Africa Trip Preparations

It was a morning that we were both looking forward to getting over. I did not know how or what shots we needed, I just wanted to be done with it. Calling to make our appointments for the consultation they would not let us meet together- I had a feeling that this would lead to some potential small issues, and it did. Sam was in her meeting when my name was called up front. There I am sitting down for the nurse to take my blood pressure, "you need to relax" she said after taking a reading. "I can't, I am here for who knows how many shots," I responded. The doctor basically had a list of every country that we would be traveling through and the risks for various things you really hope you never get. "you are going to be a human pin cushion" - oh, great. We were also written a prescription (Diamox) for our high altitude climb of Kili. Sam's doctor told her that her friend in great shape did not make the top from the altitude while a bunch of fat guys marched on past. It does not matter what shape you are in, it effects some more than others. We both then get out and compare the immunization recommendations. Sure enough Sam has down a shot yellow fever and I don't. I have down meningitis and she doesn't. We go upstairs to the doctor that gives the shots. I explain our situation and we talk for a few minutes and make a decision in which ones we would take. We ended up taking, hepatitis A and B, Polio, Yellow Fever, Typhoid and Tetnis. The only place that I heard of these diseases before was playing Oregon trail as a kid and my character dieing of Cholera. She whispers to me that she is going to give us tetanus and polio for free. She was the nicest lady ever. I would be first. I sit down and look over to my right and see all 4 shots lined up. The nurse takes a moment to figure out where she is going to shoot each one. One here, here, here and here. I put my head down and did not look. I always expect the worst so it was a piece of cake. Not much pain. Sam then sits down. During the second shot, the most painful, Sam yells in a bit of pain. The people in the lobby are glad that I did not have to hear a scream before going in. We were gladly done with the shots and picked up the prescriptions. We got the daily tablets for Malaria, not the Larium the one with the nasty side effects. The best part of going to the SDSU student center is all the prescriptions and shots are for cost, $350 for both of us. Luckily Typhoid could be taken orally for a few days that we need to take. It is a live culture so we had to drive home and get it in the refrigerator. That one must be taken with look-warm water, not hot or cold, so (it?) does not die. Very interesting.

The ultimate African safari - The Cape to Kenya is sure to exceed your expectations! Spanning seven countries and unforgettable highlights. From the imposing sand dunes of Namibia to the Okavango delta and Victoria Falls. Lake Malawi, Zanzibar and the Serengeti to name a few. Available as a camping or accommodated tour this is the epic adventure of a lifetime.

Day 1 South Africa - Cederberg
We depart Cape Town heading north for the Cederberg Mountain region. On this first afternoon we spend some time learning about tour-life, the vehicle and equipment.

Day 2 Namaqualand - Gariep River
We travel north through Namaqualand and head for the Gariep River. The night is spent around the campfire, getting to know one another.

Day 3 Namibia - Gariep River/Fish River Canyon
Choose between a relaxing morning on the riverbank or the half-day Canoe adventure. After lunch we travel north to the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world. Optional Activities: Orange River Half Day Canoe Adventure

Day 4 Namib - Naukluft NP
From the canyon we continue on into the remote Namibian hinterland. We arrive at camp in the afternoon and have time to go for a walk in to the smaller Sesriem Canyon. This is an excellent night to sleep out under the stars, beside the fire.

Day 5 Sossusvlei Dunes/Namib-Naukluft NP
Taking advantage of the cooler temperatures we depart at dawn and drive into the Namib-Naukluft National Park where we will hike up Dune 45 to gain a different perspective of the desert. After this you have the option to hike with fellow group members into Sossusvlei. Optional Activities: Guided walk with Local Expert

Day 6/7 Swakopmund
A dramatic drive through the arid Namib-Naukluft sees us arrive at Walvis Bay, then it's on to the seaside resort town of Swakopmund. Day 7 is left free for each individual to pursue their own interests including many adventure activities. Optional Activities: Quadbiking, Sandboarding, Sky Diving, Scenic Flights, Fishing etc

Day 8 Spitzkoppe
We leave all the trappings of modern life behind us and drive inland to the mysterious Spitzkoppe, a sacred site of the San people. We have the chance to climb the boulders and rock formations and will camp in the wild for the night. Optional Activities: Guided hike with locals to view San rock art.

Day 9 Himba Tribes
After some early morning exploration we head inland again and drive north towards Outjo. Tomorrow we will meet the Himba, encountering a totally different way of life is a moving experience for many people.

Day 10/11 Etosha National Park
An early rise sees us on our way to meet the local Himba people. After spending some time with them we head off to Etosha National Park and some of the most unique game viewing experiences in Africa. We spend our days visiting the abundant water holes for some excellent game photography.

Day 12/13 Northern Namibia
After an early morning game drive we set off towards Rundu on the Kavango River. In the evening we can enjoy a sunset cruise The next day we visit the local Ovambo villages. There are a number of different optional activities to take part in; alternatively a relaxing day by the river is always popular. Optional Activities: Kavango River Cruise, Traditional Dancing, Horse Riding

Day 14/15/16 Botswana - Okavango Delta
Those who opt to join the Delta Excursion will leave the truck behind and enter the Delta using local transport, including mokoros (dugout canoes). Your guides will provide you with a briefing about the next few days’ activities. If you remain behind then you spend the next few days relaxing at camp. Optional Activities: Okavango Delta Excursion

Day 17 Namibia - Caprivi National Park
The Delta is left behind as we pass through the Caprivi NP in Namibia, camping under the stars on the banks of the Zambezi River.

Day 18 Botswana - Chobe National Park
Our camp today is on the banks of the Chobe River. The afternoon is spent on an optional boat cruise into the renowned Chobe NP, an excellent opportunity for viewing some of the best African wildlife.
Optional Activities: Chobe Game Drive and/or Boat Cruise

Day 19/20/21 Zimbabwe - Victoria Falls
Arriving early at Victoria Falls, we have lunch and those who want to can visit the Falls. The popular optional sunset cruise includes dinner and drinks. Most people will spend a day white water rafting, a not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime! Vic Falls offers many exciting alternatives.
Optional Activities: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Victoria Falls NP,
White Water Rafting, Bungee Jump, Elephant Excursion, Dinner out

Day 22 Zambia - Victoria Falls
We spend the day enjoying the activities in Livingstone
or finalising arrangements for our trip.
Optional Activities: Zambezi sunset cruise, Vic Falls NP.

Day 23/24 Lusaka/Luangwa River
We leave behind the excitement of Vic Falls and head off on our expedition. Our route towards the bustling Zambian capital of Lusaka takes us along an interesting route. We begin the following day with some shopping in Lusaka before heading northeast towards the Luangwa River where we spend the night. This is an interesting area full of friendly locals and a walk along the river is a rewarding experience.

Day 25/26 South Luangwa National Park
We drive from Luangwa River to the South Luangwa National Park where we will spend two nights on the banks of the river. The second day is put aside for activities, you can choose between a morning or night game drive and a guided game walk accompanied by a professional local guide. If the South Luangwa NP is not for you then relax by the pool. On occasion in the rainy season it is impossible or inadvisable to attempt to reach South Luangwa NP, if this happens then an alternative itinerary will be chosen. Optional Activities: Game Drive, Night Drive and Game Walk in South Luangwa NP

Day 27 Malawi – Luwawa Forest
We leave South Luangwa NP early and pass through the Zambia-Malawi border. Heading north we enter the highlands of Malawi and spend the night at Luwawa Forest. There are some wonderful hikes in the area as well as other activities. Optional Activities: Fishing, Mountain Biking
Day 28/29/30/31 Central/Northern Lake Malawi
We soon catch sight of the lake where we will spend the next couple of carefree days. For the more adventurous there are endless leisure and water sport activities. Alternatively, soak up the atmosphere and relax in one of the most scenic and memorable holiday destinations in Africa!The evenings are spent beside its tranquil waters, enjoying the party atmosphere of this famous spot.

We continue a short way further along to the northern part of the lake and camp on the shore, close to the Livingstonia Mountains. Optional Activities: Scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, horse riding, craft shopping, hiking and more

Day 32/33 Tanzania – Iringa - Dar es Salaam
Today we make the border crossing out of Malawi. Leaving the lake behind us, we head for our first night in Tanzania, as we climb out of the Great Rift Valley through some spectacular mountain passes, we pass the vast tea plantations in the highlands to our camp outside Iringa. The next day we transit through Mikumi National Park to the historical
port city of Dar es Salaam.

Day 34/35/36 Zanzibar
A transfer by ferry takes us to Zanzibar where we will spend the next few days exploring this fascinating island with its renowned architecture, beautiful beaches and colourful people and history. The excursion is at your own expense and this can vary depending on your preferred level of accommodation and activities.
Optional Activities: Ferry, Food,
Accommodation, Spice Tours,
Dolphin Tours, Scuba Diving,
Snorkeling.

Day 37/38 Zanzibar/Dar es Salaam - Arusha
Today we reluctantly leave Zanzibar and catch a late ferry (or flight) back to Dar es Salaam and return to our campsite. The evening can be spent reminiscing back at the campsite. The next day we take a long and scenic drive to Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. If there are clear skies en-route we might see Mt Kilimanjaro. After arriving in Arusha we prepare to explore the Serengeti National Park.

Day 39/40 Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater
There are many options available, ranging from the one-day trip to the Ngorongoro crater, to a three-day trip into the Serengeti. As this is for your own expense, we give you every opportunity to match the activity to your budget. For those not going to the parks, take this opportunity to absorb some of the fascinating local culture. One of the guides will remain with those that decide to stay in Arusha.
Optional Activities: Serengeti/Ngorongoro Excursion.

Day 41 Arusha
Getting together again after our various game viewing activities in the game parks, we spend our last night in this beautiful country swapping 'big game' stories around the campfire. The group normally returns from the Serengeti excursion late in the afternoon.

pletion of your African adventure! ss
Optional Activities: Dinner at Carnivore.