Tour Details

Experience South Africa | August 27 -September 9, 2026

Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park Botswana

Group Flight Information

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Sunday, May 3

  • United Airlines #1788 – Depart Houston- Bush @ 4:45pm/arrive Washington Dulles @ 8:56pm (3 hour flight)
  • United Airlines #942 – Depart Washington Dulles @ 10:30pm/arrive Lisbon @ 10:30am (May 4 – (7 hour flight)

Friday, May 15

  • United Airlines #8602 – Depart Barcelona @ 12:05pm/arrive Montreal Canada @ 2:20pm (8-hour flight)
  • United Airlines #8706 – Depart Montreal CA @ 4:35pm/arrive Houston @ 7:41pm (4-hour flight)

Transfers from the airport

Our transportation company can provide shuttle service from the airport to the hotel if needed. The cost for a 7-seater van is appr $85 and this can be shared by all passengers. In early August, we will share arrival times of all participants to determine if transfers can be shared. This service is strictly optional and you are welcome to secure your own transfer.

Upon arrival to Cape Town

The tour officially begins with your check in at the Victoria and Alfred Hotel in Cape Town on Friday, Aug 28. Check in begins @ 3:00pm but early check-in may be possible. Or you can store your luggage with the bell man prior to check in. There are no planned activities or meals on this day. The first group activity will be breakfast @ 8:00am at the Victoria and Alfred Hotel in Cape Town on Saturday, August 29 followed by a day of touring Cape Town.

Hotel Check in

If you arrive to the hotel earlier than Aug 28 and have booked additional nights, you can inquire at the reception about linking your reservation together to avoid moving rooms. The reception will have a rooming list for the tour.

Luggage/Weight Restrictions

Each person is allowed one checked bag (up to 44 lbs), one carry-on bag (up to 18 lbs) and one personal item. Your checked bag should be tagged with your name and contact number. It is recommended to carry a change of clothes, valuables and medication in your carry on in case of lost luggage. We encourage everyone to pack light as we will be transferring hotels and several flights during the tour.

Travel Insurance

If you have purchased travel insurance, it will be helpful to have your policy number accessible in case of emergency. If you have not purchased travel insurance, you can purchase up to 24 hours before departure. Travel insurance not only protects your tour in case of cancellation or interruption but also offers coverage for medical and dental expenses while traveling as well as lost and/or delayed bag coverage. Information for travel insurance can be found at www.preludetours.com/travel-insurance/

Time and weather

  • S Africa time is 7 hours ahead of CST.
  • Cape Town is about 15 degrees cooler and can be very windy compared to the other cities
  • Cape Town area – Low mid 50s\High mid 60s | Kruger Park – Low mid 50s \High mid 80s
  • Victoria Falls – Low mid 50s\High Upper 80s | Botswana – Low mid 50s\High upper 80s

Recommended Dress

Casual, comfortable light-colored clothing is recommended. Safari colored clothing is suggested when on the game drives so as to not distract the animals. Dressing in layers is best so you can adapt easily to the changing temperatures of the day. Closed toe shoes (tennis shoes are fine or hiking boots if you prefer) are necessary but no dress clothes are needed. The lodges in Krueger Park and in Botswana will offer laundry service for a minimal price.

Passport

You should make a copy of your passport and leave at home while you are traveling in case your passport is lost or email a copy of your passport to yourself so that you will have access to it. You will not need to carry your passport while we are traveling during the day. We recommend to leave in the hotel safe.

Medications

Medications do not need to be carried in their original bottles. We do suggest that you have a list of your medication in your wallet or emailed to you in case of lost medication or an emergency.

Vaccinations

we recommend a consultation with your family physician to discuss the necessary (if any) immunizations needed for the tour. The following immunizations are recommended but not required by the CDC. You will not be required to show proof of any vaccinations.

  • Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B – usually a series of 3 injections – start at least 3 months prior to departure
  • Typhoid Fever – can be oral or injection
  • Malaria Tablets – Tablets taken prior to arrival in South Africa until one week after trip
  • Tetanus – advisable to have had tetanus injection within last 5 years

Electrical adapter

  • Cape Town and Botswana – Type M (3 prong) adapter
  • Zambia – Type C (2 round plugs)
  • If you use a hair straightener or curling iron, it is highly suggested to purchase a “dual – voltage” appliance that automatically adapts to the local voltage. These can be purchased online or at local beauty supply stores

Local Currency\credit cards

South African currency is the Rand. $1 USD = 19.49 ZAR. Credit cards are widely accepted and are the preferred method of payment in restaurants and retail. Also, USD are accepted – it is recommended to bring small denominations of USD for street vendors and markets. It is not necessary to pre order foreign currency as you can use the local ATMs to access currency upon arrival into S Africa or at the airport.

Cell Phone and Wi Fi

All cellular providers offer an international day pass for a nominal fee which allows your cell phone to work as if in the United States. If you prefer not to purchase an international plan, wi-fi will be available in the hotels and lodges. It is recommended that you learn how to use your phone abroad before departure to avoid any “surprise fees” upon returning home.

Tipping and entrance fees

All gratuities/entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary are included.

Emergency contact number while traveling

The Prelude Tours office number 281.667.1057 will be forwarded to a cell phone and will be answered 24 hours a day while on tour in case of emergencies. The Prelude Tours email address, preludetours@gmail.com, will also be checked frequently during the tour.

Typical tour day

A typical day of touring in Cape Town will begin with breakfast around 7:30-8:00am in the hotel restaurant followed by an 8:00-9:00am departure for the day and returning around 5:00PM. While on safari, the day will begin with a 5:00am wakeup call followed by a morning game drive. Around 9:00am, we return to the lodge for breakfast and the day is free until lunch @ 12:30. Around 3:00pm, we will enjoy afternoon tea and snacks before our evening game drive. The day ends with dinner at appr 7:30pm at the lodge.

Hairdryers and toiletries

All hotels will provide hairdryers and essential toiletries (soap, shampoo, lotion)

Packing Suggestions

  • Comfortable layered clothes
  • Closed toe shoes (not necessarily boots – tennis shoes are fine)
  • Safari clothing – layered, lightweight clothing – avoid bright colors and black
  • Light weight jacket and a rain jacket\poncho (maybe umbrella)
  • Bathing suit – (all properties have pools)
  • Sun protection – sunscreen, hats, etc.
  • Mosquito repellant – DEET based (lodges provide spray but you may want extra)
  • Camera and Binoculars (if interested)
  • Small electrical items (Laptop, iPad, etc.) are acceptable

Hotel Contact information

Intra Africa Flights: (these are included in the tour cost and have been purchased for the group)

  • Tuesday, Sept 1 – South Africa Airways #4Z 657- Depart Cape Town @ 10:30am; arrive Hoedspruit Airport @ 1:00PM
  • Friday, Sept 4 – South Africa Airways #4Z 470 – Depart Kruger Park Airport @ 11:35am; arrive Livingstone Zambia @ 1:30PM
  • Tuesday, Sept 8 – South Africa Airways #4Z 307 – Depart Kasane Botswana Airport @ 2:15PM; arrive Johannesburg @ 3:55PM