TRIP LENGTH |
PRICE PER PERSON |
GROUP SIZE |
START & FINISH |
11 days / 10 nights |
EARLY-BIRD SPECIAL!!!! FIRST 10 SPOTS: USD 8995$/person* (usual price 9450$/person) based on double occupancy SINGLE ROOM: USD 750$ supplement Due to our new COVID-19 policy, there is no shared-room option for single travelers. INCLUDES: all meals & drinks, deluxe accommodation, all safari activities and local guides, ground transportation, airport transfers, all tips, amenities bag, and your very own professional wildlife photographer to take photos and help you with your own! |
16-22 |
Start: Cape Town, South Africa Finish: Port Elizabeth, South Africa |
Visiting elephants, giraffes, zebras, leopards, lions, hippos, birds and more in 2 different safari camps, staying at deluxe lodges, wine-tasting at a vineyard, stopping by a farm sanctuary and penguin colony, whale watching, and, of course, 100% plant-based cuisine throughout... this trip has it all, including your very own professional wildlife photographer!
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IMPORTANT NOTE: this trip only runs once we have our targeted minimum or participants and is therefore not yet 100% confirmed. The deadline for this trip's go-status is MARCH 31st, 2021. If the trip is confirmed to go ahead, the sign-up fee is non-refundable. Please see our COST & SIGN-UP section below for all the details. |
- Overview -
WE'RE OFF TO SOUTH AFRICA'S GARDEN ROUTE!One of the world's most beautiful region beckons: South Africa's Garden Route. Come join us on a roadtrip as we visit with animals of all kind at 2 safari camps and a farm sanctuary, indulge in some wine-tasting at a local South African winery, stroll the streets of vibrant towns and cities, gawk at a penguins colony and even go on a whale watching adventure! And throughout we'll indulge in delicious food, including local South African cuisine, all rendered 100% plant-based! This might be the trip you've been dreaming of all your life! Our trip starts in gorgeous Cape Town, with a welcome dinner/feast to remember. We recommend arriving a few days early to not only take care of jet-lag, but also to take in the wonderful sights on offer in this world-class city. Once the trip starts, we'll enjoy a guided morning walk through the colorful Malay quarter, stopping for snack and lunch along the way, before heading to a visit with a nearby penguin colony! We then head over to the picturesque coastal town of Hermanus, where we'll enjoy a talk on the Southern Right Whales followed by a 3-hour marine cruise in Walker Bay to go whale-watching! Excited yet? We'll be spending the next 2 nights in the nearby charming one-street town of Greyton , where we'll visit a wonderful local farm sanctuary and indulge in some wine-tasting and vegan tapas at a local vineyard. Tough life! And we're not done yet! We will be stopping at two (!!) wilderness reserves for some awesome safari adventures! You'll spend your days on game drives, gawking at the big 5 -- elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards and Rhinos -- plus zebras, kudus, and more. In the evening we retreat to our deluxe accommodation for a sumptuous meal and some drinks by the fireplace. Our second safari destination, Kwandwe Game Reserve, also includes a walking safari! Accompanied by the local rangers and tracker team, this is a great opportunity to see white and black rhinos up close, as well as elephants, lions, and more! Taking a break from animals, we head for Plettenberg Bay, for an afternoon river boat cruise (with some bubbly of course!) and a chance to stretch your legs and explore the coastal town. This is the perfect opportunity to explore and shop for those gifts and souvenirs! Sparkled throughout the itinerary is one incredible meal after another, including veganized local South African cuisine, all 100% plant-based and delicious! Come hungry! We will even have our own professional photographer, Jennifer Hadley, accompanying us on the entire trip! She'll not only be taking amazing pictures of the animals for you to keep, but also be available to help you with your own photos with any questions, tips and tricks. Please see the section to the right for more information on Jennifer and what she will be offering. So lace up those hiking boots, charge those camera batteries, order the best binoculars you can afford, dust off that safari hat you've always wanted to wear, and join us on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to one of the most beautiful region on earth: South Africa's Garden Route! |
MEET JENNIFER HADLEY, WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER
The following is included in the trip's cost:
Prior to traveling the world and capturing stunning images of animals in their natural habitat, breathtaking landscapes, and the dynamic cultures which make up this beautiful planet, Jennifer had a successful career in corporate finance. She has always enjoyed photography but her passion for wildlife led her to realize that she could share these animals and their plight with a broader audience and convince people that they are worth fighting for. Her love for travel and taking the less beaten path lends itself perfectly to photographing wildlife, many of whom are on the brink of extinction. Her photographs take us to faraway places and her stories remind us of the fragility of the dwindling habitats for animals, the humans who fight to save them, and the hope that remains if we work together. Jennifer lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband, two kids, 4 dogs and 7 cats. You can see her work on her Instagram site.
SOME EXAMPLES OF JENNIFER'S WORK |
- Highlights -
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- Why you'll love this trip! -
- Cost & sign-up -
11 Days All-Inclusive
Vegan South Africa's Garden Route
EARLY-BIRD SPECIAL FOR THE FIRST 10 SPOTS!
USD 8,995.00$ per person (based on double occupancy)
(usual price 9450$/person)
Single room supplement: add USD 750.00$
(please click here to see all that's included)
The sign-up fee is non-refundable unless the trip is not confirmed. Please carefully read our policies below.
The sign-up fee is non-refundable unless the trip is not confirmed. Please carefully read our policies below.
Please see below for more information on how to sign up and join the trip. Please read everything carefully and have a look at our FAQ as it may contain answers to some of your questions. At any time, feel free to contact us for any additional information.
SINGLE TRAVELERS
HOW TO JOIN
PAYMENTS
CANCELLATION POLICY
IMPORTANT NOTES
SINGLE TRAVELERS
As part of our COVID-19 precautions, we are not allowing any strangers to share rooms, as such all singles will have their own room.
We have limited availability for single rooms, and they are available on a first-come-first-served basis, and they are subject to our single supplement fee.
Once all the single rooms are booked, single travelers will go on the waiting list. If someone cancels and a room becomes available we will go down the waiting list.
If choosing to share, you will be paired with another single of the same gender.
We have limited availability for single rooms, and they are available on a first-come-first-served basis, and they are subject to our single supplement fee.
Once all the single rooms are booked, single travelers will go on the waiting list. If someone cancels and a room becomes available we will go down the waiting list.
If choosing to share, you will be paired with another single of the same gender.
HOW TO JOIN
- We expect this trip to sell out quickly so ensure your spot on the trip and sign up early by paying the sign-up fee (1000$/person). This trip is 100% confirmed, and as such the sign-up fee is non-refundable. Please see our cancellation policy section for more information.
- Please note that SINGLES can choose to book their own single room (extra fees apply) or share with another traveler. Please see the SINGLE TRAVELER section for more information.
- Once the trip has been confirmed as a go, we will need a 50% deposit of the remaining balance (minus the sign-up fee). The date of this payment is currently set at April 10th, 2021. This payment is non-refundable.
- At this point, it will be a good time to start looking for your flights. Please see our FAQ for more information about this.
- The remaining balance will be due two (2) months before the trip starting date: July 18th, 2021. This is a good time to ensure your passport still has at least 6 months of validity past the date of travel (so until March 2022).
- A month or so before the trip, we will host an online Q&A your tour leaders. This is a great platform to ask any questions that are lingering!
- The countdown begins! We're getting close now, the perfect time to check that you have your flights, any vaccination you choose to get, and start dreaming of all the animals you'll have the amazing chance to see!
PAYMENTS
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Following the sign-up fee, the remaining balance will be due in 2 installments:
We can work with you on a payment plan: pay your trip in the usual 2 installments, or opt for several. Contact us to discuss what works best for you!
PAYMENT METHODS
We currently accept US DOMESTIC BANK TRANSFERS, INTERNATIONAL WIRE TRANSFERS and CREDIT CARDS PAYMENTS. Once you sign-up, we will send you the necessary information for you to make your payment.
EXTRA PAYMENT FEES
Online Bank Payment - US only: also called eCheck or ACH, we do not charge a fee for this, although your bank may do so. Please inquire with them directly.
International Wire Transfer: for those outside of the US. We do not charge any fees for this method, although your bank most likely will. Please inquire with them directly, and do mention that our bank is located in Mauritius, so they can give you the correct fees amount.
Credit card payment: the following fees will be added to the total:
Following the sign-up fee, the remaining balance will be due in 2 installments:
- April 10th, 2021: 50% of remaining balance
- July 18th, 2021: final balance. This is non-negotiable. If you do not pay the balance for your trip, your place will be given to another individual and your payments until then will be forfeited.
We can work with you on a payment plan: pay your trip in the usual 2 installments, or opt for several. Contact us to discuss what works best for you!
PAYMENT METHODS
We currently accept US DOMESTIC BANK TRANSFERS, INTERNATIONAL WIRE TRANSFERS and CREDIT CARDS PAYMENTS. Once you sign-up, we will send you the necessary information for you to make your payment.
EXTRA PAYMENT FEES
Online Bank Payment - US only: also called eCheck or ACH, we do not charge a fee for this, although your bank may do so. Please inquire with them directly.
International Wire Transfer: for those outside of the US. We do not charge any fees for this method, although your bank most likely will. Please inquire with them directly, and do mention that our bank is located in Mauritius, so they can give you the correct fees amount.
Credit card payment: the following fees will be added to the total:
- 2.9% for Visa and MasterCard
- 3.9% for American Express
CANCELLATION POLICY
First, and very importantly, we highly recommend you get a good travel insurance policy when you first sign up.
Since our trips are highly catered and made of activities that need a lot of planning and organization, all payments (the initial 500$ sign-up fee, 50% deposit and final payment) are all non-refundable. This is because we must forward payments for accommodation, transportation, suppliers, etc. very early on, in order to privatize our accommodation, activities and our meals.
The Covid-19 pandemic has arguably introduced some degree of anxiety and incertitude on international travel. Our policy is that, should there be a need to cancel the trip (ie covid19 reasons, natural disaster, human conflict, etc) before the trip's deadline or before the 50% deposit has been paid, then the sign-up fee (only) will be refunded, minus processing fees (ie bank, transfer, etc). These are usually small amounts.
Please note that the refund of your sign-up fee will only apply if we cancel the trip. Our policy is to not run a trip if Covid-19 imposes too many restrictions for the enjoyment of the trip, such as:
If the trip needs to be canceled once we have started to accept the post-signup fee payments (50% deposit and final remaining balance), we will strive to refund as much as possible or offer a voucher for future trips, whichever we can best negotiate with our on-the-ground partners and suppliers. We will really try our best!
If the trip does go ahead (ie none of the above apply) and you are unable to attend the trip for any personal reasons, even related to covid-19 (ie your own country changes its travel/quarantine policy, you contract the virus, etc), there is unfortunately no refund. The trip needs to be canceled by us, if we believe it can not run in accordance with our high standards of quality.
Should you still need to cancel for any reason once you have signed up, we will offer your spot to the first person(s) on the waiting list. If we are able to fill your spot, we will refund all payments made, minus processing fees. Having said that, do note that there is no guarantee we will be able to fill up your spot. For this reason, again, it is a good idea to get solid trip insurance when you first sign up.
Arriving late or leaving a trip in progress will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portion of the trip.
Since our trips are highly catered and made of activities that need a lot of planning and organization, all payments (the initial 500$ sign-up fee, 50% deposit and final payment) are all non-refundable. This is because we must forward payments for accommodation, transportation, suppliers, etc. very early on, in order to privatize our accommodation, activities and our meals.
The Covid-19 pandemic has arguably introduced some degree of anxiety and incertitude on international travel. Our policy is that, should there be a need to cancel the trip (ie covid19 reasons, natural disaster, human conflict, etc) before the trip's deadline or before the 50% deposit has been paid, then the sign-up fee (only) will be refunded, minus processing fees (ie bank, transfer, etc). These are usually small amounts.
Please note that the refund of your sign-up fee will only apply if we cancel the trip. Our policy is to not run a trip if Covid-19 imposes too many restrictions for the enjoyment of the trip, such as:
- border closings/lock-downs
- flight limitations
- mandatory quarantine on arrival and/or upon return to home country
- spike in local cases
- local restrictions imposed on our activities, restaurants, hotels, etc., that make it unfeasible for us to provide you with a trip of a lifetime!
If the trip needs to be canceled once we have started to accept the post-signup fee payments (50% deposit and final remaining balance), we will strive to refund as much as possible or offer a voucher for future trips, whichever we can best negotiate with our on-the-ground partners and suppliers. We will really try our best!
If the trip does go ahead (ie none of the above apply) and you are unable to attend the trip for any personal reasons, even related to covid-19 (ie your own country changes its travel/quarantine policy, you contract the virus, etc), there is unfortunately no refund. The trip needs to be canceled by us, if we believe it can not run in accordance with our high standards of quality.
Should you still need to cancel for any reason once you have signed up, we will offer your spot to the first person(s) on the waiting list. If we are able to fill your spot, we will refund all payments made, minus processing fees. Having said that, do note that there is no guarantee we will be able to fill up your spot. For this reason, again, it is a good idea to get solid trip insurance when you first sign up.
Arriving late or leaving a trip in progress will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portion of the trip.
IMPORTANT NOTES
TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE - MANDATORY
This is requirement to join a World Vegan Travel trip. We need to know you are covered for any medical situation, including evacuation, in case of emergency. You will need to provide a policy and emergency contact number in order to join the trip. This can be done just prior to the trip's date.
Trip Insurance (ie. covering your flight tickets, luggage, etc.) is definitely recommended as well, but not mandatory.
ITINERARY
The itinerary is therefore subject to change, especially if we find an experience that we believe would make the trip even better.
DIET RESTRICTION & ALLERGIES
We do try to accommodate everyone's food restrictions, especially allergies. We can only do so if you let us know of any requirements when you sign up. We begin working with all our hotels and restaurants a long time in advance, and meals are usually locked several months before the trip. At this point, it is often no longer possible to change menus.
In other words: it is your responsibility to alert us of any dietary requirements, restrictions, allergies and needs, when you sign up.
This is requirement to join a World Vegan Travel trip. We need to know you are covered for any medical situation, including evacuation, in case of emergency. You will need to provide a policy and emergency contact number in order to join the trip. This can be done just prior to the trip's date.
Trip Insurance (ie. covering your flight tickets, luggage, etc.) is definitely recommended as well, but not mandatory.
ITINERARY
The itinerary is therefore subject to change, especially if we find an experience that we believe would make the trip even better.
DIET RESTRICTION & ALLERGIES
We do try to accommodate everyone's food restrictions, especially allergies. We can only do so if you let us know of any requirements when you sign up. We begin working with all our hotels and restaurants a long time in advance, and meals are usually locked several months before the trip. At this point, it is often no longer possible to change menus.
In other words: it is your responsibility to alert us of any dietary requirements, restrictions, allergies and needs, when you sign up.
- All that's included... and not -
INCLUSIONS
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EXCLUSIONS
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- Gallery -
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WHAT YOU'LL ENCOUNTER ON SAFARI
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CAPE TOWN & GREYTON, SOUTH AFRICA
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- Frequenty Asked Questions -
TOUR PRICE REASONING
We do realize that this is quite an expensive trip. However, when compared to many other tours to the region, we are actually comparatively priced when you take into accounts that our trips include all meals (and vegan to boot!) and drinks, all the tips for drivers, guides and camp staff (this does add up!), extras like an amenities/essentials bag and a free laundry day, and the support of 2 full time tour leaders (most tours have only one).
Furthermore, we realize that for many, this will be their first trip to Africa, and/or their first safari. It's something most of us have dreamt about all our lives. As such, we've constructed an itinerary that truly makes this the adventure of a lifetime in regards to our accommodation (deluxe) and choice of activities.
Finally, this may well be the only vegan tour to South Africa, and our cost does factor in the lengthy and hard work done with all our hotels, restaurants and activity partners in preparing for our visit (meals, advocacy, toiletries, etc), which is far beyond any tasks that other tour companies are faced with.
Furthermore, we realize that for many, this will be their first trip to Africa, and/or their first safari. It's something most of us have dreamt about all our lives. As such, we've constructed an itinerary that truly makes this the adventure of a lifetime in regards to our accommodation (deluxe) and choice of activities.
Finally, this may well be the only vegan tour to South Africa, and our cost does factor in the lengthy and hard work done with all our hotels, restaurants and activity partners in preparing for our visit (meals, advocacy, toiletries, etc), which is far beyond any tasks that other tour companies are faced with.
WHAT IS THIS PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER ALL ABOUT?
We're been very lucky in acquiring the services of an amazing wildlife photographer, Jennifer Hadley, who will accompany the group during the entire trip. This adds immense value as she will be offering the group a selection of photos taken during our journey, for you to keep as a memento. Hopefully this may also help you to sometimes put the camera aside and simply relax and take in your surroundings!
Besides the collection of photos, Jennifer will also hold 2 talks on photography, lead photography-focused safari activities (ie more time spent with animals in order to get the perfect shot) and be accessible to help with any photography-related questions you may have, whether it be composition, camera settings, you name it.
Besides the collection of photos, Jennifer will also hold 2 talks on photography, lead photography-focused safari activities (ie more time spent with animals in order to get the perfect shot) and be accessible to help with any photography-related questions you may have, whether it be composition, camera settings, you name it.
CAN I SIGN UP AS A SINGLE TRAVELER?
Absolutely! We have many people on our trip that sign up as singles. However, due to our new COVID-19 policy we are no longer offering shared-room options and therefore only a few single rooms are available, which also incur a single supplement fee. Please see our COST & SIGN-UP section for more information.
FLIGHTS, VISAS, VACCINATION & INSURANCE
FLIGHTS
You are in charge of your own flights to and from our starting city. We ask that you try and arrive early on the first day, as our first meeting tends to be around 2pm-3pm. This exact time will be confirmed at a later date.
Even better is arriving one or more days before. This would provide you with a chance to take care of jet-lag and visit the town. Once the trip starts. We can book your a room in our trip's hotel if you'd like. We will be sending out the cost for this once the trip is confirmed.
Regardless of your arrival date, we will provide an airport pickup.
Please note that check-ins at our hotel are not guaranteed BEFORE 3PM. We will try and have the hotel accommodate early arrivals, but it's possible you will be asked to wait until a room becomes available. We are situated right downtown, so worst case it's nice and exciting to go and explore the neighborhood!
VISAS
For most citizens of European and western countries (ie USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc), no visas are necessary for South Africa.
VACCINATIONS
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for South Africa, and the final decision is entirely up to you. Please inquire directly with your doctor when making your decision.
Having said that, and according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the following vaccinations are recommended for South Africa: hepatitis A and typhoid for most traveler, as well as hepatitis B, rabies, and boosters for tetanus, diphteria and measles. Yellow Fever is not a risk in the region, but the certificate is an entry requirement if you're coming from an infected region.
South Africa is a malaria risk area, though the area we will be visiting has mostly eradicated this disease. Still, it is entirely up to you if you choose to take anti-malaria medication. Again, please consult your doctor in this regard.
INSURANCE
You will need medical travel insurance. This is a requirement of joining a trip with World Vegan Travel. We need to know that you are fully covered in the event of a medical emergency, including repatriation. You will need to send us your policy detail and emergency contact number before the trip's start date.
You are in charge of your own flights to and from our starting city. We ask that you try and arrive early on the first day, as our first meeting tends to be around 2pm-3pm. This exact time will be confirmed at a later date.
Even better is arriving one or more days before. This would provide you with a chance to take care of jet-lag and visit the town. Once the trip starts. We can book your a room in our trip's hotel if you'd like. We will be sending out the cost for this once the trip is confirmed.
Regardless of your arrival date, we will provide an airport pickup.
Please note that check-ins at our hotel are not guaranteed BEFORE 3PM. We will try and have the hotel accommodate early arrivals, but it's possible you will be asked to wait until a room becomes available. We are situated right downtown, so worst case it's nice and exciting to go and explore the neighborhood!
VISAS
For most citizens of European and western countries (ie USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc), no visas are necessary for South Africa.
VACCINATIONS
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for South Africa, and the final decision is entirely up to you. Please inquire directly with your doctor when making your decision.
Having said that, and according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the following vaccinations are recommended for South Africa: hepatitis A and typhoid for most traveler, as well as hepatitis B, rabies, and boosters for tetanus, diphteria and measles. Yellow Fever is not a risk in the region, but the certificate is an entry requirement if you're coming from an infected region.
South Africa is a malaria risk area, though the area we will be visiting has mostly eradicated this disease. Still, it is entirely up to you if you choose to take anti-malaria medication. Again, please consult your doctor in this regard.
INSURANCE
You will need medical travel insurance. This is a requirement of joining a trip with World Vegan Travel. We need to know that you are fully covered in the event of a medical emergency, including repatriation. You will need to send us your policy detail and emergency contact number before the trip's start date.
WILL IT BE SAFE TO TRAVEL IN 2021?
While of course we cannot predict the future (2020 sure emphasized that point!!) many things are pointing to a yes. Many countries around the world are starting to reopen for domestic travel with an eye to once again welcome international traveler in early 2021.
Airlines and some medical and travel experts do believe that things look good in terms of returning to some kind of normal by early 2021. As our trip is in September, we sure hope that this is enough time for the pandemic to subside somewhat, and even hopefully for a vaccine and/or testing to become widely available.
We will also be traveling as a group, which means we will not be taking any public transportation (we have our own coach) and our meals will be taken in private settings. We will also privatized most of our accommodation. While we'll be visiting lots of places, we'll be privatizing our activities, with no person outside of our group joining us. Our time in South Africa will be somewhat contained, as much as one can when traveling (compared to solo traveling, where you stay in a different hotel each night, etc). Many experts have predict that group travel may be the first style of travel to open up, and definitely the safest way to travel in the post covid-19 days.
You can read more about our COVID-19-related policies and precautions here.
Airlines and some medical and travel experts do believe that things look good in terms of returning to some kind of normal by early 2021. As our trip is in September, we sure hope that this is enough time for the pandemic to subside somewhat, and even hopefully for a vaccine and/or testing to become widely available.
We will also be traveling as a group, which means we will not be taking any public transportation (we have our own coach) and our meals will be taken in private settings. We will also privatized most of our accommodation. While we'll be visiting lots of places, we'll be privatizing our activities, with no person outside of our group joining us. Our time in South Africa will be somewhat contained, as much as one can when traveling (compared to solo traveling, where you stay in a different hotel each night, etc). Many experts have predict that group travel may be the first style of travel to open up, and definitely the safest way to travel in the post covid-19 days.
You can read more about our COVID-19-related policies and precautions here.
CAN YOU HELP WITH BOOKING OUR FLIGHTS AND ONGOING TRAVEL?
As we are not a travel agency or booking agents, we can't book any flights or ongoing travel (ie hotels, transportation, etc) for you. However we can surely help with recommendations, suggestions and tips as you look into flights, or extending your holiday. It never hurts to ask, so don't hesitate to contact us with any queries whatsoever!
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?
The Garden Route is gorgeous all year round, with September being spring time. It's one of the best time to travel to South Africa, just before the summer tourist crowds.
You should expect temperatures averaging between 15°C-25°C (60°F-77°F), with little to no rain and mostly sunny, dry days.
You should expect temperatures averaging between 15°C-25°C (60°F-77°F), with little to no rain and mostly sunny, dry days.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
In terms of clothing, light cotton garb is best. A mix of long-sleeve and t-shirts is a good idea, as is long pants and shorts (in case it does get hot). A swimsuit is a good idea as we will have swimming pools at some of our accommodations.
On safari, long and light cotton pants and shirts are a good idea, to block both the sun and (hopefully!) pesky mosquito. A hat is a good idea to block off the sun... and it looks cool in photos ;)
Do bring some comfortable, but sturdy, shoes, especially if you intend on taking a guided walking safari. Overall we're not going on any big hikes, so there's no need to bring your best pair of hiking boots. Bring something comfortable to wear in the evening, both in terms of clothing and footwear, as we relax at our camps, either by the campfire or on the decks with a cocktail in hand.
Sunglasses are a must, and it's highly recommended to bring some good binoculars. Both the camps and your tour leaders will carry spear binoculars, but it's always nice to have your own.
Other essentials should include:
We will be sending an info packet several weeks before the trip that will include, amongst other bits of information, a packing list.
On safari, long and light cotton pants and shirts are a good idea, to block both the sun and (hopefully!) pesky mosquito. A hat is a good idea to block off the sun... and it looks cool in photos ;)
Do bring some comfortable, but sturdy, shoes, especially if you intend on taking a guided walking safari. Overall we're not going on any big hikes, so there's no need to bring your best pair of hiking boots. Bring something comfortable to wear in the evening, both in terms of clothing and footwear, as we relax at our camps, either by the campfire or on the decks with a cocktail in hand.
Sunglasses are a must, and it's highly recommended to bring some good binoculars. Both the camps and your tour leaders will carry spear binoculars, but it's always nice to have your own.
Other essentials should include:
- Cameras and plenty of batteries and storage cards is a must. This trip is a good excuse to get a nice zoom-lens!
- sunscreen lotion
- insect and mosquito repellent
We will be sending an info packet several weeks before the trip that will include, amongst other bits of information, a packing list.
IS THERE A LUGGAGE LIMITATION/ALLOWANCE?
We will not be taking any small bush planes, so feel free to bring all the luggage you want. However, do note that you will need to carry your own luggage a few times, mostly from the hotel to the bus and into the next hotel. Distances are never big, but you are in charge of your own belongings, so it's better to carry less than too much!
WILL THERE BE INTERNET ACCESS DURING THE TRIP?
Yes, we will have full WIFI internet at our accommodation as well as on our bus.
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?
Overall, this is an all-inclusive trip and you shouldn't need a huge amount of extra funds. You will need to cater for yourself on day 1 until we meet in the afternoon, and again on our last day, especially if you choose to stay in Africa for a longer time. You can probably make do with using a credit card for all extra purchases and souvenirs, though it's a good idea to have a few hundred dollars in local currency, just in case. It is best to withdraw cash once you are in South Africa, not before, in order to get better exchange rates.
I HAVE A DIETARY RESTRICTION (ALLERGIES, GLUTEN-FREE, ETC)
This is generally not a problem, but we do need to be informed at the time of booking so we may prepare the meals accordingly. Please be as precise and detailed as possible. Once on the trip, it is difficult and/or not possible to change our meal plans.
HOW MUCH FREE TIME WILL I HAVE?
We have a few full days, where we have activities planned the entire time, and a few days where we'll do an activity on the morning or afternoon and allow you some free time for half the day. Most activities can be skipped should you feel tired, etc. Just talk to your tour leader so they can accommodate you.
HOW MUCH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CAN I EXPECT?
In terms of included activities, very little is physical. This truly is a relaxing trip! We do have a guided bush walk one of our safari destinations, as well as a walking tour in Cape Town, but they are not overly difficult. You can always opt out if you wish. Otherwise we're mostly being driven around by bus and 4x4 jeeps, and as long as you don't get motion sickness, you should be fine.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT TO JOIN THE TRIP?
Youth above 16 years young are welcome. We are currently not accepting any younger children.
There is no limit at the other end, as long as you can carry your own luggage and handle the long drives.
There is no limit at the other end, as long as you can carry your own luggage and handle the long drives.
HOW SAFE ARE SOUTH AFRICA?
South Africa has its fair amount of crime but the downtown area of Cape Town where we will be staying, as well as Greyton and surrounding area, are all quite safe. In Cape Town, using common sense and sticking to well trafficked areas will ensure you have a very safe trip. The Garden Route is a heavily trafficked area and therefore quite safe to travel along.
Do remember that on the trip, we will be visiting as a large group of ~20 people or more, with safety at the top of our list, so there is nothing to worry about.
Do remember that on the trip, we will be visiting as a large group of ~20 people or more, with safety at the top of our list, so there is nothing to worry about.
wHAT LANGUAGES DO THEY SPEAK IN SOUTH AFRICA?
South Africa has 11 (!!!) official languages, with some spoken more than others. While English is recognized as the language of commerce and science, it's actually ranked fourth and the first language of only 9.6% of South Africans! Still, it remains the de facto lingua franca of the nation, and you should have no problem getting yourself understood in Cape Town and the Garden Route.
LGBTQ TRAVELLERS
South Africa is the first and only African nation where the government recognizes same-sex relationships and homosexual marriages are recognized by law. Displays of affection may generate unwelcome attention though they should be tolerated and respected, especially in the areas we will visit.
Our team of travel experts and local guides work hard to create one-of-a-kind travel experiences that showcase each country's culture, people and geography, while being specifically catered to the needs and interest of vegans and vegan-friendly travelers.
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