The Ubuntu Volun-tour
23 Days - Camping

 PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A BRAND NEW TOUR BEING LAUNCHED SHORTLY.

There is NO single supplement option on this tour.  Please note Local Payment is in Rand.

COUNTRIES VISITED:  SOUTH AFRICA, SWAZILAND, LESOTHO (OPTIONAL)


DAY 1 CAPE TOWN TO OUDTSHOORN
Camp L,D
We meet at the Nomad office in Cape Town for a short briefing over coffee. Your guide will be assessing everyone’s skills for the volunteer projects ahead as well as answering any questions you have. On our way to Oudtshoorn we will stop at a wine farm to taste some of South Africa’s excellent wine while getting to know one another. In the afternoon we will be travelling to Oudtshoorn along the longest wine route in the world on Route 62, before we get to our first camp, where we learn about the vehicle and how to put up the tents.

Oudtshoorn – Ostrich Capital of the World
Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich feather capital of the world. It was named after Baron Pieter von Rheede von Oudtshoorn, who died in 1773 on his way to the Cape to become Governor. The town was founded in 1847. The town is situated 300 m above sea level, with the Swartberg Mountain range to the north and Outeniqua range to the south. Arbeidsgenot, the home of Cornelius Jacob Langenhoven was built here. Langenhoven was the author of the old South African National anthem, “Die Stem” which still forms part of the new National Anthem.

Ostrich feathers where obligatory items of high fashion just before world war one. The great feather boom began around 1870. At it’s height there were more than 750 000 domesticated ostriches in the little Karoo area and feathers where being exported at the rate of about 450 000kg’s a year. Then came world war one and this austerity became a way of supporting the war effort. Many farmers went bankrupt in this time. In later years the industry revived with the demand for ostrich leather, biltong, eggs and feathers. At present there are about 90 000 Ostriches in the Little Karoo.

DAY 2 CANGO CAVES AND KNYSNA
Dorm Rooms B, L,D
After an early breakfast we will be visiting the world-famous Cango Caves for a guided tour of this magnificent natural wonder. In the afternoon we will be travelling to the coast of the Garden Route at Knysna, the site of our first volunteer project.

Cango Caves
Common myth has it that the Caves were first explored by a local farmer named Jacobus van Zyl (after who the first chamber, van Zyl’s Hall, was named) – although research fails to reveal anybody by that name in the Cango area in the 1770’s. And besides – we now know that the Caves have been known to man since the Early Stone Age.

Still, even if there never was a Jacobus van Zyl, the Cango Caves have been at the forefront of tourism in South Africa since the end of the 17th century: the first to be protected by environmental legislation and the first to employ a full-time tourist guide, they remain South Africa’s oldest tourist attraction

In the 19th century, entrance to the Caves cost 5 rix dollars – the modern equivalent of about R500.00 – but that even didn’t deter them and many carted away parts of the delicate stalactites and stalagmites for souvenirs or engraved their names onto the walls. In response, the governor of the Cape Colony, Lord Charles Somerset, published the first Caves Regulation in 1820. The 1st law designed to protect an environmental resource in South Africa; it banned the collection of souvenirs, proved for fines for anyone caught damaging Caves formations and prescribed an entrance fee which had to be paid to the District Officer – who was made responsible for enforcing the rules.

Many of the most significant discoveries in the Caves were made by its first full-time guide, Johnnie van Wassenaar. – who served for 43 years: from 1891 until his retirement in 1934. He opened many side chambers and introduced thousands of people to Cango 1, which remains the only part of the Caves which the public may visit. Importantly, though, it is clear that the Caves were known to man long before Europeans first landed at the Cape: recent finds – of some tool left behind in ancient hearths in the Cave mouth – prove that humans have lived and sheltered here for at least 80 000 years.

The Cango Caves reveal their secrets painfully slowly. Where once we thought that they’d been inhabited for a thousand centuries, recent archaeological finds have now proved that they’ve sheltered us for more than 80 000 years.
Where once we thought that they were only about one kilometre in length, we now know that they extend for well over 5 kilometres – and that they could be even bigger still.

But the Caves’ history and their size are just two of their many mysteries. The skeletons of three genets (small cats) have been found in Cango 2: is there another secret entrance to the Caves? Or were these unfortunates drowned and left behind by receding floodwaters? And how did the skeletons of bats – which have also been found in Cango 2 – become enclosed in calcite many hundreds of even thousands of years ago?

DAY 3 & 4 KNYSNA AND THE JUDAH SQUARE RASTAFARIAN COMMUNITY
Day 3 - Dorm Rooms B, L,D   Day 4 - Camp B, L,D
For the next 2 days we will be assisting the local Rastafarian community in Knysna. Based on your skills assessment you can volunteer with one of the following tasks: Assisting in the creche’s or orphanage, youth training, maintenance of the Health Garden, Community Centre or the upkeep of the Khayaletu River Trail. As we have 2 full days here, you will get to experience more than one aspect of this vibrant community upliftment project. On Day 4 we depart late in the afternoon to the Tsitsikamma Forest.

Judah Square Rastafarian Community
NB: It is extremely important to note that as we are volunteering at a Rastafarian Community you need to be aware that all alcohol is strictly forbidden and that the tabernacle needs to be respected as holy ground.

On the morning of day 3 and the whole of day 4 you will enter the surrounding community in order to become involved in a variety of activities. Those of you who go to the Creche will assist the in teaching and caring for the children. Those that go to the orphanage will change nappies, bath babies, make lunches and help with the rest of the duties involved in bringing up children. Clients helping out on the river trail will help maintain the paths and bridges, remove alien vegetation and clean out litter. Those at the health garden will help with the weeding, watering planting and harvesting or help in the workings of the community centre. Clients with teachable skills, such as mechanics, cooks, seamstresses and the like will be able to assist in training the townships youth at the Sinethemba youth centre. In the evenings, members of Judah squares bands often practise in the music room which interested parties can attend.

DAY 5 TSITSIKAMMA FOREST
Camp B,L,D
Tsitsikamma is one of South Africa’s most famous natural heritage areas and there are many different ways in which to enjoy this scenic destination. For the brave, there is the worlds highest bungee at 216m, but for the rest of us there are some wonderful hiking trails and also the opportunity to rent Mountain Bikes or ride a horse through the forests here. Many people choose to walk the first few kilometres of South Africa’s famous Otter Trail. Optional Activities: Bungy jumping (highest in the world), treetop canopy tours, hiking, mountain biking.

Tsitsikamma National Park
Tsitsikamma National Park is the third most frequently visited out of the twenty national parks in South Africa. The Park conserves a considerable portion of the natural biota (all living organisms) of the Garden Route. The primary vegetation biomes consist of Mountain Fynbos, Coastal Fynbos, Afromontane Forest and the Marine herb land-, inter-tidal-, and sub-tidal zones. The mean annual rainfall is 1200 mm. Tsitsikamma National Park protects a wonderland of inter-tidal and marine life. This is one of the largest single unit ‘no take’ (including fishing) Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in the world, conserving 11 percent of South Africa’s Temperate South Coast rocky shoreline and provides a ‘laboratory’ for fisheries baseline research on endangered linefish species. In 1964 when it was proclaimed, it became the first Marine National Park to be proclaimed in Africa.

Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan (Early inhabitants of the area) word meaning, “place of much water.” The Park incorporates 80 km of rocky coastline with spectacular sea and landscapes, a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys covered in mountain fynbos and temperate high forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea. Tsitsikamma’s spectacular scenery includes the Indian Ocean breakers, pounding rocky shores beneath 180 m high cliffs. Thriving ever-green forests and fynbos (proteas and heath) dominate the rolling hills down to the sea in a lush carpet, where ancient rivers have carved their path to the ocean through rocky ravines.

In the forest there are several massive trees, the tallest of these is 36 m, some are more than 1000 years old. The forest has more than 30 species of indigenous trees. Tsitsikamma National Park is situated at the heart of the picturesque tourist region known as the Garden Route, found in the Southern Cape of South Africa.

DAY 6 HOGSBACK
Camp B,L,D
From Tsitsikamma to Hogsback is a fairly long drive, but extremely scenic. We will arrive in the late afternoon in time for a hike (weather dependant) in the mountains.

Hogsback
The town of Hogsback nestles on the slopes of the Amatola Mountains and is particularly renowned for its indigenous forests and its fairytale landscape. The Amatola Mountains rise from the dry grasslands and hot valleys, their green flanks an oasis of jewelled colours and coolness. Paths lead through the indigenous rainforest that crowds the slopes, to waterfalls sparkling down the cliffs. Misty rainbows lead to the pots of gold and fairy hideaways.

The Hogsback Mountain, 1937 meters high, overlooks a handsome forest where azaleas, rhododendrons, daffodils and many other species of European plants and fruits grow as well as a profusion of berries. Paths have been laid out through the forest and breathtaking views greet the climber after an easy hike to the top of the peaks. The Xhosa call it Qabimbola (red clay on the face) because the clay dug from the pits is red and is used for facial decoration and skin protection.

Rumour has it that J.R.R Tolkien was inspired in part by the Hogsback when he created his classic Lord of the Rings trilogy. This wonderland caters for many outdoor activities from angling to rock climbing. The magnificent Amatola Mountains and the Hogsback have this Pan-like ability to lead you astray and lose track of time as you are lulled by the awe-inspiring beauty and the whispering cool breezes.

DAY 7, 8 & 9 LUSIKISIKI COMMUNITY PROJECT
Camp B,L,D
The Eastern Cape is one of the least developed provinces in South Africa, and Lusikisiki is one of the least developed areas in this province. The project in this community will change from trip to trip as we assist with building and providing necessary infrastructure. One of the community projects is involved in the production of leather sandals, you will learn how to make these sandals while spending a day with the workers, at the end of the day you will get to keep and wear the sandals you have made. Tree planting, teaching basic English skills and alien vegetation clearing can all form part of your contribution to this impoverished area. Optional Activities: Abseiling, Hiking and Zip-line

Lusikisiki Community Project
This project lies right in the heart of the traditional Xhosa homeland and as such we need to be extremely sensitive about our level of impact. You need to be aware that in this extremely remote rural area we are ambassadors of western culture, which is much aspired to. As difficult as it may be, you are required to meet any requests for physical goods with a polite and firm no. We do not want to create a village of opportunists. Our camp is on the verge of the community and there is no separation between us and them, so overt displays of wealth are not advised. The ablution facilities are basic and you will need to carry your own water from a nearby spring for ablution purposes. As we have 2 days here there will be different activities on each of the days. On one day we will plant trees and on the other we will assist with the leather workshop.

DAY 10 & 11 DRAKENSBERG
Camp B,L,D
On day 10 we depart Lusikisiki and have a fairly long drive to the Drakensberg in Kwa Zulu Natal. On reaching this magnificent mountain region we have a day free to relax, or take a day trip in to neighbouring Lesotho, the Mountain Kingdom. Optional Activities: Day trip to Lesotho, mountain biking, Heritage site hike, rock climbing and horse riding.

Drakensberg
The Northern and Central Drakensberg area has some of the most beautiful scenery that can be imagined. The area falls into four valleys, beginning with the Champagne Valley in the Central Berg, through the Cathedral Peak and Didima Valley, then the Royal Natal National Park and Amphitheatre Valley, and finally the Middledale Pass Valley in the Northern Berg. Each of the four valleys has its own kind of beauty and character; all have magnificent mountain views

DAY 12 AMPHITHEATRE DONGA RECLAMATION PROJECT
Camp B,L,D
No high-level skills are required today, just enthusiasm and the knowledge that you will be making a positive environmental impact. The Gully (Donga) Reclamation project aims to return the land to a more sustainable state, where the ravages of erosion have been repaired and native plants reintroduced. Fencing needs to be erected to keep livestock out of sensitive areas, vegetation needs to be re-introduced and gullys need to be filled.

Ampitheatre Donga Reclamation Project
A Donga is basically a large hole or gully that has been gouged out of the land by water and erosion. This is caused by over-intensive land usage that has stripped the land of the essential vegetation required to keep the land strong enough to withstand the natural weather elements. Our project for the day will be on the outskirts of a community at the base of the Drakensberg. Their proximity to the world heritage site has restricted the community grazing lands and the intensive land use has resulted in massive erosion that threatens the sustainability of the community. Today we will be repairing the dongas, this is not a glamorous project, shovels will be well used!

DAY 13 DURBAN
Dorm Rooms B, L
Durban is one of South Africa’s largest cities and is situated on the Indian Ocean coastline. We will arrive in the late afternoon and visit one of the colourful local markets before we check in to our hostel. This evening we will go out to one of Durban’s many superb restaurants for a meal and for those that want to check out the local nightlife there will be ample opportunity. Optional Activities: Dinner and night out in the city.

Durban
Durban is the metropolitan area comprising of Durban, Pinetown, Inanda and Umlazi, with close to two million people living here. The first European settlers were mostly survivors of shipwrecks. One of these survivors, Rodrigo Tristaa, survived a wreck in 1552 of the Portuguese galleon Saint John, and was the first to make his home here. Vasco Da Gama had applied the name Natal (nativity) to this stretch of coast (first seen on Christmas day 1497). The entrance to the bay was known as Rio de Natal (river of the nativity). The Zulu nation’s formation provided wealth for a trade market in this area. The merchants set up a harbour where the base of trade with Zulus could be formed. Durban was thus created by a population of 26 hard-living traders and ivory hunters. It was named on 23 June 1835, after the governor of the Cape, Sir Benjamin D’Urban.

DAY 14 iSIMANGALISO (GREATER ST LUCIA) WETLAND PARK
Camp B,L,D
We will leave Durban and drive north towards one of South Africa’s most well known World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso (Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park. In the afternoon we will go on a boat cruise on the lagoon in order to experience the natural beauty of this wonderful park.

iSimangaliso (Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park
The iSimangaliso site consists of thirteen contiguous protected areas with a total size of 234,566 hectares. The site is the largest estuarine system in Africa and includes the southernmost extension of coral reefs on the continent. The site contains a combination of on-going fluvial, marine and aeolian processes that have resulted in a variety of landforms and ecosystems. Features include wide submarine canyons, sandy beaches, forested dune cordon and a mosaic of wetlands, grasslands, forests, lakes and savanna. The variety of morphology as well as major flood and storm events contribute to ongoing evolutionary processes in the area.

Natural phenomena include: shifts from low to hyper-saline states in the Park’s lakes; large numbers of nesting turtles on the beaches; the migration of whales, dolphins and whale-sharks off-shore; and huge numbers of waterfowl including large breeding colonies of pelicans, storks, herons and terns. The Park’s location between sub-tropical and tropical Africa as well as its coastal setting has resulted in exceptional biodiversity including some 521 bird species. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and you can learn more at http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/914

DAY 15 HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI NATIONAL PARK AND SWAZILAND
Camp B,L,D
Today we will get up very early in order to take a Game Drive in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park. During our drive we will have the first real opportunity on this tour to see some of Africa’s breathtaking wildlife. After our game drive we will enter the smallest country in the Southern Hemisphere, Swaziland.

Swaziland
The smallest country in the southern hemisphere, Swaziland has been independent since 1968. It is one of the only three monarchies left in Africa. The King, appointed in accordance with Swazi tradition, is the Executive Head of State. If he is absent, or unable to perform his duties, for any reason, the Queen Mother acts on his behalf.

Swaziland is a small landlocked kingdom, bounded on all sides by South Africa except for roughly 100km of border with Mozambique in the east. Swaziland’s natural resources are extremely well managed, and despite the country’s size it lays claim to some of the best game reserves and national parks in southern Africa. Elephants, lions and rhinos have been reintroduced after being wiped out.

DAY 16 SHEWULA COMMUNITY-BASED NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAMME (CBNRP)
Camp B,L,D
Today we will spend time with the Swazi women of Shewula at their craft and perma-culture projects. You will assist and learn about how these women are supporting the community through these endeavours. In the evening you will assit the ladies in preparing a traditional Swazi meal for everyone.

Shewula CBNRP
Shweula community based natural resources programme (NBNRP)
The Shewula community lies on the edge of the Lebombo conservancy and the members of the community lead their lives in accordance to the natural rythyms of Africa. Our work with them revolves around adapting the ancient practises of agriculture and craft making to fit in with modern realities.

DAY 17 & 18 JANE GOODALL CHIMPANZEE PROJECT
Camp B,L,D
We will spend 1 and ½ days working with the Jane Goodall project for Chimpanzees. Your assistance will mainly consist of scientifically monitoring the behaviour patterns of the Chimpazees living here and acting as a support team for the full time rehabilitation team.

Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Project
The Jane Goodall Foundation has branched out from its original roots on Lake Tanganyika to try and address issues such as the trans-location of chimpanzees. All of these chimps have been rescued from people who have removed them from their natural environment and as such they need close monitoring in order to be able to predict their futures and the futures of their brothers and sister across Africa.

DAY 19 & 20 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Camp B,L,D
We take a break from volunteering to experience the wonderful animals that live in the Kruger National Park. The big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino) are all to be found here as well as many other beautiful African creatures. On the night drive it will also be possible to see some of the less well known inhabitants such as the Honey Badger or Porcupine.

Kruger National Park
On 26 March, 1898, President Paul Kruger signed a proclamation for the founding of a government game park in the Eastern Transvaal, between the Crocodile and the Sabie Rivers, covering a area of about 18 000sq kilometres. This area had attracted most intensive hunting by man which drastically reduced the animal population in the area. Mosquito and Tsetse fly however, prevented human settlement in the area. Traders used the routes through the area, including the well-known trader Juao Albasini. He sent so many porters carrying goods along the path that he created a depot and staging post near Pretoriuskop. The area stayed untouched until after the Anglo-Boer war. At the end of this conflict, the new British administration accepted the idea of a game sanctuary and appointed a warden for what was called Sabie Game reserve.

They appointed Major James Stevenson-Hamilton. He selected as his headquarters what is now named Skukuza, named after the African name the locals gave him (he who sweeps clean). Stevenson- Hamilton was the first to raise the idea that the area should be opened for viewing by the public, instead of the proposed plan of opening it for hunting. Thus, during the winter months of 1923, South African railways introduced a novel tourist service – a round-in-nine tour by train, which included a night transit through the park. This changed to stop in the reserve, where a ranger took guests on a short walk. The name, Kruger National Park, was first used in print on 14 Dec 1925 in a leading article in “Die Burger”, a Cape Town morning paper.

On 31 May 1926, Mr Piet Grobler moved in Parliament the second reading of the National parks act. There were no dissidents. Under the administration of a board of control, comprising of ten members, the park was launched. The first road in the park was laid down from Sabie Bridge to the Olifants River, the second from Sabie Bridge to Pretoriuskop and the third from Sabie Bridge to Crocodile Bridge. The first three tourist cars entered the park in 1927, using the entrance at Pretoriuskop. Among the passengers was a seven year old, Douglas Jackaman, who was so impressed by what he saw that he later became a camp manager in the park. No accommodation was provided for the visitor’s; they made their own camps in thorn-bush enclosures. Visitors also carried weapons for their protection.

In 1944 a cordon system was introduced between the park and local farms to decrease the impact of foot and mouth disease on the parks wildlife. Stevenson-Hamilton retired through the years of the Second World War, through which time the park was closed. The park was again opened to the public in 1946 under new control. Stevenson-Hamilton, aged 90, died of a stroke on 10 Dec 1957. His ashes and those of his wife Hilda were scattered in the park on 10 April 1979 at an outcrop of granite south of Skukuza. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. This national park of nearly 2 million hectares, Kruger National Park, is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. Approximately 145 mammal species can be found in the park. Kruger has a list of almost 500 bird species, some of which are not to be found elsewhere in South Africa. There are 336 tree species in the park.

DAY 21 & 22 LEJUMA ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH PROJECT
Camp B,L,D
After the morning bushwalk we will leave Kruger and travel to the Soutpansberg in Limpopo province. On the way to Lejuma we will be travelling on the Panorama Route to see God’s Window and Bourkes Luck Potholes. While in this unique environmental region we will assist in compiling research data about the different species of flora and fauna. We will also be assisting with Global Warming research.

Lejuma Environmental Research Project
On this project we will be conducting field research in to the biodiversity of this unique part of South Africa. It helps to have your own digital camera as we will be taking pictures of specific species in order to produce a comprehensive record.

Panorama Route
In 1840, the Voortrekker leader, Hendrik Potgieter, led a party on an exploratory journey to Lourenzo Marques. The women stayed behind on the height near Graskop and most of the men rode off. The time for their return came and passed. The waiting party became despondent. They named the stream on whose banks they were camped, the Treur (sorrow) and set out for home. Potgieter, however, returned safely, overtaking the women as they were fording the river from then on known as the Blyde (joyful). The Blyde River Canyon is one of the most spectacular canyons in Africa and its cliffs rise between 600m-800m from the riverbed. At the ‘Three Rondavels viewpoint’ (also called ‘The Three Sisters’) is an unforgettable view of three huge rock spirals rising out of the far wall of the canyon.

Their tops appear to have a hut-like rounded roof. Where the Blyde River and the Treur River meet, water erosion has formed one of the most remarkable geological phenomena in the country, known as ‘Bourke’s Luck Potholes’. Over thousands of years, surreal cylindrical rock sculptures created by whirling water have formed a series of dark pools which contrast artfully with the streaked white and yellow lichen covered rocks. Following the road and the Treur River south, there are further viewpoints; Wonder View, God’s Window and the Pinnacle. The Three Rondavels are named after the Swazi Chief - Maripi’s wives. From the lowest to the highest, they are Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maserote.

DAY 23 JOHANNESBURG – TOUR ENDS
B,L
On our final day of the tour we drive south to Gauteng province where we end our tour in Johannesburg in the late afternoon. If you are interested in spending more time volunteering in Johannesburg, or any other part of South Africa we can arrange a more in-depth single location project for you. Optional Activities: Dinner out in Johannesburg.

Johannesburg
Gold was discovered in March 1886 on the Witwatersrand by George Harrison. Two Commissioners, Johan Rissik and Christiaan Johannes Joubert were sent from Pretoria to inspect this discovery and to assess its profitability. They reported back that it was of enormous long-term economic value. The farms along the line of reef were declared to be public diggings and F.C Eloff, private secretary to the State President, Paul Kruger, sent to find a central site suitable for a town. He found a vacant piece of ground; a Government owned farm named Randjieslaagte. Surveyors were instructed by the government to lay this farm out as a future town. They completed their work on 03 Dec 1886. The name Johannesburg was written for the first time on their plans of streets and stands. Only five days after the completion of the survey the first 986 stands were auctioned for the sum of R13000. The first building to be erected was a corrugated iron hut.

The first burglary in Johannesburg was on 22 Oct 1886, when thieves broke into the liquor store room. The first chief of police of Johannesburg was John McIntosh. The first Church service was in Nov 1886, held in the dining room of the Central hotel. The first couple to get married here was J.P Frost and A.S Oosthuizen, who took the bilingual plunge on 14 Dec 1886. The first death caused by a mining accident took place on the Rands on 04 Dec 1886. A Charles Johnson was hit on the head by a falling stone as he was being hauled up a shaft in a bucket. The first free fight, large enough to be called a riot, on the Rand was on Saturday, 06 Feb. 1887, were the entire Rand police force was put to flight after a tremendous brawl in a canteen in Ferreiras camp. Within 12 months Johannesburg was the second largest town in Transvaal.

Once you make a booking with Nomad we will send you a Tour Dossier and a Pre-Departure Information document. This is a brief overview of the information contained in these documents

FOOD AND MEALS
Included are three hearty meals a day, (unless otherwise specified). Vegetarians are easily catered for and they're always impressed by our varied menu. Our guides can produce miracles on a camp-stove. Special dietary requirements can be catered for, but only by special request. In East Africa it is more difficult to cater to certain requirements.

ACCOMMODATION
On our camping tours you will be staying in two-man dome tents. We supply a mattress and you supply your own sleeping bag. The accommodated tours stay in traditional huts, permanent tented camps and hostel-style rooms.

HEALTH
All people who join an adventure tour need to be in good health. Medical facilities are not always available. If you have a specific medical condition it is compulsary for you to advise us before departure.

Malaria
Malaria is a real concern in many areas of Africa, especially during the rainy season. Our advice is simple, prevent getting bitten by using an insect repellent and use an effective prophylactic. Speak to your doctor before selecting your Malaria medication.

Vaccinations
Please ensure you have the relevant vaccinations. Proof of innoculation is required on certain tours.

TERMS & CONDITIONS
All travellers will be required to sign our indemnity form on departure. Any person refusing to do so will not be allowed on the tour.

CURRENCY, MONEY AND BANKING
This is covered comprehensively in the pre-departure dossier. South African Rand and Credit Cards work in Southern Africa. In East Africa (incl. Zimbabwe and Zambia) USD cash is best

AGE RESTRICTION
Passengers under the age of 18 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. Passengers over the age of 65 require a medical clearance certificate from their doctor stating they are fit enough to travel.

WHAT TO BRING
A sense of fun and a flexible attitude! A full checklist of essential items is included in the pre-departure info document.

WHAT TO LEAVE BEHIND
Your watch, cellphone, laptop, work, stress, concept of time, pre-conceptions about anything and any attitude that is not pure adventure.

CHANGES TO ROUTES / SCHEDULES
Although we will do our best at all times to ensure that the tour remains on schedule we want to make it very clear that
this is not always possible. There is always something unexpected on a tour, sometimes the truck gets stuck in mud, or sand, sometimes it rains... Anything can happen, but nothing that a good sense of humour cannot overcome.

HOW CAN I MAKE A BOOKING?
Go to the travel agency where you collected this brochure (if applicable) and ask them to process the booking for you. This is the easiest way. You need to complete our booking form and pay a 25% non-refundable deposit to secure your seat. Full payment is due 28 days prior to departure. Please note we can also handle your bookings, see our contact form below.

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
YES! Make sure your insurance covers being airlifted in case of serious illness/injury as good hospital facilities are often a long way from where our tours travel. Free credit card insurance is often insufficient, so a seperate policy is reccommended. As travel insurance is compulsory, you will be asked for the policy number before being allowed to board our vehicle. We recommend World Nomad Travel insurance (click here for more).

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON TOUR?
The average number of passengers on a tour is 18. On the camping tours there is a maximum of 24 and minimum of 4. On the Accommodated tour the minimum is 4 and the maximum is 18. The maximum number on Gorillas, Serengeti and Masai Mara tours is 18. Single Supplements are limited to 4 per tour on all tours.

DO I HAVE TO HELP WITH CAMP CHORES?
Of course not, but you will not make many friends! On our tours our guides do most of the work. On a camping tour your participation in camp chores is limited: taking turns to assist with washing-up duties, putting up and taking down your tent and loading your bags. On some of our accommodated tours we include a camp assistant.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MY VISAS?
You are responsible for your own visas. Please check the itinerary of your tour carefully and if you need a multiple entry visa be sure to get one. Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months after your departure date from Africa and you must have at least 3-4 blank pages available. Some countries will not allow you to enter without 2 blank pages in your passport.

WHAT ARE LOCAL PAYMENTS (LP) FOR?
The Local Payment is a USD cash portion of the tour payment that needs to be paid directly to your guide in Africa. This payment covers fluctuating expenses such as flights, National Park Fees, entrance fees etc and also ensures that we have a reliable amount of hard currency on each tour. Our Local Payment is not a kitty, your food and accommodation are included in the tour price. All Local Payment amounts are subject to change without notice. Changes are very rare and are normally due to a sudden or unexpected price increase by a local service provider or National Park.

WHAT IS A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT?
All of our tours are priced on twin share accommodation. The single supplement is not compulsory on our camping tours but if you want your own tent you need to pay the single supplement. If you are booking one of our accommodated tours alone you have to pay the single supplement. There are a maximum of 4 single supplements available on all tours.

WHAT DO THESE SIGNS OR SYMBOLS MEAN?
We have included these icons on every tour page (brochure and site) so that you can quickly see what key elements are included:

This tour has adventure activities available.

This tour spends time in Game Parks.

This tour spends time at coastal areas.

This tour passes through / visits a World Heritage area.

This tour has cultural interaction with local people (Please see www.whc.unesco.org for full information.)

Nomad has, without doubt, the newest and most modern fleet of vehicles around. Our vehicles are serviced and maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications. Trucks are renewed on a regular basis once age affects reliability. Our equipment is checked and replaced on a regular basis with spot checks by our Operations Manager.
 

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OUR ADVENTURE VEHICLES - THE PRIDE OF NOMAD

Nomad operates two vehicle styles on the scheduled tours. Both are uniquely modified to suit the different tour requirements and are scheduled according to the prevaling conditions at the time of travel.

One thing that sets Nomad apart is that our trucks are standardised and uniform in design and condition. Currently we are in the process of replacing our entire fleet with vehicles similar to the one shown on the right. This is almost complete, but is an ongoing process.

Original Vehicle Design - for rugged terrain. The tough and simple construction of this type of vehicle makes it ideal for the unforgiving roads in East Africa and Mozambique. We were one of the first companies to, amongst other things, introduce freezers on all our trucks to keep food fresh in the African heat. Individual seats, ample leg-room and overhead luggage racks in the truck help make your time on the road as comfortable as possible. Our trucks are fully lockable and there's a safe for your money and documents. A well-stocked first aid kit is on hand for emergencies. Each truck has a radio,as well as informative reading material, games and recreational gear to keep you well entertained. The Kitchen is contained in the large side lockers and there is an easy access entrance. All our trucks have large slide down windows and you can enjoy the view towards the front.

The on-board camp kitchen is fully equipped with the following:

• Gas Stove,
• 150 - 250 L freezer
• Cooking Grill
• Food storage racks
• 200L Water Tank
• Cooler Boxes
• Food preparation and washing up facilities

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EAST AFRICAN SAFARI VEHICLES

Not all of our tours are operated on adventure vehicles. Some of our tours are operated in smaller vehicles. On some of our East African tours these vehicles are Toyota Land Cruisers (or similar) and on the Ethiopian and Madagascar tours the type of vehicle can vary - depending on the number of passengers.

Safari vehicles, such as the pictures below, are able to travel on much rougher terrain than the larger trucks. Unlike the trucks these vehicles are not built for long distance travel, but when it comes to game viewing, they really are ideal. Most of these vehicles are 4x4, but not all. It will depend on the tour that you are doing and you should not be surprised if some tours even make use of a combination of vehicles.

We will always make use of the best vehicle for the terrain that we are travelling on. The Safari vehicles are mainly used on our East African routes where shorter distances, and unpredictable weather mean that access to 4x4 vehicles is far more important than in Southern Africa, where your comfort during the longer distances we cover, takes priority.

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At the core of your tour are the guides. Our clients rave about their enthusiasm and commitment to Nomad, not to mention their dedication to service excellence. Although it is their job, it is also their passion for Africa that will ensure you get more than you expected from your adventure and experience genuine African hospitality on your trip.

GUIDE SELECTION AND TRAINING
Our screening process is stringent and we run a comprehensive in-house training course. Exams are based on the course content and the required pass rate is 75%. These modules cover absolutely everything to do with the running of successful adventure tours.

Guides are then apprenticed for months with senior tour leaders to gain the necessary knowledge and experience before they run tours themselves. Evaluation is continuous.

As a guide, training is never finished and we continue close monitoring of feedback results from our clients to continually improve and refine skills. Nomad operates a unique feedback system to identify problems and ensure that our tours are constantly improving. Guide salaries are heavily incentivised through this system. It is with pleasure that we can announce that, yet again, in 2007 we have managed to set new internal benchmarks for our tour feedback - having the best results since our inception.

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QUALIFICATIONS
All of our tours are accompanied by a minimum of 2 guides who are registered with DEAT (Department Of Environment, Agriculture and Tourism) and have valid First Aid certificates. Drivers also have their PDP's (Professional Drivers Permits). Many of our guides also have more specialised qualifications. On foreign language tours a translator will be provided that speaks English and German.

THE PERSONAL TOUCH
However, all the knowledge and experience in the world is not enough. The most important qualification of a good guide is their ability to work well with people. It is with this in mind that all potential candidates are carefully evaluated. No one goes further than Nomad to ensure that tours run as they should.

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OUR WORKSHOP - THE BACKBONE OF NOMAD
Nomad runs a state of the art specialised vehicle workshop. Our facilities include a metal shop, spray-painting booth, storerooms, mechanical facilities and other demarcated zones for all manner of work. Our trucks are fully maintained and the bodies are lovingly built in our workshop. We are a registered body builder-approved by SABS (South African Bureau of Standards).

Your safety and comfort are our first priority. After all, most tours cover large distances and much time is spent in the trucks, more reason to ensure they are the best.

All vehicles are checked in after tours, job cards are made up and work is undertaken. Upon completion all vehicles are rechecked to ensure everything is perfect. All equipment is checked and tested as well.

OUR EQUIPMENT - THE NOMAD EXPERIENCE
Sleeping under African stars on your comfortable foam mattress, in a two-person Nomad dome tent (with built in mosquito net), is the best way to experience the thrill of bush camping. Sitting on your camp chair around a roaring fire is the perfect way to end your day's adventures.

All Nomad equipment is strong, durable and able to endure the great African outdoors.

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Also see:

Nomad Adventure Tours and Holidays cc, registration number 2007/111212/23 (“the Company”)

APPLICATION
• The terms and conditions contained in this document shall apply to the tour booking concluded between the Company and the undersigned client in respect of the tour, as more fully described in the tour dossier provided to the client on confirmation
of the booking.
• All references in these terms and conditions to “client” shall include references to an agent of the client, with such changes as the context may require.

APPLICABLE LAW AND JURISDICTION
• These terms and conditions shall be deemed to have been concluded in Cape Town, South Africa and shall be interpreted according to the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
• The client consents to the jurisdiction of the Magistrates Court of Cape Town in terms of the provisions of Section 45 of Act 32 of 1944 as amended but it is specifically agreed that Nomad at its instance will have the discretion to sue in the High
Court if it deems it is appropriate.
• Notwithstanding the aforesaid, the client must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and other regulations of all countries visited on the tour.

BOOKINGS
• The Company reserves the right not to confirm the booking until the full amount set out in the invoice received by client is paid and has been received by the Company and all the relevant documentation has been signed and completed in full by the
client.
• Any amendments to, or cancellation of the booking shall be subject to these terms and conditions.

NOMAD CHILD POLICY
• Children between the ages of 8 – 15 are welcome to travel with Nomad on a request basis and must be accompanied by an adult.
• Children between the ages of 16 – 18 are welcome to travel with Nomad but will require a letter of consent signed by a parent or guardian.

TOUR PRICE, DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT
• While Nomad has utilized its best endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the tour price, such price is subject to change as a result of factors beyond Nomad’s reasonable control, in which event Nomad shall utilize its best efforts to notify clients of
such change as soon as possible.
• The tour price includes only those services/items that are included as per the itinerary and the tour dossier, and the client shall be responsible and pay for any additional items where, as required by the Company from time to time, such payment is
made either directly to a third party service provider or to the Company for settlement with a third party service provider.
• The Company records that prices/charges/tariffs in respect of certain activities forming part of the tour are determined in accordance with the public regulations of a particular country and, accordingly, the Company has no control over any increases
in such prices/charges/tariffs, including where such increases are implemented during the tour. The Company accordingly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to increase the relevant prices/charges/tariffs to account for such increases and/
or fluctuations.
• A non-refundable 25% deposit is required to secure a booking in respect of the tour. This non-refundable deposit shall be set off against the tour price.
• The tour price must be paid by not later than 28 days prior to the departure date for the tour, failing which the Company reserves the right to deem the booking as having been cancelled, and to levy the cancellation penalties set out in these terms
and conditions.
• In the event that the client makes a booking within 28 days of the date of departure of the tour, he or she shall, in order to secure the booking, be required to pay the full tour price upfront.

CANCELLATIONS
• Where the booking is cancelled at any time up to 29 days prior to the date of departure of the tour for any reason, the client shall forfeit the non-refundable deposit.
• Where the booking is cancelled less than 29 days prior to the date of departure of the tour for any reason, the client shall be liable to pay the following penalties to the Company –
– cancellation between 28-15 days prior to the date of departure, a cancellation penalty equal to 50% of the tour price;
– cancellation between 14-7 days prior to the date of departure, a cancellation penalty equal to 75% of the tour price; and
– cancellation less than 7 days prior to the date of departure or “no shows”, a cancellation penalty of 100% of the tour price.
• The Company shall be entitled to apply any portion of the non-refundable deposit paid by the client toward any cancellation penalty payable in terms hereof.
• The Company reserves the right, at any time and for any reason, to cancel the tour on notice to the client. In such event, the Company shall refund the tour price (which includes for the avoidance of doubt, the non-refundable deposit) to the client. It
is recorded that refund of the tour price as aforesaid shall be the Company’s sole responsibility to the client, and no claim for any damages, howsoever arising, shall accrue against the Company by reason of a cancellation of the tour.
• The client acknowledges that the tour is subject to a minimum booking of 4 passengers (including the client). If the minimum booking is not obtained, the Company reserves the right to cancel the tour and refund the tour price to the client, in which
event the client shall (for the avoidance of doubt) have no claim for any damages against the Company.

AMENDMENTS TO BOOKINGS
• In the event that the client joins the tour after the departure date, or leaves before the completion thereof for any reason whatsoever, the client shall not entitled to any refunds or rebates whatsoever from the Company.
• Where the client wishes to change tours (that is, to move from the tour confirmed herein to another tour), such amendment is subject to –
– the Company being able to accommodate the client on the substituted tour;
– payment by the client of an administration fee of R1000 and
– the change being made by not later than 28 days prior to the departure date of the original tour, failing which the cancellation penalties set out in these terms and conditions shall apply.
• In the event that a tour is changed, these terms and conditions shall apply to the substituted tour, with the necessary changes having been made.

PASSPORTS, VISAS AND OTHER TRAVEL PAPERS
• It is the client’s sole responsibility to ensure that passports, visas, health certificates, proof of vaccinations and any other required documentation are all in order for the countries to be visited during the tour.
• The Company shall not be held liable for any consequences, damages or claims if the client prior does not correctly attend to the client’s documentation and related matters as contemplated herein.

INSURANCE
• Comprehensive travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory on the tour. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that he or she has such insurance in place (together with the required paperwork to prove such insurance) before embarking on
the tour.
• Should the client be unable to present proof of such insurance to the Company (on request therefore by the Company), the Company may, in its sole discretion, exclude the client from the tour, and the client shall be liable for the cancellation penalty
payments set out in these terms and conditions.
• The client acknowledges that the travel insurance must include comprehensive medical insurance including provision for air evacuation, and that the Company shall not be liable for any consequences, damages or loss as a result of the client failing
to have the necessary cover.

BAGGAGE
• The client shall be responsible for all baggage and personal effects brought by him or her on the tour, and the Company shall not be liable for any loss or damage to such baggage or personal effects, howsoever arising.
• The client shall be entitled to one bag (being a backpack or soft bag, and not a suitcase) that weighs not more than 20 kilograms, and a daypack. Should the client require a larger baggage allowance, this may be arranged with the Company against
payment of a fee that the Company may levy in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the aforegoing, the Company reserves the right to refuse excess baggage.

HEALTH
• The client accepts that to participate in the tour requires a measure of physical fitness and health and it is the client’s obligation to ensure that he or she is medically fit to embark on the tour.
• Where the client is over the age of 65, the Company requires a medical certificate or doctor’s letter confirming that the client is medically fit to undertake the tour.

AUTHORITY ON TOUR
• The client must at all times comply with the laws, customs and foreign exchange regulations of all countries visited during the tour.
• In addition, the client acknowledges that any disruptive, dangerous or potentially dangerous behaviour during the tour shall not be tolerated and that the Company, its employees, representatives, agents and/or contractors being so authorized, reserve
the right to exclude the client from the tour at any point therein in such circumstances.
• The Company shall not be liable for any costs and/or expenses for the client resulting from exclusion as aforesaid, and the client shall not be entitled to a refund or rebate of the tour price or any additional compensation in such instances.

MARKETING
• The Company reserves the right to use any photographs and video taken during the tour for use in marketing or any other advertising material, and the client hereby consents to such use.
• The client further agrees that the Company shall retain copyright over any such photographs and videos taken during the tour and/or used in its brochures and, to the extent necessary, the client hereby assigns copyright in such photographs and/
or videos to the Company.

FORCE MAJEURE
• Unforeseen circumstances including but not limited to war, mechanical breakdowns, weather, riots and other unforeseen reasons beyond the control of the Company may cause delays or alterations to the tour. The Company shall not be held liable
in any way for any of these possible occurrences or any consequences, which may arise as a result of these.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
• On booking, the client shall be issued with our tour dossier and pre-departure information documents. It is the responsibility of the client to read and understand these documents before travelling.

INDEMNIFICATION AND EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY
• The client accepts that the tour is of an adventurous nature and involves an element of personal risk.
• The Company and its respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents shall not be liable for any loss or damage of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising ( including, but not limited
• to, the client’s or any other person’s injury or death, or any loss of or damage to the client’s or any other person’s property) which the client or any such other person may incur or suffer as a result of or arising from the clients participation in the
tour and any other activities undertaken on or during the tour, and the client irrevocably and forever releases and discharges the Company and its respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents from any and all such liability.
• The client furthermore indemnifies and holds the Company and its respective directors, offices, employees, representatives and agents harmless from and against any land all loss, damage, actions, proceedings, claims, demands and legal and other
costs and expenses (including legal costs on an attorney and own client scale) of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising (including, but not limited to, the client’s or any other person’s injury or death, or any loss of or damage to the client’s or any
other person’s property) which the client or any such other person may incur or suffer as a result of or arising from the clients participation in the tour and any other activities undertaken on or during the tour.

Click here to download our booking form

View our: Booking terms & conditions

When you are ready to submit your booking please submit by fax our booking form with your details.

Download our 2011 booking form (103 kb)

Instructions:

1. Download and print our Booking Form (PDF)
2. Fax the completed form to us: Fax Number: (+27 21) 422 1175
3. Require assistance? Click here or email:  websales@nomadtours.co.za


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WHAT’S INCLUDED AND WHAT’S NOT (OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES – IT’S YOUR CHOICE)
It’s your tour – Make it work for you
Years of experience have shown us the best way to navigate Africa. An organised tour allows you to take full advantage of our knowledge, experience and, of course, superb guides. And while the sum total of group travel with most companies is limited to the friendship, fun and security side of Overlanding – we keep all of these elements and still allow you your individuality to discover Africa your own way. We let you structure our tours around your needs. Nomad’s tour price does not dictate what you spend on activities. It’s like pizza, we provide the base and you add the toppings!

What’s in, What’s not and Why
Let’s face it, there is no such thing as an ‘all-inclusive tour’, there are always extra activities that you can do. We choose to let you take advantage of this; don’t pay for activities that you would not choose to - just because a company decides they think you want them. Nomad gives you the real Africa: adventure, animals, famous landmarks and exotic locations. The sights, smells and tastes. You don’t have to spend anything more than the cost of the tour price, the odd meal out, beers and souvenirs. You choose the rest.

Doing What You Want
When you require an additional adrenalin injection you are free to choose and the list of activities on offer gets longer every day. Make it your tour; choose what you want because “it’s up to you”. Not everyone wants to do all the activities. We’re not throwing you out of a plane if you’re scared of heights!

Doing What You Can Afford
Unfortunately, not everyone can afford all of the activities. We keep the tour price as low as we can without compromising quality so you have choices. Let your budget dictate what you spend not your tour operator! The optional experiences and activities are carefully and strategically selected to give you a break from the routine of travelling overland style. They enhance your holiday and give you an adrenaline rush when you need one! These are selected for their value for money, enjoyment factor and the feedback from clients.

Optional activities are not included in the price of the tour for three simple reasons:
* Not everyone can afford to do them all
* Not everyone wants to do them all! (No point in throwing you out of a plane if you can’t bear heights!)
* We leave the running and safety of these specialised activities to the people who do them best. We take you there and then let the professionals take care of you in pursuit of your thrills and spills!

All Optional Activities are listed in Rand and USD, to indicate the approximate value. Optional Activities are payable locally in Rand, USD or EUR.
Rand areas are marked "R". All others are payable in USD. Please note that this list contains only the most popular activities and all prices are
subject to change. Tour Dossiers contain comprehensive lists of Optional Activities and actual pricing.

2011 PRICES LISTED BELOW