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Adventure Tours   >   Africa Adventure Tours   >  Active South Africa: Victoria Falls to Cape Town

Active South Africa: Victoria Falls to Cape Town Adventure Tour

Africa

  • Namibia
  • South Africa
  • Zimbabwe

Take one epic continent - Africa - and turn the adventure dial all the way up. This 10-day thrill ride from Vic Falls to Cape Town is packed with heart-pounding moments. Start with a bush walk in Vic Falls National Park, then gear up for a fat-tire bike ride through Namibia's ancient desert dunes. When you hit Cape Town, don't just gaze up at Table Mountain - strap in and abseil down its iconic cliffs! From biking to hiking, kayaking to abseiling, this trip crams in all the adrenaline you can handle.


What to Take  

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. Porters may not always be available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.

The Southern Hemisphere essentially has the opposite weather to the Northern Hemisphere. The winter months of June, July and August, whilst clear and warm during the day (up to 25 degrees), can drop down to single figures and even below freezing at night. Between September and May it is considerably warmer with the time between October and March being the hottest, getting up to the high 30C and sometimes above. However it is always a dry heat and the temperature does drop at night. The wet season is between November and February, but this is not a bad time to go, as it generally does not rain for very long. We strongly recommend lots of layers to wear from the start of the day until the night. You might still need to wear a fleece jacket in the mornings, a t-shirt during the day and again the fleece jacket at sunset time. A woolen hat is also very much recommendable for the cold winter's early morning wildlife safari drives.


Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.


A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.


International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.


Trip Specific Safety  

GENERAL: Look after your personal items. Do not leave your valuables visible in a car or hotel room. Lock your hotel room door when you enter and when you leave. Do not carry large amount of cash on you. Avoid displaying flashy jewellery and carry your camera in its pack on your shoulder rather than around your neck. Keep your passport, airline tickets, money, important documents locked up in your room/safe - do not carry it with you.

Please note that the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.

Vital Information when you are staying the KNP or any Reserve: Please ensure that your stay is happy and safe by taking note of a few simple warnings. You will be sharing your stay with many exciting and unusual creatures but without knowledge some of them could be dangerous: Example: Bats, Spiders, Snakes, Scorpions, Malaria Zone. If you must walk around at night please DO NOT DO SO WITHOUT A TORCH. Remember: by feeding any wildlife, you are signing their death warrant as they become aggressive!


Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.


Optional Activities  

Victoria Falls
- Simunye Theatrical Show
- Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 15 Mins (150USD per person)

Livingstone
- Victoria Falls River Rafting (Zambia)

Zimbabwe
- Bamba Tram

Swakopmund
- Swakopmund Sandboarding
- Swakopmund Skydiving
- Sandwich Harbour & Skeleton Coast Tour

Cape Town
- Atlantis Dunes Sandboarding


Max Pax  

16


Tipping  

Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. The gesture serves as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service, and amounts given are up to your discretion. Please note that you are encouraged to bring small USD bills for tipping ($1 and $5) since anything larger becomes difficult to break.

Tipping is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal 'thank you', and the action should in no way be awkward.

The best method of tipping someone that has served the whole group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s).

You may use the following as a guideline, all given in a per person format:

CEO: $10-15 USD (per day)
Driver: $8-10 USD (per day)
Local guides: $3-5 USD (per day)
Safari Guide/Driver: $8-10 USD (per day)
Restaurant Staff: 10-15% of cost of bill


Highlights  

Explore Victoria Falls on a cycle tour, embark on a morning walking safari in Zambezi National Park, Explore the world's oldest desert on a Fat Tire Bike tour in Swakopmund, Enjoy a Pelican Point Kayaking Excursion, Abseil down Table Mountain.


Group Leader Description  

On this tour, you will be accompanied by one group Chief Experience Officer (CEO).

The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be the group manager/leader and driver- this person is a registered and licensed tourism guide, experienced in the routes travelled. You crew member has studied to have a broad knowledge base of the region's history, cultures, and wildlife, and are legally certified to lead/guide tours in the regions visited. Most of our leaders in the region are from South Africa. As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. He/she will provide information on the places where you are travelling, and will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting.

Safari guides at the lodge (wildlife safari drives): All safari guides are certified safari guides, and are of course very skilled and experienced drivers. With years of experience taking wildlife seekers into the wildlife parks, our local safari guides are exactly what will make your safari a success.


Solo Travellers  

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.


Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer), local guides.


What's Included  

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Victoria Falls Morning Bike Tour. Lunch overlooking the falls. Morning Walking Safari in Zambezi National Park. Fat Tire Bike Tour of the desert in Swakopmund. Pelican Point Kayaking Excursion. Free time in Victoria Falls and Swakopmond for active optional activities. Internal flight between Victoria Falls and Windhoek. Abseiling down Table Mountain. Free time in Cape Town. Internal flight Swakopmund and Cape Town. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.


Packing List  

Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear


Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!


Group Size Notes  

Max 16.


Meals  

Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa.


Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.


Accommodation  

Hotels (6 nts), Lodges (3 nts).


Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.


Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.


Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.


Important Notes  

1. YELLOW FEVER
South Africa is to enforce new rules requiring proof of Yellow Fever vaccination for all travelers - even in airport transit - who have been in Zambia or other countries where the disease is endemic. The stricter guidelines, effective 01 Oct 2011, will see travellers without an international Yellow Fever certificate refused entry.

2. TRAVEL DAYS
This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a comfortable and safe air-conditioned touring vehicle for the long drives.

3. COMBO TOUR
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.


About our Transportation  

All G Adventure vehicles are regularly serviced and follow a strict maintenance schedule. However given the long travel days and rough conditions of many of the roads in Africa, vehicles can and do breakdown on occasion. If such situations occur all drivers are trained mechanics and any vehicle issues are rectified as quickly as possible so as to not disrupt your trip. Your patience is requested if the vehicle you are traveling in happens to encounter a mechanical fault.


Laundry  

Laundry can be done at the lodge (at own expense).


Health  

We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Travellers should also carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling with the group. Your tour leader will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.

CPAP Machines are available on tour. Please bring back-up batteries as there are power outages in South Africa due to loadshedding (electricity outages); CPAP machine will not have constant electricity.
 
 
Yellow Fever Certificate Note: (Updated: May 2023)
 
It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are travelling to the following G Adventures-visited countries from a Yellow Fever endemic country:

-           Botswana
-          Ethiopia
-          Kenya
-          Madagascar
-          Malawi
-          Mozambique
-          Rwanda
-          South Africa
-          Swaziland
-          Uganda
-          Zambia
-          Zimbabwe
 
For some of these countries, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is also required for passengers who have travelled more than 12 hours through the airport of an endemic country. If other countries not endemic to Yellow Fever have been visited after visiting an endemic country, then a Yellow Fever certificate may still be required on entry. Please check country-specific regulations before your departure.
 
 
Malaria
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is present in some regions in Africa. Risk of malaria can increase during periods of heavy rain, during the rainy seasons, and in densely populated areas of Southern & East Africa. To prevent malaria, we recommend speaking to your doctor about taking preventative medication (prophylaxis), combined with regular use of insect repellent spray/cream. Please check updated travel health advisories specific to malaria before your departure.


Meals Included  

9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners


Transport  

Private vehicle, plane, walking.


Travel Insurance  

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.


My Own Room  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops


Joining Instructions  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

Please note that on day 1 flights must arrive by 3pm.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1, where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

Day 1 Victoria Falls

Upon arrival to Victoria Falls, please make your own way to the joining hotel and enjoy a welcome meeting at 4:30pm before an optional group dinner. You can choose to eat in town or at the lodge.

If you're looking for something to do this evening, choose to pre-book the Simunye Theatrical show during check-out for a lively showcase of professional artists in an intimate, open-air venue.

Please make sure your flight lands no later than 2pm if you are planning to pre-book the Simunye Theatrical Show. This will ensure you have enough time to arrive, check in to your hotel, and get settled before the show.

Day 2 Victoria Falls

Discover Victoria Falls this morning on a captivating bike tour led by knowledgeable local guides. Have lunch at a cafe perched on the banks of Batoka Gorge, offering a spectacular dining backdrop overlooking the falls. Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring on your own. Available optional activities range from ziplining and bungee jumping, to a helicopter ride.

Choose to pre-book the helicopter ride in Victoria Falls for an unforgettable experience from above the rushing water.

Day 3 Victoria Falls

Depart on a morning walking safari through Zambezi National Park. You'll drive to a suitable walking area in the park and then search for wildlife along the scenic trails through the unique flora and ecosystems of the Victoria Falls region. Return back to the lodge for lunch on your own and then spend another free afternoon partaking in various adventurous activities offered in the area.

Day 4 Victoria Falls/Windhoek

Take advantage of a final free morning in Victoria Falls. Choose to pre-book the Bamba Tram for a 90-minute ride in a vintage-style tram through the national park, or rise earlier for a sunrise cruise. In the late morning transfer to the airport and board a flight to Windhoek. Arrive at your centrally located accommodations in the town and spend time enjoying the property's grounds and amenities. Dinner tonight is included at the restaurant.

Day 5 Windhoek/Swakopmund

After breakfast, travel by private vehicle from Windhoek to Swakopmund, Namibia's most adventurous city on the coast. Spend the afternoon exploring on your own and choose from a wide variety of optional activities available.

Choose to pre-book the sandboarding optional activity during check-out and cruise down the nearby dunes of the mighty Namib Desert.

Day 6 Swakopmund

The adventure today begins with a Fat Bike Living Desert experience in which you will ride with a local guide through the delicate ecosystems leaving minimal impact on this important natural area due to the type of bike being used. Travel through Swakopmund, the nearby riverbed, and the dunes along the beach. Spend the afternoon on your own and choose another available optional activity like maybe skydiving or paragliding over the unforgettable landscape.

Day 7 Swakopmund

In the morning travel to Walvis Bay Waterfront and embark on a 4x4 transfer to the embarkation point of the kayaking excursion to Pelican Point. Get up close and observe resident wildlife like birds and seals in their natural habitats, and view Swakopmund from a whole new angle on the water. In the evening, choose to join your CEO and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

We suggest pre-booking the Sandwich Harbour/Skeleton Coast Tour for this particular afternoon.

Day 8 Swakopmund/Cape Town

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly from Swakopmund to Cape Town. Arrive to the hotel in the late afternoon and get settled before an included group dinner.

Day 9 Cape Town

Soak up this thrilling day in Cape Town and experience the adrenaline rush of abseiling down the cliff face of iconic Table Mountain. After breakfast the group will ride a cable car up to the top of the mountain and enjoy the views of Robben Island, Lions Head, The Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay in the deep blue Atlantic.

Head back to Cape Town in the early afternoon and spend the rest of the day and evening exploring on your own. From neighbourhood walks to lighthouse hikes, there are so many ways to get to know this incredible city.

Day 10 Cape Town

Depart at any time.

Details

Prices from: €3379.00

Duration: 10 Days

Service Level: Basic

Trip Type: Small Group

Physical Grading: 3 - Average

Merchandising: New Trips

Travel Style: Active



Call Us: 01 2311889



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