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Zimbabwe 17th June 2008
Post Election detour - not that we are expecting any trouble in post election Zimbabwe; but just in case, we are avoiding the country. 1/ Southbound trips will on leaving Malawi will cross southern Zambia to Livingstone on the north side of the Falls. 2/ Northbound trips will leave from Livingstone and head east across the south of Zambia to Malawi. 3/ Trips departing the Falls will be leaving from The Waterfront in Livingstone, and NOT from Shoestrings in Zimbabwe. The days saved by missing Zimbabwe will be spent in South Luangwa National Park in the southeast corner of Zambia. The park is well worth the visit; recent trips have seen; wild dogs, leopards, lions, and buffalo. We camp beside the park; park entry is $25 and a game drives cost $40 for four hours.
Current situation in Kenya as of 17th June, 2008
The British government has removed its advisory against travelling through areas we visit. Nairobi International Airport “JKA” is operating normally. Following the power sharing agreement made on 28 February 2008 there have been no problems in the country.
The US Dollar LP and spending money
Due to the a weaker US Dollar, Great British Pounds and Euros are getting reasonable exchange rates at Exchange Bureaus in Africa.
For the Local Payment bring pounds sterling. If you find it’s easier for you to bring Euros, do so. If you are coming from the USA or places outside Europe where US$ are available, then please bring US Dollars.
For the most part the dollar is still used for purchasing most of your visas.
For the latest rates of exchange check out www.xe.com for every currency.
NEW. Kilimanjaro Climb as an extension before, after or during your trip.
Kilimanjaro is situated in a National Park of 756 sq. Km just below the border of Kenya in the increasingly popular destination of Tanzania.
The highest point in Africa and the tallest free standing mountain in the World it stands at an impressive 5,895 metres (19,340 feet). It is in actual fact a triple Volcano. The oldest, and now collapsed caldera is Shira, with the Middle Aged Mawenzi and the youngest, and still dormant Kibo. This highest point, or the Summit is called Uhuru Peak, is on Kibo.
We have opted to run Kilimanjaro Climbs with a locally run company who do not run up and down the same tired old route now more famously called the Coca Cola run than its real name of the Marangu Route. They operate on the less travelled and more scenically beautiful route called Machame. This runs on a 6 or 7 day plan entering at Machame and then leaving through Mweka. This means you don't go up and down on the same path. If you are going to undertake such a once in a lifetime commitment to climb the highest freestanding mountain in the world, you might as well see as much of the mountain as possible!
The company chosen has also been picked for it's guides, crew and porters. On a Bi-annual basis all members of the team, from the guides, assistant guides, trainees and camp crew are put onto training programs for Red Cross CPR and advanced first aid topics. The trek is run with a system of constant monitoring including pulse oximetry and a scorecard to check the key aspects of altitude sickness.
This activity is much more than just a climb too, there are the five layers of vegetation to walk through the vast expanse of geological wonder and many different types of animal and birdlife to consider as well as the change in climate and your own personal goals as you take on this challenge.
The trip includes an extensive pre climb information pack, a packing list and some training suggestions for you to follow. All the government taxes, entry fees, accommodation and meals, your crew and of course the backup and logistical support.
This trip can be taken at the beginning of any trip starting in East Africa and in the interim week on the 7 week Northbound trip.
For More information go to:- http://www.africantrails.co.uk/contact.php