Southern Africa: travel to the ends of the earth (port-to-port cruise)

Depending on nationality. Each nationality is requested to consult their embassy or consulate.

These cruises and tours are not recommended for persons with reduced mobility as we will walk along stony paths and slopes. There are no elevators on the ships.

• Your cruise as well as your stay at the lodge are fully dedicated to the protected areas of Lake Kariba and Chobé National Park. Life on board and at the lodge revolves around the discovery and observation of the local fauna and flora, providing constant enchantment. Strict safety rules and guidelines will be given on site, such as staying close to the lodge and ship at all times outside of the context of excursions because of the ever-present wilderness and fauna around you.
• Please be aware that most of your stay will take place at the border with three different countries, meaning mandatory and frequent border crossings. Our teams on site are doing everything in their power to make the process quicker.  
• The domestic flight from Johannesburg to Kasane will be provided by South African Airways or another airline serving Southern Africa.
• Domestic flights for Lake Kariba will be provided by Executive Air, Safari Logistics or another airline serving Southern Africa.

Please note: international flights are not included, our services start from the hotel in Johannesburg and end at the hotel in Victoria Falls.

PRECAUTIONS

The following information is given for guidance only and may be modified at any time. This information cannot anticipate the sovereign application thereof made by the authorities of the countries to be visited nor by the airlines.

There are no compulsory vaccinations for your destinations except for guests arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever; these guests may be required to produce proof of vaccination at the airport or at the border post.

However, it is strongly recommended you ensure your vaccines for the following diseases are up-to-date: tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria and typhoid. We also recommend consulting with your general practitioner regarding an antimalarial treatment and a yellow fever vaccine.

Vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria, polio, rubella, mumps, measles, and tuberculosis are recommended for minors. As a general rule, we strongly recommend consulting with your general practitioner about any health concerns before your departure.

CURRENCY

Onboard the ships and at the lodges, payments can be made with a major bank card. We recommend bringing US dollars with you as they will be accepted in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. For your information*:

• South Africa: the rand (ZAR) €1 = ZAR 15 / $1 = ZAR 13*
• Botswana: the pula (BWP) €1 = BWP 12 / $1 = BWP 11*
• Namibia: the Namibian dollar (NAD) €1 = NAD 16 / $1 = NAD 15*
• Zimbabwe: the dollar RTGS (real time gross settlement) - Official base rate: 1 USD = 2.50 RTGS*

*Exchange rates of February 2020.

CLIMATE

In Johannesburg, temperatures are never excessive due to its altitude (1,752m./5,751 ft.). Winters (May to September) are dry and sunny with cold nights, but the days are usually very pleasant. Summers (October to April) are hot during the day with thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening, and nights are cool. In the Kasane, Lake Kariba and Victoria Falls areas, the climate is semi-arid. Winters (May to October) are the dry season; days are hot and sunny, and nights are cool or even cold. Summers (November to April) can be rainy and temperatures are hot.

TIME DIFFERENCE

You can consult www.worldtimezone.com to see the time difference between your home and your destination.

/!\ ATTENTION - BAGGAGE REGULATIONS TO FOLLOW /!\

On this trip we plan to use private planes to get you between Kasane (lodge) and Kariba (ship).

The airline company operating these flights are imposing many restrictions regarding the bags being transported due to the capacity of the planes and for safety reasons.

You’ll find the list of regulations below:

• Your checked baggage (1 per person maximum) MUST NOT EXCEED 20KG/44lbs.
• It MUST COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING DIMENSIONS 60cm/23,60in. in length x 40cm/15,70in. in height x 30cm/11,80in. in width.
• It must be made from SOFT FABRIC. Hard-shell suitcases are not accepted.
• Luggage with wheels is accepted (a maximum of 2 wheels per bag).
• Your carry-on baggage and personal items MUST NOT EXCEED 3KG/6.6lbs.

If your baggage does not comply with the above rules, THE AIRLINE WILL REFUSE TO TRANSPORT IT. Your stay aboard the ship would take place without your personal belongings. At the end of your cruise and before taking your international flight, you will be forced to return to the lodge at your own expense to collect your suitcase.

For your comfort, a laundry service is available during your stay at the lodge.

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CABIN FOR TRIPLE USE ON BOARD THE SHIP
If two adults and one child are sharing one cabin, the spare bed will measure 150cm x 80cm (59 in. x 31 in.).

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EXTENDED STAY
THE CAPE

Ref. 14F_PP - 4-DAY PRE-CRUISE PROGRAM

A rich diversity of excursions awaits you during your extended stay at the Cape: take in wonderful views from the Table Bay and the nearby peaks of the surrounding mountains, learn how Robben Island made its mark on history, meet with a hilarious penguin colony near Simon's Town and of course, taste some of the most famous local wines* when touring the oldest vineyard in South Africa. You will love this unique and captivating way of discovering South Africa!