Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Southern Africa Luxury

Example holiday

Southern Africa Luxury

We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.

The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.

Important travel information for visitors to South Africa and Zambia is included at the back of this document.

All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.

All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.

Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Travel Butlers Team

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Southern Africa Luxury

Example Itinerary

TB-1826-1 / 26603

Example Cost

Holiday Title: Southern Africa Luxury

Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa and Zambia for 7 nights

Passengers: 2 Adults

Example Cost for 2 Adults: * per person sharing.

*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.

All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.

When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.

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Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Summary Of The Itinerary

Printable Version

Holiday Title: Southern Africa Luxury

Passengers: 2 Adults

Day 1

Arrive into Skukuza Airport. Once you have collected your luggage, make your way into the Arrivals Hall where you will be met and transferred to Lion Sands River Lodge, in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Lion Sands is a place that enriches one's soul and promises life-changing moments and opportunities that will leave you with memories of unforgettable experiences. Two safaris take place each day - in the morning and late afternoon - which is when the wildlife is most active. Rise before dawn to set off through the early morning mist in search of game, or watch the sun set over a dusty horizon as the nocturnal world emerges. As Lion Sands is a private game reserve within the Sabi Sand Reserve, safaris are not confined to main roads and your field guide is able to navigate through dense bush, following the tracks of animals. Excitement rides high in discovering an intensely wild adventure every day.


Day 5

You will have an early breakfast (there will not be time for a game drive this morning unfortunately) and then you will be collected and transferred to the Kruger Mpumalanga Airport in time to check in for your international flight to Livingstone.

Airlink 4Z470 (Economy Class): Fly from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) departing at 11:35 to Livingstone Airport (LVI), arriving at 13:30

Arrive into Livingstone Airport. Go through Immigration, collect your luggage and clear Customs, then make your way into the Arrivals Hall, where you will meet your driver. You will then be transferred to the Royal Livingstone Hotel, overlooking the majestic Victoria Falls. PLEASE NOTE: We would recommend getting the UniVisa on arrival (subject to availability) - this allows tourists of certain nationalities to travel freely between Zambia and Zimbabwe, within a 30 day period from the date of their first entry.

Victoria Falls - Zambia

3 nights at Royal Livingstone


Day 6

Today enjoy a full tour of the Falls from both the Zambia and Zimbabwe side (PLEASE NOTE YOU WILL NEED TO GET A VISA TO CROSS INTO ZIMBABWE - ADDITIONAL COST AND FOR GUESTS TO ARRANGE - hence the suggestion for the UniVisa). A knowledgeable guide will take you on an unforgettable experience through the Victoria Falls rainforest, a journey that not only affords a view of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World but provides a great deal of interesting facts about the geology, wildlife and history of Africa's most famous landmark.

This afternoon you will be collected for your afternoon sundowner cruise on the mighty Zambezi River. Relax with a sundowner and snacks as you gaze out onto the banks of the river, and have your camera ready to capture one of the most amazing sunsets in Africa.


Day 7

Today, you will be collected for a walking safari with white rhino in the Mosi-Oa Tunya National Park. A close up encounter with the endangered white rhino will give you a once in a lifetime adventure.

Later this afternoon, you will be collected for your unique dining experience. The Royal Livingstone Express is a classic 'time travel' back in history using beautiful steam locomotives and lovingly restored carriages. You will enjoy a train ride along the 'Cape to Cairo' mainline, which runs parallel to the Zambezi River as the sun sets. You can then settle down to enjoy a delicious 6 course dinner.


Day 8

You will be collected and transferred back to Livingstone Airport, arriving in time to check in for your onward flight.

 
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Lion Sands River Lodge

Sabi Sand Game Reserve: 4 Nights

Lion Sands River Lodge, in the southern portion of the 65,000 hectare Sabi Sand Game Reserve, is situated on a private area of prime game-viewing land which has been owned and managed by the More Family for 4 generations. The lodge is built on the banks of the Sabie River, facing due East so that it catches the sun as it rises over the Kruger National Park.

The philosophy of the safari experience at Lion Sands is to deliver a consistently professional and informative safari experience, ensuring that all spheres of the African bush, from the small insects to the mighty elephant, are covered in as much detail as the guest may require. With only 6 guests per game drive vehicle, the ranger and tracker teams are all FGASA-qualified and highly skilled at leading safaris in Big Five territories and tailoring them guests personal interests.

The main lodge facilities includes a Safari Lounge and bar, spa and gym, a main swimming pool area and a ‘Memory Lab’, where guests will be able to print their photographs on canvas. The dining experience includes a traditional Boma and signature riverbed dinners and deck dining in the shade of the trees overlooking the Sabie River.

Lion Sands River Lodge has 18 luxurious thatched chalets in total. The 8 Luxury Rooms have a lounge area with mini bar and wooden deck from which to appreciate the wilds beyond. The 6 Superior Luxury Suites are larger in size, and have ample open-plan bathrooms and outdoor showers. 4 of the 6 suites are inter-leading, and are therefore ideal for families. The 4 River Suites (each with its own plunge pool) have outdoor showers and linked to all the areas by raised wooden walkways. They are located further from the public areas and are therefore more private and have incredible river views, best appreciated from the expansive decks. One of the River Suites has 2 bedrooms.

For a truly memorable sleeping experience, spend a night at the Chalkley Tree House - an ultimate 'bush bedroom' on a secure platform with all the comforts of a 5* safari lodge yet surrounded by the African bush and open to the skies. You are taken to the Tree House at sunset, where drinks and a scrumptious picnic dinner have been set out for you. The hours of African dusk can be enjoyed relaxing and absorbing the vastness of the bushveld as it transforms from day to night, before turning in for slumber beneath the incredible night sky.

Example Details For Lion Sands River Lodge

Nights: 4 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Room
Includes: 3 meals per day; tea/coffee; minibar in room; all soft drinks, a selection of local brand beers, spirits and house wines; 2 shared game drives daily; game drive refreshments/snacks; Skukuza airport transfers (and associated Kruger Park entry fees); Recovery/Rebuilding Levy; and the Guest Conservation Contribution are included. IN ADDITION: For self-drive visitors, there is a R140 per person entry and R310 per vehicle entry fee (subject to change), payable in cash at the entrance gate.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

Location

Lion Sands River Lodge Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Royal Livingstone

Victoria Falls - Zambia: 3 Nights

The Royal Livingstone is located on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, overlooking the Zambezi River and with direct access to the Victoria Falls. The hotel will appeal to the more discerning traveller who is in search of luxury, extravagance and sheer indulgence.

The hotel is named after the legendary explorer who named Zambia's iconic waterfall in honour of his queen. Paying tribute to this glorious era, the hotel evokes Victorian elegance and colonial traditions in impeccable style.

The sights and sounds of river life can be soaked up as you laze in a hammock, enjoy a massage in a waterfront gazebo, or cool off in the pool. Sip refreshments in a lounge that displays the paintings of Sir David Livingstone. Partake in charming high tea rituals, and later sundowners on a deck overlooking the Victoria Falls.

As a guest, you also enjoy the privilege of complimentary access to Victoria Falls via the hotel's private entrance.

After a full day of activities, guests can enjoy a fine dining experience, which is inspired by the mixed influences of Africa and the results are a culinary exploration garnered from the many different cultures that prevail in this diverse and delightful continent.

Every Friday evening, guests are invited to indulge in an important cultural tradition - a boma dinner beneath open African skies. Boma, or 'enclosure' in Swahili, comes from the days when tribesmen would cook and protect their communities. Sit by the fire and let your senses be invigorated with a decadent Zambian feast, from barbecue meat to spiced delicacies, with a live band and traditional dancing as entertainment.

For something really special, the Royal Livingstone Express is a classic ‘time travel’ back in history using beautiful steam locomotives and lovingly restored carriages. Relive the bygone era of Victorian elegance on ‘The Dinner Excursion’, which includes a train ride along the Cape to Cairo mainline, which runs parallel to the Zambezi River. Sunset will be enjoyed while travelling through the Mosi-Oa-Tunya Park followed by an impeccable 6 course dinner. This magical experience runs on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings.

The hotel stretches luxuriously along the banks of the Zambezi River, and consists of a sequence of thatch-roofed buildings, with deep verandas, set amidst indigenous trees and plants. The 173 rooms and suites all have private balconies or terraces with river views.

Example Details For Royal Livingstone

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Deluxe Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

Royal Livingstone Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Important Travel Information For South Africa

Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements

Latest Travel Updates

For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:

UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa

 

Normally, holders of the following passports do not require a visa to enter South Africa when travelling as a tourist for stays up to 90 days: United Kingdom; United States of America; Canada; Australia; Ireland; Belgium; Netherlands; Italy; France; Germany; Spain, Switzerland.

If you are a passport holder from another country, please contact your local South Africa High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements, as citizens of certain countries (including New Zealand) are required to obtain visas before travelling. Please note that if you are applying to the Embassy for your visa, some visas can take a long time to be processed so please do take this into consideration, as it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa in place before you travel.

Children under 18 years of age who require a visa to enter South Africa may be required to provide additional information when applying for the visa including an unabridged birth certificate and affidavit if travelling with only one parent.  There are also additional rules for unaccompanied minors and/or South African children - details available on request or via the SA Department of Home Affairs at http://www.dha.gov.za.

Please note that anyone travelling to South Africa should have a valid return ticket and a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa. However, some immigration officials still request that a passport should have at least 6 months validity from the date of entry to South Africa so to avoid problems on arrival, we advise that your passport meets this requirement instead. The passport must also have sufficient pages for entry/exit stamps - AT LEAST 2 BLANK PAGES.

South Africa has implemented biometric capturing at all ports of entry. This may result in some delays at land borders so you should allow additional time for border crossings.

PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.

Medical

You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to South Africa.

To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.

Tap water is purified and safe to drink in major cities and towns, however, we do advise that you do not drink the water in more remote places such as the camps in the National Parks - the water may be safe to drink, but it simply is not worth the risk, as bottled water is widely available.

Whatever you do, do not drink water from any river lake without firstly purifying the water. Always take water with you when you go on a hike, and have a bottle in the car on a long journey to avoid dehydration.

There is a risk of malaria in and around the Kruger National Park/Mpumalanga Province, the Limpopo (Northern) Province, and the north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.

There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is South Africa. However, in accordance with International Health Reguations, South Africa requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having transited through a yellow fever risk country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 10177 and ask for an ambulance.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Important Travel Information For South Africa

Continued

Languages And Culture

The 11 official languages are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda and Ndebele. Whilst many visitors will hear at least a couple of the tribal languages during the course of their stay, it is possible to travel extensively and comfortably with just English as a language.

The South African society is quite liberal, as gay marriage was legalised in 2006 nationwide and everyone’s rights are protected under the constitution. In some more rural areas, however, the local people may not be quite as liberal thinking, so whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship if travelling to a rural/remote area.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Important Travel Information For Zambia

Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements

Latest Travel Updates

For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:

UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/zambia

 

As of 01 November 2022, passengers carrying passports from the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia or the European Union will no longer have to purchase visas in order to enter Zambia and can obtain a free visa on arrival. Please note this ruling may be subject to change at short notice.

If you are a passport holder from another country, please contact your local Zambia High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements or check here:

https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/nationals-who-dont-require-visa/ 

https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/nationals-requiring-visa-prior-to-travel/

Visas can issued at any Zambia Embassy, online via https://evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/#/ or single or double entry visas can be obtained on arrival. You cannot get a multiple entry visa on arrival.

If you plan to get a visa on arrival, make sure you have the correct amount of cash (US dollars) with you as change may not be available. If you enter through Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka or the Harry Mwanga International Airport in Livingstone, you can now make payment for single and double entry visas via credit card at the Zambian Immigration desks.

Visa costs (subject to change) are as follows: Single Entry Visa USD 25 per person; Double Entry Visa USD 40 per person; Multiple Entry Visa USD 75 per person; Day Tripper Visa USD 10 per person (enter and exit through same port); Transit Visa USD 50 per person. 

For visitors wanting to travel across to Zimbabwe, the KAZA UniVisa is also an option (although unfortunately this is not always available). This visa allows tourists of certain nationalities to travel freely between Zambia and Zimbabwe, within a 30 day period from the date of their first entry.

This same visa will also allow those who cross into Botswana for a day trip to come back into Zambia (or Zimbabwe) without paying any extra visa fees - please note however it is not valid if staying in Botswana overnight.

The UniVisa can ONLY be obtained at SELECTED border posts - the international airports in Lusaka and Livingstone and at the land borders at Livingstone (Zimbabwe border) and Kazungula (Botswana border) - the current price is USD 50 per person (subject to change) and is valid for 30 days.

To check whether you are eligible for this visa, please visit https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/kaza-univisa/.

For everyone entering Zambia, your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry and have at least 2 blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Important Travel Information For Zambia

Continued

Medical

You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Zambia.

To help prevent diarrhoea, avoid tap water – drink only bottled water and use bottled water for tooth brushing, and avoid ice made with tap water – and only eat fruit or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled.

To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.

There is no risk of yellow fever in Zambia, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is Zambia. However, in accordance with International Health Regulations, Zambia requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps

There is a risk of malaria in all areas of Zambia - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Dengue fever can also be transmitted via mosquito bites. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.

Tsetse flies are found throughout some of Zambia's National Parks, especially in the Luangwa Valley and Kafue National Park. There have been some cases of sleeping sickness occurring after a tsetse fly bite, although these are mainly amongst farmers and other locals who have repeated exposure to bites. However, the fly can still deliver a painful bite, so it is advisable to take necessary precautions - don't wear dark colours, especially black and blue (including denim), wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and don't walk through bushes during the hottest part of the day.

Languages And Culture

The official language of Zambia is English. Commonly-spoken indigenous languages number over 70 and include Lamba, Kaonde, Tumbuka, Ngoni, Ila,Senga, Chewa, Chibemba, Nsenga Chinyanja, Lunda, Chitonga, Kaonde, Silozi, Nkoya, and Luvale.

We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:

Homosexuality is illegal in Zambia. Whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship.

You should always ask permission before taking anyone’s photograph.

Avoid taking pictures of sensitive sites including power stations, explosives factories, pumping stations, army barracks, government buildings, river junctions, road and rail bridges, the Ndola Oil refinery, mining areas and airports. If in doubt, don’t take pictures.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Book With Confidence

Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world.  In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.

Flexibility and peace of mind before you travel

Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:

The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:

We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.

If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.

You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19  to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.

Support whilst you are away

We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.

If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need.  You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.  Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.

Financial protection for your Travel Butlers holiday

All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.

Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Finding suitable travel insurance that covers Covid-19

You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:

Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance. 

You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.