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Is my departure guaranteed? Are there any conditions that may prevent this trip from running?
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Please note there is a minimum of four participants required to confirm each departure date. Please do not make travel arrangements until you have received confirmation from Drifters.
If there are only two clients booked on a certain departure, the operator may try and move clients to a different departure with more participants if it is possible and if everybody is happy with this arrangement. If this is not possible, the trip will still run.
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How do I redeem my voucher? For which dates is it valid?
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To redeem your voucher, please reach out to Drifters as instructed in your confirmation email. Reservations are subject to availability and Drifters will do whatever they can to secure your desired dates. Voucher valid only for travel dates that fall within start and end dates shown above. Please do not make travel arrangements or book airfare until you have received confirmation from Drifters.
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Which departures can be requested?
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Departures are available almost every week within the voucher periods listed. For specific dates, please reach out to our Adventures Team.
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Are private departures available?
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Yes, we have private departures available on this trip! Private departures offer more flexibility to travel when it suits your group. Additional costs may apply and dates are subject to availability. Please contact our Adventures Team to explore pricing and check on availability.
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What is the best way to get to the trip start location?
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Fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) near Johannesburg. From there you can arrange private transfer to the start location at Greenfire Lodge (25 Alida Street, Northcliff, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa). Due to the early start time on the first day, you should plan to arrive one day early and book accommodations nearby.
For all customers who book through us, Drifters will provide free airport transfers at the start and end of your trip ($55 value).
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What are the accommodations like?
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Accommodations are primarily in lodges of a 3-star or similar quality. They are basic but clean and neat and usually in very good locations. This tour is fully accommodated and all linen and towels are supplied; there is no need to bring along a sleeping bag or pillow.
The first two nights of the trip will be spent at Greenfire Bush Lodge, which is situated in a private reserve within the greater Kruger National Park; an area where animals roam naturally and unrestricted. Being on a privately owned reserve will allow you the freedom to explore the wilderness in search of a variety of animals both on foot and in open game drive vehicles. The tented lodge blends into the bush and offers comfortable twin beds, en-suite bathrooms, a refreshing splash pool, and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness including a water hole frequented by a variety of animals.
The third and fourth nights of the trip will be spent in log cabins at Geenfire Hazyview Lodge.
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Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?
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It is possible, but can only be confirmed close to the departure date. The price would be approximately 125€ extra for a single supplement.
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How large is each travel group?
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Each group is about 10 people on average and a maximum of 17 people.
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What meals are included? What is the food like?
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The food is generally very good as the guides go out of their way to prepare delicious meals for their groups. There will always be a variety of meals during the tour with lots of fresh fruit and veggies included. At the Greenfire Bush Lodge, dinner is cooked in the traditional manner over an open fire. Some restaurant meals are offered at your own expense and you'll have the option to choose what you'd like. For a list of included meals, please see the itinerary.
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How much extra money should people budget?
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The preferred currency in South Africa is the Rand. Drifters suggests carrying about 500-700 Rand (about $35 - $55) for additional expenses on this tour.
Credit cards are generally accepted throughout South Africa but it is recommended that clients have a certain amount of cash to pay for personal expenses and gratuities. Please note the only lodge on this tour to receive card payment will be Greenfire Lodge in Johannesburg. All other lodges will ONLY receive cash payments.
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What should people bring? Do you have a packing list?
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For walking, hiking, and safaris:
Sport shoes / sneakers
Sandals
Hat
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Smaller day pack
Camera, binoculars
Educational books (on plants, wildlife, etc.)
For general traveling (to keep yourself entertained on the longer drives):
iPod
Personal reading material
A deck of cards or something similar
Battery chargers for your personal devices (iPods, iPads, E-Readers, etc.)
Clothing and toiletries:
Long pants / tracksuit
Hat
Shorts
Swimsuit & towel
Waterproof windbreaker
Personal toiletries
Jersey / jumper
Insect repellent
Socks & underwear
Comfortable shirts
General accessories:
Mosquito net (optional)
Malaria Prophylaxis (Seasonal Malaria precautions may be advisable and are locally obtainable. Please inquire from your general doctor at home)
Money (miscellaneous expenses, gratuities)
Flashlight / batteries
Refreshments
Pen
Passport / visa
Luggage and packing space on tour vehicles:
Luggage should be limited to a maximum of around 33 lbs. Each Drifters traveler will have their own locker on the trucks which is accessible even while driving. Backpacks, barrel bags, or soft suitcases are strongly advisable as your standard hard suitcases sometimes don’t fit into the lockers. Each locker can be locked with your personal lock.
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Are there any optional or add-on activities available?
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Yes, there are many additional activities and side trips that are possible, available at an additional cost. Please contact our Adventures Team for more information.
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Do you require or recommend travel insurance?
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It is compulsory that all passengers make arrangements for adequate travel insurance to financially safeguard against unforeseen circumstances. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. For travel insurance, we recommend VisitorsCoverage as a provider.
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Are there special requirements for entry into the destination I am visiting?
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We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.
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Can I cancel or modify my trip?
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Yes! Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply.
New For 2022 & 2023 Departures: We’re providing more flexible booking options on this trip.
Up to 60 days prior to departure*
You may postpone or modify your trip up to 60 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one year of your original departure date, or
2) Select a new adventure or destination, or
3) Receive 100% lifetime store credit toward a future trip.
*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a date within one year from your original departure date and within the same travel season to avoid any additional trip costs. If you select a new adventure, you will be responsible for the difference of any additional trip costs above the value of your current trip.
Up to 30 days prior to departure*
You may postpone your trip up to 30 days prior to departure with no fees or penalties.
You will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one year of your original departure date, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.
*Please note, when choosing a new date, you must choose a date within one year from your original departure date and within the same travel season to avoid any additional trip costs. If you choose to cancel, you will receive a lifetime credit, minus cancellation fees, towards a future trip.
Less than 30 days prior to departure
In some cases, you may have the option to postpone your trip within 30 days prior to departure.
If this is available at the time of your request, you will have the option to:
1) Select a new travel date within one year of your original departure date. Additional trip costs may apply and new dates are subject to availability, or
2) Receive a lifetime store credit toward a future trip. Standard cancellation fees will apply.
For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.