For those wanting an active and malaria-free African adventure then this 14 day adventure is ideal. Starting in the desert of Namibia, we camp and hike at the mountains of Spitzkoppe and Brandberg, searching for ancient bushman paintings. Two nights at the adventure coastal town of Swakopmund will have the kids screaming with delight, before heading south to the tallest sand dunes in the world. For our animal fix we visit the “big cat” renowned trans-frontier park of Kgaligadi where we search for the magnificent black maned Kalahari lions and the sleek and beautiful cheetah. Augrabies Falls on the Orange River is a 56 metre drop of pure power, and legend will have us believing that thousands of carats of diamonds lie at its base. Our last night sees you soaking away the pressures of the 21st century in the hot springs in the Cedarberg Mountains before we drop you in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town for the start of your next adventure……..

Spitzkoppe.  After breakfast we depart at approx 8.30am for Spitzkoppe, a huge inselberg located between Windhoek and the Skeleton Coast.  En-route to the Spitzkoppe we have an opportunity to stop at the Okahandja wood carving market, the largest in Namibia, where we will have a chance to banter with the locals and put our bargaining skills to the test.

We then continue on to Spitzkoppe where we arrive around midday, and after setting up camp we can have lunch. This afternoon your guide will lead you to the natural rock arch and many sites of bushman paintings, this area is most enjoyed on foot. 

Tonight we camp under thousands of stars, and for the brave at heart, you can sleep outside your tent to truly appreciate this amazing environment.  Overnight bush camping with no facilities and your evening meal prepared over an open fire. (B,L,D)

Swakopmund.  An early morning departure after breakfast as we head towards the cool climate of the Namibian coast and the Atlantic Ocean. Our first port of call is Cape Cross, home to one of the world’s largest Cape Fur Seal colonies. After observing these fascinating and playful animals we have lunch on the beach before heading south to Swakopmund, our base for the next 2 nights and the adventure capital of Namibia. Tonight’s meal is at own expense in one of the many restaurants in Swakopmund. Overnight in twin or family rooms with en-suite bathroom, in a guesthouse located in the centre of Swakopmund.  (B)

Walvis Bay Lagoon, Sesriem.  We depart Swakopmund this morning and head south to visit the Walvis Bay Lagoon. This lagoon is a RAMSAR listed site and an important wetland area, famous as one of the few feeding grounds for the Greater and Lesser Flamingos in Africa. Here you can spot a wide variety of water birds, including Pelicans, the endemic Damara Tern, cormorants and many more.

From Walvis Bay we continue southeast into the desert, stopping at Solitaire for some world famous apple pie, and arriving mid afternoon at Sesriem, our home for the next 2 nights. We set up camp, and take a walk to the nearby Elim’s Dune to enjoy the sunset before walking back to camp. Overnight camping and evening meal prepared over an open fire. (B,L,D)

Naukluft Mountains.  Today’s drive is a short one and takes us into the Naukluft Mountains. Arriving mid morning we set up camp, before heading out on the adventurous Olive Trail (8km). The mountains provide for an interesting change from the desert and here we must keep our eyes peeled for black rhino, or even the elusive leopard! Overnight camping. (B,L,D)

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.  This morning we leave Bagatelle, and head for South Africa, into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. This wild Transfrontier Park, has no fences allowing the animals to follow natural migration routes over the dunes between South Africa and Botswana. We set up camp and enjoy an afternoon game drive, keeping a look out for giraffes that are regularly spotted around the camp as well as the famous black maned Kalahari lions. Overnight camping and evening meal prepared over an open fire. (B,L,D)

Orange River, Augrabies Falls.  This morning we leave the Kgalagadi behind and head to the Orange River and the mesmerising Augrabies Falls. This farming area is a delightful change as it is dominated by grape farms under irrigation, which makes it a green haven in stark contrast to the red dunes of the Kalahari. 

As the Orange River approaches the falls, it splits into several channels before plummeting 56metres, creating a spectacular sight! This afternoon we will set up camp and visit the falls which is a mere 200 metres from the campsite. There is also some short hiking trails and a swimming pool for the energetic. Overnight camping and evening meal prepared over an open fire. (B,L,D)

Capetown.  Our last time to pack up our tents and brush the dust from our rucksacks before heading south to one of the most beautiful cities in the world, dominated by Table Mountain, which is often shrouded by the mist (the tablecloth) and watched over by the infamous Robben Island.

Our guide will drop us at our accommodation and bid us a sad farewell, however this is the start of our next adventure with dozens of exciting activities on offer in Cape Town. Accommodation  is NOT included tonight and is at own expense. (B)

Please note that we arrive into Cape Town at approximately 4pm. If you are flying out today, then please ensure you leave plenty of time before your outward flight. We strongly recommend that you stay an additional night or 2 in Cape Town to give you time to explore this beautiful city.

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Africa does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Africa can vary dramatically; for example, whilst we always try to use the best campsites, there is a big difference between those found in Eastern Africa to those found in Southern Africa, which are generally better.

Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Africa trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides up-to-date visa information. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

As a general rule when travelling, it is worthwhile being prepared for all types of weather.  Keep a lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho – this should prepare you for all seasons!

For detailed climate information about the areas you are travelling to, please visit our website www.kumuka.com

Currency and how much to take is something that we’re always asked about.   We hope that the following information will assist with your budgeting. 

Please keep in mind that only YOU will know how much you’ll spend on souvenirs, drinks, meals off the truck, internet fees etc. It is always best to allow for more than you think you’ll need rather than go without.

Our recommendation is to allow for at least US$25 to US$30 per day for incidentals over and above the cost of optional excursions and visa fees which should be budgeted for separately.  There will be days when you will not spend anything and other days when you may blow your budget entirely on that souvenir that you have to have, or a round of drinks for your fellow travellers.

US Dollars CASH is the most widely accepted currency in most parts of Africa, except for South Africa and Namibia where you should travel with Rand. Please ensure that all notes are clean and printed AFTER 2001. Small denominations are best for changing into local currencies and tipping i.e. US$5, US$10 & US$20. Where visas are required (refer to our visa guide) you can pay with US$50 notes however keep in mind that it is ALWAYS best to have the correct denomination as you will find immigration officials rarely have change available.

When changing money from USD to local currency be aware that you will NOT be able to change back to USD or into another currency, what money you don’t spend will be useless after you’ve left that country.   It is also often a good idea to join forces with other travellers to do one large money change transaction, thus avoiding excess conversion fees. 

If you are travelling to South Africa or Namibia you can easily withdraw Rand from an ATM in South Africa or Namibia, just be mindful of security when doing this.  Please note that it is not necessary to travel with USD in South Africa or Namibia.

Other currencies accepted but not as popular are Pounds and Euros, however you will find the exchange rate is not as favourable as USD.

Do not rely on credit cards for payment nor the use of working ATM’s to withdraw money as it is very common for the card facility to NOT be working when you most need it.  There have also been instances of credit card fraud and many ATM’s have been tampered with in the major cities.  

Where credit cards ARE accepted you will find that VISA CARD is more widely known than Mastercard or Cirus

Traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted and when the facility is available often you will receive a much lower rate of exchange.   If you do wish to take traveller’s cheques, we recommend taking 10% to 20% of your overall budget to use in case of emergency.

NOTE: - For passengers joining or visiting Victoria Falls, please do not change any USD to local currency without speaking with your tour leader first.

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.

The more you put into your tour the greater the experience you will get from your trip. It is all about participation and mucking in with your fellow passengers!

Participation is a key factor on a tour of this nature and everyone is expected to pull their weight and get involved with the daily duties (e.g. pitching tents, collecting firewood, meal preperation, packing the safari vehicle etc). The most successful trips are those where people become involved, a great opporutnity to get to know your fellow travellers.

We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many campsites there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible.

Contrary to expectations it does get cold in Africa. Southern Africa, particularly South Africa and Namibia get quite cold at night between June and August. Mount Kilimanjaro will be cold at night all year round, due to the extreme altitude. You will need to bring your warmest clothes.

Personal Effects:
Torch (we recommend a head torch), camera & film, spare passport photos, water bottle, money belt, sewing kit, sunhat/sunglasses, discman/MP3 player, books, wet ones, tissues, soap to wash clothes, writing materials, swiss army knife, calculator, personal toiletries, including tampons, contraceptives, insect repellent, sunscreen.

NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

English is widely spoken in the countries we visit in Africa but you might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

For many, tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment. Sales and service taxes are imposed in some restaurants and bars.

Bargaining is also expected and in all markets prices are inflated to accommodate such a practice. Rule of thumb is to cut the offer in half and work upwards. This can sometimes be hard work but do not let yourself be intimidated by stallholders, you can always say no and walk away.

The tips below are purely given as a guideline. Poor service should result in lower tips; in serious circumstances a report should be lodged with local ground staff or on the feedback form. We recommend the following amounts are not exceeded except in special circumstances.

ALL prices are PER day PER GROUP (so split between the number of passengers each day) – generally paid as a total sum in USD at the end of each trip.

Suggested tipping for all routes on Kilimanjaro
Guide                  USD$ 15
Cook                  USD$ 10
Assistant Guide   USD$ 10
Porters               USD$ 7 – NOTE there will be at least 2 porters per trekker

Suggested tipping for all Gorilla treks
Guide                  USD$ 15
Assistants            USD$ 10

Suggested tipping for all driver/guides on lodge based and family tours
Guide                  USD$ 15-20

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

KUMUKA WORLDWIDE

UK OFFICE

Hillswood Business Park 3000
Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS
Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664
Email: sales@kumuka.com
www.kumuka.com

AUSTRALIAN OFFICE