From South Africa to Namibia, experience some of the highlights of southern Africa. Spot animals in Kruger National Park before enjoying three days in Victoria Falls, where you’ll find an abundance of activities and incredible vantage points. Spot hippos on a boat cruise down the Chobe River, explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro and see some spectacular landscapes as you visit Sossusvlei and DeadVlei.
One of the exciting elements of travelling in Africa, is the different styles of accommodation stayed in whilst on tour. You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the “About this Tour” section.
Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites.
Travelling in Africa is about the experience. Many of the countries we travel through are still developing and therefore accommodation is likely to differ to what you may be used to. In remote locations, many lodges and camps rely on generators for electricity and power shortages are not uncommon. All of the accommodation we use includes bedding and real beds – so you do not need to bring a sleeping bag at any point of this tour. Please note, that some accommodation includes a shared bathroom and shower facilities. WI-FI is available in most locations however it can be very unreliable, especially in the national parks. Expect to be offline for a few days and if you are able to connect – it’s a bonus!
Permanent Tents – This tour includes stays in permanent tents which will be equipped with beds and mosquito nets. In some locations the tents will have an en-suite bathroom whilst others have a shared bathroom.
Rondavels – Rondavels are round, African-style huts which make for wonderfully unique accommodation. They have real beds and basins in the huts, however toilets and showers are shared in near-by abolition blocks.
Lodges – Lodges will vary depending on the location.
The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.
Accommodation on this trip is mostly on a twin share basis unless you have upgraded to a single occupancy room. If you are a solo passenger you will be sharing a room with another group member of the same sex. If you are travelling with a partner and wish to book a double bed, please advise your Adventure Specialist upon booking.
Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.
This tour uses a great variety of accommodation, providing you with unique experiences to last a lifetime! You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the “About this Tour” section.
Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites. From time to time, accommodation standard may vary and hot water, wi-fi or electricity may not be to a Western standard.
Our Cuba tours stay in “casas particulares” which are local Cuban homestays. This is the best way to ensure the money is going back to the local communities and also provides travellers with a wonderfully authentic experience. Each casa will be different but you will always enjoy a private room for you and your partner/friend/roommate. From time to time, accommodation standard may vary and hot water, wi-fi or electricity may not be to a Western standard.
Accommodation on this trip is mostly on a twin share basis unless you have upgraded to your own room. If you are travelling as a couple and wish to book a double bed, please advise your Adventure Specialist at time of booking.
If you are a solo traveller, a private room is available on all occasions at an extra cost. This must be booked in advance.
Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.
This tour uses a mixture of flights, private vehicles and the Tucan Travel Overland Truck. You can read more about them here. The overland truck is a Mercedes-Benz custom built for us! Each is named after a past Tucan Travel colleague and they are some of the biggest and brightest overland vehicles on the road. Each truck tackles tough Africa terrain in its stride, and towers above the ground. They are equipped with big windows to open – perfect for wildlife spotting.
The truck is equipped with the following features.
It is your responsibility to carry luggage on and off transport. Please limit yourself to one piece of luggage per person plus one smaller day bag.
There is a total of 1 flight included on this tour so you should pay particular attention to the weight limit of your luggage. Tucan Travel tours have a checked luggage restriction of up to 20kg in total. This tour includes domestic flights which are also subject to the local carrier conditions of booking and have their own luggage restrictions which may be a maximum of 15kg. Any excess luggage must be paid by the customer.
The below information provides approximate travel times and modes of transport for your tour. Please note that modes of transport may be subject to change depending on the group size and timings may vary depending on the season and border crossings on the day. This is especially apt for Africa and we like to think it’s all part of the adventure!
Unless otherwise specified, the transport below will be on the Overland Truck.
Please consider which season you are travelling in and pack appropriately. All clothes should be lightweight, durable and easily washable. Please do not bring any military or camouflage-style clothing as it can be dangerous to wear and occasionally illegal. Nights can be cold, so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers or jeans plus several thinner sweaters / fleeces which you can layer. Colours are important if you are embarking on a safari drive. Opt for muted colours that will blend into the bush – such as browns, khaki and beige. Remember that the roads are dusty and you’re clothing might get dirty so don’t take expensive items.
What essential items should I bring to Africa?
Clothing
Electronics
Toiletries
Other
Documents
Laundry
Depending on the time spent in each destination, your Tour Leader will be able to advise on laundromats or laundry services in or near our hotels. Hotel services can be pretty costly however your tour leader will be able to recommend cheaper options. If you wash clothes yourself take care not to be too obvious where you hang them as most hotels do not like guests washing and drying their clothes in the hotel rooms.
On a Tucan Travel tour you will experience a huge variety of amazing food in each location. Meals included are listed on the day to day itinerary and the “about this tour” section. On this trip, most breakfasts are included and lunch and dinner may be included on long travel days. Your tour leader will suggest restaurants in each location, and arrange evening group meals for those who wish to join. In the majority of African cities, there is a decent choice of both local and international restaurants.
If you have a specific dietary requirement it is important you advise us at the booking stage. We also recommend re-iterating this information to your tour leader on day 1. While we endeavour to assist as much as possible, it is ultimately your responsibility to research and arrange meals that suit your dietary preferences.
Breakfast varies from extensive buffets to simple local spreads. For early departures, you may be provided with a breakfast box. Breakfasts on this tour vary greatly. Depending on the location, you can find anything from a well put together western buffet to a continental breakfast or a smaller offering of local food.
Below are the currencies which are used on this tour:
As you travel through Africa you will be able to exchange either USD or other African currencies so you do not need to bring local currency for each destination before the tour.
Most optional excursions are listed in US dollar. While many of the more expensive excursions, such as hot air ballooning, can be paid in USD you will need local currency for most excursions.
The majority of our tours are divided into two separate payments. The tour price is paid directly to your travel consultant when you book and before you depart for your tour and the second amount is the Local Payment, which is paid locally when you join the tour.
The Local Payment ensures your Tour Leader has a supply of cash to run some of the tour if access to banking facilities is limited or nonexistent. This helps to save operational and administrative costs, which in turn helps to keep the cost of our tours competitive so we can pass the savings on to you. The Local Payment also helps us get cash directly into local businesses to provide communities with an immediate economic benefit.
The Local Payment is a portion of the total tour cost and must be paid directly to your Tour Leader in the currency as indicated on your tour vouchers. The Local Payment is not optional and failure to pay this money in cash may result in you being excluded from starting the tour. It must be paid in high denomination notes only (100s, 50s, 20s). The notes must be crisp with no tears or markings and should be no older than 2013.
The majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and other establishments in larger cities will accept credit and debit cards. American Express is not as widely accepted, so do not rely on this as your primary card. In more remote locations, you should always ensure you have a supply of cash.
We know how easy it is to lose track of your spending on holiday! That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your trip notes so that you understand what is and what isn’t included on each day. Most lunches and dinners are at your own cost, which gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like. On long travel days, lunch will sometimes be served by your tour leader from the truck. Details of this can be found in the itinerary. Remember to budget for things like laundry, tipping, souvenirs and optional activities.
Take note of how long you will be spending in each country and don’t take out or exchange too much money. Unless you’re a big spender, you won’t need thousands just for two days in a country! We recommend checking your international withdrawal and exchange fees with your bank, as sometimes it is cheaper to withdraw money in your location rather than exchanging it beforehand.
Tipping is generally a part of life in Africa. While it is not compulsory, if you have enjoyed the service it is appropriate and highly appreciated. You should add 10% to your bill in restaurants (make sure service isn’t already included), round up taxi fares and tip local excursion guides.
Your budget should include additional meals, transport within cities, optional excursions, shopping and an emergency fund.
Travel can be unpredictable. While we endeavour to plan for every situation there are some instances where it is out of our control, such as severe weather, strikes, civil unrest or natural disasters. If these result in unavoidable itinerary changes, you should have access to enough funds for you to return home unexpectedly.
If you require urgent assistance prior to meeting your tour please call (+263) 77225 2457.
Africa is a vast continent and crime does exist in many areas. However, it is generally not as bad as the reputation it is perceived to have and most travellers enjoy trouble free visits. Here are a few precautions which you should always take.
The safety of our travellers is a number one priority when operating our tours. As a British registered company the lead is taken from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Advice Service (FCO). Tucan Travel reserves the right to cancel, amend or continue the operation of a tour based on, but not solely restricted to, the advice of the FCO.
Travel insurance is compulsory on all Tucan Travel tours. Your tour leader will request your travel insurance details at the pre departure meeting which are immediately submitted to the office. Failure to produce these details will mean you cannot join the tour.
A medical kit is handy for minor wounds and ailments. In areas with limited or dubious medical facilities, an emergency medical kit containing sterile syringes is also advisable. By law our staff are not allowed to administer first aid or give drugs to travellers, so please be prepared with your own supplies. If you are taking medication, please ensure you bring an adequate supply and a letter from your doctor to avoid potential issues at border crossings.
It is important to consult your doctor or travel clinic in good time before your tour departs to determine what vaccinations you require. You may need several vaccinations and/or malaria tablets and you should be aware that some vaccinations require more than one visit and can take several weeks to administer. Always carry your International Certificate of Vaccination with your passport. For areas with malaria, make sure you pack sufficient prophylactics for the duration of your tour and the incubation period after. Most countries in Africa prevent entry for travellers without a valid Yellow Fever certificate. This must be acquired before departure and takes ten days for your body to build up a resistance. This certificate must be taken with you on your tour with a photocopy stored somewhere safe.
All clients wishing to participate in horse riding or similar activities, whether included or optional, acknowledge that the availability of protective headgear can vary or be non-existent. Therefore Tucan Travel cannot guarantee that headgear will be provided or will be to the same standard as those available in the UK or your home country. Any client intending to partake in these activities should bring their own protective headgear and other protective equipment with them.
Our tours are perfectly designed for those aged between 18 and 65 years old. They are fast-paced and sometimes tiring, while packed with adventure, new experiences and feel-good moments. With customers from around the world, of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities, some groups can be more boisterous than others. As a result, we ask that anyone wanting to travel under the age of 18 or over 65 carefully consider whether a group tour is right for them. We may ask that you fill in our tour suitability form found here to guarantee your enjoyment of the trip. Please read through our Tour Suitability page or contact a member of our Reservations Team if in doubt. Please note that we do not accept children under the age of 16 on our group tours. If you are travelling with children please contact our tailor-made team for a bespoke holiday.
You can find out further information on our availability and departures of tours by clicking here.
Welcome to Delhi! Your tour starts here in the capital city of India. You are welcome to arrive at any time, but please note that there will be a pre departure meeting around 6pm tonight where you will meet your tour leader and group.
India's bustling capital has a population of almost 13 million and is bound to be a city that keeps you on your toes no matter what time of day it is. Many dynasties have ruled here and they have all left their own legacies in the architecture, culture and monuments. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times in its long history. You can visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum or the infamous Red Fort, or maybe make your way to Humayun's Tomb in south Delhi, near Hazrat Nizamuddin station, one of Delhi's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A popular way to discover Delhi for many people is to take a bicycle rickshaw around the city - an experience in itself.
Tonight you will enjoy an evening walking tour of the Karol Bagh Market. Walk the rows of vendors as you take in the colourful products and exotic smells. As one of the most popular markets in the city, it's a fantastic introduction to the endearing chaos of India.
Evening walking tour of Karol Bagh market area
Red Fort – INR 500 • Qutab Minar – INR 500 • Gandhi Memorial Museum – free • National Museum – INR 150 • Jama Masjid – free (camera charge INR 300) • Humayun's Tomb – INR 500
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Perfect or similar 
We have an early morning start to get to Kruger National Park where we search for the big five. The journey will take around six hours. Upon arrival we will immediately enjoy an afternoon game drive to start viewing the animals that call the reserve home.
Kruger National Park is South Africa's premier game reserve, regarded as one of the finest in Africa. Here you'll have the chance to experience the vast diversity of wildlife as we explore some of the two million hectares of the park. The big five game animals of Africa are richly represented here – lion, leopard, African buffalo, African elephant and the white rhino in large numbers.
Evening Game Drive in Kruger National Park
1 night(s) in lodges at Sabie River Bush Lodge or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)
This morning you will enjoy another game drive spotting more animal action in the national park. Learn all about the history of the park and animals and why conservation of these fantastic creatures is so important.
Full Day Game Drive in Kruger National Park
1 night(s) in lodges at Sabie River Bush Lodge or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)
We will depart Kruger National Park and take a flight to one of Africa’s greatest attractions and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. With a length of over one kilometre and a height of over one hundred metres this magnificent natural wonder of cascading water defines the border separating Zimbabwe & Zambia. Depending on the wind direction you can hear the roar from the falls up to 4km away as it surges into Africa’s fourth biggest river, the mighty Zambezi.
Tonight we will stay close to the action in the town of ‘Victoria Falls’
1 night(s) in hotels at N1 Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
You have a full free day to enjoy Victoria Falls and its activities.
White Water Rafting • Helicopter Ride • Microlight – All prices vary depending on number of people and season
1 night(s) in hotels at N1 Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Today is a further free day to explore Victoria Falls and enjoy the abundance of activities on offer. Wonder the craft markets and pick up some unique souvenirs or chose from one of the many optional activities available in this area. Whether it be sunset cruises down the Zambezi, a visit to the Mukuni Cultural Village, riverboarding, white water rafting, canoeing, horse riding, abseiling, quad biking, kayaking, helicopter or microlight flights over the falls there is something for everyone.
White Water Rafting • Helicopter Ride • Microlight – All prices vary depending on number of people and season
1 night(s) in hotels at N1 Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Next we head to Botswana. We stay close to Chobe National Park which is home to the most diverse wildlife in Botswana. 11,000 square kilometres of wilderness, floodplains, forests and swamps support all manners of animal and birdlife. To gain a different perspective of the animals we embark on a sunset cruise along the Chobe River. Wildlife is plentiful and common along the water’s edge; as we glide by you may see elephants, buffalos, kudu, bushbuck, hippo, giraffe and sable.
Located in north west Botswana, Chobe is a diverse area spanning from the border at the Chobe River, to the now dry Savute Channel and beyond to the borders of the Moremi Game Reserve and Okavango Delta. The park is divided into four distinctly different eco systems: Serondela with its lush plains and dense forests in the Chobe River area, the Savuti Marsh, the Linyanti Swamps and the dry hinterland and it is famous for having one of the largest game concentrations in the African continent.
Sunset Safari Boat Cruise on the Chobe River
1 night(s) in hotels at Thebe River Safari Lodge or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)
Our next stop is spent in a very unique location. You will be staying at Elephant Sands, a bush lodge set on private conservancy in the north-east part of Botswana. It is home to a huge amount of wildlife that roams free, especially elephants. You can enjoy the swimming pool and if you are lucky catch a sighting of one of these gentle giants! Elephant Sands is located near two water holes which are only a few feet away.
You will be staying in stilted tented camps and can enjoy a cocktail or two in the Elephant Sands bar.
1 night(s) in tented camps at Elephant Sands or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)
Driving across the top edge of the Kalahari Desert we reach the town of Maun, which will be our gateway for visiting the Okavango Delta, Africa's largest freshwater wetland.
1 night(s) in hotels at Afro Trek Lodge or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)
The Okavango Delta is a huge area of very slow flowing water fed by the Kavango River. The water fans out from the river into a labyrinth of channels, lagoons and palm-covered islands before evaporating over the sands of the Kalahari Desert.
Today we will take a day trip to the small islands in the bush. We will travel by hand-crafted mokoros (small boats with shallow drafts similar to canoes) through the delta. The canoes glide silently along the reed-fringed waterways, steered by stealthy polers who earn their living transporting travellers along the delta. We will also have walking safaris through the bush and a chance for a swim before returning to the hotel in Maun.
Okavango Delta Day Trip (including mokoro ride and game walk)
1 night(s) in hotels at Afro Trek Lodge or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)
1 night(s) in basic huts at Rainbow River Lodge or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)
Etosha National Park is one of the most memorable places you will visit on this trip with huge amounts of wildlife visiting the waterholes to drink. We have a full game drive to make the most of the fantastic wildlife-spotting opportunities.
Today is a full day of driving to reach Etosha where you will enjoy a game drive tomorrow.
1 night(s) in lodges at Mokuti Lodge or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)
Etosha National Park is one of the best places in Africa to spot cheetahs and the endangered black rhino. Keep your camera lens ready for rare antelope species, the Burchell's zebra and black-faced impala's which roam the wild savannah. You may spot the odd giraffe or two chewing through thorny acacia trees in the woodland areas. Etosha National Park is a bird watcher's paradise with some 340 species inhabiting the park at different times of the year. For a short period after seasonal rains Etosha's vast salt pan is covered by a layer of water which attracts massive flocks of pelicans, flamingoes and other wading birds. While the pan is dry it is notable for the way it dramatically changes colour during the early morning and late afternoon sun.
Full day game drive in Etosha National Park on Tucan Travel Overland Vehicle
1 night(s) in hotels at Etosha Safari Camp or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)
This morning we leave the Etosha National Park area and make our way towards Otjiwarongo. We travel through the Namibian landscape for around four hours to reach the Cheetah Sanctuary where we will stop for a few hours. After arrival to the sanctuary we will enjoy an introduction to the centre and the work that they do, including a tour of the centre, museum, clinic and creamery. You will witness the cheetahs being fed and also meet the other livestock that live in the centre.
Following this you can enjoy an optional Cheetah drive excursion where you have the opportunity to witness these beautiful creatures up close.
Later in the afternoon we have a short drive to our final destination for the night, Otjiwarongo.
Guided tour of Cheetah Conservation Centre
Cheetah Game Drive Excursion N$ 550
1 night(s) in lodges at C'est Si Bon Lodge or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)
Our next stop will be the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, a historic colonial German town surrounded by desert and sweeping sand dunes which meet with the Atlantic Ocean. It is Namibia's most popular holiday destination. We spend two nights here, so you can wander around town viewing the colonial architecture or perhaps enjoy a cold locally brewed beer or two. If you would prefer to fuel your thirst for adrenaline then there is a wide range of optional excursions available. The town also has a good selection of bars and restaurants to cater for every taste. The seafood here is great!
Sunset Boat Cruise – From US$15 • Quad Bike Tour – From US$35 • Tandem Skydiving- US$210 • Sandboarding – From US$30
1 night(s) in hotels at Amanpuri Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Today you are free to enjoy more of Swakopmund.
Sunset Boat Cruise – From US$15 • Quad Bike Tour – From US$35 • Tandem Skydiving- US$210 • Sandboarding – From US$30
1 night(s) in hotels at Amanpuri Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Departing the coast we drive towards the Tropic of Capricorn where we make a stop so that you can get that obligatory picture with the sign. From here we continue on to Solitaire, a small settlement in the Khomas Region of Central Namibia, close to the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This small desert community has only a gas station, post office, bakery and general store. As you step off the truck you will feel as though you have stepped back in time onto a movie set, surrounded by cacti and old vehicle carcasses partially submerged in the sand.
Visit to the town of Solitaire and the Tropic of Capricorn
1 night(s) in lodges
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)
An early start this morning as we make for our excursion into Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei - home of the iconic sand dunes in Namibia. After our excursion we will make our way towards Windhoek.
At an elevation of 1650 metres, Windhoek lies in a beautiful valley and is surrounded by the Eros Mountains in the north and the Auas mountains to the south. This is the only city in Namibia and is home to a population of over 250,000 inhabitants. Like in Swakopmund there is a noticeable German influence here. German is still widely spoken and it is common to find traditional breads, sausage, and other delicacies, they even hold annual beer festivals.
No tourist's visit to Windhoek is complete without paying a visit to Joe’s Beer house, a bar and restaurant providing a mix of warm Namibian and German hospitality. This place is full of old relics from ‘Joe’s’ travels and creates a great atmosphere for socialising and reminiscing about your journey so far. Here you can also opt to sample some delicious game meats or try out one of the many craft beers on offer.
Visit to Sossusvlei & Dead Vlei
1 night(s) in hotels at Roof of Africa Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
1 Breakfast(s)
There are no reviews yet.
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
| Min - Max (Persons) | Adult Price |
|---|---|
| 3 - 30 | $9.00 |
We are passionate adventure travelers who want to share the world and our travel experiences with everyone…
