, conversant, and just a wonderful human being. Additionally, we had a very cohesive group of 36 people, and we bonded well. The hotels were great, especially the fabulous Kruger Gate Hotel. The safaris were the highlight, but everything we did was memorable. It will be hard to weed through more than a thousand photos I took. This was the trip of a lifetime.
Donald L.
Great itinerary, hotels, food, experiences and fellow travelers and I can't say enough about our travel director, Charl. Charl's passion for his work, his country and his clients are apparent in his every sincere action. He not only is an excellent organizer and cohesive for our group, but also freely gives personal attention and care to each individual. For example, when we went on a wine tour and I don't drink, he purchased a delightful non-alcoholic option for me and showed me around the grounds. He offered handicap options to a temporarily disabled fellow traveler at each destination with care and dignity. He imparts a wealth of information and knowledge about our destinations in a way that is interesting and humorous. He answers questions and responds to requests without hesitation, often foreseeing needs without having to ask. Plus, he is always patient and prepared. This is my first Gate 1 trip, and I am already looking over the travel brochure that was awaiting me at home for my next trip. I hope your other tours and tour guides are as excellent as this trip. I am well-travelled and Charl is the best tour manager I have ever encountered.
Christine C.
Panda & Joseph made the difference in my experience on the Namibia trip...you couldn't ask for a better tour manager and driver. I trusted them with my safety and in their suggestions for activities and lunch options during their free time. WHEN I book a return trip to Namibia, it will definitely have to be with the both of them.
Arhea N.
Our Gate 1 adventure to Namibia was excellent. We enjoyed the people of Namibia, the culture, locations, scenery and variety of animals and reptiles. The bus driver and Tour Manager (TM) were both exceptional. The TM conveyed informative, helpful, and totally clear and positive information on Namibia throughout our trip. It was an amazing and enjoyable adventure that we truly loved.
Eric F.