YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE®

Southern Africa Safari & Lake Kariba Cruise: South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana

2022

Small Groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 13) Overseas Adventure Travel ® The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled 1 Dear Traveler,

At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. And the O.A.T. Southern Africa Safari & Lake Kariba Cruise: South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana itinerary you’ve expressed interest in will be a wonderful way to resume the discoveries that bring us so much joy. You might soon be enjoying standout moments like these:

There’s something magical that continues to draw me back to southern Africa. With a rich and complex cultural heritage and vast terrain rife with wildlife, it is truly a wonder to behold. But when I reflect on my time there—from images of expansive plains and sounds of animals wandering through the night air—the most vivid memories are those of the people I’ve met along the way, like the small community near Victoria Falls where you’ll experience A Day in the Life of a local village. You’ll visit the village market and see firsthand what it’s like to live and work here. Then, you’ll have a chance to visit Lesedi Primary School, sponsored in part by Grand Circle Foundation, to meet some of the students and teachers and get a glimpse into Zimbabwean education.

You’ll also gain insights into the ongoing controversy of the land reform program in Zimbabwe when you meet with a displaced local farmer. He’ll discuss his personal experiences and how this legislation has affected his life and livelihood.

The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it. So we keep our groups small, with only 8-16 travelers (average 13) to ensure that your encounters with local people are as intimate and authentic as possible. It’s also why your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader will be a resident “insider” who can show you the culture as only a local can.

To ensure that your adventure is truly unique, put your own personal stamp on it. You can arrive early and stay later, add a pre- or post-trip extension, spend time in a Stopover city, or combine two or more trips. Plus, your itinerary offers ample free time so you can pursue your own interests.

So until the day comes when you are off to enjoy your Southern Africa Safari & Lake Kariba Cruise: South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana adventure, I hope you will relish the fun and anticipation that this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® will inspire. Should you have further questions, feel free to call our Regional Adventure Counselors at 1-800-955-1925.

Love and peace,

Harriet R. Lewis Vice Chairman, Overseas Adventure Travel

P.S. For further peace of mind, please know that we are EXTENDING our Risk-Free Booking Policy through 12/31/21. Learn more at www.oattravel.com/risk-free-booking.

USA Today “Best Tours” 10Best Readers’ Presented by Choice Awards Solo Traveler

2 CONTENTS

A Letter from Harriet Lewis ...... 2 The O.A.T. Difference...... 4 The Freedom to Personalize Your Experience ...... 6 Grand Circle Foundation...... 8 The Leader in Solo Travel ...... 9

SOUTHERN AFRICA SAFARI & LAKE ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: KARIBA CRUISE CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE Your Adventure at a Glance: Culture & Points to Know ...... 78 Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Southern African Culture ...... 78 and What’s Included ...... 10 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ...... 12 Shipping & More ...... 83 Optional Tours ...... 25 Pre-Trip Extensions ...... 26 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY Post-Trip Extensions ...... 36 South Africa...... 86 Deck Plans ...... 45 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 86 Dates & Prices ...... 47 South Africa: A Brief History ...... 87 Zimbabwe ...... 88 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 88 Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. . . 48 Zimbabwe: A Brief History ...... 89 Visas Required ...... 49 Botswana...... 90 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ...... 51 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 90 Vaccines Required ...... 52 Botswana: A Brief History ...... 91 Money Matters: Local Currency & Tipping Madagascar ...... 92 Guidelines ...... 56 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 92 Tipping Guidelines...... 59 Madagascar: A Brief History ...... 93 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch ..... 61 Uganda...... 95 Optional Tours ...... 61 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 95 Optional Tours: Reserve Before You Go .... 62 Uganda: A Brief History ...... 96 Communicating with Home from Abroad . . 63 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . 65 RESOURCES Suggested Packing Lists ...... 68 Suggested Reading ...... 98 Electricity Abroad ...... 71 Suggested Film & Video ...... 101 Climate & Average Temperatures ...... 74

O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures...... 105 Notes...... 106 Map ...... 111

3 EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE in southern Africa

This adventure not only showcases iconic sights, but takes you beyond them to experience the culture through unique activities, engagement with the natural world, and authentic encounters with local people. Since our founding in 1978, O.A.T. has become America’s leader in personalized small group journeys on the road less traveled.

SMALL GROUPS: 8-16 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (AVERAGE OF 13)—GUARANTEED To see the world like the locals, you should The world feels more intimate and engaging travel like one. Our small group size allows when your experience of it is also personal us to take the roads and waterways that are and genuine. That’s why our groups never less traveled, and we often follow them using exceed 16 travelers. This gives you access to the same unique modes of transportation people and places larger groups simply can’t that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel or a reach. More authentic interactions. Deeper vintage cab. bonds with your travel mates. Personal service from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother UNIQUE LODGINGS transitions. And a far more satisfying Our lodgings reflect the local character, experience than any traditional tour offers. from smaller family-run hotels and historic manors to comfy inns. Occasionally, larger THE BEST TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS hotels closer to city centers are used. Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience Wherever you stay, you’re assured fine Leader is a resident of the region you are visiting, comfort and hospitality. so you will get a true insider’s perspective that brings each place alive—the stories, food, OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES customs, hidden treasures and more. With 36 regional offices around the world, we are perfectly poised to leverage our local AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS relationships to deliver an excellent experience Engage with local people through visits to and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported farms, factories, markets, and artisans’ by our team in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. studios; school visits; Home-Hosted meals; and more.

Witness the mighty waterfalls of Victoria Falls Spot unforgettable wildlife in Chobe National Park

4 THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY En riching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation of your Southern Africa Safari & Lake Kariba Cruise adventure.

GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) VISIT live, work, and play; visit the neighborhood GCF was established in 1992 to help change school; lend a hand with daily chores; and people’s lives in the world where we live, break bread with our hosts. work, and travel. To date, we have pledged or This adventure includes A Day in the Life of donated $200 million worldwide. a Victoria Falls Community. You’ll peruse You’ll see GCF’s work in action when we a village market, partially supported by visit Lesedi Primary School in Monde village, Grand Circle Foundation to benefit the local supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation. economy. Then, venture to Lesedi Primary Here, you’ll have a chance to interact School in Monde village to interact with with students and staff and gain a deeper students and teachers, enjoying an authentic understanding of how the village education glimpse of Zimbabwean education. system operates. HOME-HOSTED EXPERIENCES CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS Stories shared. Differences solved. Taste buds Every culture has its joys and achievements, engaged. Good will extended. It’s amazing and we celebrate them all. But every the things that can happen across a kitchen place also has its challenges, and to gloss table, so we’ll break into groups of 4-5 to join over them would not do justice to those a local family in their home for a snack or a whose stories need to be told—nor to you, meal. This is a rare opportunity to witness as a traveler who deserves more than a family life, learn local customs, and taste sugar-coated version of things. So our some home-cooked fare. Trip Experience Leaders will lead frank For example, on our adventure in Scotland, discussions on controversial issues, and we’ll get a taste of Scottish hospitality introduce you to people whose stories will and sample traditional flavors when we expand your understanding. join a family for dinner in Glasgow; on For example, we’ll meet with a displaced our Baltic adventure, we’ll observe life local farmer in Chobe National Park, who will from a communal Russian apartment in discuss with us the controversial land reform St. Petersburg as we share lunch with the program in Zimbabwe. residents; and, on our Adriatic adventure, share a meal with a Bosnian family who has A DAY IN THE LIFE lived along Sarajevo’s “Sniper Alley,” since Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like before the siege of the city. to live here?” when you visit new lands? Let’s find out during your O.A.T. A Day in the Life, an exclusive, immersive experience that places you in the heart of a community where you’ll meet various people where they

5 You're in control with THE FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE Exclusively with O.A.T. Your Choice. Your Adventure. Your Way.

It’s your adventure, so why not make it exactly what you want it to be? We offer an exclusive variety of options that let you tailor your adventure so it’s completely your own. In fact, O.A.T. is the only travel company to offer this level of flexibility and choice for a truly personalized experience.

PRE- OR POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS 2. Great value: All extensions include Every O.A.T. adventure offers at least one accommodations, daily breakfast, and optional pre-trip and one post-trip extension. airport transfers. Here’s why more than 55% of O.A.T. travelers 3. Continuity and camaraderie: You’ll usually choose to take a pre- or post-trip extension: travel with the same Trip Experience Leader 1. You’ll maximize your discoveries—often who leads your main trip, enjoying more of in an even smaller group than your main his or her insider expertise—and more time adventure (on average, 6 travelers with a to bond with the group. dedicated Trip Experience Leader)—and take advantage of your included airfare.

Optional Extensions offered with your Africa adventure

Botswana: Okavango Delta Safari NEW! Madagascar: Lemurs, Biodiversity & 5 nights pre-trip from $2495 Colonial History 7 nights pre-trip from $3895

Elephants, Botswana’s Okavango Delta Lemurs, Madagascar

Cape Town & the Cape of Good Hope NEW! Uganda Discoveries: Mountain Gorillas 4 nights post-trip from $1395 of Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth National Park 7 nights post-trip from $4995

Cape Town, South Africa Gorilla, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda

6 ARRIVE EARLY, STAY LATER the tours you take, activities you plan, and Extending your time abroad—with us or restaurants you visit. If you’d like ideas about on your own—is the best way to broaden how to spend this time and what to see and do, your experience. It’s also a practical way to our Regional Adventure Counselors can provide maximize the value of the international airfare recommendations when helping you plan covered in your main itinerary. this option.

Expand Your Discoveries Before COMBINE ADVENTURES or After Your Adventure You’re already overseas. Why not see more and maximize your value by avoiding the cost and Arrive early in the first destination on your length of another international flight? Here’s pre-trip extension or main adventure, or stay why 2,250 O.A.T. travelers combined two or later in the last city on your main adventure or more adventures in 2019: post-trip extension. By coming early, you can rest after your flight and adjust—with time to • Save a total of $600-$3000 per person when explore. By staying later, you have extra time you combine two adventures compared to the to relax, pack, or continue exploring. cost of taking each trip separately.

This option lets you take advantage of our • Apply the 5% or 6% Frequent Traveler Credit lower group rates, with prices from $50 per you earn on your first trip to your second trip. person per night—including accommodations, • Sir Edmund Hillary Club members save an private airport transfer, and daily breakfast. extra $250-$350 per person when booking multiple trips in a calendar year. • Arrive early before your main trip, before your Okavango Delta or Madagascar pre- • Our Regional Adventure Counselors make all trip extensions, or after your main trip in the arrangements for a seamless experience. Johannesburg for $50 per person, per night Combine this trip with our Safari Serengeti: • Remain in Cape Town after your Cape Town Tanzania Lodge & Tented Safari adventure—for & the Cape of Good Hope post-trip extension a total cost of $8890-$13,990 per person—and for $75 per person, per night save $1500-$2100 per person versus taking each trip separately. • Spend more time in Entebbe at the end of your Uganda post-trip extension for $125 per AIR PREFERENCES person, per night 54% of our travelers customize their air Accommodations are at the same hotels where itineraries: you begin or end the main trip and optional • Choose your departure city and airline extensions, so transitions will be seamless. • Depart from one city and return to another Stopover in any major international city • Upgrade to Premium Economy or Travelers with O.A.T. airfare have the Business Class opportunity to stopover in popular cities en PERSONALIZED PRIVATE ADVENTURES route to your main adventure. Speak with one of our Regional Adventure Counselors to learn Travel on a private departure with as few as more about your options and to arrange your five travelers and your own Trip Experience international airfare. Leader. An additional cost will apply depending on the number of travelers in your group. You are free to choose however you’d like to spend this additional time exploring, including

7 GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION Changing people’s lives, one village, one school, one person at a time

ON THIS ADVENTURE … Dear Traveler, Since our inception in 1992, the Grand Circle In 1992 we established Grand Circle Foundation has pledged or donated more Foundation, an entity of the Lewis Family than $200 million to projects around the Foundation, as a means to give back to world. Here are just a few of the ways we have the world that had already given us so partnered with the communities on this trip. much. We’ve pledged or donated more than $200 million worldwide to support George Mhaule Primary School the education of young people and the Total Donations: $32,343 preservation of international treasures Grand Circle Foundation has given these students and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and new toilets, a borehole to access water, chairs, and the conservation of natural resources for computers. Most recently, the Foundation funded future generations. the construction of a covered assembly area between buildings to protect the children from the Of course, none of this would be possible sun while outside. without your help. A portion of the proceeds of every adventure is donated to Grand Lesedi Primary School Circle Foundation—so just as your life will Total Donations: $60,055 be enriched by the discoveries you’ll make First, GCF funded basics needed in every school: on your journey, you’ll also help to enrich mathematics and English exercise books, markers, the lives of the people you’ll meet along the pens, and pencils. In 2017, after the government way. Thank you for traveling with us, and changed curriculum requirements, GCF provided new curriculum text books, so students can be for helping to change people’s lives. taught from the updated syllabus and will not be Love and peace, disadvantaged in national examinations. To help combat teachers from leaving the school, GCF funded a teacher’s salary for one year. While not Harriet R. Lewis sustainable as an ongoing commitment, this has Chair, Grand Circle Foundation made a significant difference to the students’ edu- cation. Most recently, GCF funded the construc- tion of a double classroom.

SCAN ME See how Grand Circle Foundation is giving back in this video Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will take you directly to the video.

www.grandcirclefoundation.org

8 THE LEADER IN SOLO TRAVEL in southern Africa—and Around the World

ON THIS ADVENTURE …

FREE Single Supplements: We don’t charge The leader in solo-friendly a single supplement on this adventure and travel for Americans— optional trip extensions—a savings of up to by the numbers $3795 per person compared to other travel companies. But single spaces fill quickly, so early reservations are advised. More than 50% of all O.A.T. travelers are women who travel solo One of our most popular trips for solo travelers. More than 585 solo travelers joined us on this adventure in the past three In 2022, we’re offering 30,000 years—either independently or sharing singles spaces across all O.A.T. a room with a mother, daughter, sister, adventures. That’s 86% more than or friend. offered in 2019

High ratings: More than 92% of these solo of our 30,000 single spaces travelers rated their adventure excellent. 92% have FREE Single Supplements. The On average, half of your group will also remaining 8% have the lowest single be traveling independently, so it’s easy supplements in the industry. to forge special bonds as you experience unforgettable moments together. In 2022, we’re offering 25 exclusive women’s departures on some of our You’ll be in good hands, thanks to your most popular itineraries dedicated local Trip Experience Leader (a resident of southern Africa), and the expertise of our regional office team in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. NEW! 101+ SCAN ME Increased Single Space: In 2022, we have Tips for Solo 44% more single spaces than in 2019, Women Travelers with up to 4 single spaces per departure. This complimentary, 96-page See available FREE single space at booklet is a comprehensive collection of savvy tips www.oattravel.com/boo2022. specifically for seasoned women travelers going solo. Learn about safety for solos, packing like a pro, the best travel apps, self-care on the road, and more. Scan this code to view an online copy or to request one by mail.

9 Lower prices than last year—a value of $600 per couple Southern Africa Safari & Lake Kariba Cruise:

South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana Small Group Adventure South Africa:bũŽėāũ̳Ά̳Zimbabwe:ÁĢóŶŋũĢÖDÖķķŭ̇NƒÖłėā̇˒̟łĢėĞŶdÖĴābÖũĢðÖ!ũŽĢŭā̳Ά̳Botswana: Chobe

Countries: 3 ΆpÖŶĢŋłÖķ”ÖũĴŭ̆3Ά3pĢėĞŶŭðŋÖũùŶĞā”ũĢƑÖŶāķƘ!ĞÖũŶāũāù16-Passenger Shikra Safari Cruise Boat

Small groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! It’s Included (average of 13) • Explore in a small group of 8-16 • 23 small group activities, including FROM PER DAY DAYS travelers (average group size of 13) up to 19 game-viewing drives, boat $ $ cruises, and walks, plus park fees 5495 306 18 • International airfare, airport transfers, government taxes, fees, and airline fuel • Services of a local O.A.T. Trip Including international airfare surcharges unless you choose to make Experience Leader and driver-guides your own air arrangements FREE Single Supplement • Gratuities for local guides, drivers, • Accommodations for 16 nights, lodge and camp staff, driver-guides, including 3 nights aboard a privately- and luggage porters chartered safari cruise boat Maximize Your • 5% Frequent Traveler Credit • 46 meals—16 breakfasts, 15 lunches, toward your next O.A.T. trip—an Discoveries & Value and 15 dinners average of $464

Optional extension s : • O.A.T. safari duffle Botswana: Okavango Delta Safari SCAN ME 5 nights pre-trip from $2495 Watch our #1 most popular video Travel from only $499 per night for this adventure New! Madagascar: Lemurs, ĢŋùĢƑāũŭĢŶƘͽ!ŋķŋłĢÖķNĢŭŶŋũƘ Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will 7 nights pre-trip from $3895 take you directly to the video. Travel from only $557 per night Cape Town & the Cape of Good Hope 4 nights post-trip from $1395 Travel from only $349 per night New! Uganda Discoveries: Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth pÖŶĢŋłÖķ”ÖũĴ 7 nights post-trip from $4995 Travel from only $714 per night

Hippopotamus, Zambezi River, Zimbabwe

Southern Africa Safari & Lake Kariba Cruise: South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana

10 Itinerary Summary PRE-TRIP EXTENSIONS LAKE KARIBA CRUISE POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS O ora Camp From Johannesburg k a Kadiz Elephant Bay Cape van n Town go Mapula Airstrip ZAMBIA Chete Gorge a Pre-trip extensions: 5 nights in e c Table Mtn. Stellenbosch

Lake O Botswana: Okavango Delta Safari OR OKAVANGO Sengwe River Kirstenbosch (Optional c Tour) Kariba i DELTA t New! 7 nights in Madagascar: Lemurs, to ZIMBABWE n False SOUTH

a

Victoria Masuma River Lodge l Bay BOTSWANA Falls t Cape AFRICA Biodiversity & Colonial History Binga from Hwange N.P. A Cape of Peninsula Maun Good Hope Z To/from a ZAMBIA Nat. Reserve Cape Point Johannesburg m DAYS DESTINATION bezi Victoria Lake Kariba Kasane Falls D.R.C. anga Binga bohim Andasibe- UGANDA Am Queen 1 Fly to Johannesburg, Mantadia N.P. Chobe Elizabeth Entebbe n N.P. Hwange N.P. A a N.P. South Africa nt Andasibe e an c anariv o O ZIMBABWE

n Bwindi Lake MADAGASCAR a i N.P. Victoria d TANZANIA 2 Johannesburg n To/From Johannesburg I From RWANDA Johannesburg BOTSWANA via Nairobi NAMIBIA 3-5 Fly to Kruger National Park MOZAMBIQUE To/From U.S. SOUTH Internal flight Indian 6-8 Fly to Victoria Falls, Land route AFRICA Kruger N.P. Ocean Cruise route Zimbabwe 0Miles 200 Nelspruit Johannesburg ESWATINI 9-11 Hwange National Park

12-14 Lake Kariba Cruise

What to Expect 15-17 Chobe National Park, Botswana

18 Return to U.S. Pacing: 6 locations in 17 days with one 1-night stay Post-trip extensions: 4 nights in Cape Physical requirements: Travel over bumpy, dusty terrain, and walk on sandy, uneven Town & the Cape of Good Hope OR New! 7 surfaces at our camps. Expect 2-4 hours of physical activities on some days. nights in Uganda Discoveries: Mountain Flight time: Travel time will be 15-26 hours and will most likely have one connection Gorillas of Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth National Park View all physical requirements at www.oattravel.com/boo2022

Southern Africa: The O.A.T. Difference Arrive Early, Stay Later

Our Best Value in 2 Years: Save up to $300 per person, and travel at the lowest Prices below include accommodations, daily breakfast, and private airport price and per diems in the industry. transfer. People-to-People Experiences: Brush shoulders with locals at a village market • Arrive early before your main trip, before and witness the handcrafts being sold by residents of the nearby villages. Plus, your Okavango Delta or Madagascar meet students and teachers at a local school supported in part by Grand Circle pre-trip extensions, or after your main trip in Johannesburg for $50 per person, Foundation during A Day in the Life of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. per night O.A.T. Exclusives: Spend three nights aboard a privately-chartered safari • Remain in Cape Town after your Cape cruise boat exclusive to our small group along the island-dotted waters of Lake Town & the Cape of Good Hope post-trip Kariba for game-viewing cruises, fishing excursions on small tender boats, and extension for $75 per person, per night more. We’ll also take part in conversations with residents of a remote village in • Spend more time in Entebbe at the Zimbabwe, and learn about the controversies surrounding African land reform end of your Uganda post-trip extension straight from a displaced local farmer. for $125 per person, per night

More than 94% of travelers rated this trip excellent

Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/boo2022

11 Southern Africa Safari & Lake Kariba Cruise: South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana

YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY

BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION 5 nights in Botswana: Okavango Delta Safari

Day 1 Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa Day 5 Game-viewing in Okavango Delta Day 2 Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa Day 6 Discover Okavango Delta Day 3 Fly to Okavango Delta via Day 7 Fly to Johannesburg • Maun, Botswana Begin main trip Day 4 Explore Okavango Delta

OR 7 nights in Madagascar: Lemurs, Biodiversity & Colonial History

Day 1 Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa Day 7 Explore Mantadia National Park • Picnic lunch at Rianasoa Waterfall • Day 2 Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa Optional night walk Day 3 Fly to Antananarivo, Madagascar Day 8 Visit the Amphibian Survival Day 4 Explore Antananarivo • Discover Assurance Center • Lemur Island • Ambohimanga • Visit Analakely Market Optional night walk Day 5 Overland to Andasibe • Visit Day 9 Fly to Johannesburg • Mutsonjo Reforestation Project Begin main trip Day 6 Perinet Reserve nature walk • Night walk through the rainforest

Day 1 Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa • Destination: Johannesburg

Fly overnight from the U.S. to Johannesburg, South Africa.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

12 Day 2 Arrive in Johannesburg, Morning: This morning, we’ll leave our South Africa hotel around 7:30am for a short drive to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International • Destination: Johannesburg Airport. Here, we’ll catch our hour-long flight • Accommodations: Southern Sun O.R. Tambo to Nelspruit (Mbombela). International Hotel or similar When we arrive in Nelspruit, we’ll drive via Morning: Arrive in Johannesburg, where minibus for about 1.5 hours to Kruger National an O.A.T. representative will meet you at Park, keeping our eyes out for some of the the airport. Here, you’ll be joined by those area’s many creatures as we drive. On our way who traveled on our optional Botswana: to Kruger, we’ll stop at the small farming town Okavango Delta Safari or New! Madagascar: of White River for the chance to purchase some Lemurs, Biodiversity & Colonial History pre-trip local fruit and nuts. extensions. You’ll then take a 15- to 20-minute shuttle ride to your hotel. Depending on At around noon, we’ll arrive at our lodge in which hotel you stay at, accommodations may Kruger National Park and check in. Though it feature a pool, bar, restaurant, and health club. depends on exactly where we stay at, typical Typical rooms include a satellite TV, wireless lodges feature comfortable walk-in safari tents high-speed Internet, a safe, coffee- and with en-suite toilet and shower facilities—all tea-making facilities, and a private bath. permanently nestled in the heart of Kruger. The largest of South Africa’s parks, with a total Lunch: On your own. You might like to enjoy area of 7,500 square miles, Kruger is also one of a meal at the hotel restaurant as you settle in the largest parks in the world. Bordered by the after your flight. Limpopo and Crocodile rivers, the land spreads Afternoon: You’ll have this afternoon to a stunning 200 miles at its widest point. rest and relax or explore the area before our Lunch: At around 1pm at our lodge, featuring a discoveries begin tomorrow. selection of international and African options. Dinner: On your own—you can choose from Afternoon: We’ll have time for a cup of tea the options in the hotel, or ask your Trip at our lodge before embarking on a 3-hour Experience Leader for recommendations on afternoon game-viewing drive at around local restaurants. 4:30pm in our open-air safari vehicles. Evening: Enjoy a free evening before your flight Here we may spot herds of elephant and to Kruger National Park tomorrow morning. buffalo, antelope, nyala, and eland—the kind of game you travel to South Africa to Day 3 Fly to Kruger National Park • see. Our game-viewing drives will be led by Game-viewing drive our expert local Trip Experience Leaders and knowledgeable driver-guides, who know the • Destination: Kruger National Park best locations for viewing and are adept at • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner helping you spot wildlife near and far. • Accommodations: Buffalo Rock Tented Camp or similar Dinner: At our lodge around 7:30pm, featuring a selection of international and African fare. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our hotel starting at 6:30am, featuring local and American options.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

13 Evening: You’ll have the freedom to relax in has been slowly decreasing in Kruger for your private safari tent, soaking in the natural the past few years, though it still remains a splendor of Kruger National Park. significant concern for the park.

At around 3pm, we’ll say farewell to our guest Day 4 Discover Kruger National Park • and embark on an afternoon game-viewing Game-viewing drives drive—perhaps spotting one of Kruger’s elusive • Destination: Kruger National Park rhinos. We’ll also be on the lookout for giraffes • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner “necking”—a sport for young males to show • Accommodations: Buffalo Rock Tented Camp off—and listen for the clucking conversations or similar of long-horned greater kudu. We’ll return to our lodge around 6pm for some free time Activity Note: Our itinerary today features an before dinner. early wakeup, around 5:30am. Dinner: At our lodge around 7:30pm, featuring Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our lodge a selection of African and international fare. starting at 6am, featuring African and international options. Evening: Enjoy the freedom to relax at our camp, watching a golden sunset over Kruger Morning: We’ll begin our day with a 7am National Park. game-viewing drive—catching the sun as it breaks over the vastness of Kruger. Day 5 Explore Kruger National Park • The national park is home to 147 species of land mammals—the highest number Game-viewing drives in Africa—including all of the “Big Five” • Destination: Kruger National Park (lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner rhinoceros). Thousands of zebra roam • Accommodations: Buffalo Rock Tented Camp Kruger as well, but no species can keep up or similar with the impala, which number more than a Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our lodge million here. beginning at 6am, featuring African and We’ll return to our camp around 11am. international options.

Lunch: At around 11:30am at our lodge, Morning: At about 7am, we’ll embark on featuring African and international specialties. a full-day game-viewing drive in Kruger National Park, where we’ll continue our search Afternoon: Around 2pm, we’ll be greeted by for Africa’s famed “Big Five.” At about 9am, one of Kruger’s honorary park rangers, who we’ll stop for a cup of coffee or tea at a picnic will teach us a bit about the efforts to minimize site within the park. rhino poaching in the park. Because Kruger National Park houses a large percentage of Lunch: Around noon in the national park, South Africa’s black and white rhinos, it has featuring a boxed lunch with picnic items you unfortunately become a target for poachers can pack before we set out on our morning hoping to steal the animals’ valuable horns. game-viewing drive. With recent efforts by law enforcement agencies and local volunteers, rhino poaching

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

14 Afternoon: Around 1:40pm, we’ll continue with Afternoon: Once we arrive in Livingstone our game-viewing drive through Kruger. One around 1pm, we’ll drive about 2.5 hours to our needn’t only scan the grasses for activity—the hotel. The drive will take us across the border trees and sky are busy, too. More than 500 from Zambia to Zimbabwe, during which time species of birds are found here, including what we’ll need to go through immigration. We’ll African birders call “The Big Six” (in answer arrive at our lodge around 4pm and check in. to the famous mammals): The Lappet-faced Depending on which lodge we stay in, you may vulture, Martial eagle, Saddle-billed stork, find amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, Kori bustard, ground hornbill, and the elusive lounge, library, and loft. Typically, each room Pel’s Fishing owl are all residents of the features an en suite bathroom with a shower sprawling park. At around 3pm, we’ll return to and flush toilet, as well as a private terrace. our camp, where you’ll have the chance to rest After we check in, you’ll have some time to before dinner. relax and settle into your room before dinner. Or, you may want to join your Trip Experience Dinner: At our lodge around 7pm, featuring Leader for an optional orientation walk around African and international fare. 4:15pm, including visits to markets in the area Evening: You’ll have time to soak in the beauty surrounding our hotel. of the park surrounding our camp before we bid Dinner: At our hotel around 6:30pm, featuring farewell to Kruger tomorrow. Perhaps you’ll a selection of African and international fare. enjoy a nightcap at the lodge with your fellow travelers, toasting to the many discoveries Evening: You’ll have the evening free to rest we’ve made in Kruger. and relax. Perhaps you’ll grab a drink at one of Victoria Falls’ many bars. If you do, be sure Day 6 Kruger National Park • Fly to to try Zambezi, which is the national beer Livingstone • Overland to Victoria Falls of Zimbabwe. • Destination: Victoria Falls Freedom To Explore: During your three days in • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Victoria Falls, you have the freedom to explore • Accommodations: Shearwater’s Explorers this lively city on your own during your free Village or similar time. Below are a few recommended options for independent explorations: Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our lodge starting at 7am, featuring African and • Shop in the Ngqondongqondo Souvenir international options. Centre: If you’re looking for gifts to remember your trip to Victoria Falls, Morning: At around 8am, we’ll depart our Ngqondongqondo Souvenir Centre is the ideal camp in Kruger National Park and make the location. In this open-air market, you’ll see approximately 1-hour-long drive back to locals both making and selling a wide range of Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. souvenirs (all at very reasonable prices). Here, we’ll check in and around 11:30am board our 1- to 2-hour flight to Livingstone, Zambia. • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute taxi ride, about $5 USD one way. Lunch: A light lunch will be served during your • Hours: 8am-5pm, daily. flight to Livingstone. • Cost: Free.

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15 • Explore the COMESA clothing market: The and baseball caps with designer logos as Common Market for Eastern and Southern “currency”). Please ask your Trip Experience Africa, or COMESA, features an array of Leader for advice about where else it may be Zimbabwean and Zambian traders selling appropriate to barter in this manner. authentic African textiles, including clothing, Or, you may choose to depart around 9am table runners, wall hangings, and the famous on one of our optional tours. On our Elephant chitenges (African sarongs). Because costs Encounters tour, you’ll visit the Wild Horizons are governed by the COMESA board, you can Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage to observe expect to find reasonable prices on all items. and lightly interact with these creatures. On our • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute taxi helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, you’ll board ride, about $4 USD one way. a four- or six-passenger helicopter for views of • Hours: 8am-5pm, daily. the iconic “smoke that thunders.” And on our • Cost: Free. historic bridge tour, you’ll get to explore the • Visit the Crocodile Farm: Learn more about 100 years of history behind the engineering feat these pre-historic creatures as you explore a that is the Victoria Falls bridge. crocodile farm, which raises various species Lunch: Around noon at a local restaurant, of crocodiles from birth to adulthood. You’ll featuring African and international specialties, even have a chance to touch these fascinating whether or not you take an optional tour. creatures and watch the staff feed them. • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute taxi Afternoon: Around 2pm, we’ll drive about ride, about $5 USD one way. ten minutes to Victoria Falls, enjoying a • Hours: 11am-3pm, daily. walking tour of about 3 hours through the lush • Cost: About $25 USD. surrounding “rain forest,” sustained by the misty spray of the nearby falls. Though this Day 7 Explore Victoria Falls • area is not technically a rain forest, but merely Optional tours an extension of the natural river bank, you’ll understand how it has earned this nickname • Destination: Victoria Falls as you wander through its towering fig, • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner mahogany, and date palm groves. You’ll also • Accommodations: Shearwater’s Explorers have the opportunity to see towering Victoria Village or similar Falls from several different angles. We return to Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our hotel our hotel by about 5pm, when you’ll enjoy some starting at 7am, featuring African and free time until around 6pm. Then, we’ll board international options. our bus for dinner.

Morning: Today, you are free to explore Dinner: At a local restaurant around Victoria Falls on your own. In the center of 6:30pm, featuring a selection of African and town, you can find local handcrafts, such as international fare. the famous Shona stone carvings and a variety Evening: We’ll return to our hotel around 8pm. of wooden carvings. You’ll also find a selection The rest of the evening is yours to reflect on of African textiles, malachite, basketry, and the discoveries we made on our first full day in more—and don’t be afraid to barter, which Victoria Falls. is both expected and fun. (You can even use American goods like T-shirts, sweatshirts,

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16 Day 8 A Day in the Life of a Victoria Africa, or COMESA, to find something special Falls Community to take home from your travels. Or, your Trip Experience Leader may choose to accompany • Destination: Victoria Falls you to high tea at the iconic Victoria Falls • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner hotel. You also have another opportunity to • Accommodations: Shearwater’s Explorers embark on one of our three optional tours Village or similar from yesterday: our Elephant Encounters tour, Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our hotel a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, or our starting at 7am, featuring African and historic Victoria Falls bridge tour. international options. We’ll all reconvene around 6pm to depart Morning: Today, we have several opportunities for dinner. to gain insight into A Day in the Life of Victoria Dinner: At a local restaurant around Falls residents. Around 8am, we’ll drive about 6:30pm, featuring a selection of African and 15 minutes to a local supermarket to gather international fare. goods that we’ll give to local villagers later this morning. Then, by about 9am, we’ll venture Evening: We’ll return to our hotel around to Lesedi Primary School in Monde village, 8pm, and the rest of the evening is on your supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation. own. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for Here, we’ll have a chance to interact with recommendations. students and staff, enjoying a glimpse of Zimbabwe’s future. Around 10:30am, we’ll Day 9 Transfer to Hwange National Park, transfer to a local homestead, where we’ll Zimbabwe • Game-viewing drive have the opportunity to meet up with a local • Destination: Hwange National Park family, donate the produce we found at the supermarket earlier today, and help with some • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner daily chores, including cooking. You might • Accommodations: Elephant’s Eye Hwange even get to try your hand at cooking sadza, a or similar traditional porridge. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our hotel starting at 8am, featuring African and Before capping off our A Day in the Life international options. discoveries, we’ll make one more stop at a village market. Here, we’ll have a chance to Morning: Around 9am, we begin our witness the handcrafts being sold by residents overland transfer to Hwange National Park, of the nearby villages, and perhaps find some a total transfer of about two hours. As we souvenirs to take home with us. By about pass grasslands and acacia woodlands en 1:30pm, we’ll re-board our bus and head out route to our lodge, we’ll enjoy a taste of the for lunch. unspoiled beauty for which Hwange is famous. Comparatively undiscovered, the bush country Lunch: Around 1:45pm at a local restaurant, park is known for its herds of sable antelope, an featuring African and international specialties. animal with large horns. On our way, we’ll stop Afternoon: You’ll have the rest of the afternoon at a conservation center aimed at protecting free to pursue individual discoveries, beginning the African wild dog, also referred to as the around 3pm. You might choose to visit The painted dog. Common Market for Eastern and Southern

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17 We’ll arrive at our lodge around 11am to check At around 10am, we’ll return to our lodge for in. Depending on which lodge we stay in, you a special look into the lives of the men and may find amenities like an outdoor swimming women who help make our safari adventure pool, lounge, library, and loft. Typically, possible. Members of the lodge staff will show each room features an en suite bathroom us their nearby village. As we step into their with a shower and flush toilet, as well as a kitchens, workshops, laundry facilities, and private terrace. After we check in, you’ll have homes, we’ll learn more about what life is like some time to relax and settle into your room in the African bush. before lunch. Lunch: Around 1pm at our lodge, featuring Lunch: Around 1pm at our lodge, featuring African and international specialties. African and international specialties. Afternoon: Around 3pm, we’ll embark on an Afternoon: You may enjoy some time on your afternoon game-viewing drive in Hwange, own to relax, until about 3:30pm. Then, we’ll searching for more of the region’s wildlife. embark on an afternoon game-viewing drive We’ll return to our lodge around 5pm, enjoying in Hwange, searching for elephants, buffalo, a bit of rest before our Trip Experience Leader sable, giraffes, wildebeest, impala, and even kicks off a lively, approximately half-hour gemsbok. We’ll return to our lodge around 6pm. discussion on the rich history of Zimbabwe Dinner: At our lodge around 6:30pm, featuring around 5:30pm, starting with its 11th-century a selection of African and international fare. success as the city of Great Zimbabwe and moving into its turmoil of the 1990s, Evening: The evening is yours to relax after when the country suffered from political enjoying your first glimpse into the many mismanagement, violence, and economic wonders of Hwange National Park. disaster.

Day 10 Explore Hwange National Park • Dinner: At our lodge around 7:30pm, featuring Game-viewing walk & drive a selection of African and international fare. • Destination: Hwange National Park Evening: After dinner, you’ll have the freedom • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner to relax at our lodge, perhaps conversing with • Accommodations: Elephant’s Eye Hwange your fellow travelers about the day’s many or similar discoveries.

Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our lodge Day 11 Explore Hwange National Park • starting at 7am, featuring African and international options. Game-viewing drives • Destination: Hwange National Park Morning: We’ll embark on a game-viewing • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner walk at 8am. This will give us a glimpse of the • Accommodations: Elephant’s Eye Hwange variety of Hwange’s habitats, from teak forests or similar to palm islands to vast savannah plains. As we stroll, your expert Trip Experience Leader will Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our lodge be able to point out a wide variety of animals, starting at 6:30am, featuring African and perhaps including some of the more than 400 international options. known bird species found here.

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18 Morning: At around 7:30am, we’ll depart on to get to know the local people. Because our a morning game-viewing drive. During this adventures have an average of 13 travelers drive, we’ll learn about the region’s flora, per group, the intimate setting allows the intricate cycle of life in the bush, and the for one-on-one conversations and a true unique ways of identifying which animals have chance to mingle with the village residents. passed through the area. Our expert guides may And, in the company of our local O.A.T. Trip also expound on everything from how elephant Experience Leader, who can help to facilitate dung can be used as mosquito repellent, to how conversations, you can look forward to truly the giraffe is able to eat leaves off of the thorny enriching conversations. acacia trees. We’ll arrive in Binga around 12:45pm, stopping Lunch: Around noon in the national park, to enjoy a Welcome Drink at a local lodge before featuring a boxed lunch that will be provided to boarding our privately chartered safari boat, you, with picnic items you can pack before we thus beginning the cruise portion of our Africa set out on our morning game-viewing drive. adventure.

Afternoon: We’ll resume our game-viewing Our 107-foot safari boat is exclusively chartered drive through Hwange around 1pm. Perhaps for our O.A.T. small group, which gives us a we’ll spot elephant, buffalo, eland, wildebeest, unique view of life along this vibrant lake. and impala, before we return to our camp Plus, since our boat carries small tender boats around 3:30pm for a conversation with our alongside it, we’ll have several opportunities Trip Experience Leader about the history and to cruise the lake and smaller rivulets in a diversity of Hwange National Park, the largest more intimate fashion. Each of the boat’s 10 national park in Zimbabwe rich with varying cabins features two twin beds or one double habitats, flora and fauna. bed, a private bath with a shower, and views of Lake Kariba. Dinner: At our lodge around 7pm, featuring a selection of African and international fare. While we may continue to spot bigger game during our 3-night lake cruise, most of our Evening: The evening is yours to rest, write discoveries will center around Zimbabwe’s in your travel journal, or simply soak up the marine life and aquatic nature. To the northeast nocturnal sights and sounds of Hwange. of Victoria Falls, and connected by way of the legendary Zambezi River, Lake Kariba is Day 12 Transfer to Binga • Begin Lake teeming with crocodiles, hippos, exotic birds, Kariba cruise • Local interaction and fish—including the elusive tiger fish. • Destination: Lake Kariba Once we board the boat, our first destination • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner will be the Sengwe River. • Accommodations: Shikra Safari Cruise Boat Lunch: Around 1:30pm aboard our boat, we’ll Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our lodge enjoy African and international specialties starting at 7am, featuring African and as part of a 4-hour cruise down the Sengwe international options. River system. Morning: Around 8am, we’ll travel overland Afternoon: You’ll have some free time on your to Binga, on the southeastern shores of Lake own. Then, around 5:30pm we’ll secure our Kariba. En route, we’ll stop at a remote village safari boat to a mooring point on the Segwe

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19 River, dividing into even smaller groups to Brunch: Around 11:30am aboard our safari boat, hop aboard our tender boats for an hour-long a brunch featuring African and international wildlife-viewing cruise. As the sun sets over specialties will be served as we cruise through the Sengwe, we’ll enjoy an intimate view of the the Chete Gorge and into the Hondwe surrounding area. River system.

We’ll return to our safari boat around Afternoon: When we reach the Hondwe 6:30pm, giving us a bit of time to freshen up River system around 3:30pm, we’ll embark before dinner. on another wildlife-viewing cruise, birding adventure, or fishing trip on our tender boats. Dinner: On our safari boat around 6:45pm, Let your preferences be known to your Trip featuring a selection of African and Experience Leader and boat crew—all of whom international fare. are native Zimbabweans and professional Evening: We’ll have time to settle into guides—and they’ll divide the group our private safari boat. Perhaps you’ll join accordingly. your fellow travelers and Trip Experience This may be your chance to take a shot at Leader in searching for constellations in the snagging the tricky tiger fish, known as the Zimbabwe skies. king of the river. With its striped silver flank and enormous, sharp teeth, the tiger fish is Day 13 Lake Kariba Cruise among the most clever river fish and can escape • Destination: Lake Kariba from hooks like swimming Houdinis. They • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner typically weigh just a few pounds, but every season someone raises a monster—up to 20 • Accommodations: Shikra Safari Cruise Boat pounds—from the waters. Breakfast: Served onboard our safari boat beginning with coffee and tea at 6:30am, Around 5:30pm, we’ll enjoy light snacks and followed by a continental breakfast “sundowners” aboard our tender boats. As around 7am. we’ll learn, enjoying a sundowner, or a cocktail as the sun slips below the horizon, is a beloved Morning: We’ll set out for another day of safari tradition, and an excellent way to toast to discovery, boarding our intimate tender boats another amazing day on the lake. We’ll arrive and exploring even more distant stretches of back at our safari boat around 6:30pm, with the Sengwe River Basin. With our eyes peeled, time to relax before dinner. and keeping our cameras and binoculars at the ready, we’ll set out in search of more of Lake Dinner: Aboard our safari boat around Kariba’s wildlife. We’re likely to spot crocodiles 7:30pm, featuring a selection of African and basking along the lake’s sunny shores, international fare. hippos gliding gracefully through the waters, Evening: Tonight, you’ll once again have the and exotic birds—including fish eagles and freedom to catch up with fellow travelers, cormorants—darting across the skies above sip a drink on deck, or simply gaze out at the us, or drying their wings along the grass-lined star-filled sky over Lake Kariba. river banks. We may even catch sight of a meandering herd of elephants marching along the shorelines. We’ll return to our safari boat around 11:30am.

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20 Day 14 Lake Kariba Cruise Dinner: On a local beach around 7:30pm, featuring a barbecue with a nearby fire blazing. • Destination: Lake Kariba • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Evening: Tonight, we’ll toast to the final leg of • Accommodations: Shikra Safari Cruise Boat our lake cruise, with time after dinner to relax onboard the safari boat. Breakfast: Served onboard our safari boat beginning with coffee and tea at 6:30am, followed by a continental breakfast Day 15 Transfer to Chobe National Park, around 7am. Botswana • Game-viewing drive • Destination: Chobe National Park Morning: Around 7:30am, we’ll once again set • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner out on our tender boats to explore the Hondwe River system. Today, in addition to wildlife • Accommodations: Elephant Valley Lodge cruises, we will disembark and explore the or similar flood plains by foot, starting around 11am. In Breakfast: Served onboard our safari boat our small group, we’ll be able to tread lightly, beginning with coffee and tea at 6:30am, taking in our surroundings without disturbing followed by a full English breakfast at 7am as the natural flow of life in the wild. And, in the we cruise into the harbor. company of professional guides and our local O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader, we’ll have expert Morning: When we arrive in the harbor around naturalists to help us track animals and educate 8am, we’ll depart our safari boat in Binga and us on the local flora and fauna. drive about 30 minutes to the airport. Around 9am, we’ll catch a 45-minute flight to Victoria At about 1:15pm, we’ll return to our safari boat. Falls, followed by a drive of approximately 3 hours to Chobe National Park, where we’ll Lunch: Around 1:30pm on board our safari boat, spend the next three nights seeking out featuring African and international specialties game, including on a wildlife cruise down the as we cruise through the Chete Gorge and into Chobe River. Elephant Bay. We’ll arrive at our lodge around 12:30pm and Afternoon: You’ll have some free time, check in. Depending on the lodge we stay in, during which you may choose to take a tour it may feature tents with twin beds, en-suite of the wheelhouse, or join a peanut butter shower and toilet, a fan, a covered deck, demonstration. Around 5pm, we’ll moor on the a mini-safe, and coffee- and tea-making sandy shores of the island of Elephant Bay and facilities. board our tenders to explore the surroundings. As we seek out wildlife, we may also get to meet Lunch: Around 1pm at our lodge, featuring some of the local fishermen who frequent this African and international specialties. area in dugout canoes, getting a better sense of the local way of life. Afternoon: Starting around 2pm, you’ll have about an hour of free time. Then, we’ll As we cruise back to our safari boat on our enjoy our first game-viewing drive in Chobe tenders, we’ll enjoy sundowners and light beginning around 3pm. Chobe National Park snacks. We’ll arrive at our boat at around was the first national park established in 6:30pm, with time to rest before dinner. Botswana and it remains one of its largest, with 4,500 square miles of area. The vast size

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21 allows for diversity of terrain, from floodplains Dinner: At our lodge by candlelight around and marshes to forest and mopane woodlands. 7pm, featuring a selection of African and More than 50,000 elephants call this park international fare. home, making it one of the world’s largest Evening: You’ll have the evening free. populations. Perhaps you’ll stargaze at the sky’s many Dinner: At our lodge around 6:30pm, featuring constellations, listening as some of Chobe’s a selection of African and international fare. vibrant nocturnal creatures call in the distance.

Evening: We’ll have the freedom to enjoy the nocturnal scenery of Chobe National Park under Day 17 Discover Chobe National the star-studded skies of Botswana. Park • Chobe River Wildlife Cruise • Game-viewing drive Day 16 Explore Chobe National Park • • Destination: Chobe National Park Game-viewing drives • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: Elephant Valley Lodge • Destination: Chobe National Park or similar • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: Elephant Valley Lodge Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our or similar lodge starting at 6:30am, with African and international options. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our lodge starting at 6:30am, with African and Morning: Around 7am, we’ll embark on international options. another game-viewing drive through Chobe National Park. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for Morning: This morning, we’ll depart for a the “Big Five” (lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, game-viewing drive through Chobe National and rhinoceros), all of which can be found Park at 7am. In addition to spotting elephants, in Chobe. we’ll likely see zebra and Cape buffalo, among many other species. But it’s not just land About 9am, we’ll return to our lodge for animals that fill the scene. Eagles, plovers, and some free time. At noon, we’ll be greeted by a bee-eaters wing through the clear air. displaced local farmer, who will teach us a bit about the controversial land reform program in Lunch: Around noon in the national park, Zimbabwe. featuring a boxed lunch that will be provided to you with picnic items you can pack before we Lunch: Around 1pm at our lodge, featuring set out on our morning game-viewing drive. African and international specialties.

Afternoon: We’ll continue our game-viewing Afternoon: We’ll spend some time learning to drive through Chobe, returning to our camp play local African games before embarking on around 2pm. After that, we’ll enjoy free time our game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River at our lodge, perhaps sipping a cup of tea or around 4pm. On our cruise, we’re likely to coffee and watching herds of elephants from see Chobe’s famed elephants—which are the our tents. Or, simply toast to another wonderful largest in size of any elephant breed, yet have day in Africa as the golden sun sinks below the smallest tusks. And we’re sure to see some the horizon.

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22 of the beast’s African peers, perhaps including Morning: Around 8:30am, we’ll drive to buffalo, hippo, Red lechwe, and crocodile. We’ll Kazungula, where we’ll pass through customs return to our lodge around 6:30pm. and continue on to Victoria Falls. Around 11am, we’ll arrive at Victoria Falls International Dinner: At our lodge around 7pm, featuring Airport, where we’ll board our 1.5-hour flight to a Farewell Dinner with African and Johannesburg, South Africa. international fare. Lunch: On your own. You may wish to get lunch Evening: Tonight, we’ll cheers to our adventure at the airport or on the plane. in Africa, with time to compare notes with fellow travelers on all we’ve seen. Afternoon: We’ll arrive in Johannesburg around 3:15pm. From Johannesburg, travelers who are Day 18 Return to U.S. or begin returning to the U.S. will board an overnight post-trip extension flight home, while travelers who are joining us on our Cape Town & the Cape of Good Hope • Included Meals: Breakfast or New! Uganda Discoveries: Mountain Gorillas Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our of Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth National Park lodge starting at 7am, with African and post-trip extensions will continue on. international options.

END YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION 4 nights in Cape Town & the Cape of Good Hope

Day 1 Arrive in Cape Town • Day 4 Cape Town • Optional Stellenbosch Home-Hosted Dinner Wine Country Tour Day 2 Tour Cape Town • Optional Day 5 Free morning in Cape Town • Townships of Cape Town Tour Return to U.S. Day 3 Explore Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve

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23 OR 7 nights in Uganda Discoveries: Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 1 Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa Day 5 Overland to Queen Elizabeth National Park Day 2 Fly to Entebbe, Uganda via Nairobi, Kenya Day 6 Morning game-viewing drive • Cruise along the Kazinga Channel Day 3 Fly to Bwindi • Controversial Topic: The Rise and Fall of Idi Amin Day 7 Lake Katwe salt extraction site visit • Afternoon game-viewing drive Day 4 Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Day 8 Fly to Entebbe • Return to U.S.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

24 OPTIONAL TOURS

During your trip you will be able to book optional tours directly with your Trip Experience Leader. He or she will ask you to confirm the payment for these tours by filling out a payment form. Optional tours can only be purchased with a credit or debit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards. We also accept Visa and MasterCard debit cards, but it must be a debit card that allows you to sign for purchases.

In order to correctly process these charges, there can be a delay of 2-3 months from the date of your return for the charges to be posted to your account. Therefore we ask that you use a card that will not expire in the 2-3 months following your return.

Please note: Optional tour prices are listed in U.S. dollar estimates determined at the time of publication and are subject to change. Optional tours may vary.

Elephant Encounters Historic Victoria Falls Bridge (Day 7 $110 per person) (Day 7 $80 per person)

Join us as we visit the Wild Horizons Elephant In his quest to build a railway line from Cape Sanctuary and Orphanage. Here, we’ll get a Town, South Africa to Cairo, Egypt, Cecil chance to observe, and lightly interact with, Rhodes encountered one overwhelming the beautiful creatures. We’ll also enjoy challenge: the Zambezi Gorge. On this tour, discussions with the elephant keepers about delve into 100 years of history and fascinating the organization’s conservation efforts, as well engineering feats as we uncover the story as their plans to rehabilitate and release the behind what would ultimately be the solution elephants back into the wild. to his problem, and the key to completing his dream railway: the Victoria Falls Bridge. Designed by George Hobson, and positioned Helicopter ride over Victoria Falls directly within range of the spray coming off (Day 7 $150 per person) the falls (a dramatic effect insisted upon by Rhodes), it was the world’s highest railway Join us for a flight over Victoria Falls, and bridge at the time of its completion. With its appreciate the “smoke that thunders” enthralling history and scenic setting, this from a whole new angle. Aboard a four- or historic bridge tour is a great way to enhance six-passenger helicopter, your experienced your visit to Victoria Falls while getting a better pilot will treat you to a bird’s-eye view of sense of the significance of the area. majestic Victoria Falls, the wide Zambezi River, and the zigzag-shaped gorges below. This is the best way to see such vast, impressive landscapes—as Dr. David Livingstone said himself, the falls are “so lovely they must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” Please note: There is a national park fee of U.S. $15 in addition to the price of this tour.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

25 PRE-TRIP Botswana: Okavango Delta Safari

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Scheduled flight from Johannesburg to » Services of an English-speaking O.A.T. Maun, Botswana; chartered flight from Extension Guide, as well as step-on Maun to Okavango Delta local guides » Accommodations for 1 night in » Gratuities for your Extension Guide, local Johannesburg at the Southern Sun O.R. guides, drivers, and luggage porters Tambo International Hotel or similar, » All transfers and 4 nights in the Okavango Delta at the Kadizora Camp or similar Please note: Due to charter airline flight safety restrictions, travelers weighing more than 220 lbs. » 13 meals—5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, may be subject to an additional fee of $365 to be and 4 dinners paid to the airline. » 8 small group activities

PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Sprawling across more than 5,000 square miles, the lush Okavango Delta is truly unlike any other place on Earth. The fan-shaped “Jewel of the Kalahari” beckons wildlife and adventurers alike with its diverse terrain. In landscapes where elands play, birds wing overhead, and even rare black rhinoceros can thrive, you’ll explore by land and by mokoro dugout canoe.

Day 1 Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa Depending on which hotel we stay in, it may feature a pool, bar, restaurant, and health club. Fly overnight from the U.S. to Johannesburg, Typical rooms include satellite TV, wireless South Africa. high-speed Internet access, a safe, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a private bath. Day 2 Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa Lunch: On your own. Your Extension Guide can • Destination: Johannesburg, South Africa provide recommendations on the best locales • Accommodations: Southern Sun O.R. Tambo for whatever your preferences are. International Hotel or similar Afternoon: The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps Morning: Travelers will arrive in Johannesburg, you’ll take time to rest before your Botswana South Africa, where an O.A.T. representative adventure begins, or explore the sights of will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Johannesburg on your own. your hotel. You should arrive at your hotel at about 10am.

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26 Dinner: On your own. Perhaps you’ll take After settling into our tents, we’ll get our first the opportunity to sample some of South glimpse of one of the world’s largest inland Africa’s famous cuisine, including boerewors deltas on a late-afternoon game-viewing drive. (a beef, pork, and lamb sausage) or bobotie Covering a vast 5,700 square miles, the delta is (minced meat simmered in spices, herbs, and home to a rich array of species and terrains. dried fruit). When we return to our lodge, you’ll have some Evening: Enjoy the evening at your own pace. free time to rest and freshen up before dinner. You may wish to retire to your room to get some Dinner: At our lodge around 7pm, featuring a sleep before our journey to the Okavango Delta selection of international and African fare. tomorrow, or enjoy the hotel’s amenities. Evening: You’ll have the evening free. Perhaps Day 3 Fly to Okavango Delta via your Extension Guide will point out some of the Maun, Botswana sparkling constellations in the sky. • Destination: Okavango Delta, Botswana • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4 Explore Okavango Delta • Accommodations: Kadizora Camp • Destination: Okavango Delta • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Breakfast: Served buffet-style in our hotel starting at 7:30am, featuring international and • Accommodations: Kadizora Camp African options. Activity Note: Today’s itinerary features an early wake-up time, around 5am. Mokoro Morning: Around 9:30am, we’ll depart our excursions are dependent on safety and water hotel in Johannesburg and transfer to the levels, which fluctuate constantly in the delta, airport for our flight to Maun, Botswana. Our regardless of the season. When you arrive in flight departs at about 11:45am, and should take the delta, your Extension Guide will monitor just under 2 hours. conditions and advise you of whether it’s Lunch: Around 12:30pm, we’ll enjoy a light possible to explore by mokoro. snack aboard our flight to Maun. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our lodge Afternoon: When we arrive in Botswana, we’ll starting at 5:30am, featuring international and board a private, hour-long charter flight to the African options. Okavango Delta, arriving at the Mapula Airstrip Morning: Today, we’ll rise before the sun and around 3:30pm. From there, we’ll embark on depart camp by 6am for an early start on our our half-hour drive to our camp. discoveries of the Okavango Delta, where we’ll Generally, our camp will include a lounge area, spend the next three days. Each year, nearly boma-style fire pit, swimming pool, and bar 3 trillion gallons of water pour into the delta, area with views of the surrounding floodplains. and none of it flows out again into rivers. With Our walk-in tents typically feature twin or less than 6 feet of height variation across its double beds, an en-suite toilet and bath, and an thousands of square miles, the delta holds outdoor shower and deck. the water like a vast pool in season. That huge volume is all simply evaporated or absorbed by the thirsty earth. Yet there are also times when parts of the delta become arid plains, where

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27 moisture is scarce. That’s because it is nestled Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our lodge in the Kalahari Desert, and its seasons fluctuate starting at 5:30am, featuring international and wildly from heavy rain in African summer that African options. causes flooding, to the hot spring seasons that Morning: Today, we continue to explore the parch the land. Okavango Delta. Right around 6am, we’ll again This also means that, month to month, the split into groups and explore the area by your wildlife changes, as resident species which choice of mokoro on the delta or on a bush thrive here year-round are joined by visitors walk. In the delta, we’ll see a stunning variety seeking the rain-fed foliage. We’ll discover a of birdlife, including the vibrantly plumed varying array each morning and afternoon, as lilac-breasted roller and the similarly striking we split into groups and choose from a variety pygmy goose (actually a species of duck). The of options for exploring the area: including elusive Pel’s fishing owl, though nocturnal, a mokoro canoe ride (weather permitting) can sometimes be spotted here during the day. or morning bush walk. As we’re sure to see, These species join a total of 400 species that mokoros are common in the Okavango Delta, live here year-round. and feature a driver who propels them through Mammals beckon for our attention as well, both shallow waters by standing up and pushing a on land and in water. Hippos spend the days long pole into the soft sand. Whether we choose submerged in the delta waters, and sitatunga to explore by mokoro or on a bush walk, we’ll and red lechwe (with their water-resistant regroup at our lodge around 9am for some free fur) frequent both the swamps and dry land. time before lunch. While on land, we are likely to see herds of Lunch: Around 1pm at our lodge, featuring buffalo, sable antelope, kudu, and elephant. international and African specialties. Around 9am, we’ll return to our lodge to relax before lunch. Afternoon: We’ll once again have the choice of discovering the area’s wildlife on a mokoro Lunch: Around 1pm at our lodge, featuring canoe ride or on a game-viewing excursion. international and African specialties. We’ll return to our camp at around 7pm. Afternoon: Starting around 2pm, you may Dinner: At our lodge around 7pm, featuring a enjoy some free time. Then around 4pm, selection of international and African fare. we’ll embark on our afternoon game-viewing activity, which includes your choice of Evening: Tonight, you’ll enjoy free time, cruising the delta on a mokoro or traversing perhaps joining your fellow travelers around the neighboring savannah on a game-viewing a cozy fire to compare notes on the day’s drive. Either way, we’ll return to our lodge discoveries. around 7pm.

Day 5 Game-viewing in Okavango Delta Dinner: At our lodge around 7pm, featuring a selection of traditional African fare. • Destination: Okavango Delta • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Evening: Once again, your time after dinner • Accommodations: Kadizora Camp is free to enjoy on your own. Perhaps you’ll simply lounge on your deck and listen to the Activity Note: Today’s itinerary features an delta’s many nighttime sounds. early wake-up time, around 5am.

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28 Day 6 Discover Okavango Delta Evening: After dinner, you’ll have free time to toast to your memories of this natural paradise. • Destination: Okavango Delta • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 7 Fly to Johannesburg • • Accommodations: Kadizora Camp Begin main trip Activity Note: Today’s itinerary features an • Destination: Johannesburg, South Africa early wake-up time, around 5am. • Included Meals: Breakfast Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our lodge Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our lodge beginning at 5:30am, featuring international starting at 9am, with international and and African options. African options. Morning: Once again, we’ll depart our lodge Morning: This morning, we’ll enjoy one last around 6am for either a game-viewing drive game-viewing drive or mokoro ride around or a mokoro cruise. Regardless of which option 6am, returning to our camp around 9am for you choose, more of the dozens of local species breakfast. At around 11am, we’ll bid farewell to are sure to come into view. With an estimated the Okavango Delta as we transfer to the airport 200,000 large mammals passing through the for our hour-long flight to Maun, Botswana. wetlands each year, viewing opportunities may include lion, cheetah, plains zebra, wildebeest, Lunch: On your own. You may grab lunch at and giraffe. Keep your eyes out for more elusive the airport. but colorful characters like the chacma baboon Afternoon: After arriving in Maun, we’ll fly and endangered black rhinoceros. back to Johannesburg, South Africa, arriving If you are exploring by mokoro, be sure to just before 4pm. We’ll transfer to our hotel in look down: Okavango is home to 71 species of Johannesburg and check in around 5pm. fish, including the sharp-tooth catfish and Dinner: On your own. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a the fearsome striped tiger fish. And birders casual meal at the hotel’s restaurant, or ask will be thrilled at the chance to spot such your Extension Guide for a suggestion nearby. sights as ostrich, ibis, crested crane, and lilac-breasted rollers. Evening: After arriving at your hotel in Johannesburg, you’ll have time to relax before We’ll all return to our lodge around 9am for our main trip begins tomorrow. some free time, during which you can rest, relax, or write in your travel journal.

Lunch: Around 12:45pm at our lodge, featuring international and African specialties.

Afternoon: After lunch, you can again decide between a game-viewing drive, a mokoro ride, or a bush walk. All options are sure to provide stunning views of the delta’s incredible wildlife. We’ll return to our lodge around 6pm.

Dinner: At our lodge around 7pm, featuring a selection of international and African fare.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

29 PRE-TRIP Madagascar: Lemurs, Biodiversity & Colonial History

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Airfare from Johannesburg to Antananarivo » 8 small group activities » Accommodations for 1 night in » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip Johannesburg at the Garden Court Hotel Experience Leader Sandton City, 2 nights in Antananarivo at » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and the Hotel Colbert, and 4 nights in Andasibe luggage porters at Mantadia Lodge » All transfers » 19 meals—7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners

PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa Dinner: On your own. Maybe you’ll sample some of South Africa’s famous cuisine, Evening: Fly overnight from the U.S. to including boerewors (a beef, pork, and lamb Johannesburg, South Africa. sausage) or bobotie (minced meat simmered in spices, herbs, and dried fruit). Day 2 Arrive Johannesburg, South Africa Evening: Enjoy the evening at your own pace. • Destination: Johannesburg You may wish to retire to your room to get some • Accommodations: Garden Court Hotel sleep before our journey, or enjoy the hotel’s Sandton City or similar amenities. Afternoon: Travelers will arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa, where an O.A.T. Day 3 Fly to Antananarivo, Madagascar representative will meet you at the airport and • Destination: Antananarivo transfer you to your hotel. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Depending on which hotel we stay in, it may • Accommodations: Hotel Colbert or similar feature a pool, bar, and restaurant. Typical Activity Note: The flight to Antananarivo is rooms include satellite TV, wireless Internet, a approximately three hours. One hour is lost due safe, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a to the time change. private bath. Breakfast: At the hotel. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps you’ll take time to rest before your Madagascar adventure Morning: We’ll depart for the airport begins, or explore the sights of Johannesburg this morning, where we’ll board a flight on your own. to Antananarivo, Madagascar—or “Tana,” as

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30 it’s referred to by locals. Boasting a population Day 4 Explore Antananarivo • Discover of about 1.2 million, the capital city of Tana Ambohimanga • Visit Analakely Market has been the epicenter of Malagasy power for • Destination: Antananarivo three centuries. The unique fusion of cultures characteristic to the island stems from both • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner its geographical isolation and patchwork • Accommodations: Hotel Colbert or similar of colonization from residents of Europe, Breakfast: At the hotel. the Sunda Islands and East Africa. Today, Tana is the beating heart of Madagascar, Morning: We’ll begin our discoveries today brimming with colorful markets, noteworthy with a tour of Tana’s historic upper town, restaurants, striking colonial architecture, and which is comprised of the Antaninarenina and a complex history. Isoraka districts. Here, we’ll explore sights such as the 17th-century Queen’s Palace, the Lunch: On your own in transit. 19th-century railway station, and a diversity of colonial-style houses, cathedrals, and palatial Afternoon: Upon landing in Tana, you’ll be met residences. by your Trip Experience Leader and transfer to the hotel. Depending on where we stay, our Lunch: At a local restaurant, featuring regional hotel may be located in the city center and cuisine and views of Lake Anosy to the south. feature an indoor pool, spa, and sauna. Room amenities may include wireless Internet and Afternoon: This afternoon we’ll venture to the tea- and coffee-making facilities. Royal Hill of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO-listed city and burial site. This sacred landmark is Enjoy the freedom to explore on your own this a place of worship that represents centuries afternoon, or rest at the hotel. Shortly before of cultural and spiritual traditions for the dinner, our group will reconvene at the hotel, Malagasy people, as well as the ancestral home where we’ll have a Welcome Briefing. During of the Merina kings and queens who once this briefing, we will review our itinerary in united the island. It is, therefore, viewed as the more detail (including any changes that may cradle of the kingdom and hosts a variety of need to occur). Our Trip Experience Leader will venerated tombs, holy basins, and sacrificial also discuss logistics, safety and emergency stones. During our visit, we’ll navigate the procedures, and answer questions we may have. series of fortifications and sites that make up Ambohimanga in the company of a local guide Dinner: At the hotel, featuring regional who can illustrate their history. dishes. Malagasy cuisine encompasses innumerable culinary traditions originating in Later, we’ll depart for Analakely Market, East Africa, India, Indonesia, and China. Rice one of the world’s largest open-air markets. is, of course, a staple ingredient, which you’ll Locals come here for all of their shopping commonly find in your meals here. needs—from handmade clothing to fresh seafood and coveted spices. As you walk Evening: On your own. Ask your Trip from stall to stall, you might smell the rich, Experience Leader for suggestions. intoxicating aroma of ylang-ylang plants, or notice the numerous vendors selling marijuana (a legal substance commonly enjoyed by

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31 residents). Of course, you’ll also meet many Afternoon: After time to settle in and relax, locals selling vanilla, as Madagascar is one of we’ll depart the lodge for Mutsonjo, a local the world’s leading producers of the spice. non-governmental organization focused on reforestation, conservation, and community Following our market visit, we’ll depart for education. Relative to the size of the island, our hotel, where we’ll have a few minutes to Madagascar’s national parks are quite freshen up before dinner. small, with one of the primary reasons Dinner: At the hotel. being unsustainable deforestation. Of the 28 million people who call the island home, Evening: Free to explore on your own. the vast majority live in abject poverty—a Check with your Trip Experience Leader for significant portion of which rely solely on suggestions. income generated from selling wood or slash-and-burn agriculture. To put this level Day 5 Overland to Andasibe • Visit of deforestation into context, approximately Mutsonjo Reforestation Project 44% of Madagascar’s forests were lost just in the last sixty years. We’ll glean insight • Destination: Andasibe into this growing imbalance when we get an • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner introduction to Mustonjo from a local guide. • Accommodations: Mantadia Lodge or similar We’ll also learn what’s being done to combat Activity Note: The road transfer to Andasibe is the issue and educate the public. approximately 4 hours. Following our discussion, our local guide will Breakfast: At the lodge. lead us to an outdoor area where our group can contribute to the cause by planting a Morning: This morning we’ll say goodbye tree. This is a unique opportunity to have a to Tana and depart for a 4-hour drive to personal impact, as well as further learn about Andasibe. Our journey will take us through reforestation methods and ask any questions rural Madagascar—deep into the lush, green we may have. highlands and past traditional villages and sprawling rice paddy fields. Along the way, Later, we’ll head back to the lodge, where we’ll we’ll stop to stretch our legs and buy some have a little bit of free time before dinner. seasonal produce from a roadside vendor. Dinner: At the lodge. Perhaps we’ll come away with some juicy jackfruit or a sweet-smelling pineapple before Evening: Free for your own discoveries. Check continuing on our winding journey. with your Trip Experience Leader for ideas.

Upon arrival at the lodge, we’ll receive room Freedom To Explore: During your four days assignments and check in. Depending on where in Andasibe, you have the freedom to explore we stay, our hotel may feature prime access on your own during your free time. Below are a to the surrounding nature, a swimming pool, couple recommended options for independent and on-site bar and restaurant. Each room explorations: may include wireless Internet, cable TV, and a terrace. • Meet the people of Andasibe Village: Surrounded by several protected parks Lunch: At the lodge. and reserves, Andasibe Village is a unique cultural hub offering visitors insight into

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32 rural Malagasy life. The chief industries here Morning: Today we’ll kick off our nature are agriculture, charcoal production, logging, discoveries in Madagascar. Referred to and gold panning—all of which you’ll have an by ecologists as the “eighth continent,” opportunity to learn about during your tour. Madagascar is home to a dizzying array of Your local guide will also take you to village flora and fauna found only on the island—a markets, and help you slip into the rhythm of whopping 90% is believed to be endemic. To daily life with a walk through the community. put this into even greater perspective, 5% of the Plan to spend about 2 hours here. world’s plant and animal species are found here • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute taxi and here alone. This distinctive biodiversity ride, about $15 USD one way. can be traced back to the prehistoric • Hours: By appointment only. separation of landmasses, ultimately breaking • Cost: Varies by tour. Madagascar and India apart 88 million years ago and leaving plants and animals to evolve • Navigate the largest intact marsh of eastern in relative isolation. Every year, ecologists Madagascar, Torotorofotsy: The private learn more about the island’s natural reserve of Torotorofotsy features a varied offerings—in fact, what is believed to be the landscape of wetlands, forests, and small smallest reptile on earth—the Brookesia nana villages. It is perhaps best known as the (or nano-chameleon)—was only discovered home of the greater bamboo lemur—one of here in 2021. the world’s most critically endangered pri- mates—and it’s also a favorite destination for Following breakfast, we’ll depart for the Perinet birdwatchers. Enjoy a leisurely walk through Reserve, a dense and verdant area home to a the reserve, and be sure to bring binoculars sizeable population of one of Madagascar’s to increase your chance of spotting elusive most celebrated inhabitants: lemurs. In this wildlife. particular part of the island, we’ll find roughly • How to get there: A 1-hour taxi ride, about 13 of the 100 species of lemur, including the $220 USD one way. indri, which are among the largest of their • Hours: Varies—check with your Trip kind. Lemurs are highly endangered mammals Experience Leader. due to both radical deforestation, as well as • Cost: Free. their limited geographical range. But it’s also important to note their symbiotic relationship Day 6 Perinet Reserve nature walk • Night to the forest: Many lemurs, such as the ruffed walk through the rainforest lemur, act as seed dispersers, which means their droppings help to revive and aid forest • Destination: Andasibe growth. Therefore, one cannot exist without • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner the other. • Accommodations: Mantadia Lodge or similar During our approximately 2-mile walk, we’ll Activity Note: Today’s discoveries require have a chance to learn about and observe approximately 2 miles of walking on hilly, the natural behaviors of lemurs, a relatively sometimes moist terrain. unique species in that many of them have a Breakfast: At the lodge. female-dominant troop structure—unlike most mammals which are male dominant. Other notable animals we may encounter are the enormous Parson’s chameleon, paradise

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33 catchers, the Madagascar falcon, and hundreds Breakfast: At the lodge. of species of native frogs. You’ll also have a Morning: After breakfast, we’ll drive chance to witness dazzling flora, such as the to Mantadia National Park, a nearly Ravenala palm, a massive plant outfitted with 60-square-mile protected area. The park paddle-shaped leaves in the form of a fan. For is home to roughly eleven lemur species, those visiting Madagascar between the months including the indri and black-and-white ruffed of September and January, you’ll be pleased to lemur, and the landscape features numerous know that this is orchid flowering season, so waterfalls and a diversity of altitudes. Upon be prepared to admire impressive and vibrant arrival, we’ll embark on an approximately blooms. 2-mile walk through some of the lesser visited Lunch: At the lodge, following our walk. parts of the reserve. Our walk will culminate at the Rianasoa Waterfall, a sacred and striking Afternoon: You’ll have the freedom to explore feature of this area. Here, we’ll stop for a picnic on your own this afternoon. Perhaps you’ll lunch, as well as to learn about the site itself, venture to Andasibe Village to discover the including the on-site burial ground marked by local way of life here, or you might wish to visit wood-carved tombstones. Torotorofotsy Wetland, home to the critically endangered greater bamboo lemur. Lunch: At the Rianasoa Waterfall, featuring local baked goods. Dinner: At the lodge, featuring regional cuisine. Afternoon: We’ll head back to the lodge this Evening: After sunset, our group will depart afternoon, where we’ll have some personal for a night walk through the forest. A local time to explore on our own. Check with your guide will lead us in tracking nocturnal species Trip Experience Leader for activity ideas. of lemurs, as well as other animals that are primarily active in the night. Not all lemurs Dinner: At the lodge. are nocturnal—in fact, small lemurs tend to Evening: This evening you’ll have another be nocturnal, whereas larger ones tend to be opportunity to join an optional night walk diurnal, meaning active during the daytime. through the forest, in order to spot nocturnal Your local guide and Trip Experience Leader animals. Following our return to the lodge, will both be prepared with flashlights; however, you’ll have the freedom to explore on your own. for travelers who prefer to have their own luminous device, you’re free to bring one. Day 8 Visit the Amphibian Survival Day 7 Explore Mantadia National Park Assurance Center • Lemur Island • • Picnic lunch at Rianasoa Waterfall • Optional night walk Optional night walk • Destination: Andasibe • Destination: Andasibe • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: Mantadia Lodge or similar • Accommodations: Mantadia Lodge or similar Breakfast: At the lodge.

Activity Note: Today’s discoveries require Morning: Madagascar is home to nearly 300 approximately 2 miles of walking on hilly, native species of frogs—a staggering number sometimes moist terrain. of which are endangered. This morning,

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34 we’ll depart for the Amphibian Survival Dinner: At the lodge, featuring regional cuisine. Assurance Center of Andasibe to learn about Evening: Following dinner, you’ll have one the different species, as well as their plight. last opportunity to join an optional night Frogs are actually the only amphibians found walk before your Madagascar pre-trip in Madagascar, which means they play a rather extension comes to a close. The remainder of unique role in the overall ecosystem. From the evening is free for your own discoveries, tree frogs to the tomato and mantella frogs, or perhaps you’ll rest before your journey Malagasy amphibian populations are suffering onward tomorrow. due to rapid deforestation and ongoing threats from the ever-growing international pet trade. Mantella frogs, in particular, are subject to Day 9 Fly to Johannesburg • trafficking due to their attractive coloring. Begin main trip • Destination: Johannesburg During our visit at the center, we’ll encounter a number of native species, see how they’re • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch rehabilitated, and learn what is being done Breakfast: At the lodge. to save them. Afterward, we’ll depart for the lodge. Morning: Transfer overland to Antananarivo.

Lunch: At the lodge, featuring regional cuisine. Lunch: At Lokanga Boutique Hotel, featuring regional cuisine. Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll head to Lemur Island, a small sanctuary situated in the Afternoon: Fly back to Johannesburg, South middle of a river and home to lemurs rescued Africa, where you’ll be met at the airport and from captivity. Upon arrival, a local guide transferred to your hotel. Here, you’ll join other will introduce us to the island and its history travelers with whom you’ll begin your main on a short walk, during which we’ll also adventure. have the opportunity to observe some of the common brown lemurs, bamboo lemurs, and black-and-white ruffed lemurs at close proximity. These habituated animals wouldn’t survive in the wild; however, as we’ll learn, Lemur Island is not without controversy. Visitors commonly pose for photos and physically interact with the lemurs. Conservationists allege that these conditions are unnatural and therefore immoral, but sanctuary advocates argue that the lemurs would otherwise be euthanized. Take the opportunity to learn both sides of this issue, and feel free to ask your local guide any questions you may have.

Later, we’ll head back to the lodge, where we’ll have free time to explore on our own. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for activity suggestions.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

35 POST-TRIP Cape Town & the Cape of Good Hope

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Airfare to Cape Town » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip » Accommodations for 4 nights in Cape Town Experience Leader at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice or similar » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and » 6 meals—4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 luggage porters Home-Hosted Dinner » All transfers » 3 small group activities

POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

With Table Mountain as its backdrop, a bevy of bays at its feet, and the lushest foliage this side of paradise, Cape Town arguably occupies one of the most spectacular natural settings on Earth. Here is your chance to revel in it—and to witness the amazing social transformation of the “Rainbow Nation.”

Day 1 Arrive in Cape Town • rooms include wireless Internet access, coffee- Home-Hosted Dinner and tea-making facilities, satellite TV, a safe, and a private bath. • Destination: Cape Town, South Africa • Included Meals: Dinner After enjoying some free time, we’ll depart by • Accommodations: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice bus around 6:15pm to spend the evening with a or similar local family.

Morning: Around 8am we’ll board a bus with Dinner: Tonight at around 6:30pm, we’ll join our luggage and head to the airport. Around members of a local family in their home for a 11:45am, we’ll fly from Victoria Falls to Cape traditional Home-Hosted Dinner. We’ll have Town, which will take around two hours. the opportunity to enjoy regional cuisine, while getting an intimate glimpse of daily life in Cape Lunch: On your own. You may grab lunch at Town. In our small group, this is an excellent the airport. chance to get to know our hosts. We encourage Afternoon: We’ll arrive in Cape Town just travelers to ask questions and hope you’ll come before 2pm. Our Trip Experience Leader will away with a better idea of Cape Town’s culture. assist us with the drive of approximately Evening: On your own. You may wish to retire 45 minutes to our centrally-located hotel. to your room to get some sleep before our early Depending on which hotel we stay in, it may be start tomorrow, or you may head to the hotel’s located near a variety of shops and restaurants, bar for a nightcap. and may feature an on-site fitness center, swimming pool, bar, and restaurant. Typical

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36 Freedom To Explore: During your four full days members, you’ll discover the history of Bo- in Cape Town, you have the freedom to explore Kaap’s culinary landscape, and the influence this vibrant city on your own during your free the neighborhood’s distinct cuisine has had time. Below are a few recommended options for on South African flavors. Then, you’ll step independent explorations: into a local family’s home for a hands-on 3- to 4-hour cooking lesson, where we’ll learn to • Enjoy high tea at Mount Nelson Hotel: Visit cook local specialties like saffron rice or lamb the historic Mount Nelson Hotel, a five-star casserole. accommodation located in the heart of Cape Town, to enjoy afternoon tea. Against the • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi pink backdrop of the hotel, which was painted ride, about $5 USD one way. at the end of World War I to symbolize • Hours: 10:30am, Tuesday-Thursday. hope, we’ll sip tea and sample a selection of • Cost: About $70 USD. savory treats and sweets, including salmon sandwiches, cheesecakes, macarons, and Day 2 Tour Cape Town • Optional lemon meringue. Plus, soak in the history Townships of Cape Town Tour surrounding this iconic hotel, where Nelson • Destination: Cape Town Mandela, John Lennon, and the Dalai Lama • Included Meals: Breakfast have all visited. • Accommodations: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute taxi or similar ride, about $6 USD one way. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our hotel • Hours: 1pm-3pm and 3:30pm-5:30pm, beginning at 7am, featuring African and daily. international options. • Cost: About $30 USD. Morning: We’ll get an early start this morning • Take a tour of Robben Island: Venture to the when we depart the hotel at around 8am for a infamous island where Nelson Mandela was city tour. Depending on wind conditions, we imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years in prison, will travel by cable car up to Table Mountain, and discover the site’s other uses as a hos- one of Cape Town’s most dramatic natural pital, mental institution, and military base. landmarks. From the top, we’ll enjoy views of Hop aboard a double-decker ferry for a ride the Atlantic Ocean, the bays, the city below, of about 1.5 hours to the island, where you’ll and the peninsula that meanders south to the get an intimate glimpse of its rich history as a Cape of Good Hope. Some 1,400 species of wild former political prisoner leads you on a 3- to flowering plants grow on and around Table 4-hour tour. Mountain, which is also home to the unusual • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi rock hyrax (often called dassies)–rodent-like ride, about $8 USD one way. creatures whose closest living relative is the • Hours: The ferry picks travelers up at 9am, elephant. Perhaps you’ll see some during your 11am, and 1pm, daily. optional walk around the mountaintop. • Cost: About $25 USD. We will also visit the lovely National Botanical • Set off on a cooking tour in Bo-Kaap: Satisfy Gardens of Kirstenbosch at about 10am, your curiosity on this culinary tour of Bo- a showcase of nearly 4,000 varieties of Kaap, a vibrant neighborhood in Cape Town. indigenous flowers and plants. The garden rests During a walking tour led by local community on the lower slopes of Table Mountain, with the

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

37 forest interspersed with the broad lawns and Day 3 Explore Cape of Good Hope cultivated pathways of the gardens. We’ll cap Nature Reserve off our tour at a local diamond factory where • Destination: Cape Town we’ll learn how diamonds are formed, mined, and cut. Then we’ll have a chance to see the • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch final product. • Accommodations: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice or similar Lunch: On your own around 1pm. Your Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our hotel Trip Experience Leader can provide starting at 7am, featuring African and recommendations on the best locales for international options. whatever your preferences are. Just make sure to save room for malva pudding—a baked Morning: We’ll depart the hotel at around 8am sponge pudding with apricot jam topped with a and travel along the coast, enjoying views of hot cream sauce. majestic Table Mountain rising in the distance. We continue further onto the Cape Peninsula Afternoon: On your own. You can spend the itself, along the coast road, the Atlantic Ocean’s afternoon exploring Cape Town at your own crashing surf endlessly splashing the rocks pace. Or join us for our optional Townships below. In about two to three hours we reach of Cape Town tour at 2pm, which takes us to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, with the nearby townships of Langa, Guguletu, its wild fynbos landscapes, flowers, elusive and Bonteheuwel. Although townships were bontebok, baboons, and ocean views. established during the apartheid era for non-whites, today they are vibrant urban Contrary to popular belief, the Cape Peninsula communities that house a large percent of Cape is not consistently where the Indian and Town’s population. Meet the people who live Atlantic oceans meet. Because of shifting here, and learn about their rich and fascinating currents, that distinction is shared with culture from a resident. Travelers taking lesser-known Cape Agulhas, 100 to 200 miles this Optional Tour will return to our hotel east of the Cape Peninsula. Nevertheless, around 5:30pm. when you get to the tip of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, you’ll see Cape Point, Dinner: On your own. Perhaps you’ll sample the technical “Cape of Good Hope.” Rapidly Cape Malay curry, a yellow curry that features changing climatic conditions and the Indian the fragrant cinnamon, saffron, turmeric, and Ocean currents coming from Cape Agulhas chili peppers that French and Dutch traders make this a particularly dangerous spot for brought to Cape Town in the 17th century. ships. Your local guide will tell you that more Your Trip Experience Leader can provide “sightings” of the legendary ghost ship, other recommendations for whatever your the Flying Dutchman, are reported here than preferences are. anywhere else in the world. Who knows what Evening: On your own. You may wish to retire you’ll spy on the distant horizons as you gaze to your room to get some sleep before our early from the Cape Point viewing platform? We start tomorrow, or you may take a swim in the explore some of the fascinating vegetation and hotel’s pool. more remote corners of this nature reserve.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

38 Lunch: At about 1pm, we’ll stop for lunch culture, and you will see examples of traditional at a local restaurant, where you’ll have a architecture while learning about the history of choice between fish and chips, or a vegetarian early settlements here. selection. Lunch: On your own. You can seek out Afternoon: We’ll begin our return trip to Cape everything from traditional cuisine to pizza at Town at about 3pm, stopping along the False one of the many local restaurants during your Bay coastline for a chance to see the penguins free day or when you join our Optional Tour. at Boulders Beach. Passing Simon’s Town Afternoon: Continue exploring Cape Town on and Fish Hoek, we arrive back at the hotel your own. Travelers who took our Optional Tour around 5:30pm. will return to the hotel at around 4:30pm. Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience Leader can provide recommendations on the Leader can provide recommendations on the best locales for whatever your preferences are. best locales for whatever your preferences are. Evening: On your own. You may wish to retire Evening: On your own. You may wish to retire to your room to rest, or you and your fellow to your room to rest, or if you wish to explore travelers may grab a drink at the hotel’s bar to this vibrant city this evening, your Trip discuss your explorations thus far. Experience Leader can offer suggestions on a wide range of activities. Day 4 Cape Town • Optional Stellenbosch Wine Country Tour Day 5 Free morning in Cape Town • • Destination: Cape Town Return to U.S. • Included Meals: Breakfast • Destination: U.S. • Accommodations: Protea Hotel Fire & Ice • Included Meals: Breakfast or similar Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our hotel Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our hotel starting at 9am, featuring international and starting at 7am, featuring African and African options. international options. Morning: We’ll have a later wake-up call today Morning: Today you are free to explore Cape at 8am, followed by free time. This morning you Town on your own. Or, depart the hotel at 8am can simply relax, or take the opportunity to do for a full-day Optional Tour of Stellenbosch some last-minute sightseeing on your own. Wine Country. Lunch: On your own. Maybe you’ll sample During this Optional Tour, we’ll visit the heart chakalaka and pap, a South African staple. of South Africa’s wine country and the historic While chakalaka is made of onions, tomatoes, area around the town of Stellenbosch. We’ll peppers, carrots, beans, and spices, pap is the visit various wine estates, tasting and sampling porridge it’s served with. Your Trip Experience their various offerings. The scenery includes Leader will be happy to provide other rolling hills, farms, and sweeping mountain recommendations as well. vistas. This area is also the heart of Cape Dutch

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

39 Afternoon: Our flight departs Cape Town just before 5pm, and we arrive in Johannesburg around 7pm. We’ll have a few hours to check in and relax before our overnight flight back home, which departs just after 10pm.

OPTIONAL TOURS

Townships of Cape Town tour (Day 2 $40 per person) Although the townships of Langa, Guguletu, and Bonteheuwel were originally created during the apartheid period as residential areas for non-whites, today they are vital and energetic urban communities that house a large percent of Cape Town’s population. In a tour that will add to your in-depth knowledge of South Africa’s people, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of these communities by a township resident and a home visit. This optional tour must be reserved at least 45 days prior to departure.

Stellenbosch Wine Country (Day 4 $90 per person) This tour brings us to the heart of South Africa’s beautiful wine country, as we explore the historic area around the town of Stellenbosch. We’ll visit various wine estates, tasting and sampling their delicious offerings. The scenery includes rolling hills, graceful farms, and dramatic mountain vistas. This area is also the heart of Cape Dutch culture, and you will see fine examples of traditional architecture while learning about the history of early settlement here. This tour must be reserved at least 45 days prior to your departure to guarantee space.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

40 POST-TRIP Uganda Discoveries: Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth National Park

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Accommodations: 1 night in Johannesburg » 3 small group activities and 3 safari at Southern Sun Hotel, 1 night in Entebbe at game-viewing drives Boma House, 2 nights in Bwindi at Engagi » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip Lodge, and 3 nights in Queen Elizabeth Experience Leader National Park at Kasenyi Safari Camp » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and » 18 meals—7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, luggage porters and 6 dinners » All transfers

POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Wrap up your discoveries on the African continent with a journey to Uganda, and encounter families of mountain gorillas, glimpse the wildlife of the savannah on game drives, and cruise down the Kazinga Channel in search of floating hippos.

Day 1 Fly to Johannesburg, South Africa Day 2 Fly to Entebbe, Uganda via • Destination: Johannesburg Nairobi, Kenya • Accommodations: Southern Sun O.R. Tambo • Destination: Entebbe International Hotel or similar • Included Meals: Breakfast Morning: We’ll transfer to the airport for our • Accommodations: The Boma Hotel or similar flight to Johannesburg. Breakfast: At the hotel.

Lunch: On your own during our flight today. Morning: We’ll transfer to the Johannesburg Airport for our flight to Nairobi. Afternoon: Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel. Lunch: On your own—you may wish to eat during your flight. Dinner: On your own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for suggestions. Afternoon: Once we arrive in Nairobi, we’ll transfer for our flight to Entebbe, Uganda. Evening: Free to spend as you’d like. Dinner: On your own—you may wish to eat during your flight.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

41 Evening: Upon arrival in Entebbe, we’ll transfer Evening: Free to spend how you wish. to our hotel, check in, and get settled for the night. Depending on which hotel we stay in, Day 4 Gorilla trekking in Bwindi it may feature a pool, bar, restaurant, and Impenetrable Forest National Park health club. Typical rooms include satellite • Destination: Bwindi TV, wireless high-speed Internet access, a safe, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner private bath. • Accommodations: Engagi Lodge or similar Activity Note: Today’s mountain gorilla trek Day 3 Fly to Bwindi • Controversial Topic: typically involves two to four hours of walking The Rise and Fall of Idi Amin through thick brush over steep, rugged terrain at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 • Destination: Bwindi feet. As overexposure to humans is harmful • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner to mountain gorillas, contact is limited • Accommodations: Engagi Lodge or similar to one hour. Breakfast: At the hotel, early this morning. Breakfast: At the lodge. Morning: We’ll transfer to the Entebbe airport Morning: Board a private motorcoach this for our early morning flight to Bwindi. Upon morning and set off for Bwindi Impenetrable arrival, we’ll transfer to our lodge in Bwindi’s Forest National Park to begin a morning of Impenetrable Forest. Take some time to rest incredible discoveries during our mountain and freshen up after your journey once we gorilla trekking experience. Skilled trackers check in. The lodge’s grounds include a bar have gone ahead of us to locate a good spot to and lounge area, as well as a kitchen to serve visit one of the park’s populations of mountain freshly-made meals, and each of its 8 cottages gorilla families. There are only around 500 include electricity, a veranda, and private mountain gorillas living in the forest today. bath with full plumbing and hot and cold running water. We will spend a few hours here trekking before driving back to our lodge. Lunch: At the lodge. Lunch: At the lodge. Afternoon: We’ll take part discussing a Controversial Topic—the Rise and Fall Afternoon: Free to explore how you wish. of Idi Amin, the country’s infamous former president known as the “Butcher of Uganda” Dinner: At the lodge. and considered to be one of most brutal despots Evening: Free to spend how you wish. in history. Then we’ll take a walk through the local village with our Trip Experience Leader. Day 5 Overland to Queen Elizabeth Later, back at the lodge, we’ll receive a briefing National Park from a park ranger about tomorrow’s activity: • Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park gorilla trekking. We’ll go over the various safety • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner details we’ll need to know before our excursion. • Accommodations: Kasenyi Safari Camp Dinner: At the lodge. or similar

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

42 Morning: Today we will check out of our lodge The channel attracts all manner of species, such and journey overland to Queen Elizabeth as buffaloes, antelopes, crocodiles and—of National Park, arriving just before lunch. We’ll course—hippos. check into our camp and get settled in. Your Dinner: At the camp. private thatched cottage includes a king size bed, private bath, and viewing deck from which Evening: Free to spend how you wish. to admire the local wildlife that frequently comes to visit. Complimentary wireless Internet Day 7 Lake Katwe salt extraction site visit is available at the camp’s on-site dining • Afternoon game-viewing drive facility, and laundry service is available free of charge as well. • Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lunch: At the camp. • Accommodations: Kasenyi Safari Camp Afternoon: We’ll have around 2 hours of free or similar time after lunch, then we will set out on an Breakfast: At the camp. afternoon game-viewing drive in the park for a chance to see different animals like buffaloes, Morning: After breakfast, we’ll drive to Lake leopards, and elephants. After a 3-hour Katwe, a crater lake situated inside Queen excursion, we’ll return to our camp. Elizabeth National Park. While several streams flow into the lake, it does not have an outlet, so Dinner: At the camp. the intense evaporation during the dry season leads the lake water to become extremely salty. Evening: Free to spend how you wish. Today we will learn how locals extract precious salt from the lake, using methods that have Day 6 Morning game-viewing drive • remained unchanged for decades. Cruise along the Kazinga Channel After a tour of the site and a visit to the nearby • Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park village, we’ll drive back to our camp. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: Kasenyi Safari Camp Lunch: At the camp. or similar Afternoon: After some free time, we’ll head Breakfast: At the camp. back out into Queen Elizabeth National Park for an afternoon game-viewing drive. Morning: Get another chance to glimpse the wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Dinner: At the camp. Park—perhaps sighting giraffes, lions, or antelopes. Evening: Free to spend how you wish.

Lunch: At the camp. Day 8 Fly to Entebbe • Return to U.S. Afternoon: Our private motorcoach will take • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner us to a docking site along the Kazinga Channel. Breakfast: At the camp. From here, we’ll embark on a cruise down the channel. This cruise gives us the opportunity to see Uganda’s wildlife from another perspective.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

43 Morning: Today we will begin our travels home, starting with our flight to Entebbe. Once we arrive, we will check into a hotel near the airport for the day, giving us time to rest up for the next leg of our journey.

Lunch: On your own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.

Afternoon: Free to spend how you choose.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: After dinner, we’ll depart for the airport and board our flight back to the U.S.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

44 LAKE KARIBA SAFARI CRUISE BOAT Cruise Lake Kariba in a small group of no more than 16 travelers aboard the privately-chartered Shikra Safari Cruise Boat

With more than 40 years of experience leading land tours in Africa, we are thrilled to be the first to offer a small group safari cruise to our travelers, with a local O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader and expert, Zimbabwean National Park professionals by your side. Spending three nights aboard the Shikra, a private safari cruise boat chartered exclusively for our group of 8-16 travelers, we’ll board tender boats for daily fishing excursions and wildlife-viewing in this scenic region teeming with tiger fish, crocodile, and hippo on water; and elephant, rhino, buffalo, impala, and more along the nearby shores. And, because of the boat’s small size, our group will enjoy the exclusivity, intimacy, and unique access of docking at private bays along our cruise.

SHIPBOARD FEATURES • Dining area: Enjoy buffet-style, regionally • Outdoor common areas: With a shaded pool inspired cuisine in the boat’s dining area, area and open-air deck, your activities can with complimentary coffee and tea available continue onboard. Join your fellow travelers at each meal. for a swim, outdoor dining, and more. • Indoor common areas: Relax, socialize, • Tender boats: With the Shikra as our home or enjoy a beverage in the boat’s large, base for three nights, we’ll embark on air-conditioned lounge with panoramic wildlife cruises and fishing excursions using windows and African-themed décor. motorized tender boats with up to 8 people per boat, allowing us to get even closer to animals.

45 SHIKRA SAFARI CRUISE BOAT

Staff

Storage 5 4213

6 79108

Kitchen

Cabin Categories Length: 105 feet Beam: 25 feet Standard cabin with A with two twin sized beds Registry: Zimbabwe or one double bed Built: 2013 Cabins: 10 air-conditioned cabins Passenger capacity: 16 Crew/Nationality: 6-8 crew/ Zimbabwean National Park guides O.A.T. Group Size: 16 travelers maximum, with 1 Trip Experience Leader

CABIN FEATURES

• Cabins are approximately 150 sq. ft. each • Outside-facing cabins with views of the lake • In-cabin amenities: Two twin beds (or one double), air conditioning • In-bathroom amenities: Private bath with shower, wash basin, and hairdryer

Standard cabin with one double bed

46 Southern Africa Safari & Lake OUR SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY To ensure the safety of all of our travelers, we are requiring that all travelers Kariba Cruise: South Africa, joining us on one of our Small Group Adventures must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure of their adventure— Zimbabwe & Botswana and provide proof of their vaccination on-site. For more details, please visit www.oattravel.com/covid-update. 2022 Dates & Prices JUNE- JAN 21; MAY; JULY; AUG SEP SEP DEPART FROM JAN 5 F E B R U A R Y M A R C H A P R I L OCT 6-24 AUG 1-10 13-31 3-12 15-30 OCT 27

New York, Newark $ 5695 $ 5495 $ 6095 $ 7195 $ 7995 $ 8795 $ 8695 $ 8595 $ 8495 $ 7395

Washington, DC $ 5795 $5595 $6195 $7295 $8095 $8895 $8795 $8695 $8595 $7495

Baltimore $ 5895 $ 5695 $ 6295 $ 7395 $ 8195 $ 8995 $ 8895 $ 8795 $ 8695 $ 7595

Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, $ 5995 $ 5795 $ 6395 $ 7495 $ 8295 $ 9095 $ 8995 $ 8895 $ 8795 $ 7695 Miami, Orlando, Philadelphia

Atlanta, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, $ 6095 $5895 $6495 $7595 $8395 $9195 $9095 $8995 $8895 $7795 Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle

Tampa $ 6102 $ 5902 $ 6502 $ 7602 $8402 $9202 $9102 $9002 $8902 $7802

Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details.

J U N E - JAN 21; JULY; AUG O C T O C T JAN 5 F E B R U A R Y M A R C H A P R I L M A Y AUG 1-10 13-31 SEPTEMBER 6-24 27 Without international airfare $4095 $3995 $4595 $5595 $6395 $6695 $7095 $6995 $6495 $5895

BOO2022

RISK-FREE BOOKING POLICY: RESERVE WITH CONFIDENCE—NOW THROUGH 12/31/21 We will waive any change fees if you transfer to another departure date for any reason—up until 24 hours prior to departure. See details at www.oattravel.com/riskfree-booking.

Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges. All prices and availability are effective as of the date of this publication, and are subject to change without notice. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our website: www.oattravel.com/tc. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors.

For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.oattravel.com/boo2022 pricing

SAVE UP TO 10% WITH FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS SHARE YOUR LOVE OF TRAVEL OUR GOOD BUY PLAN We offer FREE Single Supplements on all New travelers you refer will instantly save The earlier you reserve your departure of our adventures and pre- and post-trip $100, and you’ll earn increasing rewards— and pay in full, the more you’ll save—up extensions. up to a FREE trip! to 10%—plus, you’ll lock in your price. Each departure has limited solo space For details, visit www.oattravel.com/va For details, visit www.oattravel.com/gbd available—call today to reserve.

Publication Date 6/4/21

Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/boo2022

47 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Your Passport • Must be in good condition

• Must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.

• Must have the required number of blank pages (details below)

• The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable

Need to Renew Your Passport? Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport

Recommended Blank Pages Please confirm that your passport has enough blank pages for this adventure.

• Main trip only: If you are taking only the main trip, you will need 8 blank pages for entry into South Africa (2), Zambia (2), Zimbabwe (2), Botswana (1), and to re-enter the U.S. (1). At least 2 of these 8 pages need to be consecutive—the front and back of one sheet—because this is sometimes required by local officials in South Africa. The U.S. State Department reports that there have been U.S. citizens turned away at the border for not having 2 consecutive pages for South Africa.

• Pre-trip extension to Botswana’s Okavango Delta: You will need 2 additional pages for a total of 10 blank passport pages.

• Pre-trip extension to Madagascar: You will need 3 additional pages for a total of 11 blank passport pages

• Post-trip extension to Cape Town & the Cape of Good Hope: No additional pages are needed.

• Post-trip extension to Uganda: You will need an additional page for a total of 9 blank passport pages.

• Both the Botswana pre and a post-trip extension : You will need a total of 11 blank passport pages, unless are taking the Cape Town post-trip extension, in which case you will need only 10 passport pages.

48 • Both the Madagascar pre and a post-trip extension : You will need a total of 12 blank passport pages, unless are taking the Cape Town post-trip extension, in which case you will need only 11 passport pages.

• Optional Stopover in London: Add an additional blank page to the total listed above.

Please note: You might not use all of these pages on your adventure (when you return, some may still be blank) but local officials will want to see that you have them.

Visas Required We’ll be sending you a detailed Visa Packet with instructions, application forms, and fees about 100 days prior to your departure. In the meantime, we’re providing the information below as a guideline on what to expect. This info is for U.S. citizens only. All visas and fees are subject to change.

• Botswana, South Africa, and the United Kingdom (optional Stopover): No visas required: U.S. citizens do not need visas for stays of less than 90 days in these countries.

• Zambia: Visa required. We recommend that you wait and get this visa on arrival. Typically, all you need to do is show your passport and pay the visa fee, although you may need to fill out a form too. This is based on changes to the application process that make getting a visa on arrival a reliable and more cost-effective option.

• Zimbabwe: Visa required. You must obtain this visa upon arrival.

• Madagascar (pre-trip extension): Visa required. Although this visa may be obtained upon your arrival, it is faster and easier to obtain it in advance.

• Uganda (post-trip extension): Visa required. This visa can only be obtained in advance; you cannot obtain it upon arrival.

Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about visa requirements. We recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www.pvsinternational.org.

Traveling With a Minor? Some governments may require certain documentation for minors to enter and depart the country or to obtain a visa (if applicable). For further detail on the required documentation, please contact your local embassy or consulate.

49 Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents We recommend you carry color photocopies of key documents including the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, air itinerary, credit cards (front and back), and an alternative form of ID. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals.

If you plan to email this information to yourself, please keep in mind that email is not always secure; consider using password protection or encryption. Also email is not always available worldwide. As an alternative, you could load these documents onto a flash drive instead, which can do double-duty as a place to backup photos during your trip.

Overseas Taxes & Fees This tour may have taxes and fees that cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay them in person onsite. All taxes are subject to change without notice and can be paid in cash (either U.S. or local currency). If applicable, you will receive a list of these fees with your Final Documents.

50 RIGORS, VACCINES & GENERAL HEALTH

Is This Adventure Right for You? Please review the information below prior to departing on this adventure. We reserve the right for our Trip Experience Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their condition would adversely affect the health, safety, or enjoyment of themselves or of other travelers.

PACING • 6 locations in 17 days with one 1-night stay

• Early morning game-viewing drives on safari days, rising at 5am

• You will have transfers of up to 11 hours to reach your tented camp on one day

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids

• You must be able to walk unassisted with hand luggage; expect 2-4 hours of physical activities on some days

• You will need to access vehicles by ladder without aid; and have the ability to get in and out of small boat tenders

• Travelers in need of a CPAP machine may only bring one that runs on rechargeable batteries

• We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience

CLIMATE • The hottest months are October-February; mid-day temperatures can reach more than 100°F

• Daytime temperature between May-August can be 70-80°F, and as low as 40°F at night

• December-March brings heavy rain and thunderstorms

TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION • Travel on roads in poor condition that can cause problems for travelers with leg or back issues

• Travel over bumpy, dusty terrain and walk on sandy, uneven surfaces

• On game-viewing drives, we travel overland in open-sided safari vehicles with bench seating. We also travel in motorized boats

• 3 guided walks of up to 3 hours each; and 3 internal flights on 50-passenger planes

51 • 3 nights on a privately-chartered safari cruise boat on Lake Kariba, with excursions via small tender boats

ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES • We spend 9 nights in comfortable but basic lodges and tented camps, 4 nights in hotels, and 3 nights on a privately-chartered safari cruise boat

• Our lodges use generator electricity and lantern lighting at night, and do not have air-conditioning

• All accommodations feature private baths

Steps to Take Before Your Trip Before you leave on this adventure, we recommend the following:

• Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting. You can contact them online at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636.

• Have a medical checkup with your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip.

• Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

• Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less urgent)

Vaccines Required

COVID-19 Overseas Adventure Travel requires that all travelers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are able provide proof of their vaccination upon arrival at their destination. A full vaccination is defined as having been inoculated at least 14 days prior to departure by an approved vaccine. This requirement is not contingent on the countries the tour visits, but a strict company policy due to the nature of the pandemic.

Other Vaccines All travelers will need to bring EITHER proof of a yellow fever vaccination OR an official vaccination waiver in order to meet entry requirements for the post-trip extension to Uganda.

While the CDC offers a wide range of vaccination and medication suggestions, there is one in particular that we’d like to draw your attention to—the yellow fever vaccine. For some countries, the yellow fever vaccination is a legal entry requirement, like a passport. For other countries, it is a health recommendation to protect you from getting sick. On this adventure, this vaccination is a legal entry requirement for Uganda—but fortunately, authorities will accept a doctor’s waiver in place of getting the actual shot. Therefore EITHER proof of a yellow fever vaccination OR an official vaccination waiver is a requirement for this trip.

52 You should discuss the vaccine with your doctor to see if he or she recommends it and if your health allows for it. (He or she can offer a suggestion tailored to your personal medical history.) If you and your doctor decide the vaccination is right for you, then he or she will issue you a Yellow Fever Card, also called an International Certificate of Vaccination. This is your proof of vaccination; you should bring it with you on the trip.

If you and your doctor decide the vaccination isn’t right for you, then have your doctor issue an official vaccination waiver. An official waiver is a letter that meets these requirements:

• It must be on business letterhead paper.

• It must be signed by a doctor.

• It must be stamped using the same stamp that the doctor uses on a Yellow Fever Card

• It must give the medical reason why you cannot get the vaccine, say how high the risk is, and cite an authority. (For example: Mr. Smith cannot receive the yellow fever vaccine due to a high risk of side effects as outlined in the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines for people over the age of 65.)

Whether you receive a Yellow Fever Card or an official vaccination waiver, keep it on your person (in your carry-on) so it is easy to find when you arrive or when you cross the border. You may not show anything at all when you cross the border—it all depends on the local official. But if you are asked, you must be able to produce your Yellow Fever Card OR your waiver

Medication Suggestions • An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness

• Prescription pain medication in the unlikely event of an injury in a remote location

• Motion sickness medicine, if you are susceptible

• Anti-malaria medication. Check with the CDC and your doctor first because these medications can have strong side effects.

Traveling with Medications • Pack medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss and to have them handy.

• Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers for a quicker security screen at the airport and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas.

• Bring copies of your prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name to be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications.

53 We recommend checking with the State Department for medication restrictions by country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel- Country-Information-Pages.html. (Pick the country and then follow the links to “Local Laws & Special Circumstances”; if you don’t see any medications specifically mentioned, then you can presume major U.S. brands should be OK).

Staying Healthy on Your Trip Jet Lag Tips

• Start your trip well-rested.

• Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane.

• Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule.

• Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before–and during– your flight.

• Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying

• Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane.

• After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap.

• Don’t push yourself to see a lot on your first day.

• Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner.

Allergies

If you have any serious allergies or dietary restrictions, we advise you to notify us at least 30 days prior to your departure. Please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814, and we will communicate them to our regional office. Every effort will be made to accommodate you.

Water • Tap water is usually safe to drink.

• Water is provided at most of your hotels, lodges, and tented camps, as well as on your game drives. In some lodges, filtered water may not be available; if you are not comfortable with drinking tap water, bottled water will be available for purchase.

Food • The food served at our lodges is safe, including salads and fruits. We recommend you exercise more caution when eating at small local restaurants or buying food from street vendors.

• Eat only food that is well done and is still hot.

54 • Your Trip Experience Leader will advise you if he/she feels that something is unsafe for you to eat.

Electricity Supply: CPAP Machines A constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed during overnight stays. Travelers who rely on a CPAP machine must bring one that runs on rechargeable batteries.

55 MONEY MATTERS: LOCAL CURRENCY & TIPPING GUIDELINES

Top Three Tips • Bring enough cash to cover your needs for 80% of the trip and only expect to be able to use plastic (credit, debit, or ATM card) 20% of the time. You’ll still want to bring a credit or debit card as a backup, especially in Botswana, where some lodges are cashless. But you cannot rely on plastic alone for this trip.

• When budgeting, keep in mind that your biggest expenses will be tips, meals, and souvenirs. As a guideline, an average meal in this region costs between $15 and $20 per person including a non-alcoholic drink and a tip.

• A mix of small bills ($1s-$20s), in good condition, and printed after 2000 is best. You’ll be able to pay in U.S. dollars in most places except in South Africa.

Local Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com/ currencyconverter, your bank, or the financial section of your newspaper.

South Africa The official currency of South Africa is the Rand (R), which is divided into cents.

• Bills come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 rand

• Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1, 2 and 5 rand

U.S. dollars aren’t readily accepted for payment in South Africa; you will need rands instead.

Zimbabwe Zimbabwe has recently brought back the Zimbabwean dollar (or Zimdollar) and announced plans to restrict foreign currency. However, you will still be able to pay for many purchases in U.S. dollars. At hotels and markets, you can use U.S. cash; at shops and supermarkets you may be able to use a Visa card to do transactions in U.S. dollars. When using U.S. cash, please note two things: 1. Bills in bad condition or older than the year 2000 are not accepted and 2. You may receive change in Zimdollars, which are useless outside of Zimbabwe (paying with exact change is recommended).

Botswana You’ll be able to pay in U.S. dollars almost everywhere in Botswana. However, the official currency is the Pula (P), which is divided into 100 thebe.

• Bills come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 pula

• Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 25, thebe and 1, 2 and 5 pula

56 Madagascar The currency in Madagascar is the Ariary (Ar). One ariary is divided into 5 iraimbilanja (or 1/5 ariary). Banknotes and coins come in denominations of:

• Banknotes: 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 ariary

• Coins: 1/5, 2/5, 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, and 50 ariary

As arairy became the national currency in 2005, many people will still count money in Malagasy francs, with 1 arairy (Ar) equal to 5 francs (FMG). Always double-check if your price is being quoted in arairy or francs.

Uganda The basic unit of currency in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX).

• Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 shillings

• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 shillings

In Uganda, U.S. dollars are accepted for payment in most situations. Bills must be issued after 2006 and be in good condition.

How to Exchange Money In many of the countries we visit on this adventure—Botswana and Zimbabwe—you won’t need to exchange money because you can pay in U.S. dollars. But you will want a mix of small bills ($1, 5, 10, and 20s), in good condition, printed after 2000. Large bills ($50s and $100s) will be hard to break, and bills in bad condition (dirty, worn, or torn) or printed before 2000 might be rejected, even by banks.

However, South Africa, which uses rands, does not accept U.S. dollars. If you want to get rands before your trip, you can usually do so through your bank or at an exchange office. Your departure airport in the U.S., a travel agent, or an AAA office are also possible outlets.

During the trip, the easiest way to get rands is to use a local ATM (your bank at home will convert and charge you in U.S. dollars). You can also exchange cash at some hotels and money exchange offices. To exchange cash, you’ll usually need your passport and bills in good condition (not worn, torn, or dirty). Never exchange money on the street. All exchange methods involve fees, which may be built into the conversion rate; ask beforehand.

TIP: While it might be tempting to withdraw a bunch of $20 bills from the ATM at home, a mix of some $1, 5, 10, and 20s would be better. It makes tipping and bargaining easier when you have exact change.

ATMs When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more than one card.

57 Many banks charge a fee of $1-$10 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart.

Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.)

South Africa: ATMs are common in South Africa, especially in large cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. The only place you might have difficulty finding one is in a remote game reserve or national park.

Zimbabwe: ATMs are not to be relied on. A few are available in Victoria Falls, but they are consistently out of money. If you don’t have enough cash on hand for Zimbabwe, your best bet is to use an ATM at one of the regional airports outside of Zimbabwe, such as Livingston or Jo’burg. Then convert the money you get (which will be in local currency) to U.S. dollars at the exchange desk.

Botswana: The places we visit in Botswana are generally out in the bush where there are no ATMs.

Madagascar: ATMs are widely available in larger cities and towns, but less common everywhere else.

Uganda: ATMs are common in large cities, such as Kampala, but many be more difficult to find in rural areas. Keep in mind that ATMs are not always reliable so we recommend that you keep a cash reserve on hand.

Credit & Debit Cards Even if you don’t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry). We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc.

South Africa: Credit card use is fairly common in South Africa, so you’ll be able to use one in most hotels and shops, plus some restaurants.

Zimbabwe:Credit cards are only somewhat accepted. You can usually use them at hotels in Victoria Falls, high-end shops, pharmacies or supermarkets. (In contrast, camps/bush lodges, street vendors, and small souvenir shops tend to be cash only.) Of the major credit cards, Visa is the most useful as it is accepted in more places and may let you process the transaction in U.S. dollars. MasterCard is not as well-known and both American Express and Discover are not accepted at all.

If possible, we recommend using credit/debit cards at supermarkets and pharmacies to avoid issues with making or receiving change.

58 Botswana: A few lodges have become cashless, so we suggest bringing a credit or debit card in case. But generally most businesses won’t accept them. At time of printing, the cashless lodges were the Kadizora, Saguni, and Elephant Valley. If you are staying at one of these, you will need a credit or debit card to make purchases or pay for services.

Madagascar: Credit cards such as Visa and, less commonly, MasterCard are accepted in most large towns, however Discover and American Express are generally not. For more rural areas, make sure to have cash, as it is unlikely you will be able to use a credit card.

Uganda: Credit cards may be accepted at some large hotels, but are not commonly used outside of Kampala.

Notify Card Providers of Upcoming Travel Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do this online.

You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!

Tipping Guidelines Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. But for those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines.

• O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your Trip Experience Leader at the end of your trip. As a guideline, many travelers give $7-$10 USD (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each day their Trip Experience Leader is with them. Please note that these tips can only be in cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Trip Experience Leader during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip.

• Please note that the Botswana’s Okavango Delta pre-trip extension is run by a local Extension Guide who specializes in the delta instead of your Trip Experience Leader. His or her tip is included.

• Housekeeping staff at city hotels: $1-2 per room, per night. This only applies to the hotels in Victoria Falls (main trip), Cape Town (post-trip extension), and on any Stopover. Tipping for housekeepers at tented camps and safari lodges is included as they are part of the camp/ lodge staff.

• Waiters: When dining on your own, you would tip up to 10% of the bill in Southern Africa and 10%-15% in London.

59 • Taxis: Tipping isn’t necessary, but if you want to give something you can round up the bill and let the driver keep the change.

• Your Trip Price Includes: Gratuities are included for local guides, drivers, lodge and camp staff, driver-guides, and luggage porters on your main trip, extensions, and all optional tours.

Please note: For your convenience, tips to O.A.T. staff can be paid in U.S. dollars or local currency. Please do not use personal or traveler’s checks for tips.

60 AIR, OPTIONAL TOURS & STAYING IN TOUCH

Land Only Travelers & Personalized Air Quick Definitions

• Land Only: You will be booking your own international flights. Airport transfers are not included.

• Air-Inclusive: You booked international air with us. Airport transfers are included as long as you didn’t customize your trip’s dates (see next bullet).

• Personalized Air: You booked international air with us, and have customized it in some way. If you have customized your trip’s dates to arrive early, stay longer, or stop on your own in a connecting city, airport transfers will NOT be included. You must also arrange your own accommodations for any additional nights. For your convenience, a preliminary list of your included hotels is available on your My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount under “My Reservations”.

Airport Transfers Can Be Purchased For eligible flights, airport transfers may be purchased separately as an optional add-on, subject to availability. To be eligible, your flight(s) must meet the following requirements:

• You must fly into or fly home from the same airport as O.A.T. travelers who purchased included airfare.

• Your flight(s) must arrive/depart on the same day that the group arrives or departs.

Airport transfers can be purchased up to 45 days prior to your departure; they are not available for purchase onsite. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814.

If you don’t meet the requirements above, you’ll need to make your own transfer arrangements. We suggest the Rome to Rio website as a handy resource: www.rome2rio.com.

When booking your international flights, please also note that the tour will end on Day 18 of the base tour (Day 22 of the post trip) for your overnight flight back to the United States.

Optional Tours Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your adventure by tailoring it to your tastes and needs. And if you decide not to join an optional tour? Then you’ll have free time to relax or explore on your own—it’s about options, not obligations.

What You Need to Know • All optional tours are subject to change and availability.

61 • Optional tours that are reserved with your Trip Experience Leader can be paid for using credit/debit cards only. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit cards; we can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won’t be able to enter a PIN.)

• To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. headquarters in Boston. This process can take up to three months, so we ask that you only use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear on your credit card statement as being from Boston, MA or may be labeled as “OPT Boston”.

• Your Trip Experience Leader will give you details on the optional tours while you’re on the trip. But if you’d like to look over descriptions of them earlier, you can do so at any time by referring to your Day-to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount).

Optional Tours: Reserve Before You Go We strongly recommend that you reserve the following optional tours in advance. Unless otherwise noted, the deadline to do so is 45 days prior to your departure. Occasionally, space will be available for booking onsite, but this not guaranteed. Optional tours with O.A.T. can only be purchased with a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or a debit card with credit card functionality. Because our headquarters are in Boston, charges may appear to be from Boston or might be labeled as “OPT Boston” (depending on your credit card company).

Townships of Cape Town tour

Although the townships of Langa, Guguletu, and Bonteheuwel were originally created during the apartheid period as residential areas for non-whites, today they are vital and energetic urban communities that house a large percent of Cape Town’s population. In a tour that will add to your in-depth knowledge of South Africa’s people, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of these communities by a township resident and a home visit.

This optional tour is offered during the Cape Town & the Cape of Good Hope trip extension. The cost is $40 per person.

Please note: This optional tour must be reserved at least 45 days prior to departure.

62 Stellenbosch Wine Country

This tour brings us to the heart of South Africa’s beautiful wine country, as we explore the historic area around the town of Stellenbosch. We’ll visit various wine estates, tasting and sampling their delicious offerings. The scenery includes rolling hills, graceful farms, and dramatic mountain vistas. This area is also the heart of Cape Dutch culture, and you will see fine examples of traditional architecture while learning about the history of early settlement here.

This optional tour is offered during the Cape Town & the Cape of Good Hope trip extension. The cost is $90 per person.

Please note: This tour must be reserved at least 45 days prior to your departure to guarantee space.

Communicating with Home from Abroad One of the advantages of a safari is the chance to “unplug” and unwind—but the trade-off is that you won’t have the same access to the Internet, email, or phone service that you would back at home.

Cell phone or Internet service will be available in some places, but not all. Even basic telephone and email service is not always available in the bush, where you will be spending much of your time. You won’t be completely out of touch—our bush camps and safari lodges do have satellite radio service. However, the satellite radio service is usually for emergencies only. Outside of the bush, you’ll be able to send emails and make phone calls in Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, and Cape Town.

Cell Phones If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone is “unlocked”, meaning it can accept a local SIM card. If your cell is “unlocked” then you will be able to purchase a local SIM for it and then buy minutes with “Pay as You Go” cards, so that you have a local contact number for your friends and family.

Please understand that throughout Africa, good cell phone service is only available in large towns or cities.

63 Calling Apps Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually less expensive than making a traditional call, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls may count towards your phone plan’s data allowance. Many smartphones—and some tablets or laptops—come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free from the appropriate apps store.

Calling Cards & 1-800 Numbers When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the best (less expensive, more likely to work with the local phones, etc.). One reminder: Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country.

Internet Internet access on this adventure will be mostly limited to cities and towns. In many cases, it will not be wireless Internet service, but rather public computers in the hotel lobby or business center. The hotels and lodges that do offer wireless Internet service will usually charge for the service. There is usually no Internet service at all in tented camps.

Receiving Calls from Home To ensure you are available during your trip to friends and relatives at home, you will receive two copies of your hotel list, including phone numbers, with your Final Documents. One copy is for you to bring, and one is to leave behind with friends or relatives in case they need to contact you during the trip.

It is worth noting that most of the time the phone number for a bush camp or bush lodge is for a central office in a nearby city; they take a message and then relay it to you in the bush by the satellite radio service. Please explain to your friends and family that there might be a delay in reaching you when you are on safari, and it’s best if they only try to reach you in case of an emergency.

How to Call Overseas When calling overseas from the U.S., dial 011 for international exchange, then the country code (indicated by a plus sign: +), and then the number. Note that foreign phone numbers may not have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even within a country the number of digits can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone.

South Africa: +27 Madagascar: +261

Zimbabwe: +263 Uganda: +256

Botswana: +267

64 PACKING: WHAT TO BRING & LUGGAGE LIMITS

Luggage Limits

MAIN TRIP LIMITS

Pieces per person One checked bag and one carry-on per person.

Weight restrictions Up to 50 lbs for checked luggage and 15 lbs for carry-ons.

Size Restrictions Standard airline size: Checked luggage should not exceed 62 linear inches (length+width+depth) and carry-on should not exceed 45 linear inches.

Luggage Type Must use a duffel bag as your checked luggage.

TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS

Botswana pre-trip extension: Combined weight of checked and carry-on luggage up to 44 lbs total.

Madagascar pre-trip and both post-trip extensions: Same as main trip.

REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS

EXCESS BAGGAGE CANNOT BE TAKEN.

Type of luggage: Use of a duffel bag is a requirement on this adventure. We ask that you use the complimentary O.A.T. safari bag that we will be sending you.

A small additional bag is required for your stay on the houseboat as you will not have access to your main luggage. Your main luggage will be sent ahead to Victoria Falls during this time.

If you are taking the pre-trip extension, you will have the option of leaving a bag behind at your hotel in Johannesburg. This means you may either pack for 44 lbs total and take all of your luggage with you throughout the whole trip, or you may pack for 50 lbs plus a carry-on and leave your excess luggage at the hotel during the pre-trip extension. If you choose to take advantage of this option, we recommend that you bring a lock for any luggage that you will be staying at the hotel.

Packing light: Laundry service is offered at most of our lodges for a reasonable price, although dryers are seldom available (so clothing will take longer to dry during the rainy season). Previous travelers have had a lot of success with packing fewer clothes and having laundry done. This is especially useful if you are bringing extra camera equipment. For more ideas, see “Tips on Packing Light” in this Handbook.

65 Don’t Forget: • These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet.

• It’s a good idea to reconfirm baggage restrictions and fees directly with the airline a week or so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section.

• Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines.

• The luggage limits above are based on your regional flights, which may be less than your international flights. Even if your international airline offers a larger weight limit, you will need to pack according to the lower restrictions.

Your Luggage Duffel Bag: Required

On safaris, the room allowed for checked luggage is limited one piece per person. We ask that you use the complimentary O.A.T. safari duffel bag that we will be sending because it has been approved for this safari by our regional office in Africa. You should receive this bag by 45 days prior to departure.

• The O.A.T. duffel bag has wheels and measures 28” x 13” x 11”

• Previous travelers have recommended adding an identifier to your duffel bag, such as a scarf or colored tape, to set it apart from the others.

TIP: When traveling with a companion we recommend “cross-packing,” i.e., pack 2 outfits of your clothing in your companion’s luggage and vice-versa, in case one bag is delayed.

Small additional bag

A small additional bag is required for your stay on the houseboat as you will not have access to your main luggage. Your main luggage will be sent ahead to Victoria Falls during this time. Previous travelers recommend re-purposing your carry-on for this time.

Carry-on Bag

You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small backpack that can be used as both a carry-on bag for your flight and to carry your daily necessities—water bottle, camera, etc—during game drives.

Luggage Handling on Arrival

Airport porters are not allowed in the customs hall area. When you land, you must take your luggage off the baggage carousel and then clear customs. When you exit the airport building, your driver will load your luggage into the coach.

Locks

66 For flights that originate in the U.S., you can either use a TSA-approved lock or leave your luggage unlocked. Outside of the U.S. we strongly recommend locking your luggage as a theft-prevention measure. TIP: Most camps or lodges do not have personal safes in the tents/rooms. Instead, valuables, passports, and money can be secured in lockable canvas bags that are put into a locked central safe. Camps and lodges provide the bags and the locks for this purpose.

Clothing Suggestions: Functional Tips As you will experience a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, we suggest several layers of clothing. If you like to hand-wash your clothes, look for fabrics that will dry out overnight. You can buy clothing designed especially for travel, with features like wrinkle- resistant fabric or built-in sun protection.

• Warm layers: Many game drives are in the early morning or late evening and, even at the height of summer, these times of day are cooler than the afternoon. Therefore we suggest bringing a piece that you can wear over your clothing for cooler mornings and remove as the day heats up (windbreaker, jacket, sweater, sweatshirt, etc.). And just a reminder: south of the equator, the seasons are reversed. Travelers on summer departures will want to bring more than one layer—it is winter in southern Africa. For summer departures, we also suggest bringing warm layers for sleeping (such as thermal underwear, base layers, or thermal pants) since the tents and lodges are not heated.

• Footwear: You’ll be on your feet a lot during the trip, and walking over some rough and slippery surfaces. We recommend you wear sturdy walking shoes or similar supportive sports shoes that offer good traction. We also recommend you bring a pair of rubberized sandals (i.e., Tevas) for showering, wearing around the lodge, and general warm weather use. They will come in particularly handy when you walk through wet areas in Victoria Falls National Park.

Fashion Dos and Don’ts • Do wear muted earth tones (beige, khaki, etc.) because they don’t show dirt easily, coordinate well, and don’t distract animals on game walks.

• Don’t wear white or very brightly colored clothing on game walks. These colors have traditionally been used to keep animals away, and even color-blind animals can spot dark and light shades like black and white, which is why white is a danger signal for some species. It is ok to wear brightly colored clothing on game drives when you’ll be in the safari vehicles.

• Do wear clothes that are functional and casual. There’s no need for formal or dressy clothing, although travelers on the Cape Town post-trip extension may want one nicer outfit for a dinner out.

• Don’t wear camouflage or military-type clothing in Zimbabwe—it is illegal.

67 Suggested Packing Lists We have included suggestions from Trip Experience Leaders and former travelers to help you pack. These lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You may also want to consult the “Climate” chapter of this handbook.

And don’t forget a reusable water bottle—you’ll need it to take advantage of any refills we offer as we are working to eliminate single-use plastic bottles on all of our trips.

Year-Round Clothing Checklist ‰Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts to layer ‰Trousers and/or jeans: Comfortable and loose fitting is best. ‰Shoes and socks: Comfortable walking/ running shoes or low-cut hiking shoes, with arch support. Light hiking boots will suffice; there is no heavy hiking during the trip, but hiking boots should offer better support and traction than shoes. We also recommend you bring a pair of rubberized sandals (i.e., Tevas) for showering, wearing around the lodge, and general warm weather use.

‰Light rain jacket/windbreaker with hood ‰Wide-brim sun hat or visor for sun protection ‰Underwear: Some lodges will not include “smalls” (underwear) in their laundry service. But in these cases, it is OK for you to hand wash them in your bathroom sink. For women travelers we suggest close-fitting brassieres, such as sports bras—the roads are very bumpy.

‰Sleepwear ‰Optional: Swimsuit

Seasonal Clothing Recommendations For spring and summer in Africa (September-March): ‰Walking shorts ‰A jacket or sweater. Even in summer it can be cool during early morning game drives.

For the rainy season (November-March):

Your laundry will take more than a day to be returned dry because most lodges don’t have dryers. ‰Light rain jacket/windbreaker with hood

68 ‰Hood/lens cap/waterproof bag for camera ‰Optional: Swimsuit (Just kidding, it doesn’t rain that much!)

For fall and winter in Africa (May-August):

It’s colder than you think in winter, especially during early morning game drives or at night in a tented camp. Warm clothing is essential, so add these items your packing list. ‰Long-sleeved shirts in a warm, heavy fabric for cool nights, i.e., flannel or knit ‰A warm, insulated jacket in addition to a wool or fleece sweater. If you own a light or medium-weight insulated field jacket or parka, you can use that.

‰Warm hat, gloves, and a scarf (especially useful on the game-drive vehicles) ‰Warm sleepwear ‰Thermal underwear, base layers, and/or thermal pants. It keeps you warm but doesn’t take up a lot of space or weigh much.

Essential Items ‰Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant, etc. Tented camps and lodges provide shampoo, soap, and insect repellent, but you may want to bring your own if you have preferred brands. Camps and lodges do not typically provide wash cloths.

‰Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses; sunglasses ‰Sunscreen: SPF 15 or stronger ‰Headlamp: Useful for navigating in dark tents hands-free. Consider a small but powerful LED version. Alternatively a flashlight with an alternative power source (wind-up, solar powered) would also work.

‰Lightweight binoculars: To avoid disturbing the animals’ natural activities, we stop the vehicle at a respectful distance. By having your own binoculars, you’ll be able to enjoy the experience more. Models such as 8 x 21 or 6 x 16 provide suitable magnification and illumination. 10 x models are usable, but are usually heavy, expensive, and require a very steady hand.

‰Pocket-size tissues ‰Moist towelettes (baby wipes) and/or anti-bacterial “water-free” hand cleanser

69 ‰Electrical transformer & plug adapters. We do not recommend electric shavers or hair dryers, as electricity is limited at many of our lodges. On our Cape Town extension, your hotel provides hair dryers.

‰Camera gear with extra batteries or battery charger ‰Buff, scarf, bandana, or face mask to fight dust, especially on game drives

Medicines & First Aid Gear ‰Your own prescription medicines ‰Travel first aid kit: Band-Aids, headache and pain relief, laxatives and anti-diarrhea tablets, something for upset stomach. Maybe a cold remedy, moleskin foot pads, or antibiotic cream.

‰An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness ‰Optional: A strong prescription pain medication for rare emergency purposes ‰Optional: Motion sickness medicine if you are susceptible ‰Optional: Anti-malarial medication—discuss with your doctor first

Optional Gear ‰Eye drops: The dry air and dusty roads can cause itchy eyes. ‰Inflatable seat cushion for bumpy roads ‰Travel alarm or travel watch with alarm ‰Hanging toiletry bag (with hook to hang on doorknob and pockets to organize items) ‰Basic sewing kit ‰Hand-wash laundry soap ‰Reading materials ‰Travel journal/note pad and pens ‰Field guide: A small, lightweight guide so you are not encumbered during game drives. ‰Phrase book

70 ‰Small gift for Home-Hosted visit ‰Folding walking staff, sold in most camping stores

Tips on Packing Light Simply put, space and weight are at a premium on this adventure. You’ll need to pare down to the basics that you need, but this can be hard to figure out. Here are a few techniques that can help:

• Bring half the clothes. Don’t pack for a 16-day trip; pack for an 8-day trip. You can wash your clothes and/or have laundry done during the trip. Many of our lodges or tented camps in Botswana and Zimbabwe will launder 2-3 items a day for each traveler without charge. Even in big cities like Cape Town, or at the handful of lodges that do charge a fee, the prices are quite reasonable. Some lodges will not include “smalls” (underwear) in their laundry service. But in these cases, it is OK for you to hand wash them in your bathroom sink.

• Stick to a simple color palette; it will be easier to mix and match to create outfits out of limited clothing.

• Divide and conquer. If you are traveling with a companion, you can save space by deciding in advance to share some essential items.

• Consolidate by going digital. A tablet or smart phone can easily replace multiple items such as a book, a phrase guide, your journal, a flashlight, an alarm clock, etc. And if it is WiFi enabled, you can also use it to send the occasional email. (Some properties will have limited service.)

Electricity Abroad When traveling overseas, the voltage is usually different and the plugs might not be the same shape.

Voltage Electricity on board the boat on Lake Kariba is 12-22 volts (a 22-volt generator and 12-volt battery).

Electricity in Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe is 220-240 volts. In the U.S. it is 110 volts.

Most of the things a traveler will want to plug in—battery chargers, MP3 players, tablets or computers—can run off both 110 and 220-240. But you should check the item or the owner’s guide first to confirm this before you plug it in. If you have something that needs 110 volts—like a shaver or a hairdryer—you can bring a transformer to change the current. You will need a transformer onboard the boat on Lake Kariba.

71 Plugs The shape of plugs will vary from country to country, and sometimes even within a country depending on when that building was built. To plug something from the U.S. into a local socket you’ll need an adapter that fits between the plug and the socket. Because there are many different types of plugs in this region, it may be easier to purchase an all-in-one, universal adapter/ converter combo. Versatile and lightweight, these can usually be found at your local electronics goods or hardware stores. Sometimes you can buy them at large retailers too, like Target or Walmart. If you forget to bring an adapter, you might also find them for sale at the airport when you arrive at your destination.

Different plug shapes are named by letters of the alphabet. Standard U.S. plugs are Type A and Type B. Here is the list of plugs for the countries on this trip:

South Africa: M. It can be difficult to find a Type M adapter in the U.S.; you can find them at large local airports like the Johannesburg and Cape Town airports.

Zimbabwe: M or G

Botswana: M

Madagascar: C or E

Uganda: G

Type M Type G Type C Type E

72 Availability In the remote lodges, the generator that supplies electricity may operate during limited hours. It is possible to recharge camera batteries, but only while the generator is running. Therefore, bringing two batteries—one to use while the other is recharging—is recommended. Electric current is usually adequate to run an electric razor, but not a hairdryer. The lighting at the lodges may not be as bright as you are used to; a small LED flashlight can be useful.

A constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed during overnight stays. Travelers who rely on a CPAP machine must bring one that runs on rechargeable batteries.

73 CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls is humid and hot most of the year, with temperatures often in the 90s.

Madagascar: Sitting between Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, Madagascar experiences extreme weather conditional throughout the year. During the country’s hot and rainy seasons, typically between November and April, trade winds blow in from the southeast and monsoons from the northwest, producing destructive cyclones. May to October, the cooler, dry season, is calmer. The frequent rains support the rainforest on the island’s eastern coast, with the center being drier and the southern tip semi-acrid.

Johannesburg, South Africa: Johannesburg lies in the High Veld, an area of plains at elevations from 4,000 to 6,000 feet. Summers are warm, though rarely uncomfortably hot; this is the time of year when the most rain falls. Nights are cool in winter, but daytime temperatures are mild and dry weather predominates. A high percentage of sunshine and low humidity year-round make for a pleasant climate.

Kruger National Park, South Africa: The average daily high temperature in January (summer) is 86ºF, but it can get as hot as 117ºF on occasion. Nightly lows in January range from 45-64ºF. In the winter month of July, the average daily high is 73ºF and lows can drop below freezing.

Zimbabwe: Most of Zimbabwe has a pleasant climate for much of the year; temperatures are generally warm. The hottest month is usually October, when daytime highs can be extreme (as high as 100 degrees F, or more). From May to August, evenings can be surprisingly chilly. The rainy season from November to March brings heavy rains and thunderstorms.

Cape Town, South Africa: Located where mountains slope down to coastal lowlands, Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate of mild, rainy winters and sunny summers.

Uganda: Uganda enjoys a tropical climate with steady temperatures throughout the year due to its location near the equator. Temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to mid-80s, except in the mountains which are much cooler. Rain can occur throughout the year, especially from March-May and September-November. January-February and June-August are considered the “dry season.”

Seasonal Notes You will be in the southern hemisphere throughout this tour. South of the equator, the seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere; the warmest months are between October and March, and the coldest are between April and September.

• Summer (September-March): Heat waves tend to hit Botswana and Zimbabwe from September to November; it can get as hot as 110 degrees. Along South Africa’s coast, the hottest time of year is usually from December to February, when highs can occasionally be in the 90s or 100s.

74 • Rainy Season (November-March): The rainy season brings heavy rains and thunderstorms, particularly in January and February. You will want good rain gear during this period, and your laundry will take more than a day to be returned dry. (Most lodges don’t have dryers; some don’t even have washing machines—the laundry is done by hand.) In addition to being rainy it is also hot. Temperatures can easily be in the 90s, although it will feel cooler on game drives.

• Winter (May-August): When most people think of Africa, they picture a warm climate—the hot sun beating down on a savannah or a humid jungle. But winter in Botswana and Zimbabwe is colder than most travelers expect. Nighttime lows are in the 40s or 50s; daytime highs are usually in the 70s or 80s. And given that our early-morning game drives are in open vehicles, you’ll feel at least 10 degrees cooler than the actual temperature. Bring warm clothes and wear layers; that way you are prepared for the combination of cold mornings, warm days, and cold nights.

• Seasonal Flooding in Botswana’s Okavango Delta: A unique phenomenon that makes the Okavango Delta such a compelling destination is the seasonal flooding that occurs every year. This is when waters from the Angolan highlands flow down into Botswana via the Okavango River, and spread out into a wide, marshy delta. When the floods dry up, the delta turns back into sandy shrubland. Although the floods are unpredictable, they typically arrive by late May. Water levels usually remain high until November. Ironically, though this is when the “rainy season” begins, it is also when the landscape appears driest, as flood levels are largely unaffected by local climate.

Climate Averages & Online Forecast The following charts reflect the average climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we encourage you to go online to www.oattravel.com/myaccount for your 10-day forecast.

75 Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall

MONTH JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH

Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 77 to 60 85 to 52 15 82 to 64 -- 5.0 FEB 75 to 59 88 to 54 13 82 to 64 -- 4.7 MAR 74 to 58 85 to 53 12 80 to 62 -- 3.7 APR 69 to 53 80 to 47 8 78 to 57 -- 2.1 MAY 66 to 48 70 to 38 3 77 to 48 -- 0.7 JUN 60 to 42 70 to 38 2 73 to 42 -- 0.4 JUL 61 to 42 68 to 34 2 73 to 42 -- 0.4 AUG 65 to 46 66 to 32 2 75 to 46 -- 0.4 SEP 71 to 51 68 to 34 4 78 to 51 -- 1.2 OCT 73 to 54 77 to 42 12 78 to 57 -- 2.5 NOV 74 to 56 82 to 49 15 80 to 60 -- 4.4 DEC 76 to 59 84 to 51 17 82 to 62 -- 5.4

MONTH VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (avg) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 86 to 65 73 6.6 85 to 65 -- 5.7 FEB 85 to 64 77 5.0 84 to 64 -- 5.1 MAR 86 to 63 69 2.8 84 to 62 -- 2.2 APR 85 to 57 60 1.0 82 to 56 -- 0.8 MAY 81 to 49 53 0.1 79 to 48 -- 0.1 JUN 77 to 43 52 -- 75 to 41 -- -- JUL 77 to 42 44 -- 75 to 40 -- -- AUG 82 to 47 37 -- 80 to 45 -- -- SEP 89 to 55 33 0.1 88 to 54 -- 0.1 OCT 92 to 63 35 1.1 90 to 61 -- 0.8 NOV 90 to 65 57 2.5 89 to 64 -- 2.2 DEC 86 to 65 71 6.8 86 to 64 -- 5.0

76 MONTH KASANE, BOTSWANA ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) Humidity (avg) (inches) JAN 87 to 67 -- 5.3 81 to 63 81 6.8 FEB 87 to 67 -- 5.3 81 to 63 82 6.0 MAR 88 to 66 -- 2.8 81 to 62 81 3.4 APR 87 to 61 -- 0.9 79 to 60 79 0.8 MAY 84 to 56 -- 0.1 76 to 55 79 0.1 JUN 79 to 50 -- -- 72 to 51 79 -- JUL 79 to 49 -- -- 70 to 49 78 -- AUG 85 to 54 -- -- 72 to 50 76 -- SEP 91 to 61 -- 0.1 76 to 52 71 -- OCT 94 to 67 -- 0.8 81 to 56 70 0.6 NOV 92 to 69 -- 2.5 82 to 59 73 2.2 DEC 89 to 68 -- 5.0 82 to 62 79 5.6

MONTH CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA ENTEBBE, UGANDA

Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (avg) with Rainfall Humidity (avg) (inches) JAN 77 to 63 83 to 60 7 79 to 64 76 3.4 FEB 78 to 63 86 to 60 6 81 to 65 76 3.3 MAR 76 to 60 88 to 63 7 80 to 65 77 7.3 APR 72 to 56 90 to 67 10 79 to 65 79 10.4 MAY 67 to 52 90 to 69 13 78 to 64 79 10.0 JUN 64 to 48 88 to 70 16 77 to 64 78 4.6 JUL 62 to 47 89 to 70 16 78 to 63 77 2.9 AUG 63 to 48 89 to 67 16 79 to 63 78 3.1 SEP 65 to 51 88 to 65 14 80 to 64 76 3.1 OCT 69 to 54 85 to 63 11 80 to 64 75 5.0 NOV 72 to 58 84 to 61 9 79 to 64 76 6.8 DEC 75 to 61 85 to 60 8 80 to 64 76 4.8

77 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE

O.A.T. Trip Experience Leaders: A World of Difference During your adventure you’ll be accompanied by one of our local, expert Trip Experience Leaders. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching adventure. As locals of the regions you’ll explore with them, our Trip Experience Leaders provide the kind of firsthand knowledge and insight that make local history, culture, and wildlife come alive. Coupled with their unbridled enthusiasm, caring personalities, and ability to bring diverse groups of travelers together, our Trip Experience Leaders ensure that your experience with O.A.T. is one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Culture & Points to Know

Southern African Culture Southern Africa is a veritable tapestry of heritage and historical influences, encompassing a multitude of cultures woven together throughout history, from the first known peoples called the San—sometimes referred to as “Bushmen”—to Bantu tribes, European colonists, and Christian missionaries.

Perhaps one of the best preserved traditions with roots tracing back to several indigenous tribes is a shared love of music and dance, which serve not only as recreation, but as a form of cultural expression and storytelling. From school assemblies to wedding—and even funeral—ceremonies, singing and playing musical instruments is an integral part of southern African culture. While music permeates throughout everyday life in Africa, a great place to witness this beautiful tradition is around a boma, a gathering place centered around a fire pit where families and community members share meals and entertainment.

Although southern Africa has made great strides for women’s civil rights, the dominant culture is still patriarchal with women in charge of running the household. When visiting some of the villages throughout rural southern Africa, you may see some of these traditions in practice, such as men being served food first at mealtimes.

With the arrival of European colonists and missionaries came the spread of Christianity, which has remained the prevalent religion across southern Africa to this day. As former British colonies, the official language of Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe continues to be English, however many languages rooted in indigenous tribes continue to be spoken. South Africa is a former Dutch colony and currently has eleven official languages.

Keep an Open Mind • This is not a typical tour, and the itinerary you follow is subject to change. This is Africa— weather, the political situation, migration of game, fuel availability, road conditions, seasonal floods in the Okavango Delta, and flight schedule changes may all impact your trip.

78 • In some cases, they may change the sequence of places visited, or we may not follow the trip itinerary exactly as published.

• Poverty is prevalent in Africa, so be prepared to witness a lower standard of living during our visits to local villages and schools.

Accommodations • Our hotels and lodges are comfortable, but not luxurious.

• There can be occasional problems with electricity, hot water, and air conditioning (where it exists in the cities; there is not air conditioning in the safari camps).

• The roads within and between the parks can be dusty and very bumpy.

• Near the towns, some roads may be littered with trash.

• Water is scarce in the parks. We ask that you conserve water when washing, and shower only once each day.

• Most camps do not have personal safes in the tents/lodges. Instead, valuables, passports, and money can be secured in lockable canvas bags that are put into a locked central safe. Camps provide locks for the canvas bags, but feel free to bring your own lock if you wish.

• Cabins on the Lake Cruise Boat will feature en-suite bathrooms.

• During your stay on the Lake Cruise Boat, you’ll be exploring Lake Kariba by tenders. Agility and balance is required in order to board the tenders.

Game Viewing Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are among the very best places in Africa for game viewing. In Botswana, 17 percent of the country’s area is either national parks or wildlife reserves, which makes for more exclusive game viewing. Neighboring Zimbabwe and South Africa also offer excellent parks and wildlife reserves. Unlike parts of eastern Africa where large game migrations attract thousands of tourists year-round, the game viewing in southern Africa is more remote, and often done in open vehicles. In addition, this region offers the opportunity to visit private game reserves, where there are fewer people engaged in game viewing.

However, there can be no guarantee that you will see every animal that you hope to see. Our guides are among the best in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, and no one knows the animals better. But, unlike the inhabitants of zoos and fenced animal parks, the wildlife of the African wilderness parks roams free. An animal your guide spotted three days ago may not be seen again for weeks.

Safari Vehicles • Game-viewing drives are done in specially outfitted 4x vehicles, often over bumpy, muddy, or dusty paths. These open-sided vehicles hold a maximum of ten travelers and one guide each and have bucket or bench-style seating, with the benefit of a 360-degree view.

79 • Cold drinks (beer, soft drinks, and water) are available onboard.

The Cuisine of Southern Africa Most travelers are surprised and delighted by the variety and quality of the food they enjoy on safari. The chefs at our lodges are skilled and resourceful, and because much of their clientele is international, they can create delicious dishes from many worldwide cuisines, even while using the freshest local ingredients. As for the local specialties, here are a few to try:

South African Cuisine In South Africa, the cuisine bears the culinary influences of the many ethnic groups who have settled here. The national dish, bobotjie, is Indonesian in origin. It’s a casserole made from beef or lamb seasoned with curry; layered with dried fruits and chutney; topped with egg custard and bay leaves; and baked till brown and bubbly.

If you’re invited to a South African braai (barbecue), chances are you’ll be served boerewors, a savory grilled sausage. Try one with a roosterkoek, a bread roll baked over the coals. Chakalaka is a spicy, cold vegetable relish made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, carrots, and beans. It was invented in Johannesburg, but is now a staple at all South African braai. Try also biltong, air-dried strips of beef or other meat that have been cured in salt and marinated in vinegar. The resulting jerky is high in protein and a great portable snack during those long game drives. For dessert, enjoy melktart, a pastry crust filled with creamy custard and dusted with cinnamon.

Zimbabwean Cuisine Zimbabweans like their sadze, a starchy porridge (similar to grits or polenta), with a tasty pumpkin leaf relish cooked with peanut butter. They also love meat and many local menus feature exotic game like warthogs, kudu, ostrich, and crocodile. Feeling more adventurous? Try mopane worms, which are not really worms but the large, edible caterpillar of the emperor moth. Usually served fried, these crispy snacks are high in protein. Perhaps you have just decided (in this very instant) to go vegetarian. Then try dovi, an aromatic stew made with peppers, onions, carrots, and garlic simmered in a peanut butter sauce. If you have a sweet tooth there’s mapopo, a papaya candy.

Botswanan Cuisine You may see men sitting around a three-legged pot (called a potjie) over an open fire. Chances are what’s in it is seswaa, the national dish. This can be made with beef, goat, lamb, or chicken simmered with onions and peppers. The meat is removed and then the men vigorously pound it until it is soft; then it is served with pap, a starchy porridge (similar to grits or polenta) made from white corn maize. Pap is also served with morogo, leafy greens (such as pumpkin leaves) simmered with onions, tomatoes, and butter. Don’t miss the chance to try “Chicken in a Hole.” The poultry is seasoned with piri-piri chilies, curry, vinegar, garlic, and salt before being cooked underground, where it retains all its juices and falls off the bone.

80 Malagasy Cuisine As a island nation populated by immigrants, Malagasy cuisine has been influenced by the Southeast Asia, Africa, India, Chinese, and Europe, countries that helped shape Madagascar to the country it is today. The seafarers from Borneo arrived first, followed by the Arab and Indian traders who brought new fruits, vegetables, and seasonings with them. More people migrated over from Africa and Asia, mixing in their unique cuisines until the Europeans arrived. Today, rice and tubers are considered cornerstones of Malagasy diet, with the many meals served with a sauce made of onions, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger. Dishes to try include:

• Romazava: The national dish of Madagascar, romazava is a traditional zebu meat stew with leafy greens, tomatoes, and onions, served with rice.

• Lasary: A vegetable dish of carrots, green beans, cabbage, and onions, seasoned with vinaigrette. Can be used as a dish by itself or eaten as a sandwich.

• Foza sy hena-hisoa: A seafood platter consisting of stir-fried pork, crab, and lobster, seasoned with ginger and lime and served with rice

• Mofo gasy: A popular breakfast bread of a deep-fried dough made of flour, water, yeast, sugar and cream of rice. The small pancake can be topped with maple syrup, juice or fruits.

• Koba: A traditional dessert made of mashed bananas, vanilla beans, ground peanuts, cornflour, and honey. The mixture is wrapped in banana leaves and boiled or steamed

• Mofo-anana: The dish consists of greens mixed into the bread batter and deep-fried as fritters, served with a chili, garlic and ginger sauce.

• Sambusa: Similar to Indian samosa, sambusa are triangle-shaped fried pouches stuffed with ground beef and potatoes.

• Ranovola: A popular drink in Madagascar, ranovola is made by adding a cup of cooked rice to a pot and cooking it until it’s slightly toasted. Then you add water, steep the mixture, cool it, and strain it.

Ugandan Cuisine Uganda’s various tribal groups certainly have their own culinary traditions, but many of their favorite dishes rely on similar ingredients such as matoke (plantains), corn meal, cassava, beans, and peanuts. Then there is the influence of Uganda’s Indian, Arabic, and Asian immigrant cultures, which have added their own flavor profiles to popular favorites.

One of the most beloved national dishes is luwombo (or oluwombo). Legend says that it was created in the 19th century by the personal chef of King Kabaka Mwanga of the Buganda Kingdom. It’s a stew of chicken, beef, mushrooms, or fish steamed in banana leaves. Luwombo may be served with another Ugandan favorite, posho or ugali. Similar to polenta, this filling cornmeal porridge is eaten any time of day, as a main course or a side dish. It often accompanies chaloko, a traditional entrée made with pinto beans, green peppers, tomatoes, and red or purple onions.

81 Another popular side is chapati, an Indian-influenced, wheat flatbread that is ideal for wrapping around vegetables or sopping up the ubiquitous ground nut (peanut) condiment called g-nut sauce. Made from sweet and creamy red peanuts, it is perfect with roasted fish, sweet potatoes, and matoke (plantain).

Some Ugandan treats have clever names that may (or may not) hint at what’s so tasty. If you’re hungry on the go, visit a street vendor for some TV chicken—so named because the rotisserie oven that it’s roasted in resembles a television. Rolex is not an expensive watch. It’s very cheap and it is what it sounds like: rolled eggs. They are scrambled into an omelette with onions, tomatoes, and cabbage, then rolled up with a chapati. Then there’s the Ugandan egg roll, which is nothing like its Chinese namesake, but is quite literally a hard-boiled egg rolled up in a ball of mashed potatoes, and fried. Feeling adventurous? Hit up a pub and order some nsenene, or fried grasshoppers. They are perfect with cold beer.

Most Ugandans get their sweet fix from fruit, but you can also try mandazi, which are like donuts (minus the hole) sweetened with coconut milk; or sim-sim cookies, a brittle made with sesame seeds and honey.

Language Barrier You can have some great “conversations” with local people who do not speak English, even if you don’t speak a word of the local language. Indeed, this non-verbal communication can be a highly rewarding part of travel. To break the ice, bring along some family photographs, or a few postcards of your hometown. If you want to meet kids, bring a puppet or other interactive toy. Your Trip Experience Leader can help get the ball rolling.

Your attire is a key part of your non-verbal presentation. Your clothing should show a respect for local tradition. In small towns or near villages, you should dress in a relatively modest style—avoid revealing or tight-fitting outfits. The application of this guideline varies. You will see people in cities and large towns dressed in a modern style. And, of course, many foreign tourists are not sensitive to this at all. But you should dress modestly if you want to earn the respect of the local people.

Taking Photographs The etiquette of photographing most people in the countries on your itinerary is about the same as it would be on in your hometown. Some tribal members have particular concerns about photography. They know that professional photographers have profited from selling their images, and they will often ask for money in exchange for you taking their picture. Try to set a clear understanding when photographing tribal people, even from a distance.

In general, you need permission to take a close-up, as you would at home, but not for a crowd scene. Be especially polite if you want to photograph an older person. If you want to shoot a great portrait, show interest in your subject and try to have a bit of interaction first. Then use sign language to inquire if a picture is OK. Your Trip Experience Leader can help.

82 Responsible Safari Travel We do our best to have a minimum negative impact on local cultures and the natural environment in every country we operate trips. Here’s how you can assist in this effort.

Respecting Wildlife • Observe the animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities. Loud talking on a game drive can frighten the animals away.

• Never attempt to attract an animal’s attention. Don’t imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound on the vehicle, or throw objects. Failure to obey this rule could result in your removal from a National Park by one of the Park Rangers on patrol.

• Please respect your driver-guides’ judgment about your proximity to wildlife. Don’t insist that he or she take the vehicle closer so you can get a better photograph. A vehicle driven too close can hinder a hunt or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal.

• Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds.

• Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal on foot. This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors. Failure to adhere to this could cause you to be bitten and need immediate rabies shots, which are unpleasant and costly.

• Smoking is not allowed on game drives. The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can harm hundreds of animals.

Conserving the Natural Environment • Minimize the disposable items you bring on the trip and dispose of your trash properly.

• Ask whether plastic drinking water bottles can be recycled. Most days, it’s better to keep your empty bottles with you until you reach your hotel.

• Stay on established trails to avoid damaging plants.

• Don’t pick any vegetation, or remove any item of biological interest.

Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Shipping & More There may be scheduled visits to local shops during your adventure. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. O.A.T. is not responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases.

83 Returns If you discover an issue with an item, you should contact the vendor directly and expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. We recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Keep in mind, local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up or that you are guaranteed a refund.

Crafts & Souvenirs

South Africa Traditional items for sale include hand-woven rugs, pottery, beadwork, wood carvings, kangas (a colorful woven garment), meerschaum pipes, fine basketry, and quality coffee and tea. In sophisticated Cape Town, there are fashionable boutiques and big-city shopping malls. South Africa is a major source of the world’s diamonds and other precious stones—either as jewelry or as gems you can have set back at home.

Zimbabwe Common souvenirs in Zimbabwe are geometric fabrics, Raku-fired ceramics, hand-woven baskets, traditional masks, wood-carved figurines, shona sculptures, and jewelry.

Botswana Traditional souvenirs include gems and gemstone jewelry, batik artwork, traditional African woven cloths, stone and wood sculptures, terracotta, leather goods, beadwork, bone carvings, Bushmen’s handicrafts, and fine basketry.

Madagascar While visiting Madagascar, keep an eye out for scarves, shawls, and soft furnishings made from the wild silk of endemic silk worms, weaved baskets or mats, spices, local chocolate, woodcarvings, toys made from recycled cans or plastic bottles, and textiles. Any one of them would be an amazing souvenir to return home with or gift to someone who couldn’t visit Madagascar with you.

Uganda In Uganda, look for gold, silver, and beaded jewelry, wood carvings, handmade bags, woven rugs, curtains, hats, traditional baskets, and spices.

U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511.

The top three points to know are:

84 • At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees.

• Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when the shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.

• 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.

85 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY

South Africa

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 470,693 square miles

• Capital: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)

• Languages: There are eleven official languages; English, Afrikaans, IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, Sepedi, Setswana, Sesotho, and Xitsonga and others are all spoken.

• Ethnicity: Black African 80.2%, white 8.4%, biracial 8.8%, Indian/Asian 2.5%

• Location: South Africa is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, the Indian Ocean, and the South Atlantic Ocean to the west.

• Geography: Africa’s southernmost country, South Africa has three major natural regions: the plateau, the mountains, and the coastal belt.

• Population: 53,675,563

• Religions: Protestant 36.6% (Zionist Christian 11.1%, Pentecostal/Charismatic 8.2%, Methodist 6.8%, Dutch Reformed 6.7%, Anglican 3.8%), Catholic 7.1%, Muslim 1.5%, other Christian 36%, other 2.3%, unspecified 1.4%, none 15.1%

• Time Zone: South Africa is on South Africa Standard Time (SAST), seven hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 1pm in South Africa.

86 National Holidays: South Africa

In addition to the holidays listed below, 05/01 Workers’ Day South Africa celebrates a number of national 06/16 Youth Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter and Family Day. To find out if you 08/09 National Women’s Day will be traveling during these holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 09/24 Heritage Day

01/01 New Year’s Day 12/16 Day of Reconciliation

03/21 Human Rights Day 12/25 Christmas Day

04/27 Freedom Day 12/26 Day of Goodwill

South Africa: A Brief History The San, nomadic hunter-gatherers, were the earliest people to inhabit southern Africa. DNA evidence suggests that the San—sometimes referred to as “Bushmen”—lived here as long ago as 100,000 B.C, very likely making them the oldest people in the world. If so, then we can all trace our genes to them. In the fourth or fifth century B.C., the first Bantus arrived, bringing the first tribal structure to the region and taking over most of the arable land.

In the late 15th century, the Europeans arrived, first from Portugal, then from Holland. The latter settled here and took slaves from Madagascar, India, and Indonesia. The Dutch were losing their foothold by the late 18th century, leaving them vulnerable to the British, who set up a base in Cape Town as a pit stop en route to India and Australia. The British continued what the Dutch had started: They fought the native Xhosa people, pushing eastward to expand their reach and erecting fortresses along the Fish River.

The remaining Dutch Boer farmers escaped British control when they set off to establish their own colony in the north and the east of South Africa. But en route, they came across many deserted or decimated villages. Villagers they met were dazed and confused. The Boers would meet the culprits of this ransacking when they came upon the Zulu, who were running their campaign of terror to overtake land from surrounding tribes. With fierce struggle, the Boers faced them down and formed their own settlements, only to be confronted themselves by the British, who were bent on land acquisition. Then, a sea of diamonds appeared in the earth in nearby Kimberley, giving the Boers a bit more incentive to stay—and to fight the British with everything they had.

They resisted the British push with guerilla tactics in the First Boer War. But the British returned with greater force to defeat them in the Second Boer War at the turn of the 20th century. The formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910 by the British and the Dutch-Afrikaaners set the stage for apartheid with its race-based policies, restrictions, and repression. Blacks were segregated to live in squalid backwaters known as “homelands.”

87 The white, ruling Afrikaaners paid plenty of lip service to the supposed self-sufficiency of these regions, but provided no means or opportunities for improvements. In the 1960s, black people began to protest with strikes and marches. It wasn’t long before things turned violent: 69 were killed in Sharpeville and members of the African National Congress (ANC) were jailed, Nelson Mandela among them.

Opposition against apartheid grew worldwide, and with the economic impacts of sanctions and divestments, the National Party’s FW de Klerk lifted the ban on the ANC and, 27 years after his imprisonment, released Nelson Mandela. In 1994, he won the country’s first multi-racial election by a landslide and became president.

Some of the disparities of apartheid remain, but South Africa is far more optimistic than it once was. Four subsequent presidents have been elected into office since Mandela’s retirement in 1999, with Cyril Ramaphosa serving as the current President since 2018.

Zimbabwe

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 150,872 square miles

• Capital: Harare

• Languages: English is the offical language; Shona and Nguni are also spoken.

• Ethnicity: African 99.4% (predominantly Shona; Ndebele is the second largest ethnic group), other 0.4%, unspecified 0.2%

• Location: Zimbabwe is bordered by Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, and Botswana.

• Geography: Zimbabwe is twice as large as Great Britain. Its Victoria Falls, approximately one mile long with a maximum drop of 420 feet, is located on the Zambezi River by the Zambia-Zimbabwe border.

• Population: 14,229,541

• Religions: Protestant 75.9% (includes Apostolic 38%, Pentecostal 21.1%, other 16.8%), Roman Catholic 8.4%, other Christian 8.4%, other 1.2% (includes traditional, Muslim), none 6.1%

• Time Zone: Zimbabwe is on Central Africa Time, seven hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 1pm in Harare.

88 National Holidays: Zimbabwe

In addition to the holidays listed below, 04/18 Independence Day Zimbabwe celebrates a number of national 05/01 Workers Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter and Heroes’ Day. To find out if you 05/25 Africa Day will be traveling during these holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 12/22 Unity Day

01/01 New Year’s Day 12/25 Christmas Day

02/21 National Youth Day 12/26 Boxing Day

Zimbabwe: A Brief History The name “Zimbabwe” comes from the capital city of the Monomotapa Empire, whose heyday occurred between the 5th and 15th centuries in this part of Africa. By the late 19th century, the area was occupied by African tribes including the Ndebele and the Shona, led by the powerful chief Lobengula. In 1890, a British column led by Cecil Rhodes marched from South Africa in search of precious minerals. They established Fort Salisbury (now Harare) and disbanded. Through treaties and persuasion, Rhodes and his British South Africa Company acquired mineral rights in Lobengula’s kingdom.

Rhodes claimed the territory north of the Limpopo River for Great Britain and distributed it among his pioneers and the indigenous Africans. The country was known as Rhodesia for many years in his honor. The northern portion is now Zambia, while the former Southern Rhodesia was renamed Zimbabwe in 1980 in honor of its historical and cultural heritage.

The Ndebele took up arms in 1893 and again in 1896. European settlers spread from the area around Fort Salisbury, and by 1897 the railway had reached from South Africa to Bulawayo, the capital of Lobengula’s former kingdom. A few years later the line was extended to reach the coalfields of Hwange, the copper belt in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), and Salisbury, which was already linked by rail to the port of Beira in Portuguese Mozambique.

Southern Rhodesia was granted independence by the British in 1923 as an autonomous member of the Commonwealth, but the passage of the Land Apportionment Act in 1931 solidified political power in the hands of the white minority. In 1953, Southern Rhodesia merged with Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland (now Malawi). Vigorous opposition by nationalists in Zambia and Malawi led to the dissolution of the federation in 1963. In 1965, Rhodesia’s prime minister, Ian Smith, announced a unilateral declaration of independence.

During the 1960s and 1970s, nationalism was building in Rhodesia under the parties led by Joshua Nkomo and Robert Mugabe. Both groups had to take refuge in neighboring independent countries. From there, they waged a seven-year struggle for liberation from white minority rule. At last, an agreement was reached to hold a popular election in 1980. Mugabe won a landslide victory to become Zimbabwe’s first prime minister under majority rule.

89 The parliament passed a Land Acquisition Bill in 1992, allowing the government to redistribute about half the land owned by white commercial farmers to black peasants. In his successful 1996 re-election campaign, Mugabe made a pledge to do more to speed up the resettlement of poor black people on land acquired by the government.

After 28 years of what had effectively become a one-party state, some opposition parties began to challenge the status quo as Mugabe became engulfed in scandals, economic problems, and charges of corruption, violence, and election fraud. In Zimbabwe’s 2008 elections, for instance, the leader of the country’s opposition party, Morgan Tsvangirai, won the popular vote, but Mugabe refused to step down from power quietly. He strong-armed opposition supporters and insisted on a run-off election, despite widespread condemnation from world leaders. In the end, South Africa’s president Thabo Mbeki brokered a power-sharing agreement in which Mugabe retained the presidency, with Tsvangirai serving as prime minister.

On November 14, 2017, Mugabe was placed under house arrest during in a military coup staged by members of his own party and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF). Leaders of the coup appointed Mugabe’s former Vice President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, as the new President and gave Mugabe a deadline of November 21 to resign or face impeachment. Mnangagwa was sworn into office on November 24, 2017 and remains the current president.

Botswana

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 224,607 square miles

• Capital: Gaborone

• Languages: English (official), Setswana (Tswana)

• Ethnicity: Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and white 7%

• Location: Botswana is bordered by Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia.

• Geography: Botswana is a landlocked republic in southern Africa covering an area slightly smaller than France. Bordering nations include Zimbabwe in the northeast, South Africa in the south and southeast, and Namibia to the north and west. The country is geologically a vast sandy tableland with an average elevation of about 3,300 feet (1,000 meters). Large tracts of land in the central south and west (about two-thirds of the country) are covered by the Kalahari Desert. In the north-central portion of Botswana lie the wetlands of the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta, and the salt pans of the Makgadikgadi area.

• Population: 2,384,390

• Religions: Christian 71.6%, Badimo 6%, other 1.4% (includes Baha’i, Hindu, Muslim), unspecified 0.4%, none 20.6%

90 • Time Zone: Botswana is 7 hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 1pm in Botswana.

National Holidays: Botswana

In addition to the holidays listed below, 05/01 May Day Botswana celebrates a number of national 07/01 Sir Seretse Khama Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter and Ascension Day. To find out if you 07/20 President’s Day will be traveling during these holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 09/30 Botswana Day

01/01 New Year’s Day 12/25 Christmas Day

Botswana: A Brief History The earliest known inhabitants of what is now Botswana were the San, or Bushmen, who continue to wander the Kalahari Desert today. Their origins are unknown, but they are estimated to have lived here for some 30,000 years. The San were followed by the Khoi-Khoi, or Hottentots; and then came the Bantu tribes around the first or second century AD. In the centuries that followed, southern African tribes like the Basotho made incursions into Botswana, and there was much fragmentation among the tribes until the end of the 18th century.

By 1652, Europeans had arrived on the Cape and had begun their inexorable spread northwards. But the face of Botswana was more significantly altered with the unification of the Zulu tribes under the fierce warlord Shaka, in 1818 (in what is now South Africa). His military machine conquered or destroyed all tribes in his path; by 1830, many tribes in southern and eastern Botswana had either fallen or been absorbed into the Shaka Zulu Empire.

Meanwhile, as the European settlements grew, the Dutch Boers and British colonists began their own partitions of southern Africa, taking advantage of the shifting alliances between fragmented tribes. Tension between the British and the Boers finally erupted in war in 1887. Its geopolitical result was the withdrawal of Britain from the Transvaal in exchange for Boer allegiance to the British Crown. But the Boers continued to push into Tswana territory in the north, in what was then called Bechuanaland (and later to become Botswana). The Tswana people lobbied for British protection, and in 1885, their territory became the Bechuanaland Protectorate, administered by Britain.

In 1902, the Union of South Africa was established with provisions for the incorporation of Bechuanaland. Self-rule advanced within Botswana when advisory councils of African and European residents were set up in 1920. A parliamentary government consisting of the National Assembly and the advisory House of Chiefs and headed by a president was instituted in 1965. Complete independence as a republic came on Sept. 30, 1966. Despite these political developments, Botswana remained among the poorest of nations. Then, in 1967, diamonds were discovered, and the entire economic base of Botswana changed overnight. Botswana now has one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

91 In the 1970s, Botswana had a growing economy and no apartheid regime and thus was attractive to South African refugees, anti-apartheid activists, and to those fleeing the Civil War in Zimbabwe. (Today Botswana is still one of the few African nations to specifically guarantee freedom of speech, press, and religion in its constitution.)

In 1980, the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (now known as the Southern African Development Community) was founded with the express purpose of creating a unified economy in southern Africa. Sadly, the country’s biggest crisis to date is one that unites much of Africa—the AIDS epidemic. But in keeping with their history of openness, Botswana’s National Health Council has been working hard against the epidemic in ways unheard of in most other African countries: with increased spending, open and frank communications about AIDS transmission, and by working with the government to ensure antiretroviral drugs reach the infected. Although the country saw a decrease in the early 2000s, the national infection rate is currently the third highest in the world.

Madagascar

Facts, Figures & National Holidays Area: 226,658 sq mi

Capital: Antananarivo

Government: Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic

Languages: Malagasy and French

Location: Madagascar is an island country off the coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean. It sits parallel with Mozambique with smaller island, such as Reunion, Mauritius, and Mayotte, around it.

Geography: The fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar can be broken up into five distinct sections. The tropical lowland forest long the eastern coast, the volcanic northern end called the Tsaratanana Massif region, the rice fields and plateaus of the central highlands, the plans and harbors of the western coast, and the desert region in the south. Madagascar hosts six rivers, the Mananara, the Mangoro, the Maningory, the Bemarivo, the Ivondro, and the Manajary, which flow into the Indian river. The highest point of the island is Maromokotro, in the Tasaratanana Massif, at 9,436ft.

Population: 26,262,313 (estimate)

Religion: 85.3% Christianity (45.8% Protestant, 38.1% Catholic, 1.4% other Christian), 6.9% Unaffiliated, 4.5% Traditional faiths, 3.0% Islam, 0.3& Others

Time zone: Madagascar is on East Africa Time, seven hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 1pm in Antananarivo

92 National Holidays: Madagascar

In addition to the holidays listed below, 3/29 Martyr’s Day Madagascar celebrates a number of national 5/1 International Workers’ Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. To find out if you 6/26 Independence Day will be traveling during these holidays, please visit www. timeanddate.com/holidays. 8/15 Assumption

1/1 New Year’s Day 11/1 All Saints Day

3/8 Women’s Day 12/25 Christmas Day

Madagascar: A Brief History Madagascar is believed to have first been settled 2000 years ago by Indonesians, making it one of the last major landmasses to be settled by humans. These settlers immediately set upon the fauna and flora of the isolated island, making space for agriculture and hunting the native giant lemurs, elephant birds, giant fossa, and Malagasy hippopotamus to extinction.

It wasn’t until around 800 AD that Arab traders discovered the island, leading to other peoples from Africa and Asia to find their way to Madagascar, either as migrants or merchants. They saw the island as an important trading hub on the Indian Ocean for the Maritime Silk Roads.

The first European to see Madagascar was Diogo Dias, a Portuguese captain, on August 10th, 1500. Having been blown off course on his way to India, Dias named the island St. Lawrence and returned home with tales of the untouched land. Hungry for more territory, Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and England all sent ships to establish settlements in Madagascar. They were chased off by both the weather – as the area is known for its cyclones – and the Malagasy people. They lost interest and went back to more profitable endeavors.

The island was brought back to the attention of the Europeans in the 1600s, when pirates started to us Madagascar as a base of operations when they attacked European ships transporting goods from India. Multiple settlements were attempted, including a garrison established by the French at Fort-Dauphin. It lasted for thirty years, before a massacre wiped them out in 1674. With the fall of Fort-Dauphin, pirates, such as Captain Kidd, were the only remaining Europeans on the island.

Three kingdoms are established within Madagascar, the Sakalavas from the western coast, the Merina from the central plains, and the Betsimisaraka from the eastern coast. The three kings shared a goal of unifying Madagascar under one kingdom, competing against each other and paying for their battles by exporting slaves to Africa, Europe, and Arabia.

In the 1700s, the Sakalavas declared themselves the first kingdom of Madagascar, having taken over almost half of the island. By 1810, the Merina family, ruled by Andrianampoinimerina, had taken over most of Madagascar from the Sakalavas. At the Merina king’s passing, his son, Radama I, cultivated a positive relationship with the British in exchange for help conquering the rest of the island. Per his agreement with the British, Radama allowed English Christian missionaries

93 onto the island to spread their religion, allowed them to transcribe Malagasy into a written language, abolished the slave trade, and welcomed a British emissary into his court. In exchange, Radama received money, martial training for his army, and weapons.

Following Radama’s death, his wife, Ranavalona I took the throne. During her 33-year reign, she forced out the Europeans, persecuted the Christians, executed political rivals, and had babies born on unlucky days culled, leading to multiple rebellions. After her death in 1861, her son Radama II re-opened the island for Europeans and reinstating freedom of religion, only to be murdered two years later by Rainilaiarivony, with the help of Radama II’s wife, Rasoherina I.

Rainilaiairvony becomes the prime minister and rules as the husband of the next three queens, Rasoherina I, Ranavalona II, and Ranavalona III, over the course of the thirty years.

At the start of Ranavalona III’s reign in 1883, the French invaded Madagascar. By 1897, the French had abolished the monarchy, sent Queen Ranavalona III into exile, and established Madagascar as a French colony.

The French use the island for its timer and vanilla, holding Madagascar for sixty-three years, through two major rebellions in 1918 and 1947 that are brutally suppressed.

It’s not until June 26th, 1960 that Madagascar gains independence from France and Philibert Tsiranana is elected in as the first president of the Malagasy republic. Tsiranana held office for twelve years, encouraging western relationships and looking to the U.S. and other anti- communist country for support. His successor in 1972, following his resignation due to health complications, General Gabriel Ramanantsoa instead supported the Soviet Union and ousted the remaining French military from the island nation. Ramanantsoa’s presidency lasted three years and his replacement, Colonel Richard Ratsimandrava was assassinated in a military coup days after the start of his term.

Lieutenant Commander Didier Ratsiraka ruled as a dictator, appointed the military following their coup and ruled in Madagascar from 1975 to 1991. At the start, he maintained Ramanantsoa’s communist policies, only to switch to a free-market economy a decade in due to severe economic decline and national debt. Rasiraka was forced to step down due to an economic collapse and fatal protests in 1991 and was succeeded by Albert Zafy of the Live Forces party. Zafy is impeached in 1996 due to rumors of criminal activities, abuse of power, and lack of economic improvement.

Ratsiraka is reelected as president of Madagascar and holds his position until 2001, where he loses to Marc Ravalomana following a contested election where Ratsiraka declared martial law and more violent protests erupted.

During his terms from 2001 to 2009, Ravalomana supported democracy and improved the economy to such a degree the World Bank removed $20 billion from the country’s debt.

Andry Rajoelina overthrew Ravalomanana in a military coup in 2009, to the ire of the UN and the EU, who refused to recognize the new government and withheld their previous aid. It wasn’t until 2011 an agreement was struck, and international aid would be returned following the promise of free and fair elections.

94 The new free and fair elections in 2013 ended with Hery Rajaonarimampianina elected into office. He was succeeded by Andry Rojoelina in 2018. During the pandemic, Rojoelina distributed a mandatory un-tested coronavirus cure, called Covid-Organics, made from artemisia and other local herbs. The herbal tea was also sold to Tanzania, Liberia, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea- Bissau with no proof of its effectiveness.

Uganda

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 93,065 square miles

• Capital: Kampala

• Languages: English (official language), Ganda or Luganda, other Niger-Congo languages, Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili, and Arabic

• Ethnicity: Baganda 16.5%, Banyankole 9.6%, Basoga 8.8%, Bakiga 7.1%, Iteso 7%, Langi 6.3%, Bagisu 4.9%, Acholi 4.4%, Lugbara 3.3%, other 32.1%

• Location: Uganda is bordered by Kenya on the East, the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the West, South Sudan on the North, and Rwanda and Tanzania on the South.

• Geography: Uganda consists of a plateau with mountains along the border. It is surrounded by three lakes: Lake Albert, Lake Edward, and Lake Victoria.

• Population: 39,570,125 (estimate)

• Religions: Protestant 45.1%, Roman Catholic 39.3%, Muslim 13.7%, other 1.6%, none 0.2%

• Time Zone: Uganda is on Central Africa Time, seven hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 1pm in Uganda.

95 National Holidays: Uganda

In addition to the holidays listed below, 03/08 International Women’s Day Uganda celebrates a number of national 05/01 May Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter and Eid al-Fitr. To find out if you will 06/03 Martyr’s Day be traveling during these holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 06/09 National Heroes Day

01/01 New Year’s Day 10/09 Independence Day

01/26 Liberation Day 12/25 Christmas Day

02/16 Remembrance of Archbishop 12/26 Boxing Day Janani Luwum

Uganda: A Brief History Agricultural Bantu settlers are believed to be some of the first inhabitants of Uganda, dating back to 1,000 B.C. In the 17th and 18th centuries, several kingdoms were formed, including Bunyoro, Buganda, Busoga, Ankole, and Toro. By the 19th century, English Protestant and French Catholic missionaries arrived, whose influence can still be seen in modern-day Uganda. In 1894, the kingdom of Buganda became a British Protectorate and the British Colonial Office took control of the country in 1905.

In 1921, a legislature and executive council were formed to bring power back to the local people and by 1955, Ugandans made up more than half of the legislature. Britain granted independence to Uganda in 1962, and the first elections were held on March 1, 1961. Benedicto Kiwanuka of the Democratic Party became the first chief minister. Uganda became a republic the following year, maintaining its Commonwealth membership.

In succeeding years, supporters of a centralized state vied with those in favor of a loose federation and a strong role for tribally-based local kingdoms. Political maneuvering climaxed in February 1966, when Milton Obote, the Prime Minister, suspended the constitution and assumed all government powers, removing the positions of president and vice president. In September 1967, a new constitution proclaimed Uganda a republic, gave the president even greater powers, and abolished the traditional kingdoms.

After a military coup on January 25, 1971, Obote was deposed from power and the dictator Idi Amin seized control of the country. Amin ruled Uganda with the military for the next eight years and carried out mass killings within the country to maintain his rule. An estimated 300,000 Ugandans lost their lives at the hands of his regime, many of them in the north, which he associated with Obote’s loyalists. Aside from his brutalities, he forcibly removed the entrepreneurial Indian minority from Uganda, which left the country’s economy in ruins.

A border altercation involving Ugandan exiles who had a camp close to the Ugandan border of Mutukula resulted in an attack by the Uganda army into Tanzania. In October 1978, the Tanzanian armed forces repulsed an incursion by Amin’s troops into Tanzanian territory. The Tanzanian

96 army, backed by Ugandan exiles, waged a war of liberation against Amin’s troops and the Libyan soldiers sent to help him. On April 11, 1979, Kampala was captured and Amin fled with his remaining forces to Libya.

Amin’s reign ended after the Uganda-Tanzania War in 1979, in which Tanzanian forces aided by Ugandan exiles invaded Uganda. This led to the return of Obote, who was deposed again in 1985 by General Tito Okello. Okello ruled for six months until he was deposed. This occurred after the so-called “bush war” by the National Resistance Army (NRA) operating under the leadership of Yoweri Museveni, and various rebel groups, including the Federal Democratic Movement of Andrew Kayiira, and another belonging to John Nkwaanga. During the Bush War the army carried out mass killings of non-combatants.

Negotiations between the Okello government and the NRA were conducted in Nairobi in the fall of 1985, with Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi seeking a cease-fire and a coalition government in Uganda. Although agreeing in late 1985 to a cease-fire, the NRA continued fighting, and seized Kampala and the country in late January 1986, forcing Okello’s forces to flee north into Sudan. Museveni’s forces organized a government with Museveni as president.

Since assuming power, the government dominated by the political grouping created by Museveni and his followers, the National Resistance Movement (NRM or the “Movement”), has largely put an end to the human rights abuses of earlier governments, initiated substantial political liberalization and general press freedom, and instituted broad economic reforms after consultation with the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and donor governments.

Between 1998 and 2003, the Ugandan army was involved in the Second Congo War in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda continues to support rebel groups, such as the Movement for the Liberation of Congo and some factions of the Rally for Congolese Democracy.

In August 2005, Parliament voted to change the constitution to lift presidential term limits, allowing Museveni to run for a third term if he wished to do so. Mesuveni remains the current President of Uganda.

97 RESOURCES

Suggested Reading We’ve compiled a list of suggested books to help as you prepare for your safari adventure. Keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list, but a starting point based on recommendations from our staff, previous travelers, and trusted book review websites. If you’re interested in a particular subject or just looking for more reading material, you may want to research online or speak to your local librarian for further suggestions.

General Southern Africa Africa, A Biography of the Continent by John Reader (History): A great introduction to Africa from its ancient cultures up to modern times.

Faces of Africa, Thirty Years of Photography OR Passages: Photographs in Africa by Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher (Photography/Anthropology) Traveling throughout Africa from the Sahara to Cape Horn, Beckwith and Fisher have produced decades of striking images.

Safari: A Chronicle of Adventure by Bartle Bull (History) In fascinating and often amusing detail, Bull delineates the evolution of the African safari—from the first European expedition in ox- driven wagons to the modern-day version in comfortable camps.

A folding field guide for Southern Africa. Sometimes called pocket guides, these can be useful for keeping track of what you saw during the day. There are many different versions available, depending on your interests (animals, birds, trees, etc.).

South Africa Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela by Nelson Mandela (Biography) Although there are more recent books about the charismatic South African leader, this is his remarkable story in his own words.

The Rise and Fall of the Zulu Nation by John Laband (History) The Zulu were perhaps Africa’s greatest tribe, yet much of their story has remained untold until now. This careful and in-depth study describes the origins of the Zulu people, their development into the “Black Spartans” under their legendary leader Shaka, and their defeat at the hands of Boers and Britons with superior firepower.

Coconut by Kopano Matlwa (Fiction) Two South African girls from opposite backgrounds both struggle for a sense of identity in modern Johannesburg, and find that for them, the “rainbow nation” is still colored in black and white.

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (Memoir) The popular late-night television host and comedian describes growing up in apartheid-era South Africa as a biracial child.

98 Burger’s Daughter by Nadine Gordimer (Fiction) A young Afrikaner woman struggles to define her own path after her famous revolutionary father dies in prison, having spent his life fighting for the rights of South African blacks. The author won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1991.

Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton (Fiction) This classic novel centers on a Zulu priest and his search for a long lost son, a black man who has been accused of killing a prominent white liberal. It poignantly depicts the disintegration of tribal communities in an increasingly urban society at the dawn of the apartheid era.

The Ones with Purpose by Nozizwe Cynthia Jele (Fiction) After a 10-year hiatus, South African novelist Jele came back into the spotlight with this emotional story about a women dealing with her sister’s terminal illness. A sad story, but moving and relatable.

A History of South Africa by Leonard Thompson (History) A comprehensive overview of South Africa’s history, updated every few years and now its fourth edition.

Zimbabwe When a Crocodile Eats the Sun by Peter Godwin (2006, Memoir) This is the author’s searing, eyewitness account of more than three decades of upheaval in Zimbabwe under the independence hero-turned-dictator Robert Mugabe. More than a political memoir, it weaves the personal story of Godwin’s own white-liberal family; how they endured constant betrayals, assaults, and losses; and the family secret that ultimately explained their refusal to leave.

Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller (2001, Memoir) The author recalls her eccentric family’s meanderings from Zimbabwe to Malawi to Zambia during the upheaval of the Rhodesian Bush War. Written with humor and candor, it is a survival tale you’ll not soon forget.

The Girl Who Married a Lion and Other Tales of Africa by Alexander McCall Smith (2004, Fiction) A collection of often hilarious, often bizarre, folktales that the author heard as a child growing up in Zimbabwe. Also includes seven new tales from Botswana.

The Grass is Singing by Doris Lessing (1950, Fiction) In her first novel, Nobel Laureate Lessing explores the life of a white farmer’s wife in Zimbabwe, and her relationship with her African servant. An explosive topic for the times, the book is a thoughtful portrait of the country, its people and social challenges.

Harvest of Thorns by Shimmer Chinodya (2017, Historical Fiction) A powerful story of the Zimbabwean struggle for independence, seen through the eyes of a young guerilla.

The Last Resort: A Memoir of Mischief and Mayhem on a Family Farm in Africa by Douglas Rogers (2009, Memoir) A critically-acclaimed tale about the author’s family’s last-ditch effort to save their farm from a government ordinance re-claiming land owned by white farmers. Touching, and at times darkly funny.

99 Botswana Go Tell the Sun by Wame Molefhe (2011, Fiction) This anthology of short stories introduces several Botswanan characters whose lives intersect around issues of culture, gender, and modernity as they contend with family dysfunction, homosexuality, AIDS, and more.

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith (1998-2020, Mystery) This internationally popular series of mystery novels follows the escapades of the resourceful detective, Precious Ramotswe. As each mystery unfolds so, too, do the customs, diverse landscapes, and national character of Botswana.

Whatever You Do, Don’t Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide by Peter Allison (2007, Travel Memoir) Raucous and riveting, this guide’s-eye view of living and working in the Okavango Delta is a wonderful way to learn how not to behave while on safari.

Cry of the Kalahari by Mark and Delia Owens (1984, Nature/Autobiography) The bestselling story of a young American couple who relocate to the Kalahari Desert, where they work to conserve the local animals, especially lions.

When Rain Clouds Gather by Bessie Head (1968, Fiction) Everything changes for a rural village in Botswana when a South African refugee and a British farming expert cross paths there.

Madagascar Beyond the Rice Fields by Naivo, translated by Allison M. Charette (2017, Historical Fiction). The first novel from Madagascar to be translated into English, Beyond the Rice Fields is a story about a slave boy and his master’s daughter as they live through Christian missionaries, French colonialism, and love in 19th century Madagascar.

Over the Lip of the World: Among the Storytellers of Madagascar by Collen J. McElroy (1999, Cultural Nonfiction). A collection of Malagasy stories through the eyes of an African American travel writer as she explores the island nation.

Red House Island by Andrea Lee (2021, Nonfiction). Shay, an African American woman, buys a vacation home in Madagascar with her wealthy husband Senna. As the couple settle down and raise a family on the island nation, Shay becomes curious about the history, culture, and traditions the land she was beginning to call home.

Return to the Enchanted Island by Johary Ravaloson, translated by Allison M. Charette (2019, Fiction). The second novel from Madagascar to be translated into English, Return to the Enchanted Island is a coming of age story about Ietsy Razak, a wealthy Malagasy young man who winds up in a French boarding school where he feels like he is losing himself. It isn’t until Razak returns home to Madagascar that he finds himself again.

Lords and Lemurs: Mad Scientists, Kings with Spears, and the Survival of Diversity in Madagascar by Alison Jolly (2004, Nonfiction). Alison Jolly, a primatologist with a focus on lemurs, explores the history and culture of Berenty, Madagascar as she studies the area’s local lemurs.

100 Uganda Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi (2014, Fiction) What happens when your family is cursed? This epic novel follows several generations of the same family, all descendants of Kintu Kata, a Ugandan man who unleashes a curse on his family in 1750. The author won the 2014 Commonwealth Prize for this debut novel and as since written other well-received books like 2020’s A Girl is a Body of Water, about a 12-year-old’s trying to find out who her mother is.

Operation Thunderbolt: Flight 139 and the Raid on Entebbe Airport, the Most Audacious Hostage Rescue Mission in History by Saul David (2017, Non-Fiction) Days after Idi Amin Dada is declared President, an Air France flight is hijacked and diverted to Entebbe Airport on the shore of Lake Victoria in Uganda for six days where Israeli Special Forces must stage a rescue mission to free the hostages.

The Teeth May Smile but the Heart Does Not Forget: Murder and Memory in Uganda by Andrew Rice (2010, Journalism/Narrative) Journalist Andrew Rice spent four years in Uganda researching this gripping story of a man’s quest for the truth about the murder of his father during the brutal reign of dictator Idi Amin.

Abyssinian Chronicles: A Novel by Moses Isegawa (1998, Fiction) The story of a young man living in Uganda following the end of President Idi Amin’s regime.

Suggested Film & Video

South Africa District 9 (2009, Science Fiction) Filmed in mockumentary style, this stylish sci-fi thriller was nominated for four Academy Awards. It concerns extraterrestrial aliens who flee their dying planet, and land in Johannesburg, where they live in a refugee sector very much like the real-life District 6 ghetto where South African blacks were forced to live. At once suspenseful, sardonic, and unflinching in its social commentary.

Searching for Sugar Man (2013, Documentary) Winner of the 2013 Academy Award for Best Documentary. Sixto Rodriguez, a Detroit rock musician, had a disappointing career in the U.S. But unbeknownst to him (thanks to the closed society of apartheid-era South Arica), he had become a sensation in South Africa, where his music influenced many activists. Sixto only learned of his huge following when determined fans set out to confirm whether rumors of Sixto’s death were true. A feel-good comeback story with a great soundtrack.

Tsotsi (2005, Drama) This is the only South African film to have won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Adapted from the 1980 novel by Athol Fugard, it follows the travails of David, a young Johannesburg tsotsi (thug) who finds himself the caregiver of baby after a carjacking.

Invictus (2009, Drama) Director Clint Eastwood tells the story of how Nelson Mandela used the 1995 World Cup rugby matches to unite the people of South Africa.

101 Zulu (1964, Drama). This classic, rousing adventure recounts the true story of how a small regiment of 150 British troops held off an overwhelming number of 4,000 Zulu in 1879. The film depicts the Zulu army as worthy adversaries admired for their discipline and strategy. Starring Sir Stanley Baker (who also produced) and Michael Caine in his first major screen role.

Breaker Morant (1980, Drama). Brilliant recounting of events that transpired during South Africa’s Boer War revolving around the court martial of three Australian lieutenants—with lots of parallels to modern warfare.

Zimbabwe Cook Off (2017, Romantic Comedy) An all-Zimbabwean cast stars in this delightful romcom about a single mom who finds love and good fortune as a contestant on a television cooking show contest. This is one of only a handful of films produced in Zimbabwe since the turn of the century. Made on a shoestring budget of $8,000, it is the first feature film made here to be offered on a streaming service (Netflix).

King Solomon’s Mines (1985, Comedy/Adventure) Based on the classic H. Rider Haggard novel, this version of the story takes a comedic approach and was meant to parody Spielberg’s Indiana Jones franchise. Hero Allan Quatermaine is hired to find an archaeologist who was lost during an expedition to find a legendary treasure. Filmed outside of the capital, Harare.

White Hunter, Black Heart (1990, Drama) Clint Eastwood produced, directed, and starred in this film about a famous director, John Wilson, shooting on location in Africa. To the dismay of his cast and crew, Wilson neglects his film duties and becomes obsessed with shooting elephants, despite his recognition that killing for sport is “a sin.” This is a thinly veiled account of the filming of John Huston’s classic, The African Queen. It was shot in and around Lake Kariba, Victoria Falls, and Hwange.

Botswana A United Kingdom (2013, Drama) David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike star in this true story about Botswana’s first president, Sir Seretse Khama, and his English wife Ruth Williams. When they married in the 1948, both their families objected and their union was challenged by both the South African and British governments.

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (2008, Mystery) After the death of her father, Precious Ramotswe (singer Jill Scott) moves to Gabarone to become the first female detective in all of Botswana. But will anyone hire her?

The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980, Comedy) Xi, a Kalahari tribesman, finds a Coca Cola bottle in the desert. When he brings it back to his village, it causes ridiculous arguments, so he embarks on a journey to rid the tribe of the mysterious object. Along the way he meets western teachers, policemen, scientists, and political guerrillas, and discovers a world even more absurd than the one he left behind. Though a South African production, the film is set in Botswana.

102 Madagascar Fahavalo, Madagascar 1947 (2018, Documentary). The documentary follows the Malagasy Uprising of 1947, against the island’s French colonial rule.

Island of Lemurs: Madagascar (2014, Documentary). Lemurs, cute primates made famous by the DreamWorks Madagascar movie franchise, can only be found on Madagascar, and some nearby neighboring islands. Island of Lemurs: Madagascar display the endangered primates in their natural habitat, in all their adorable glory.

The Malagasy Way (Documentary, 2014). Focused on the lives of the people of Madagascar, The Malagasy Way highlights how the Malagasy reject Western ideals of waster and overconsumption in favor of recycling and self-reliance. Using music and theater, learn about culture and life on Madagascar.

Uganda Queen of Katwe (2016, Drama) The inspiring story of a Ugandan girl living in a slum who learns to play chess and goes on to become a Woman Candidate Master at the World Chess Olympiad.

Who Killed Captain Alex? (2010, Action/Comedy) This low-budget action film is one of about 40 that have been produced in “Wakaliwood,” a slum of Kampala. Made for about $200, it was masterminded by director Nabwana Isaac Geoffrey Godfrey, who has gained a cult following as the “Tarantino of Uganda.” Even if you don’t like the gleeful mayhem, you can’t help but be impressed by the resourcefulness of the production.

Last King of Scotland (2006, Historical Drama) Forest Whitaker won Best Actor at the 2006 Academy Awards for his role as Ugandan President, Idi Amin, in this film which follows the story of the Ugandan President’s personal physician and confidant.

103 Useful Websites

Overseas Adventure Travel World Weather www.oattravel.com www.intellicast.com www.weather.com Overseas Adventure Travel Store www.wunderground.com www.oatshop.com Basic Travel Phrases (80 languages) Overseas Adventure Travel Frequently www.travlang.com/languages Asked Questions www.oattravel.com/faq Packing Tips www.travelite.org International Health Information/CDC (Centers for Disease Control) U.S. Customs & Border Protection http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel www.cbp.gov/travel

Electricity & Plugs Transportation Security www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/ Administration (TSA) plugs-and-sockets www.tsa.gov

Foreign Exchange Rates National Passport Information Center www.xe.com/currencyconverter www.travel.state.gov www.oanda.com/converter/classic Holidays Worldwide ATM Locators www.timeanddate.com/holidays www.mastercard.com/atm www.visa.com/atmlocator

104 VACCINATIONS NOW REQUIRED FOR ALL TRAVELERS, SHIP CREW, TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS, AND COACH DRIVERS Plus, updated Health & Safety Protocols for our Land Tours

The health and safety of our travelers is always our #1 priority, and we understand travelers are concerned about exploring the world in light of the unprecedented crisis we are currently facing. To ensure your safety and give you peace of mind, we have worked with our regional team and listened to government guidance and feedback from our travelers to create these health and safety protocols for our trips. As we continue to make changes, we will keep our website updated with the latest information.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS • All travelers, ship crew, and Trip Experience AND UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY Leaders will have their temperature checked PROTOCOLS FOR SMALL SHIP every time they return to the ship using a non- ADVENTURES contact infrared temperature scanner. • All travelers must be fully vaccinated against • All meals are served by the dining staff— COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure buffets are no longer available. and provide proof of vaccination upon VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND boarding the ship. If you are unable to UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS provide proof of vaccination upon arrival at FOR SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES ON LAND your destination, you will have to return • All travelers must be fully vaccinated against home at your own expense. COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure. If To meet this requirement, please bring your you are unable to provide proof of vaccination original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card upon arrival at your destination, you will with you on your trip. The white card must have to return home at your own expense. display your name, type of vaccine, and the To meet this requirement, please bring your date(s) the vaccine was administered. We also original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with suggest taking a picture of this card to keep for you on your trip. The white card must display your records as a backup. your name, type of vaccine, and the date(s) • All local Trip Experience Leaders, the vaccine was administered. We also suggest fully ship staff, and crew will be taking a picture of this card to keep for your vaccinated against COVID-19. records as a backup. fully • All coach drivers will be • All local Trip Experience Leaders will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. vaccinated against COVID-19. • All public areas will be sanitized nightly and • All coach drivers will be fully vaccinated all ships are equipped with High Efficiency against COVID-19. Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.

Help us ensure travelers’ safety and health while on our trips. Please follow best health and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of illness—wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Together, we can create a safer travel experience for everyone.

Learn more at www.oattravel.com/covid-update

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110 Ocean Elephant Bay Indian Chete Gorge Sengwe River ZIMBABWE

from Hwange N.P. from Hwange

Masuma River Lodge E

U

Q

I

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Lake A

Z O M Binga Kariba Kruger N.P. ZAMBIA to Victoria Falls LAKE KARIBA CRUISE Nelspruit ZIMBABWE Binga SOUTH AFRICA Hwange N.P. Victoria Falls Lake Kariba Johannesburg ZAMBIA

i ez Kasane b am Z Ocean Indian Chobe N.P. Victoria Falls Victoria ZIMBABWE BOTSWANA Okavango Delta (Pre-trip extension) (Pre-trip

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AFRICA

o g

BOTSWANA n

(Post-trip Extension) (Post-trip Cape Town a

v ANGOLA Miles a To/From U.S. Internal flight Land route Cruise route

k

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NAMIBIA n 0 100 a c Oce POST-TRIP EXTENSION Atlanti NAMIBIA

111 YOUR TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADER

Your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader is an insider who lives in the destinations you are exploring. They are not just knowledgeable, but personable and personal—eager to understand your own interests, and happy to share their own. This makes all the diff erence between just visiting a place, and experiencing its true spirit.

For your Southern Africa Safari & Lake Kariba Cruise: South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana adventure, your Trip Experience Leaders have earned an overall “Excellence” rating of 94% in post-trip surveys completed by our travelers.

The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled

CONNECT WITH US: 1-800-955-1925 | www.oattravel.com

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