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1 Absolute AFRICA Safari Dossier for The Big Six 46 days Entebbe to Livingstone Dates of Departure 2009 Departs June 21,2009 July 19 July 30 August 30 September 22 September 27 October 4 *October 17 November 3 November 22 December 15 January 31, 2010 February 21 April 6 April 27 May 30 June 20 Arrives August 5 September 2 September 13 October 14 November 6 November 11 November 18 November 26 December 13 January 1, 2010 January 24 March 12 April 2 May 16 June 6 July 9 July 30 Price £730 £730 £730 £730 £730 £730 £730 £660 £660 £660 £660 £660 £660 £660 £660 £660 £660 Kitty US$794 US$794 US$794 US$794 US$794 US$794 US$794 US$683 US$683 US$683 US$683 US$683 US$683 US$683 US$683 US$683 US$683 Special note re route change: Please note this safari adjusts to 41 days from October 17, 2009 and will be known as The Rivers of Africa. th It will commence in Kampala from the 17 October and will not double back through Uganda after the gorilla trek. We will instead travel directly into Tanzania below Lake Victoria and so will not visit Kenya in this itinerary from th 17 October. All trips departing prior will visit the highlights in Kenya as detailed in this dossier. For details of route changes for departures from 9 October please go to www.absoluteafrica.com and check out the microsite on the home page. If you would like a dossier for the new Rivers of Africa safari contact us at the office. Special departure details: * Now Known as The Rivers of Africa Safari from this date, commencing in Kampala for a relaxing start by the While Nile, finishing by the Zambezi at the mighty Victoria Falls 22 Nov 09 – Christmas on a Houseboat, Lake Kariba, New Years at Livingstone (the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls). 15 Dec 09 – Christmas with the gorillas. Special optional extra:- Kilimanjaro Base Camp Hike –24 May – 4 Oct 09 departures only (£66) Johannesburg Add-on – We offer a short add-on safari to Johannesburg from Livingstone via Chobe National Park in Botswana. Price £200 including a game cruise in Chobe National Park. Kitty US$88. Please feel free to contact us if you would like further details. Countries Visited: Uganda, (Rwanda), Kenya, (departures from May 24 - October 4, 2009), Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia Highlights: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Mountain Gorilla Trek, Orphanage visit, Whitewater Rafting on the White Nile, Village experience, Rift Valley, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar Island, Lake Malawi, South Luangwa National Park, Lake Kariba, Lion walks, Victoria Falls, Whitewater Rafting on the Zambezi, Flights over the Falls, Bungee jump, Zambezi Gorge Swing, Elephant ride, Rhino trek, Township tour, Canoeing and Interactive Drumming. Trips from 24th May to 4th October only, still visiting The Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Elsamere, Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Park, Nairobi. All departures from 17th October: Queen Elizabeth National Park with a cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Safari structure: This safari gives you the opportunity to see many of the highlights of East and Southern Africa. The safaris are made up of components. You may find travellers who will just travel with us in East Africa, as well as others who join us in Nairobi to head into Southern Africa after we return from the gorillas. Please feel free to contact us if you would like further details about The Big Six. absolute Africa 41 Swanscombe Road, Chiswick, London W4 2HL tel: 0208 742 0226, fax: 0208 995 6155 absaf@absoluteafrica.com www.absoluteafrica.com 2 When costing an overland safari you need to consider Your price Your optional excursions Your airfare Your visa and vaccination requirements Your kitty, payable in US $ cash Personal spending money Insurance requirements Personal equipment Pre and post safari needs - The Group Kitty on the Big Six pays for - All camping costs - Two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) whilst with the truck. Some prepared barbeques, a village meal and contributions to restaurant meals throughout including a final restaurant meal in Livingstone The Core Game Parks and other highlights o Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania . o South Luangwa National Park (24 May – 17 Oct 09 departures). o Queen Elizabeth National Park with a Game Cruise on the Kazinga Channel. (From 17th Oct 09 only) o A visit with The Maasai For trips from 24 May to 4 October 2009 incl. only the Kitty also pays for: o Masai Mara o Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya o Entrances to Daphne Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Sanctuary, Kenya The kitty is the group’s money. It is paid to the safari leader in Africa who manages it for the group. Operating a kitty gives the group control over a lot of what happens on the safari. The kitty has been realistically costed to allow you to eat well and also camp in secure sites. Kitty also covers a proportion of the game parks and some of the other safari highlights. For further game parks you might like to visit on safari please check the optional game parks listed on page 8. Any remaining funds in your kitty are returned to you at the end of the trip. At lunchtime we encourage you to get out independently to mix with the local community, shop in the markets or try a local cafe which allows you choice to “do your own thing’ for lunch. In East Africa you will find in many villages when we stop for lunch, the locals will bring lunch to you - samosas, nuts, fruit and hard boiled eggs - all brought to the side of the truck by street vendors and all sold without you having to leave your seat! Or try meat or chicken kebabs or a local favourite, the chip omelette. Drinks are cold and plentiful. Pre and post safari information Please note for departures up to and including 4th October we meet you on the evening prior to the departure date at Entebbe Tourists’ Hostel and Campsite where you can camp with the truck familiarising yourself with the tents and equipment and meet everyone with whom you will be travelling. Just budget £3 for camping for that night. Transfers to Entebbe Tourists’ Hostel and Campsite from the airport can also be arranged. The airport is about 20 minutes drive away. Alternatively you can arrive in early morning of the departure date and we can again arrange to collect you at the airport. If you wish to arrive in Entebbe on the departure date please make sure you fly in by 7.30 am. Thank you. For departures after this date from 17th October note we depart very early on day one from Kampala, so arrange to arrive in to Entebbe by lunchtime of the day before the trip starts if at all possible. If you need to overnight in Entebbe, we can book you into The Entebbe Flight Motel. Entebbe Flight Motel is £17 for a single and £10 per person for a double on a Bed & Breakfast basis. Transfers from the airport are included in the accommodation charge. Overnight accommodation and transfers to Kampala can also be arranged. The Big Six Safari finishes in Livingstone (the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls) where we spend the last few days. Further accommodation if you are spending a few extra days at Livingstone can be arranged for you at Guestmate Guest House. Double rooms are £24 a night per room and single rooms are £18 per night. The Guest House can organise your transfer to the airports either in Victoria Falls or to Livingstone, Zambia, or assist with any of your ongoing travel requirements. Airport transfers are approximately £9.00. Personal Spending Money 3 We find that clients need to allow £70- £100 approximately a week for personal spending money. Do be aware this amount is always very individual and depends largely on how much you eat, drink and the souvenirs you buy. It is a regularly updated weekly average the crew and recent passengers have provided. Some weeks you will spend more and other weeks less. Your spending money covers lunch, drinks, souvenirs, and other personal needs including communication with home, postage, pre and post safari accommodation and transfers and toiletries. Regularly “smallish“ optional activities also arise costing under £10 and this money also will cover these. You may also be tempted to buy a t-shirt in Livingstone of one of the many activities available or a video of “the big day out.” Your spending money is also calculated to cover those times when you don’t eat on the truck in particular your food on Zanzibar Island. Whilst the truck waits at Dar Es Salaam everyone usually chooses to go to Zanzibar. £445 to £570 spending money is the current recommendation spending money for this safari. Assistance with flights and insurance If you would like assistance with flights or insurance please feel free to get back to us in regards to your needs. When booking flights please allow two days overrun on your safari to allow for unforeseen delays. Do remember itineraries in Africa need to be treated with a level of flexibility. You will find it most convenient at the end of your safari to fly from Livingstone for this safari. As a rough guide only, open jaw flights London - Nairobi............Livingstone - London via Johannesburg vary from approximately £700 in low season to £900 in peak season. British Airways and Qantas have tie up Discovery flights flying London - Nairobi....... Johannesburg - Australia and/or New Zealand, which are also very popular and well priced. British Airways, South Africa Airways and Zambian Airways all fly between Livingstone and Johannesburg. Livingstone has an excellent airport and is carrying increasing traffic. Cheap flights can sometimes be booked on the ground in Livingstone through to Johannesburg but these cannot be guaranteed. Lusaka, the capital of Zambia is also just a day’s bus ride away so your other option is to fly home via Lusaka. Your safety and enjoyment when travelling overseas with us is very important. Travel insurance is essential and so we have arranged insurance with specialist insurance brokers Campbell Irvine, underwritten by the UK’s largest travel insurer, AXA Insurance (UK) plc*. The cover includes a 24-Hour Worldwide emergency Medical Service who are experts in providing friendly and professional emergency help. For further details check out our website. The Big Six Itinerary UGANDA (RWANDA) We meet in Entebbe the day prior to departure. A collection from Entebbe airport can be arranged if you need to where the truck is parked at the nearby campsite. The following morning we visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria. This 100 acre forested island provides a safe haven for the 32 orphaned chimpanzees that are now free to roam the island. The focal point of the visit is the opportunity to get close to the chimps at the supplementary morning feeding a raised walkway allowing for easy viewing. Following this we enjoy a traditional meal including locally caught fish. Returning by mid afternoon we drive through to the capital, Kampala, to spend the night. Leaving Kampala early we stop over at the equator for photos, and then travel on to the beautiful Lake Bunyoni sitting in the steep, terraced Mfumbiro Hills. The lake is known as “the place of little birds”. Weaver birds who plait complex globular homes may be seen in the trees and perhaps an elegant crowned crane, the national bird. During our stay at Bunyoni there is time for a swim or to canoe on the lake, and to enjoy a fish meal. From here we then travel to Buhoma village at the entrance to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where the villagers often entertain us with traditional dancing and singing and village walks can also be arranged if we stay over for more than a day. Alternatively we take the scenic drive to Kisoro to trek the gorillas in Rwanda with fabulous views of the gorilla park’s three volcanoes on our approach. As we set off for our gorilla trek through the plantations the local women can often be seen and heard singing as they work in the fields. The walk allows you to experience an extraordinarily rich and varied ecosystem, Bwindi being a forest that survived from the Pleistocene, so has species of animals and plants that have died out elsewhere. But the gorillas are what we are looking for - rare and special gentle giants, a species of which there are approximately only 720 left. Arriving in Jinja we have two to three free days by Bujagali Falls. There is time to white water rafting on the White Nile in equatorial sunshine on rapids grade 3 to 5 amidst lush tropical vegetation. You can swim, fish, take a village walk or relax by the Falls. Quad biking and horse riding is also available as well as bungee and zip wire. There is also the option to volunteer in community project work at a local school. Optional excursions: Chimpanzee sanctuary visit, mountain gorilla trek, Jinja village walk, help at local school, whitewater raft on the White Nile (up to and including grade 5 rapids), bungee jump, quadbiking and horse riding. KENYA Driving towards Nakuru we overnight at a working upcountry farm nestled into the Mau Escarpment before entering Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its soda lake which attracts greater and lesser flamingos. To see numbers of these birds rising off the lake like a pink cloud is breath taking. Game drives also allow us to view the other wildlife in the park such as lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra and rhino before we camp in the park. Our next stop is Lake Naivasha and Joy Adamson's Elsamere for afternoon tea in the grounds, the black and white colobos monkeys coming down to sit on the lawns at this famous 4 conservation centre. Bird life including herons, darters and storks can be found around the lake margins. In the evening we watch the hippo come out onto the lawns. A walk or cycle in Hells Gate National Park is next on the itinerary, the Maasai Cultural Centre within the park also being well worth a visit. From Lake Naivasha we now take the bumpy drive through to the Masai Mara aiming to see the migration on those months when the big herds of wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle might be anticipated to have arrived after their long march from the Serengeti. Here on the undulating grasslands surrounded by dramatic escarpments and beautiful acacia forests we also might hopefully spot big cats and other predators who usually aren’t far behind the migration. We come into Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, stopping over at the Rift Valley Lookout on the way arriving to visit Sheldrick’s Animal Orphanage for the rhino feeding and the elephant play session then to hand feed giraffe at Langatta Giraffe Park. We have a meal together in one of Nairobi's famous restaurants. Optional excursions: Crescent Island, Green Crater hike, Lake Hells Gate National Park, Elsamere for afternoon tea. Please note from 17 October, 2009 we will not be doubling back through Uganda after the gorilla trek to travel into Kenya. On our new itinerary we will commence in Kampala to head early morning on day one to Jinja for the start of our safari. Here we can get to know each other by the Nile before heading to Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to the gorilla parks. We will not in consequence visit any Kenyan highlights from the 17th of October departure onwards. For further details check out the microsite link from the homepage of our website or request a dossier for the new Rivers of Africa program departing from the 17th October, replacing The Big Six Safari departure from mid October. TANZANIA Across the border to Tanzania we now enter the world famous Serengeti National Park by customised land cruiser. We camp in this 14,000 square kilometre park which is home to lion, leopard and cheetah pursuing the vast herds of wildebeest, gazelle, antelope and zebra on their seasonal migrations. Descending 2,000 foot into the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest extinct volcano, we can view rhino, hippo, lion, elephant, hyena, buffalo, zebra, impala, wildebeest, cheetah, monkey, ostrich and flamingo. The Maasai living on the crater rim still shun modern ways, continue to dye their hair with ochre and live on a diet of milk and blood obtained from their cattle. We can arrange a visit to a traditional Boma (village). From the Crater we travel to the Snake Park in Arusha, via the village of Mto Wa Mbu, and opportunities to shop for spears, bead work and ebony carvings. Time at Arusha also allows for a group barbecue. Dawn brings the possibility of views of Mount Kilimanjaro on our way to the bustling city of Dar Es Salaam on the Indian Ocean Coast. On certain months we also stop over at Kilimanjaro for base camp walks on the mountain. We park up on the coast for the night listening to the waters lapping nearby and enjoy a seafood braai. The next morning the safari leader travels over with the group by ferry to Zanzibar for four days, before catching the ferry back to Dar Es Salaam the afternoon of the last day. We spend a day exploring traditional Stone Town, enjoying the Food Markets and some of the history of the island on a spice tour. From here we then head north to relax in the sun on the stretches of palm-lined white sand. The beach cottages at Kendwa are very popular, with fun beach bars as well as fresh seafood to enjoy in the local restaurants dotted along the coast. Enjoy volleyball on the sand, a massage in the sun and a sunset cruise at the end of the day. Diving and snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll amongst tropical corals is world class. Other highlights to be enjoyed on Zanzibar are visiting Prison Island with its giant tortoises, swimming with the dolphins and walks in Jozani Forest to view the red colobus monkey. For your time on the island we can arrange bed and breakfast lodge accommodation in Stone Town as well as beach cottage accommodation for you if you wish to ensure availability. Your ferry and taxi transfers including a spice tour can also be organised, the spice tour provides a fascinating insight into the history of this magical island. How you spend your time on Zanzibar Island is very much up to you. Just remember to budget your spending money to cover your evening meals for your time on the island as well as incidentals such as snorkel hire, drinks and souvenirs. Optional excursions: Game drives in the Serengeti National Park, Base Camp hike (24 May – 4 Oct 09 departures only), snorkelling with the dolphins with a visit to the Jozani Island, day trip to Mnemba Atoll, scuba diving. Remember also to budget for your accommodation, ferry and transfers on Zanzibar Island. TANZANIA – MALAWI We say good bye to East Africa’s stretches of white beaches and world famous game parks for the drive south west through Tanzania to Malawi. It is a varied two days drive with much scenery change as we travel into the mountains through the southern section of the Rift Valley. Being at altitude, the cool mountain air can be a welcome relief after the temperatures of the Coast. On the way the main road travels a strip of 60 kilometres through Mikumi National Park, with no tolls or entrance fees to pay, and where we regularly see game. Common sightings include elephant, buffalo, lion, giraffe, zebra, gazelle and impala. We then reach the area known as Baobab Valley with its monumental and ancient baobab trees dominating the scenery as well as the Great Ruaha River. On route we stop over at a farm for a traditional meal. Crossing the border into Malawi travelling past numerous tea plantations we see women picking the leaves in the fields. Malawi is one of the poorest countries we visit whilst on the other hand you may find the local people of Malawi some of the friendliest we’ll meet on our travels. They love inviting us into their schools and homes so we can get a sense of traditional ways of village life. A dinner with a local family to taste traditional foods can be arranged and to enjoy some traditional dancing. You can also visit the local witch doctor. 5 Lake Malawi takes up 80% of Malawi’s total land mass and we spend a few days at campsites along the Lake shore. The Lake is tidal and at certain times of the year it is quite possible to actually surf. It is a fresh water lake with amazing underwater life including brightly coloured mbuna cichlid fish. Scuba diving and snorkelling are popular and have been described, as the fish are so prolific, as rather like a dive into a fish tank. Horse riding is also an option and the swim-ride, where the horses take to the lake, is an exhilarating experience. If you want to stretch your legs alternatively the days hike up Livingstonia Plateau takes you through woodlands and past waterfalls allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the country with views down across the Lake. Another highlight of our time in Malawi is the souvenir shopping. Malawian carvers are some of the best in the world and we’ll have plenty of opportunity to buy the famous “Chief’s Chair”. Other famous carvings are the three legged tables, giraffes and beautiful intricate chess boards. The Malawi markets are also The markets to raid for the latest in fashion attire if the group decides on an Absolute Bad Taste Party. Arriving in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, we catch up on banking, post home souvenirs and experience shopping in a supermarket again! Optional excursions: Visit the witch doctor, Livingstonia Plateau hike, water sports, horse riding, school visit. ZAMBIA Heading west into Zambia, we travel through to South Luangwa, a 9,050 square metre national park, centred around the Luangwa River. Elephants are hard to miss along the river's banks with some herds numbering up to 70 animals. Here we have the chance to see Thornicraft's giraffe, with their white legs and faces, and Crawshay's zebra, both endemic to the park and easily spotted. Herds of buffalo can be seen, and with a little luck several prides of lions. The density of leopards is among the highest in the world. Spotting these nocturnal creatures can be tricky and we head out on evening game drives specifically aiming to see these special cats. All sorts of antelopes abound including impala, sitatunga, and the puku which is rarely seen outside Zambia, as well as waterbuck and bushbucks too. South Luangwa is also a dream come true for birdwatchers, with over 400 species recorded. From here we head to Lusaka, the modern capital of Zambia to stock up for our houseboat stay. The houseboat allows us two nights away from camping and truck life while we relax on beautiful Lake Kariba, sleeping in beds, chilling in the splash pool, watching game by the waters edge, fishing from the tender boat and meals being prepared for us by the houseboat staff. And then to Livingstone for Victoria Falls, Mosi Oa Tunya – “the smoke that thunders with its numerous and varied activities white-water rafting and jet boating down the Zambezi, bunji jumping off the bridge, abseiling and gorge swinging, a “Flight of the Angels” over the Falls, lion walks, horse riding, rhino trekking, canoeing on the upper Zambezi, game viewing, a township tour and sunset cruise. You can also spend a day wandering through the national park to view the Falls, the rainforest walk taking you right to the edge of the First Gorge and along its length for a good drenching! Five separate water falls along a width of 1,688 metres make up Victoria Falls and in flood season 545 million litres of water a minute crash down the 100 metre height. “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight” exclaimed Dr David Livingstone when he first saw them, overwhelmed at the spectacle. It is a perfect destination to finish your safari. Optional excursions: Houseboat on Lake Kariba, White water rafting, lion walks, rhino treks, horse and elephant rides, canoeing on the Zambezi, “Flight of the Angels”, bungee jump, abseil/gorge swing, township tour, evening sunset cruise and many other activities. __________________________________________________________________________________________ The above itinerary is given as a guide only. Your crew will select the most favourable route to take depending on local conditions. Many factors need to be taken into consideration when organising the final itinerary including political considerations, road and weather conditions, and where and when animals are best viewed. You are travelling a vast distance on this safari to see most of the highlights of Eastern and Southern Africa. During the safari there are a few days of essential full days of driving. Your crew will, during the safari give you options as to how best break the drives depending on information at hand in regard to local road conditions, camp facilities and options the group may wish to do on the way. In regard to optional excursions there are usually choices of other things to do when you choose not to do an optional excursion. These are also often times when you can have a look around the local community, write letters or get your washing done. Food, drinks and sometimes a swimming pool are available at the campsites where we park the truck. You will find the facilities at campsites will vary. Hot showers and flush toilets are not that unusual! Occasionally toilets on route may be in long drop in style. Please note this safari adjusts to 41 days from 17th October and will be known as The Rivers of Africa from this date. On the new route we will not double back through Uganda after our gorilla trek and will instead travel directly into Tanzania below Lake Victoria and so will not visit Kenya in this itinerary from 17th October nor visit any of the listed Kenyan highlights. All trips departing prior will visit the highlights in Kenya as in this dossier. For details of route changes for departures from 17 October, 2009 please go to www.absoluteafrica.com and check out the microsite on the home page, and do contact us if you would like a copy of the dossier for the new route. Meals and cooking on the truck Day to day meals are prepared from the truck using both the non perishable supplies we buy in bulk prior to the safari and fresh supplies we buy as we travel. Staying fit and healthy is a priority as we do keep busy and we want you to enjoy all you do. Everyone takes turns on a roster basis cooking for the group, being “assistants” to the cooks and with the clean up. The safari leader assists with menus, recipes and loads of ideas. She/he is also available to provide support and encouragement at any time during meal preparation. Cooking together is loads of fun and all part of the group experience! The sort of meals provided day to day are spaghetti and pasta dishes, stir fries, cottage pies, kebabs, curries, stews and casseroles, hamburgers or jacket potatoes, which are then complemented with rice and/or salads. Breakfast is usually fruits, muesli and/or other cereals, toast, as well as some regular cooked breakfasts like eggs, bacon, baked beans or pancakes. We also often organise to cook a spit roast pig or goat or alternatively do a hungi which is usually a project in itself ........... 6 There are also a few pre-arranged meals booked ahead of time so the whole group can occasionally relax in the evenings in the knowledge that someone else is doing the cooking. This also frees up the itinerary so you can enjoy a little more of Africa. We also use these opportunities to enjoy a couple of traditional local meals and as well arrange a seafood buffet so the group can experience seafood fresh from the Indian Ocean. The kitty will also on route contribute to one or two group restaurant meals. For vegetarians throughout the trip we do all possible to ensure a good supply of veggies, salads, fruits, beans, pastas and rice. The diet leans towards vegetarian day to day as fresh quality meat is not easily accessed every day, so beans, pastas, pulses, rice as well as fresh fruit and vegetables when available and in season are staples. When eating in restaurants and when meals are ordered ahead of time vegetarian options are available with usually good supplies of fresh fruits, veggies and salads. Do be aware though how spoilt we are in the Western world with our constant supplies of fruit and veggies regardless of the season. In reality and more naturally fruit and vegetable supplies are seasonal, may not be as chemically assisted and can also be difficult to access on route. We will do all possible to ensure supplies where possible. When booking do remember to let us know if you have any specific dietary requests. Clean drinking water is also a vital consideration. At most campsites the truck can easily access clean drinking water. Where this is not the case it is advisable to buy your own bottled water which is readily available. Update on costs on optional extras These excursions are paid for in Africa with the exception of the gorilla permit and the core costs of the Zanzibar stay which can be paid in advance in London. Paying for excursions as you go allows you to decide on the way what you wish to do. Bear in mind that some activities such as rafting and also some game parks can be seasonal. Please note also that prices constantly fluctuate in Africa, partly due to exchange fluctuations and the figures given below for optional excursions costs can be taken as a reasonable guide only.. Below are the very latest figures currently available to us at the time of writing. Please contact us if you would like further information about any of the below excursions. Any optionals under £10 will be covered by the personal spending money quote of £70 - £100 a week. Please contact us if you would like further information about any of these activities or excursions. Prices are quoted in sterling for ease of budgeting but you are advised that many of the optionals are payable in Africa in US$ (cash). A few may be payable in US$ travellers cheques or local currencies. (May 09 – rate 1.45) Chimpanzee reserve Mountain gorillas White water rafting The White Nile Volunteer work in a local school Horse riding by the Nile Quad biking Hells Gate National Park Serengeti National Park Kilimanjaro Base Camp hike (24 May – 4 Oct 09 departures only) Zanzibar including the ferry to Stone Town, 4 nights bed and breakfast Accommodation, transfers to and from the beach and a Spice Tour Dolphin boat trip with red colobos monkey visit Snorkelling Mnemba Atoll Scuba diving - 2 local dives on Zanzibar Horse riding in Lake Malawi Houseboats on Lake Kariba Lion walk Elephant rides Horse rides Zambia Bungee jump Gorge swing, abseil, flying fox White water rafting The Zambezi Flight of the Angels Breakfast drift canoe Sunset cruise Interactive drumming Also to consider: Balloon safari in the Masai Mara Balloon safari in the Serengeti £34 £390 £86 £14 £ 46 £46 £14 £169 £66 £150 £31 £21 £74 £34 £90 £83 £97 £33 - £60 £72 £41 - £86 £97 £45 - £138 £48 £28 £17 £340 £370 Details on Trekking the Mountain Gorillas The mountain gorilla is a highly endangered species whose plight warrants ongoing international attention. There are only 720 mountain gorillas left on the planet as at the last count. Trekking the mountain gorillas is one way of channelling much needed funds towards their survival, the money you pay for the permit going to the Ugandan or Rwandan parks and the local communities. Mountain gorilla numbers continue dangerously low. Trekking can then allow you to spend an hour with these extraordinary creatures whilst also assisting their survival. On average 30 to 40 people trek successfully with us each month in the gorilla parks. In order to assist you and avoid difficulties at the parks gorilla permits are booked and paid for in advance so that 7 all those who wish to trek can get to see the gorillas without delay. Do be aware without permits serious delays can occur, itineraries are affected and a lot of pressure may be put on the Parks’ authorities. With a booked permit it is very, very likely you will see the gorillas quite quickly. It is very rare that the gorillas not be found whilst there are never 100% guarantees. To find the gorillas you will trek in their forest home, up steep inclines and in dense jungle. The park guides are expert at finding them and helping the gorillas feel comfortable and at ease with their visitors. The gorillas are trekked in their natural habitat of thick, forested mountain terrain. Your guide and the trackers do everything possible to locate the gorillas quickly on your trek but it can be sometimes a long whilst very beautiful hike. Bear in mind at other times they can be found within an hour. In both Bwindi in Uganda as well as at the Volcanoes park in Rwanda, armed security patrols go with you on your trek. In order to not unnecessarily disturb the gorillas, and as they are genetically so similar to humans, visitor numbers are kept very low and you only have an hour with them. If you are booked on a gorilla trip we will aim to be in contact with you approximately four to five months prior to departure to make arrangements for your gorilla trek and will ask for payment in advance so that we can purchase your gorilla permit for you. In regards to the security situation in the region the British Foreign Office Travel Information continues to advise that tourists can travel to the gorilla parks in Rwanda and Uganda whilst encouraging caution at the border regions and advising against all travel into the Democratic Republic of Congo. If you would like further information about trekking the gorillas please feel free to contact us. We are more than happy to discuss any aspect of the gorilla trek with you. Visa Requirements for The Big Six Safari Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your intended date of departure with adequate pages for all required visas. For most passport holders your crew can assist you with the visas required on route in Africa as you travel. Visas need to be paid for in US Dollars cash. Below is an estimation of current visa costs. Please be aware though visa requirements can change without warning and depending on our route particularly if we trek the gorillas in Rwanda. Passport Nationality Kenyan Visa $25 Australian Ugandan Tanzanian Zambian Visa Visa Visa $50 $50 $50 No of Visa's Required 4-5 Total Value in US $ $175-$310 Including 8 Rwanda New Zealand $50 $25 $50 $50 4-5 $175-$310 Including Rwanda 2$50 $60 3 $110-$160 Including Rwanda 4Canadian $25 $50 $50 $50 5 $175-$310 Including Rwanda 4American $25 $50 $50 $50 5 $175-$310 Including Rwanda 4$25 $50 $50 $50 5 $175-$310 Including Rwanda $175-$310 Including Rwanda South African British German $25 $50 $50 $50 4-5 Irish $25 $50 $100 3-4 $175-$310 Including Rwanda If we are trekking the gorillas in Rwanda please be aware most passports also need a visa for Rwanda which is 60 US$. You will also need to pay 25 US$ re-entry into Uganda in all likelihood. The above information covers current visa requirements for British, New Zealand, Australian, Irish, South African, Canadian, American, Dutch and German passport holders only. If your passport is not detailed above please contact the office if you would like further details of your visa requirements. Immunisation Requirements Travelling to Africa will expose you to some different diseases and health hazards that you may not have come across before so it is essential that you speak to a medical professional experienced in travel medicine before you go on safari. You will need to have the required immunisations and to commence a course of antimalarials prior to departure so do remember to leave yourself an adequate amount of time to commence your vaccination program. In particular Nomads have a live Travel Health Line. We do suggest you give them a call. Nomads Travel Health Line 09068 633414 (Calls cost £60p per minute). In Australia and New Zealand Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre also have a Health Travel Line. Travel Health Line 1902 261 560. There is a charge per minute on this health line as well. Suggested travel clinics in the United Kingdom Nomad Travellers Store and Medical Centre 3-4 Wellington Terrace, Turnpike Lane, N8, 0208 8897014, 40 Bernard Street, Russell Square, WC1N, 0207 833 4114 1st Contact Travel Clinic Castlewood House, 77/91 New Oxford Street, London WC1A DG Suggested travel clinics in Australia Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre Brisbane (07)3221 9066 Melbourne (03)96025788 0800 082 0506 9 Sydney, George Street,City (02)9221 7133 Sydney,Parramatta (02)9891 4850 Suggested Immunisation Requirements (guide only) The immunisations usually suggested for the countries visited on this safari are: Yellow fever - Vaccination must not be left any later than 10 days prior to departure and you must be able to show proof i.e. carry your certificate of vaccination. Typhoid Polio Tetanus Hepatitis A (three months) Meningitis Diphtheria Tuberculosis Other Suggested Immunisations - Hepatitis B, Rabies It is also essential to take a course of anti malarials. It is best to discuss the type of anti malarial medication you should take with a travel clinic such as First Contact or Nomad for the latest information on which medication is most effective in preventing malaria and will suit you. Do be aware that some anti malarials can have negative side effects and also that your choice of drug needs to be appropriate to protect against strains of malaria specific to the regions in Africa in which you are travelling. The choices usually suggested are: Larium, taken x1 a week Doxycycline, taken x1 a day Malarone, taken x1 a day General information on avoiding malaria. The best way to avoid malaria is to guard against being bitten by mosquitoes and stick strictly to your chosen medication regime. To avoid against being bitten........... Cover exposed skin thoroughly in insect repellent, such as DEET, from dusk to dawn, reapplying regularly. Wear long sleeved and long legged light weight clothing in light colours as well as socks. Always sleep under a treated mosquito net. Wear impregnated wrist and ankle bands and treat clothing with permethrin. What do I need to bring for the Big Six Usually passengers carry their possessions in 1 x large back pack, 65 to 85 litre and carry day to day necessities in an additional small day bag. Do remember travelling light is always wise and particularly when going overland. Passengers also often buy a lot of African souvenirs on the way. The vehicles have good storage capacity to carry souvenirs and lockups in the vehicle for your valuables, pack and day bag. There is a locker under your seat for easy access for day to day needs. Travel documents including passport, visas, air tickets Vaccination documentation, particularly for yellow fever shot Insurance policy US$ cash and some travellers cheques for your optionals, kitty and spending money Sleeping bag and sheet, roll mat Eating utensils, including cutlery, cup, plate/bowl. 1 litre water container Pocketknife Torch and batteries, a head torch usually being the most convenient. Small medical kit Mosquito repellent 10 Sun block cream Clothes Please double check the weather conditions for your particular safari when packing. Cotton and loose fitting items are preferable. Do realise anything white will not stay that way. Women should dress “modestly” respecting the sensibilities and attitudes of the people and countries they are visiting. Light weight cotton clothing, shorts and t-shirts as well as shirts with long sleeves and long pants, Including casual wear for nights out. Long pants, sarongs and sandals are fine for these times. Lightweight waterproof jacket and a fleece Swimming costume, sun hat, sunglasses, sandals Lightweight closed in walking boots or shoes/trainers. Towel Toiletries Ipod/MP3 player if you want to listen to your own music Books Writing paper, pens. Camera and spare memory cards/film If bringing a camcorder, digital camera, ipod or mobile your equipment can be charged from the truck. Remember to bring along a 12 volt charger fitted with a standard cigarette lighter plug to recharge from the truck, as well as a mains international adapter to charge at campsites as an alternative. A spare battery pack and extra memory are also advised where possible if using a digital camera. Absolute Africa 41 Swanscombe Road, Chiswick, London W4 2HL tel: 0208 742 0226, fax: 0208 995 6155 absaf@absoluteafrica.com www.absoluteafrica.com This document is correct as at 1st June 09 and can be taken as a guide only. Please check the website for any price or itinerary adjustments which are made as regularly as possible.