Elephant Lodge Safari 7 Days | Starts/Ends: Victoria Falls

TRIP NOTES

Elephant Lodge Safari 7 days | Starts/Ends: Victoria Falls

PRIVATE SAFARI: Enjoy game • 6 nights SUPERIOR accommodation. Park, where you will spend the next two drives in two of the world's finest DELUXE accommodation upgrade nights. Overnight - Kasane (D) national parks - Chobe in Botswana options are available upon request. Accommodation rating – See Trip Notes Day 2 : Chobe National Park and Hwange in Zimbabwe. Free for details While in Chobe National Park, your package time is on offer at Victoria Falls so • For transfers between Victoria Falls, includes all your meals and scheduled that you can experience it your Hwange and Chobe, 2x4 vehicles may activities including game drives and game way. Discover diverse animal be utilised. Game drives are conducted in viewing boat cruises. The Chobe River, which life, local villages and the perfect open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles flows along the northeast border of the park, is • a major watering spot for large breeding herds African sunset on this 7 day 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners • Services of an English-speaking driver of elephants, as well as families of giraffe, adventure. guide on the excursions specified sable and Cape buffalo. The flood plains are • Airport arrival and departure transfer on the only place in Botswana where the puku HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS day 1 and 7 antelope can be seen. Birding is also excellent • Game drives in Hwange National Park here. Overnight - Chobe National Park (B, L, Trip Highlights • Game drives in Chobe National Park D) • • Victoria Falls - take a guided tour to the Chobe River game viewing boat cruise • Days 3-4 : Victoria Falls mighty waterfall and particpate in optional Victoria Falls guided tour • After your morning activity, you will be activities such as helicopter rides and Park entrance and river usage fees transferred across the border to Victoria Falls. boat cruises What's Not Included You will have the remainder of the day at • Chobe National Park - spot lions, leisure to experience some of the optional elephants, leopards and more on safari in • Optional activities activities that are on offer such or simply sit Botswana's premier national park • International flights and visas back, relax and take in the views from the • Chobe River - enjoy a river cruise in • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture lodge. search of hippos, crocodiles, elephants and other African species that are coming DETAILED ITINERARY On the morning of day 4, you will have the to drink opportunity to explore the mighty Victoria • Hwange National Park - spend two days Day 1 : Victoria Falls to Chobe Falls on a guided tour. There will still be exploring Zimbabwe's largest national National Park time for additional optional activities in the park, home to all of Africa's famous Big Upon arrival at Victoria Falls Airport in afternoon should you wish Five Zimbabwe, you will be met and transferred to to partake in these. What's Included Kasane, the gateway to the Chobe National Overnight - Victoria Falls (B:2)

Elephant Lodge Safari - 7 days updated on 30-09-2021 02:31:16 www.onthegotours.com This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to UK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected] requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 - 1 - USA 1 866 606 2960 SA 0800 990 311 TRIP NOTES

Elephant Lodge Safari

Days 5-6 : Hwange National furnished in a classic style with teak wooden Accommodation ratings Park furniture. The falls are much more visible On our Private trips, you can often choose from the upper floors however the ground After breakfast you will be picked up and your style of accommodation. The price floor offers charming proximity to the friendly transferred to Hwange National Park where quoted on our website is reflective of the warthogs who frequent the hotel grounds you will spend two nights at a lodge situated included accommodation, please see the to graze. The hotel also benefits from a on a private concession. The area is home “included” section on the first page of this gorgeous outdoor pool and award winning to many predators and endangered species document for details. Should you opt for restaurant. The lodge is located within such as the wild dog, plus a very large and an alternative hotel category, this will be walking distance of the mighty Victoria Falls. varied birdlife. confirmed in writing with the respective price On the way to the lodge, you will be able on your invoice. to interact with the residents of Dete during For further details about the indicative hotels, a visit to Dingani Primary School, the Vukani please see the “hotels” tab on our website. Bead Project or the Thandanani Sewing Here we rank hotel’s in their respective Project, witnessing the inspiring work done to country (REGIONAL CATEGORY) - but we also uplift the local community. After check-in and tell you how it ranks by Western standards lunch, you will have the opportunity to embark (OUR CATEGORY). on a walking safari*, led by a professional Sable Sands Lodge guide in the late afternoon. Here you will gain Situated in the Dete Vlei just outside STANDARD - Equates to a Western 3-star interesting perspectives about the fauna and Hwange National Park, Sable Sands is a standard, always featuring en-suite rooms and flora in this area. The next day is spent on a lodge consisting of 11 rondavel chalets. usually a restaurant. full day game drive exploring the magnificent These chalets are scattered around the SUPERIOR - Equates to a Western 4- Hwange National Park. lodge's central swimming pool. Rooms star standard, featuring en-suite rooms and are en suite with private terraces. The usually a restaurant and often a swimming *Kindly note that walking safaris are subject to lodge contains a waterhole which attracts pool and/or a fitness centre. availability. large herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and DELUXE - Equates to a Western 5-star Overnight - Hwange National Park (B:2, L:2, antelope. The lodge also boasts a library, standard, usually featuring spacious, en-suite D:2) lounge, bar and BBQ facilities. There are rooms, a restaurant, swimming pool and Day 7 : Hwange To Victoria hammocks a plenty for you to relax in as fitness centre and an array of amenities, well. excellent service and customer care. Falls LUXURY - Equates to a Western 5-star plus Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls Airport. standard - the creme de la creme. Featuring Today you will depart Hwange National Park spacious, en-suite rooms, a restaurant, and be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport for swimming pool and fitness centre and an your onward flight. (B) array of amenities, this accommodation is a cut above the rest. Sheer opulence! HOTELS Optional activities in Victoria Highlighted below are some of the hotels Please note which we frequently use on this tour, though Falls This tour is operated in conjunction with our Below is a list of some of the most we reserve the right to substitute these trusted partner and you will join travellers popular optional activities on offer in Victoria hotels to ones of a similar standard. from different operators, not solely On The Falls. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid Please refer to your Tour Voucher for your Go. disappointment. The rates are per person confirmed arrival hotel and further arrival and are quoted in US Dollars. All activities information. This safari runs with a minimum of 2 and are subject to availability and may require a maximum of 16 passengers. As there are no Chobe Bush Lodge minimum amount of passengers to operate. set departure dates it is unlikely that any other You will be required to take your passport for people will join your travelling party and a any adventure and bridge activities. Certain Ilala Lodge minimum of 2 passengers is required. This activities only operate at specific times of the Set amongst pretty landscaped gardens, package consists of transfers between lodges year. Please contact our reservation office the elegant Ilala Lodge is the perfect place with local guides for activities. A guide will not for further information. Should you wish to for exploring Victoria Falls. Spread out over escort you for the whole duration of the trip. partake in an activity that is not listed below, two floors, the guest rooms are beautifully

Elephant Lodge Safari we will gladly assist you with rates and Insurance way. Please adhere to the allowance specified reservations. It is compulsory for all travellers to as space for luggage is limited. have insurance covering their personal • Helicopter Flight (15 minutes) - $150.00 requirements, medical expenses and Transport (Govt levy of $15, pay locally) personal possessions. This is to be arranged Transfers are usually conducted in sedan • Helicopter Flight (22 minutes) - $235.00 before leaving your home country. vehicles or minibuses. The game drives take (Govt levy of $15, pay locally) place in open 4x4 vehicles. For transfers • Boma Dinner including transfers - $51.00 Accommodation between Kasane and Victoria Falls or Hwange • 2 hour Sunset Cruise - $40.00 (River usage On this safari, you will be accommodated and Victoria Falls (or vice versa), 2x4 vehicles fee of $10, pay locally). in typical mid-range African lodges, situated may be utilised. • 2 hour Dinner Cruise - $68.00 (River usage either in the national parks, on the banks of a fee of $10, pay locally). river, or other place of interest. Lodge Safaris Spending Money • Bungee Jump 111m (excluding transfers) - offer accommodation with a mix of lodges, Clients are advised to bring enough money to $160.00 chalets and tented camps. All of them have a cover the purchase of curios, tips, alcoholic • Bridge Swing (excluding transfers) - $160.00 private bathroom with a shower or bath and drinks and additional entertainment. US • Bridge Slide (excluding transfers) - $45.00 a toilet. Some properties are equipped with Dollars and Botswana Pula are the most • Rafting (full day, low or water) - $120.00 swimming pools and/or bar areas. practical and convenient currencies. (River usage fee of $10, pay locally). • Zambezi Canoe Day Trip, 9hrs - $150.00 Our Elephant Lodge Safari package is based Things to bring (Park entry fee of $10, pay locally). upon mid-range (superior) accommodation at • Walking shoes and sandals • Flying Fox (Cable Slide) - $42.00 the following properties: Victoria Falls - Ilala • Light trousers/jeans • Gorge Swing - $95.00 Lodge, Hwange - Sable Sands and Chobe - • Swimming costume • Canopy Tour - $53.00 Chobe Marina Lodge. • T-shirts • Zip Line - $69.00 • Shorts • Big Air Experience (Bungee, Bridge Swing & An upgrade to Deluxe accommodation is • Sun hat Bridge Slide) excluding transfers - $210 available upon request, please contact us • Windbreaker • Adrenaline High Wire Pass (Flying Fox, Zip for rates. Our Deluxe accommodation is: • Warm clothes (May – August) Line & Gorge Swing) - $137.00 Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls Hotel, Hwange • Long-sleeved shirts • Historical Bridge Tour 2.5 hours - $70.00 - Elephant’s Eye Eco Lodge and Chobe - • Torch & spare batteries Ngoma Safari Lodge . • Water bottle *Please note prices are subject to change • Camera Accommodation is subject to availability and • UV protection Visas if these properties are not available we • Mosquito protection Please be advised that visa requirements are will book similar properties and you will be • Towel subject to change and that visa procurement notified at time of booking. is the responsibility of the traveller and not Zimbabwe On The Go Tours, therefore it is essential that Meals This is a country blessed with great you check current visa requirements with the Meals included in your safari will be taken in natural beauty, game reserves and mineral embassy before travel. Please also ensure the restaurants at the various accommodation wealth. The diverse landscape changes that your passport is valid for at least 6 months establishments, with a packed lunch from the from mountainous to wilderness to typical from your planned date of departure from lodges on days 3 and 5. Please advise us of Bushveld. The country is also home to Africa. any special dietary requirements in advance. large animals and a large bird population. A multiple entry visa is required for Zimbabwe Luggage Zimbabwe is a country located in the southern for this safari. Please also note that travellers Maximum baggage allowance: 15 kg. Jenman part of the continent of Africa, between the entering Botswana will be required to present Safaris stipulates this luggage allowance, as Victoria Falls, Zambezi River, Kariba Dam and a valid international health certificate of an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both the the Limpopo River. Zimbabwe is bordered by vaccination for yellow fever should they clients and the guide. This does not include South Africa to the south, Botswana to the originate from or have travelled through photographic equipment and a small daypack. west, Zambia to the north and Mozambique to countries which have been declared yellow Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, the east. fever infected areas within the preceding 6 not a suitcase. Don't bring too much clothing, months. as there are washing opportunities along the Victoria Falls ‘So lovely it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight’ said David Livingstone

Elephant Lodge Safari of the supreme Mosi-oa-Tunya (‘The smoke hyena occur in reasonable numbers. The that thunders’). This legendary traveler first population of wild dog to be found in Hwange Chobe National Park in the north, another saw the Falls from the Zambian side and his is thought to be of one of the largest surviving outstanding wilderness area of enormous memory is enshrined in the nearby town of groups in Africa today. diversity – lion and elephant can be viewed Livingstone. The views from the Zimbabwean from river cruises or 4x4 game drives. & Zambian side are quite different, varying The landscape includes desert sand to sparse woodland as well as grasslands and granite The Okavango Delta is a vast marshland and dramatically depending on the season and one of the largest inland river deltas in the water flow. outcrops. Due to the lack of water, man- made waterholes were introduced to sustain world – 15 000 km2 of wilderness and prime The Falls are over a mile in length and boast the animals through the dry season. The safari area. The Kalahari Desert in the central the largest curtain of water in the world - park has an interesting variety of landscapes and southwestern regions occupies over half over 500 million litres of water per minute with one part running alongside the North- the land area of Botswana. It is a mystical, cascades over the falls and drop 100 m eastern end of the Kalahari Desert. The harsh and unspoiled landmass. at Rainbow Falls on the Zambian side. Not south is sandy with extensive forests and The saltpans of north-central Botswana and surprisingly is it the seventh natural wonder of open grassland. A feature of the area is the Tuli block in the far eastern corner of the world and fast becoming one of the top ancient fossil dunes - ancient sand dunes held Botswana are also areas of significance adventure destinations in the world. together by vegetation. Chobe National Park The river is divided into a series of braided Botswana Chobe is approx. 11 000 km2 of wilderness channels that descend in many separate falls. The San were among the first human area watered by the Chobe & Savuti Rivers Below the Falls the river enters a narrow inhabitants of this region before the Setswana and thus attracting huge concentrations of series of gorges, which represent locations migrated southwards and slowly occupied game. This includes lion and some of the successively occupied by the falls earlier the region from the 16th century onwards, highest concentration of elephant in Africa – in their history. Since the uplifting of the until early in the 19th century. By mid- an estimated population of around 25 000 Makgadikgadi Pan area some two million century missionaries arrived, including David in winter. Game viewing is renowned and in years ago, the Zambezi River has been cutting Livingstone and Robert Moffat, and by 1885 the Northern areas near Kasane, both the through the basalt base rock, exploiting weak the territory was a British protectorate. riverboat game viewing experience and the fissures, and forming a series of retreating Botswana gained its independence in 1966 4x4 vehicle option are popular. gorges. Seven previous waterfalls occupied and has been the most stable democracy in the seven gorges below the present falls, and Africa. The first president ruled from 1966 until In addition the spectacular annual summer Devil's Cataract in Zimbabwe is where the his death in 1980, the second till 1994 (re- migrations of plains game, especially Zebra, next cut back will form a new waterfall that elected twice, then resigned) and the third is a highlight, as well Giraffe, Warthog and will eventually leave the present falls lip high from 1998. numerous antelope including Sable, Roan, above the river in the gorge below. Oribi, Reedbuck, Lechwe and the colourful The country has a strong currency with Chobe Bushbuck. Hwange National Park one of the highest per capita incomes Hwange National Park is one of Africa's finest in Africa, maintains a neutral international Bird watching opportunities in Chobe are havens for wildlife and is home to vast herds political stance. It is heavily reliant on mining ample and include some 350 species of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very (especially diamonds) & tourism and maintains including the awesome African Fish Eagle, the large concentration of giraffe. It is also home close ties with its neighbor South Africa, an rare Pell’s Fishing Owl, saddle-billed storks, to many predators and endangered species economic powerhouse for the region. long-toed Plovers, pink-backed Pelicans, plus very large and varied birdlife. African Skimmers, Bradfield's Hornbills and The park is situated on the main road Wildlife is abundant in Botswana and includes Carmine Bee-eaters. In addition, the sunsets lion, giraffe, leopard, antelope, elephant, between Bulawayo and the world famous are spectacular. Victoria Falls. Hwange National Park covers crocodile and ostriches. Botswana is semiarid just over 14 600 square kilometres. The Park and has an average annual (summer) rainfall KNOW BEFORE YOU GO carries 105 mammal species, including 19 of 640 mm (about 25 in) in the north to less large herbivores and eight large carnivores. than 230 mm (less than 9 in) in the Kalahari. COVID-19 Vaccination Elephant make up the largest proportion of Drought is therefore not uncommon and the requirements vegetation is mostly savannah. the biomass. As of 01 November 2021 it is a condition of Geographically Botswana is relatively flat (the travel, as detailed in our Terms & Conditions All Zimbabwe's specially protected animals average elevation of about 1000 m) and can that all travellers over 18 years provide proof are to be found in Hwange and it is the only be viewed (for all intents and purposes) as of COVID-19 vaccination. protected area where gemsbok and brown three major regions as follows:

Elephant Lodge Safari

We recognise any vaccine that has been only, visa requirements and fees are subject The few countries that do require visas; mostly authorised for use in the country where to change. It is essential that you check Eastern European and Asian Nationals, need the vaccine was administered. This includes current entry requirements with each relevant to obtain them prior to arrival at the border. vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Covaxin, embassy/consulate prior to departure. Visa Visas are not issued at Botswana ports of Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer- procurement is the responsibility of the entry, if you arrive without a visa, immigration BioNtech, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Sputnik. traveller and not of On The Go. officials will refuse you entry to Botswana.

In all instances, you must be fully immunised. Booking your flights The border crossings we use in Botswana This means you must receive the full dosage When booking your departure flight you include: of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow a minimum should allow time at the end of your Muhembo (Botswana/Namibia border) of 14 days before travelling in order for African safari for any unexpected delays. Kazangula (Botswana/Zimbabwe or Zambia immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 We recommend that you book your onward border) vaccine has different dosages and timeframes flight no earlier than 24 hours after the Groblerberg/Martin’s Drift (South Africa/ for immunisation, so please check the related end of your safari. In the case of our Botswana) medical advice associated with your vaccine. longer overland camping safaris (22 days or Children under 18 years are not required to more) we advise against making any firm Botswana Tourism Levy from 1st June 2017 provide evidence of vaccination to travel at arrangements for at least 48 hours after the - postponed until further notice this time. scheduled departure date. Your tour leader From the 1st June 2017 a tourism levy of can help to arrange post tour accommodation If you are unable to be vaccinated due $30USD is payable when entering Botswana. locally upon request. to medical reasons, you may apply for an Payment is taken at the border in US dollars cash, debit or credit card. The Levy is valid for exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on Allergies/likes/dislikes a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must a 30 day period and can be used for multiple Whilst all will done to accommodate provide supporting documentation from a entry. everyone, sometimes the choice available is medical professional. limited as your cook may be making the Please note this Levy has been postponed Proof of COVID-19 immunisation must best of very limited availability, so some until further notice. flexibility may be required when encountering be provided to us no less than Vaccinations 4 weeks prior to travel. We accept something you're not particularly fond of or You should seek medical advice before COVID-19 digital certificates, NHS Covid have chosen not to eat as a lifestyle choice. travelling to Botswana from your local health Pass or Vaccination Record Cards e- Should you possess allergies which will result practitioner and ensure that you receive all mailed to [email protected] or you in an medical emergency or a life threatening of the appropriate vaccinations. As a guide can upload your vaccination history situation then please ensure you speak to Polio, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus is yourself via our traveller login. https:// your cook on arrival so you can discuss the strongly recommended. Rabies may also be www.onthegotours.com/Login options available whilst en-route. This will ensure also that they are fully aware of what recommended. The information you will need to upload you can or cannot eat and make adjustments. There is the risk of malaria in certain areas includes: Administering national authority or of Botswana so it is very important to check government, document No, name of Vaccine, Botswana Country Guide with your doctor before you go, to see date/s of vaccination. whether malarial medication is required for Visa the areas you are visiting. A valid Yellow Passports & visas Please be advised that visa requirements are Fever vaccination certificate is also required Please ensure that you have at least two blank subject to change and that visa procurement if travelling into Botswana and you have pages in your passport, plus an additional is the responsibility of the traveller and not previously been in an infected country. blank page for each visa/African country you On The Go Tours, therefore it is essential that a visiting. If travelling on one of our longer you check current visa requirements with the Currency & Banking overland safaris we recommend that you have embassy before travel. Please also ensure The currency of Botswana is the Botswana at least 12 blank pages in your passport. that your passport is valid for at least 6 months Pulas (BWP) 1 Pula = 100 Thebe. Notes are in from your planned date of departure from Please also note that your passport must be denominations of BWP10, 20, 50 and 100. Africa. valid for a minimum of six months from the end Coins are in denominations of BWP1, 50, 25, UK, Ireland, Australian, New Zealand, USA, date of your trip. 10, 5, 1. Canadian and South African citizens do not Any visa information provided in this require a visa for entrance into Botswana. There are no restrictions on the import of document is for general guidance purposes local or foreign currencies, provided they are

Elephant Lodge Safari declared on arrival. Export of local currency Travelling with children in Australian, New Zealand and US citizens: US is limited to BWP50 and foreign currencies Botswana $30 single/$45 double entry visa. British and up to the amount declared on arrival. It Irish is US$55 single/$70 double. Canadians The Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and is easy to change most forms of currency can only obtain a single entry visa at the Gender Affairs informs the general public including US$, GB£, Euros and South African border for US $75. South African passport that it has imposed requirements for minors Rand. The best place to change money in holders can obtain a visa for free. Visas can (children under 18) travelling through the Botswana is the bureau de changes as banks be brought using post 2003 US$ notes, GB£ county’s ports of entry. charge commission to change either cash or South African Rand. or travellers cheques. ATMs are available Effective from the 1st October 2016 minors KAZA Visa in all main towns, cities, shopping centres travelling through the country’s borders will Zimbabwe and Zambia have re-introduced and most petrol stations. MasterCard, Visa, be required to produce certified copies of the popular, and much-awaited KAZA American Express and Diners Club are all unabridged birth certificates in addition to (Kavango-Zambezi) “Uni-Visa”, which allows widely accepted. their valid passports. In the event that one visitors to stay in either (or both) countries for Travellers cheques should be in US Dollars or parent is not travelling with the child, the other up to 30 days for a single payment of US$50. Pound Sterling to avoid additional exchange parent's affidavit consenting to such travel rate charges. Proof of identity may be should be availed. However, an affidavit will The UniVisa is available at Harare, Victoria requested in some instances, so it’s useful not be required if the father’s name does not Falls, Lusaka and Livingstone International to carry a passport or some form of photo appear on the child’s birth certificate.” airports, the Victoria Falls land border identification. In large cities travellers cheques (Zimbabwe/Zambia) and the Kazungula land To summarise the above, should families be can incur a high surcharge. border (Zimbabwe/Zambia/Botswana). travelling with children below the age of 18 Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1530, Sat they will require the following: The border crossings we use in Zimbabwe 0830-1100. • Valid Passports include: • Certified unabridged birth certificates for all Time & Voltage minors below the age of 18 Kazangula (Botswana/Zimbabwe) Time Zone - Botswana is 2 hours ahead of • An Affidavit signed by the non-travelling GMT. Daylight saving time is not observed. parent should the minor be travelling with one Vaccinations parent The standard voltage is 220 - 240V. Primary Seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic sockets require a ‘Type M’ - South African, Unfortunately these regulations are very strict at least six weeks prior to departure about electrical plug which has three thick circular therefore we urge all parents travelling to what vaccinations you require. Typically the pins. You will need a voltage converter, and Africa with their children to contact all relevant list includes typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. embassies well prior to departure to ensure hepatitis A and B (for stays over 4 weeks). they have the correct documentation as if you In Zimbabwe a malarial risk exists from Climate do not, there is a high chance you will be November to June in all areas below 1200m Botswana’s climate is mainly temperate. denied entry. During the summer months (October-April) and throughout the year in the Zambezi Valley. We strongly recommend that you the weather can be very hot with daytime Zimbabwe Country Guide temperatures of around 30 Celsius and take your anti-malaria medication. Other higher. The rainy season (typically lasting Visas precautionary measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes include: insect repellent, from January to March) can be hot with Please be advised that visa requirements are cover up at sundown, sleep under a mosquito temperatures still in the mid 30’s and only subject to change and that visa procurement net and wear long sleeve clothing and long dropping to around the mid 20’s overnight. is the responsibility of the traveller and not trousers in the evenings. Winter (May-September) brings a cool change On The Go Tours, therefore it is essential that yet is still reasonably warm and mostly you check current visa requirements with the Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination pleasant with an average temperature of embassy before travel. Please also ensure certificate is required from travellers over one around 25°C. Early mornings and evenings that your passport is valid for at least 6 months year of age coming from infected areas. may be cold and frosty especially in the from your planned date of departure from Kalahari region. The amount of rainfall Africa. decreases the further you travel west or Currency southwards during the winter and rainy UK, Ireland, Australian, New Zealand, USA The Zimbabwean Dollar was abandoned in season months. and Canadian passport holders require a April 2009. The country has adopted a multi- visa to enter Zimbabwe, these visas are currency scheme; the US Dollar and South available at the border for the following costs:

Elephant Lodge Safari

African Rand can be used for domestic transactions. Time & Voltage Standard voltage is 220-240V. Primary Zimbabwe is essentially a cash-only society sockets require a ‘Type G’ - British plug, or now with ATMs pretty useless for the ‘Type D’ - old English plug or Indian plug. foreigner. Credit cards only used in a handful You will need a voltage converter and plug of places, however all major hotels will now adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. accept this payment. We recommend bringing enough cash to cover your stay in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe is 2 hours ahead of GMT. Daylight (in either USD or ZAR) especially in the smaller saving time is not observed. denominations (US$1-20 and ZAR10 - 200) as there is always a shortage of change Climate and shopkeepers will often refuse larger bills. Although located in the tropics, temperate Please also be aware it is illegal to leave conditions prevail all year round in Zimbabwe Zimbabwe with over $1000 (or equivalent) in as the climate is moderated by altitude and cash. the inland position of the country.

Zimbabwe introduced Bond Notes into Zimbabwe has a rainy season from circulation on 28 November 2017 which will November/December to March, during this be used alongside the US dollar and other time days are hot and sunny with possible currencies. These Bond Notes will be at a afternoon thunderstorms. By April and May 1:1 parity with the US dollar. However, they most of the rain is gone, skies are are only legal tender within Zimbabwe and clear and days are sunny and warm. as such can only be used there. These Bond Night time temperatures drop dramatically notes will be in $2 and $5 denominations and between June and August although daytime there will also be a new $1 Bond coin. temperatures remain pleasantly warm. Late August sees the start of the hot and dry Banking hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri - season which continues until October. 0800-1500 , Wed 0800-1300 and Sat - 0800-1130. In major towns/cities most banks Zambian Airport Departure have an ATM. American Express, Diners Tax Club and Visa cards are widely accepted. NOTES FOR THOSE FLYING OUT OF Major foreign currencies can be exchanged at LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT IN ZAMBIA bureaux de change and banks at the official exchange rate. Please also be aware it is An airport departure tax is in place for all illegal to leave Zimbabwe with over $1000 (or flights departing from Zambian airports. It equivalent). As of June 2016 it is becoming will no longer be included on the ticket and increasingly difficult to withdraw money from will now be collected in Zambian Kwacha ATMs in Zimbabwe. There is a cash limit of cash direct from the passenger. The amount $500 per day - however a lot of banks are not payable is currently K28,000 for Domestic replenishing the ATMs. It is strongly advised Flights and K56,000 for International Flights that you bring enough money with you before and is payable on departure from all Zambian you enter Zimbabwe and don't rely on getting airports. Passengers need to have ZMK cash any whilst there. available for this tax. Please note, departure taxes are subject to change. Travellers cheques are accepted at banks, these should be in US Dollars or Pound Sterling to avoid additional exchange rate charges. Most banks will want to see your passport and proof of purchase receipt before cashing your travellers cheques. Please Note: Travellers cheques can be difficult to cash so do not rely upon them as your sole source of funds.