Catalonian Trails
Explore truly wild countryside with beautiful natural scenery in the Garrotxa Natural Park.
The world's more beautiful on foot...
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at info@ramblersholidays.co.uk
Call us on 01707 331133
Or, email us at info@ramblersholidays.co.uk
Take a walking holiday in Southern Africa and explore the entire region. We take you on tour of the spectacular scenery and changing cultures.
Wildlife
Mar
Sep
Oct
What does this mean?
Tour codes: 48300
This is an exciting grade 4 walking holiday on which we travel through stunning scenery and can expect full or half days of leisurely walking. Our excursions might include several hours on foot, by canoe, motor launch, or safari car. Some of the short walks can be reasonably energetic and our itinerary can mean we that we might sometimes face walking in the heat of the day. The highest point reached on this holiday will be 1085m if we pursue the option to visit Table Mountain (weather dependant). Ascents and descents can be up to 600m.
Some days will be spent on leisurely walking around areas of special or historical interests. Other days will be spent on game drives within National Parks.
This holiday is for the traveller with a sense of adventure as we do spend a lot of time travelling on stone roads in order to cover the four countries that we will be visiting. We travel in a robust but comfortable 4-wheel-drive vehicle in which we encourage a policy of free-seating from day to day so that all can enjoy a fully shared experience as the journey unfolds.
The itinerary is adventurous, and we do go off the beaten track. We’ll explore lesser known destinations so local conditions, facilities and local transport may be more basic. Sometimes there may be changes to the itinerary at short notice for the purpose of following a route most expedient to circumstances on the day: however, the experience and stories to tell will be worth it!
Overview
Africa offers such real travel experiences. Where else can we enjoy close encounters with the 'Big 5', unique wildlife moments, towering sand dunes, flooded delta, cascading waterfalls and dramatic sunsets!
Begin in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, enjoying a guided tour of the falls and sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River. Moving on to Botswana in Chobe National Park, we spend the afternoon game viewing before rising early for a sunrise game drive when the animals are at their most active. We then cross into Namibia and drive through the Caprivi to our lodge on the banks of the Kwando River.
Back in Botswana, one of the main events of this holiday is the Okavango Delta. We spend days exploring the watery pathways by motorboat and traditional dugout canoe, or ‘mokoro’, but on dry land, we explore on foot in search of elephants, giraffe, waterbuck and other animals who call the Delta home.
Returning to Namibia we move on to Etosha National Park for two days of game drives in search of the Big Five, before making our way to the pleasant town of Swakopmund, which recalls Namibia's German colonial heritage.
Continuing south, we visit Namib Naukluft National Park and overnight at Maltahohe (Sesriem) before visiting the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei; these dunes can reach a height of 300m. We then move on to Fish River Canyon, a chasm 100 miles long where we walk the rim trail, before spending the night near the Orange River.
Say ‘hello’ to South Africa, our coastal route has us visiting Clanwilliam for one night before delivering us to Cape Town. To enjoy this picturesque city, we include a full day Cape Peninsula tour, visit to Table Mountain, and a trip to a winelands vineyard for wine tasting. A perfect end to a perfect trip!
Please note: This is a pioneer holiday and the itinerary and other arrangements may be subject to change at short notice. To enable us to include so many highlights in one trip, the distances travelled during this journey will be substantial. Some days will mainly be travel days with regular stops.
Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.
NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen
Explore the finest coastal trails, forests and gorges on our South Africa Garden Route tour.
Full and half day walks at a moderate pace over hilly terrain.
Most of these holidays have an element of sightseeing as well.
Half day walks will probably involve about 3 hours of walking, with full day walks having around 5 hours. Expect ascents and descents of up to 600m.
Departure dates
Take a guided holiday hiking in South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains and experience the incredible panoramic views that such amazing surroundings provide.
Full day walks with appreciable amounts of ascent and descent.
These walks are in more remote areas such as Andorra or northern Portugal.
Similar to Grade 5, but with most of the walks at the upper level of ascent/descent, time and distance.
Departure dates
Small country, big adventure! Explore the South and North Islands on our ultimate walking holiday in New Zealand
Full and half day walks at a moderate pace over hilly terrain.
Most of these holidays have an element of sightseeing as well.
Half day walks will probably involve about 3 hours of walking, with full day walks having around 5 hours. Expect ascents and descents of up to 600m.
Departure dates
An memorable adventure, exploring Vietnam - from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.
Easy countryside walking with plenty of breaks, normally taking up the whole day.
Most of these holidays have an element of sightseeing.
You are unlikely to walk more than 6 miles and the cumulative ascents and descents will be gradual and range from minimal to 300m.
Departure dates
Itinerary & Travel
Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we may unfortunately need to withdraw a tour that is currently confirmed to operate and we therefore reserve the right to cancel your booking. We would always do our utmost to give you plenty of notice should we have to do this. Selected elements of this tour, including local attractions and restaurants, may change at late notice. Please ensure you have valid insurance cover before you travel.
Accommodation
Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.
A’Zambezi Lodge is located close the Zambezi Rivers edge and decorated in traditional African-style design, that blends perfectly into its surrounding environment. The lodge consist of 83 thatched covered rooms, each with lush green lawns. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, in-room tea and coffee-making facilities, telephone and satellite TV.
Chobe Safari Lodge is located on the banks of the Chobe River in northern Botswana, situated in the town of Kasane, where the borders of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia meet. Accommodation is either in the luxury River Rooms, Safari Rooms, or the traditional thatched rondavels. Our groups will usually stay in the Safari Rooms, which include ensuite facilities with bath and shower, air conditioning, satellite TV, telephone and a private patio. The lodge has a number of facilities including an outdoor pool, a cocktail bar, the Sedudu Bar; overlooking Sedudu Island in the Chobe River, an internet café, a volleyball and squash court, a health and beauty salon and a curio and craft shop.
On the banks of the Kwando River, that separates Namibia and Botswana, we stay at Kwando Camp on the Namibian side. The Camp takes advantage of the beautiful location, with thatched ‘island tents’ built on poles with a deck overlooking the river. These bungalows are more like huts or chalets than tents, and come with en suite facilities and mosquito nets. The thatched roof provides thermal regulation, cooling the rooms in summer and keeping them warm in winter.
Electricity is provided at the most required times by a generator.
Pepere Island Tented Camp is located deep in the delta on a remote island set on the Pepere Lagoon. The accommodation consist of 12 Meru style tents, all overlooking the delta and have their own shower and WC facilities.
Namibia's n'Kwazi lodge is situated in northern Namibia, 21 km east of Rundu. The lodge offers environment friendly bungalows with ensuite facilities. Wi-Fi is usually available in the lodge's bar and lounge area.
To allow us to explore different areas of Etosha National Park, we will stay in two different camps during our time here. Namutoni Camp is located in the northern section of the park. The lodge centres on an old German Fort overlooking the King Nehale waterhole; an elevated decked walkway provides excellent opportunities for enjoying the surrounding scenery, wildlife and the spectacular sunsets. The Fort has been developed into a hub of activity, offering two restaurants, a relaxation lounge, a bar, crafts boutique, curio shop, jewellers and bookstore. Our accommodation is provided in comfortable double rooms or bush chalets.
Our second camp is Okaukeujo Camp, located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia. Famous for its flood-lit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting. Accommodation is provided in double rooms or bush chalets, some of which overlook the waterhole. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, and swimming pool.
Stay@Swakop lies in a quiet street of Swakopmund, yet it is only a three minutes' drive from the centre of town. A shuttle service is offered to town and the beach. All rooms are equipped with TV, WIFI internet, a safe, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Zebra River Lodge is built in an environmentally sensitive manner, primarily from local stone, in an attractive 'afro-village' style. The hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop and swimming pool.
Ai-Ais lies at the southern end of the Fish River conservation area. The main attraction at the resort is the spa complex, the water has natural curative ingredients and is especially therapeutic for rheumatism sufferers. The resort has a restaurant and bar, laundry services, and a safe available. Rooms are equipped with a fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning and most rooms have a balcony, some of which overlook the mountains.
Camp Provenance offers African Style Cabana accommodation, overlooking the Orange River. Each room has ensuite facilities and air conditioning. The camp facilities include a pool, a bar, a restaurant, a laundry and a shop.
Clanwilliam Lodge is nestled in the Cederberg region known for it's unique and expansive wild flower carpets in season and exclusive Rooibos tea farms, and only a two hour drive away from Cape Town. The lodge offers 32 luxury air conditioned rooms of varying styles.
Housed in a charming, six-storey, 1930s Art Deco building, the 40onBurg Hotel is conveniently located just steps away from Greenmarket Square. The hotel offers comfortable rooms complete with all the necessary modern conveniences.
Trip Information
This is an exciting grade 4 walking holiday on which we travel through stunning scenery and can expect full or half days of leisurely walking. Our excursions might include several hours on foot, by canoe, motor launch, or safari car. Some of the short walks can be reasonably energetic and our itinerary can mean we that we might sometimes face walking in the heat of the day. The highest point reached on this holiday will be 1085m if we pursue the option to visit Table Mountain (weather dependant). Ascents and descents can be up to 600m.
Some days will be spent on leisurely walking around areas of special or historical interests. Other days will be spent on game drives within National Parks.
This holiday is for the traveller with a sense of adventure as we do spend a lot of time travelling on stone roads in order to cover the four countries that we will be visiting. We travel in a robust but comfortable 4-wheel-drive vehicle in which we encourage a policy of free-seating from day to day so that all can enjoy a fully shared experience as the journey unfolds.
The itinerary is adventurous, and we do go off the beaten track. We’ll explore lesser known destinations so local conditions, facilities and local transport may be more basic. Sometimes there may be changes to the itinerary at short notice for the purpose of following a route most expedient to circumstances on the day: however, the experience and stories to tell will be worth it!
Please note that for some activities during the holiday, local regulations require participants to sign a disclaimer prior to taking part in an activity to clarify that you understand the nature of the activity and are making an informed decision to proceed.
Local Transport Costs
All local transport costs in conjunction with the advertised activity programme are included in the holiday cost. There may be occasions where additional visits or excursions are added to enrich your experience, these will be paid for locally by you if you choose to participate. Local transport can be a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses and ferries depending on the itinerary.
Optional Excursions
A range of local excursions and activities may be available to book at your destination through a local operator. We have no involvement in such activities or excursions which are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by us. Your contract will be with the local activity supplier and we accept no responsibility for their actions or omissions.
Holiday Budgeting
When budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, any meals not included in the holiday price, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. A general guideline for lunches and drinks is £10-£20 per person per day.
Currency in South Africa
The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).
Currency in Namibia
The currency used in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (NAD) - although the South African Rand is also widely accepted.
Currency in Botswana
Botswana’s currency is Pula. Travellers cheques are accepted at some banks and ATMS are available in the major towns, however, mostly only accept Visa. Major credit cards are accepted at many shops and restaurants.
Currency in Zimbabwe
As of 24 June 2019, Zimbabwe have announced that all financial transactions are officially conducted in the local currency known as “Zimbabwe Dollars.” Prices and transactions will be displayed in Zimbabwean (RTGS) dollars, however you may find that US dollars are accepted in some businesses. You should check before making a transaction whether the price quoted is in Zimbabwean (RTGS) or US dollars as the symbol for both is $, and it is recommended to check exchange rates prior to any transaction. Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a severe shortage of cash. It’s not currently possible to make cash withdrawals with an international bank card.
Credit Cards are readily acceptable everywhere in Zimbabwe where the relevant arrangements have been made with the International Credit Card Companies such as VISA, MASTERCARD and others issued by different banks in the countries of origin of the travellers. Visitors are required to make the necessary arrangements with their banks before embarking on travel and when in the destination they need to look out for the logos of their respective credit cards. Visitors are however encouraged to use plastic money and only exchange amounts of money in cash that they anticipate using. Visitors may convert their money back to their foreign currency subject to prevailing terms and conditions. This may include proof in the prescribed format that one changed money upon their arrival.
Tipping is not a commercial transaction and hence visitors are at liberty to tip the way they want. It becomes incumbent upon the recipient to ensure adherence to the foreign exchange regulations.
It’s illegal to leave Zimbabwe with more than $2,000 (or equivalent) in cash. It’s illegal to exchange foreign currency anywhere other than at officially licensed dealers (eg banks or bureau de change). It is a good idea to carry small denomination notes as change is rarely available in smaller businesses.
Tipping
Although entirely at your own discretion, tipping is an important aspect of tourism and hospitality life and expectations are fairly high. In order to simplify tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff & to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by us together with, if you wish, a contribution from you, which he/she will collect during the holiday.
Tour Leaders
Your tour leader makes the world of difference to your holiday and ours are as passionate about discovering the world on foot as you are. They're resourceful, organised and widely travelled. They will handle all the local administration and other needs that might arise to ensure that you don't have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday. Although leading group holidays, they won't forget that every group is made up of individuals. Each tour leader has their own individual style, talents and professional backgrounds and all are trained, qualified, experienced and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting and inspiring as possible.
Leader's Evening Briefing
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss with you the programme for the following day. This will be your opportunity to discuss the details and ensure the planned activities suit your walking ability. If you have concerns on clothing or equipment, this can be discussed then also. If you do not wish to join the organised group programme, please let the leader know.
Flights are from London to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and return from Cape Town (South Africa). On this holiday we will be travelling in a 24 seater overland vehicle; which is equipped with, a large cooler box to store your drinks and snacks, charging facilities and USB ports, and individual lockers to store your bags. Please ensure that your bags are of the following dimensions: 35cm wide and 80cm long, the soft variety can be stored better in the lockers provided in the truck, but so long as your hard case are of the dimensions suggested this type of bag can also be used. Some of the game drives will take place in 4x4 Toyota Landcruisers, others will be in our overland vehicle which has large windows that open wide for good viewing opportunities. This is an adventurous holiday and some of the countries we will be visiting have relatively underdeveloped transportation infrastructure on frequently un-maintained roads. It is vital that this holiday is approached in the ‘pioneer’ spirit indicated by the grading. Some journeys can be long and may involve us travelling for a good part of the day, we will try and stop as frequent as possible for comfort stops and to allow you to stretch your legs. Please do not underestimate the demanding nature of a journey such as this. With that said it is a journey of a life time, and the long distances travelled will allow us to see the wonderfully scenic and contrasting landscapes, nature and wildlife in four different African countries. |
Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements?
If you wish to organise your own flights from a non-UK or provincial airport or travel by rail or car to your holiday destination, 'land only' reductions are often available. Please contact us for details.
Before finalising any independent travel arrangements, please check with us first - especially if doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended date of travel. If you do intend to join your holiday locally please do tell us at least 14 weeks in advance.
If you are joining and leaving your holiday overseas we assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.
Although airport transfers are not included for those making their own independent travel arrangements, if you wish to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time, you may be able to be included on the group's transfer. Please contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.
Please note that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be able to join the group transfer. We also need your flight number, arrival time and departure point so that the group leader is able to meet up with you.
Luggage Allowance & Travel Documents
For all those booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent to you approximately 10 days prior to departure.
Personal Details Check
To ensure that we can accurately administer your holiday arrangements, please confirm that the personal details we hold for you are up to date and that you have provided the information we need to secure your holiday travel and accommodation arrangements. Please check your passport details, date of birth and any other important details necessary for us to properly manage your holiday booking. You can view and update information already provided, and add details not yet asked for, by using the Manage My Booking facility on our website www.ramblersholidays.co.uk, or by calling our Sales and Reservations team on +44 (0)1707 331133. When you receive your booking confirmation please check the details as soon as possible.
You may be required to provide proof that you have been fully vaccinated when travelling or in your destination. Proof of vaccination can either be digital via the NHS app or a printed copy via NHS Hard Copy. We recommend allowing seven working days for your printed copy to arrive. Please note both the NHS app and printed copy are only valid for 30 days.
We anticipate that all travellers will need to be fully vaccinated including the booster jab and to carry proof of this with them at all times. Some indoor venues require, and may ask for proof of vaccination, as well as masks becoming mandatory for indoor public spaces, and we ask you to be prepared for this.
Local Guidance & Travel Restrictions
Use our handy tool here to check Zimbabwe's current local guidance and entry requirements.
Local Guidance & Travel Restrictions
Use our handy tool here to check South Africa's current local guidance and entry requirements.
Local Guidance & Travel Restrictions
Use our handy tool here to check Namibia's current local guidance and entry requirements.
Local Guidance & Travel Restrictions
Use our handy tool here to check Botswana's current local guidance and entry requirements.
General Passport Advice
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country.
Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements.
General passport advice for UK nationals on the UK Government website.
You must ensure you check all entry requirements in good time by reviewing the official FCDO advice for your destination. Please take time to read and regularly check this website for changes to the entry requirements and any local restrictions.
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are provided except for two lunches and five dinners, which will be at your own expense. Most breakfasts and some lunches and dinners will be taken at the hotels and lodges, others will be prepared and cooked for us by a cook travelling with us on the tour.
The hotel(s) listed within this document are examples of standard only. Whilst we strive to deliver the hotel(s) listed within this Holiday Information Sheet, there will be times throughout the year when they change. If this occurs, we will advise you as such. From time to time hotels will change near to departure and you will not be advised until after arriving into the destination. We always aim to provide a replacement of similar standard and location, although we cannot guarantee similar facilities such as pool or bar.
Footwear
Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.
General Kit List
Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.
If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:
This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.
Safari Clothing Advice
For the game drive/walk section of the holiday we recommend you bring clothing that is in keeping with the natural environment; natural, earthy tones work best such as browns, khaki and beige. Bright colours can scare off game, as these are colours that are not ones that they are generally familiar with. For the evening and early morning game drives a fleece or jacket and long trousers are recommended as it can become chilly during these periods and the vehicle's that we travel in can be open to the elements.
Please refer to the details given about malaria precautions and the advice given on wearing long sleeve tops and long trousers and closed shoes.
We recommend that you bring a torch with you, which will be useful when staying at the tented camps, where light is usually solar powered and poor or no lighting will be available in the evenings.
Binoculars will also be useful for wildlife spotting whilst on the game drives.
Travel Documents Checklist
Documents and Information to take with you:
Electricity in Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe the electricity is supplied at 230V A/C, and sockets accept 15 amp. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a three-pin plug with round pin, the three-pin square plug (as used in the UK) is also used. Many of the accommodation we use have both. More information can be found at www.powerplugadapter.uk.
Electricity in South Africa
In South Africa the electricity is supplied at 220-240V A/C. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a three-pin plug with round pins. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
Electricity in Namibia
In Namibia the electricity is supplied at 220V A/C, and sockets accept 15 amp. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a three-pin plug with round pins. More information can be found at ttps://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
Electricity in Botswana
In Botswana the electricity is supplied at 230V A/C, and sockets accept 15 amp. If you wish to use electrical equipment you will need a three-pin plug with round pin, the three-pin square plug (as used in the UK) is also used. Many of the accommodation we use have both. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/
Water To Go
An alternative to bottled water from single-use sealed water bottles is filtered water from a refillable bottle containing its own water filter such as a Water-to-go bottle available from www.watertogo.eu. Just fill up from any water source and save the environment from disposable plastic bottles.
We have negotiated an exclusive 15% discount with our partners Water-to-Go for you as a thank you for helping the environment. Please go to their website at www.watertogo.eu and enter the code RWH17 when ordering. In addition, Water-to-Go will match the discount with a donation to our charity, Heart & Sole, which will allow us to continue to make a difference in the countries you visit on our holidays.
Maps, Guidebooks & More
Zimbabwe National Tourist Board www.zimbabwetourism.net
Botswana Tourism www.botswanatourism.org.uk
Namibia Tourism Board www.namibiatourism.com.na
South African Tourist Board www.southafrica.net
The Map Shop
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.
Weather
Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:
Health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP.
Health Advice for Zimbabwe
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Zimbabwe.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid immunisation is recommended.
You might also like to consider immunisation against Rabies, Cholera, Diphtheria and Hepatitis B.
Malaria is present throughout the year in Zimbabwe; please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic.
There is a risk of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection (also known as bilharzia) that is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic.
Health Advice for South Africa
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to South Africa.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
Diphtheria and Hepatitis A immunisations are recommended.
You might also like to consider immunisation against Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus, Cholera and Typhoid.
There is low to no risk of Malaria in South Africa, apart from the Kruger National Park where the risk is high.
There is a risk of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection (also known as bilharzia) that is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic.
Health Advice for Namibia
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Namibia.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid and Diphtheria immunisations are recommended.
You might also like to consider immunisations against Cholera, Rabies and Hepatitis B.
There is a risk of Malaria from November to June in the northern third of Namibia. There is a low risk of malaria in this part of the country during the rest of the year. There is a risk throughout the year in the Caprivi Strip, Kavango and Kunene river regions. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic.
There is a risk of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection (also known as bilharzia) that is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water.
Health Advice for Botswana
No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Botswana.
You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.
Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid immunisations are recommended.
You might also like to consider immunisations against Rabies and Hepatitis B.
There is a risk of Malaria from November to June in the northern half of Botswana, including the Okavango Delta, there is a low risk during the rest of the year. There is a low to no risk of malaria in the southern half of the country. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic.
There is a risk of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection (also known as bilharzia) that is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water. Please seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic.
Further Travel Advice
For further advice please visit:
You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.
It is a condition of booking with Ramblers Walking Holidays that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the trip, including all optional activities.
Your travel insurance policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation. Please ensure your policy covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are walking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. Medical and repatriation insurance cover are not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Whoever you insure with, please ensure that you take full details, and ideally the policy itself, with you on holiday and provide our tour leader with your insurer's name, the policy number and emergency assistance contact numbers.
Please note that it is very difficult to obtain travel insurance once your holiday arrangements have started.
Covid-19 Cover
If you should have symptoms and test positive for Covid-19 whilst abroad, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative and you may have to seek treatment. We strongly recommend that you take out an insurance policy that covers you for this eventuality.
Looking for travel insurance?
If you have not already arranged cover, please visit SunWorld who offer travel insurance.
SunWorld policies include cover for COVID-19, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office provides up to date information on security and local laws for travellers, together with current passport and visa information, at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Please take a few minutes to look at the current advice on your planned destination.
Please be aware of what's going on around you, take sensible precautions with your credit cards and passport and avoid displays of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches. Do not carry more cash on you than you will need for each day, and we recommend that a money belt is used.
Responsible Travel
We're committed to ethical tourism in all our destinations. Our holidays are designed for you to discover the essence of the country you are visiting. Travelling in small groups not only gives you an up close and personal experience of your destination, but minimises your impact on the immediate environment. We feel that the most important starting point to protect the environment is to be out in it. For more details visit our website.
The Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust
Unlike many tour operators we have our own trust through which RWH Travel’s profits are channelled back into a variety of outdoor, walking-related or environmental conservation projects in the UK. The focus of the Trust’s financial support is Britain’s leading walking charity, The Ramblers, and their role in promoting the benefits and importance of walking to the British public. In addition the Trust welcomes applications for small grants from local organisations in the UK who need support for walking-orientated activities. This includes the establishment of footpaths and bridleways, funding for rebuilding bridges and renovating huts, as well as bursary funding for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for children who could not otherwise afford to do it. Please visit the ‘About Us’ section of our website and click on the Charitable Trust link for more details.
Heart and Sole
We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.
Mobile Phones
Please do provide us with a mobile phone contact number. We will only use this to contact you with important information relating to your holiday arrangements.
Do keep your mobile phones switched on and readily available when travelling to the airport or if delayed in transit so that we can contact you with any last minute information relating to your travel arrangements.
As a matter of courtesy, please switch off your mobile phone during walks, or endeavour to minimise its use. Please also try to minimise the use of mobile devices during group meals.
Reviews
Useful Information
Capital
Currency
Language
Time Difference
Flight duration
Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 91mm
February
Avg. Rain: 80mm
March
Avg. Rain: 56mm
April
Avg. Rain: 33mm
May
Avg. Rain: 8mm
June
Avg. Rain: 2mm
July
Avg. Rain: 1mm
August
Avg. Rain: 2mm
September
Avg. Rain: 8mm
October
Avg. Rain: 28mm
November
Avg. Rain: 56mm
December
Avg. Rain: 74mm
Capital
Currency
Language
Time Difference
Flight duration
Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 67mm
February
Avg. Rain: 75mm
March
Avg. Rain: 63mm
April
Avg. Rain: 23mm
May
Avg. Rain: 3mm
June
Avg. Rain: 1mm
July
Avg. Rain: 0mm
August
Avg. Rain: 1mm
September
Avg. Rain: 2mm
October
Avg. Rain: 8mm
November
Avg. Rain: 26mm
December
Avg. Rain: 36mm
Capital
Currency
Language
Time Difference
Flight duration
Visas and Passports
January
Avg. Rain: 91mm
February
Avg. Rain: 80mm
March
Avg. Rain: 75mm
April
Avg. Rain: 51mm
May
Avg. Rain: 32mm
June
Avg. Rain: 28mm
July
Avg. Rain: 25mm
August
Avg. Rain: 29mm
September
Avg. Rain: 36mm
October
Avg. Rain: 61mm
November
Avg. Rain: 78mm
December
Avg. Rain: 81mm
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