Accommodation for 2 nights in suites/villa, on Full Board basis
Kwena Lodge is a modern and luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San “hut”. Each stand alone suite at Kwena Lodge is nestled into its spectacular natural surroundings with 180-degree views of the spectacular mountainous landscape and passing wildlife. Kwena Lodge offers guests 14 privately situated spacious, double-volume bedroom suites and 7 three and four en-suite bedroom villas. The spacious lodge facilities include a large infinity pool, chic open-plan lounge and bar, with dining offered in beautiful indoor and outdoor settings including an elegant dining room set around 2 open fireplaces, an outdoor thatched modern dining space overlooking two waterholes, or in the outdoor African boma.
Following breakfast transfer to Big 5 game reserve.
Gondwana is the only free roaming Big 5 reserve located in the Southern Cape and is the only Big 5 reserve in the world located in a critically endangered Fynbos biome. The reserve is home to 15 antelope species, 17 predator species and over a 1000 species of fynbos plants. Enjoy the daily game drives in open Game Viewing vehicles with expert field guides. Free Wi-Fi access in lodge and villas. Gondwana’s Spa offers a full treatment menu utilizing the luxurious Africology product range which makes use of South Africa’s indigenous plants. Treatments can be in the double volume treatment room or open air for a truly “au natural” experience.
Lunch and Dinner at the lodge
VISA REQUIREMENTS
US Citizens do not require a visa to enter South Africa for stays up to 30 days, unless traveling on a diplomatic passport. Passports are required to be valid for at least 30 days after departing and with at least 2 consecutive blank visa pages (not endorsed pages).
Zimbabwe and Zambia
KAZA visa applicable for unlimited entry between Zimbabwe and Zambia for intended stays up to 30 days.
KAZA visa can now be obtained online via: https://www.evisa.gov.zw/applications Visitors should specifically request a KAZA visa, at a fee of US$50 p/passport (subject to change without prior notice). Alternatively visa can still be obtained on arrival, However, it is possible that officials will automatically grant a single entry visa into Zimbabwe , at a fee of US$30. If this happens, visitors will be require to also obtain a single entry visa into Zambia at a border post on the day of transfer, and pay an additional fee of US$50. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months after departing Zambia/Zimbabwe and have at least 4 unstamped blank pages.
CURRENT COVID-19 PROTOCOLS on arrival ( subject to change)
SOUTH AFRICA, ZIMBABWE, ZAMBIA
South Africa is no longer in a state of emergency, all restrictions have been lifted.
All facilities and places of interest operate normal hours as pre-covid.
Fully vaccinated travelers are automatically exempt from the requirement to have a PCR tests to enter Zimbabwe
Unvaccinated travelers on the other hand still require a negative PCR test to enter the country, from a test done within 48 hours before the departing flight bound for for Zimbabwe
Fully vaccinated is presumed when a traveller has received all recommended doses in their primary series COVID-19 vaccine. The only accepted vaccines are those that have been approved by the URT and the World Health Organization.
INSURANCE
Adequate travel insurance should be taken out prior to departure, covering any medical situation such as hospitalization, as well as cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and baggage and now covering emergency medical evacuation coverage, and any testing or quarantine Certain lodges offer emergency evacuation insurance up to the nearest hospital. Please advise us of any existing conditions in advance in order to arrange cover, subject to approval of the respective insurer approval on the respective itinerary if applicable.
Medical Emergency Tel:+2783-604-0556/+2711783-6440/+1347-201-9441
FIRST AID
Although most hotels and lodges are equipped with a first aid kit, we suggest that you bring a small airtight container with a few well-chosen articles, such as plasters, travel sickness drugs, antiseptic cream, pain relieving drugs for headaches, indigestion drugs, sunscreen, eye drops, insect repellent, medication for upset stomachs and after-sun moisturiser. We remind travelers who have any allergies, e.g. insect stings, or an asthma condition, to pack the required medication.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
✓ Anyone who has any special medication should take enough supplies to last for the entire stay.
✓ Ticks can be found in Africa’s wilderness areas.
✓ To avoid getting bitten when going on bush walks, guests are advised to take precautions by wearing long trousers, socks and boots. Please note that there is a possibility that tick bites could lead to tick bite fever. Symptoms include fever, headaches and painful, enlarged lymph glands in the area of the bite. If you experience these symptoms after returning home, please visit your doctor and advise them of the possibility of tick bite fever.
✓ Vaccinations for Typhoid, Hypotites A & B, Menegites and other viruses are recommended. Please contact your physician or a local travel clinic
✓ Vaccinations for cholera and smallpox are not required.
✓ The bilharzia parasite is present in streams, rivers, lakes and dams, and visitors should therefore avoid contact with the water in these regions.
Most hotels have a list of doctors and access to a doctor on call
FLIGHTS, TRANSFERS & ACTIVITIES
Guests should always contact Salute Africa 24 hour emergency numbers in the event of any uncertainty !
Salute 24 hour emergency T+2783 604-0556 | +1 347 201-9441
In general check in for commercial flights:
o 2 hours prior to international departures
o 1 hour prior to domestic departures
TIME
Standard Time per country compared to Greenwich Mean Time (UTC/GMT) throughout the year. No Day light saving time observed.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, - GMT + 2 hours - Greenwich Mean Time (UTC/GMT )
EXAMPLE: 10:30pm eastern is 4:30am THE NEXT DAY in Cape Town
MONEY
Banks and foreign exchange bureaus are available at all main international airports. ATM's are at all major airports, shopping centres and some hotels. ATM machines allow withdrawals in the official currency of the respective country only. Most hotels and lodges accept all major credit cards. Please note that credit card transactions could take anything up to a few months to go through on guests’ cards
Official Currency:
South Africa - South African Rand
Zimbabwe - US $ in small denominations issued in 2010 or later; South African Rand
$1 US = $15-$18 RAND historically.
ETIQUETTE
The dress code for most activities/dinning is casual, except, some restaurants and clubs do require a more formal attire.
Topless swimming and sunbathing is not permitted, though the rules are disregarded on some beaches.
Alcohol may not be consumed on beaches or in public places and smoking is banned in all public buildings, airplanes and busses
All African countries are relatively casual, but you'll need something more formal to change into at exclusive hotels.
Important documents:
Make two copies of all important documents, such as passports, itinerary and emergency contact information. Take one copy with you, packed in a different bag to the original, and leave a copy at home with a contactable person.
Spectacles, contact lenses:
Bring spare spectacles, and/or a copy of your prescription so that they can be easily replaced if lost or stolen. If you wear contact lenses, consider using disposables for a short holiday, especially if planning to river raft or a dive. Don’t forget spectacles, the dry, dusty air on safari may irritate your eyes.
Making memories:
Please be sure to bring sufficient memory cards and batteries. Smaller towns may run out of stock.
Bring along your mobile phone ( “cell-phone”) or rent one when you arrive. All Southern African countries use sophisticated GSM networks and most phones will work. Most Hotels and lodges as well as public areas offer WIFI
It is possible to buy a SIM card at airports, supermarkets and many other outlets. Make sure you have your passport and an address of where you will be staying if you do, as the network operators are legally required to capture the details of all SIM card holders.
The most practical items to pack are:
Africans are generally casual so opt for dresses, shorts, T-shirts and light trousers. ...
Evenings in the cities are more smart-casual. This includes a dress shirt (ties are optional), blazer, and jeans or trousers for men, while a cocktail dress or smart separates are ideal for women
▪Sunglasses – it is important that you bring eyewear protection as you don’t want the African sun to burn to leave you squinting
▪A crossbody bag – to keep your basics on you at all times whilst on holiday and this bag allows you to only bring your essentials out with you
▪Walking shoes – whether it be in the markets, the wine route, hiking up lions head- you need appropriate shoes. There will never be a time when there isn’t something to do, and you don’t want to miss out because a poor choice in footwear are holding you back.
▪Lip balm –hot dry climate can cause dryness if your skin is not used to the climate change
▪Swim and beachwear
▪Sun block, hat, moisturizer are all essentials
▪Strong insect repellent like Mozzie Guard (www.mosi-guard.com)
▪Binoculars and camera equipment
On Safari - as a general guide, comfortable, casual wash and wear clothes are recommended. Game-drives are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon, which can be very cold, especially in winter. The most practical items to pack for safari are:
✓ Khaki, green, beige and neutral colours (dark blue and black should be avoided, as it attracts Tsetse flies)
✓ Shirts with long sleeves (even in summer, as protection from the sun, mosquitoes and Tsetse flies)
✓ T-shirts
✓ Shorts or a light skirt
✓ Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
✓ A jacket and sweater is recommended for early morning and evening game drives
✓ Lightweight water-proof jacket
✓ Swim and beachwear
✓ Comfortable walking shoes
✓ Sun block, sunglasses, hat, moisturizer and lip-salve are all essentials ✓ Strong insect repellent like Mozzie Guard (www.mosi-guard.com)
✓ Binoculars and camera equipment
LAUNDRY
Most hotels do their best to deliver a same day laundry service, weather permitting. Dry cleaning can be arranged at most hotels but is not available at lodges. Lodges do provide soap suds in the rooms room for delicate items. Due to culture/customs, some lodges/camps do not wash underwear.
If you've forgotten anything – don't panic. This is not the back of beyond, and you can buy whatever you need – probably at a good price.
CONVERSIONS
Distances throughout Africa are measured in kilometres.
One mile is equivalent to 1.621 kilometres.
Temperature through Africa is measured in degrees Celsius (also known as Centigrade). Ten degrees Celsius is equivalent to 50 degrees Fahrenheit,
20°C = 68°F, 30°C = 86°F.
DIETARY
Most hotels/lodges and restaurants are geared to cater for most dietary requirements and allergies.
Please advise us of any specific dietary requirements or allergies in details and these will be communicated to all concerned
LANGUAGES
English is the most commonly spoken language in official and public life in all African countries
Waiters in restaurants |
10% on top of the bill |
City Guides |
On Safari* (Note: arrival/departure days considered as half a day) |
Per transfer USD 5 per transfer per couple |
Ranger/Guide USD 20 per couple per day |
We accept MasterCard / Visa cards. In an effort to simplify the booking process for our guests and clients we have translated the local currency charges into a single currency namely United States Dollars. This facility is intended to facilitate ease of payment for guests, yet the underlying liability and contractual commitment remains the original source currency, South African Rands Depending on the gateway used or available at the time of payment, credit cards payments may be processed in South African Rands (ZAR). Where the cards are charged in South African Rands (ZAR), the exchange takes place at a prevailing US$ - ZAR exchange rate as published by any of the major South African Banks at the time of generating the link to the payment gateway.
Travel League Inbound CC/LLC, trading as Salute Africa and its sister company Salute Safaris Limited has no control over the exchange rate used by the cardholders bank on settlement and any exchange rate differences which may occur shall be borne by the card holder and not Travel League Inbound CC/LLC, dba Salute Africa Salute Safaris Limited.
In cases where the booking was discussed and confirmed through an agent facilitating the booking, the agent is deemed to have acted on cardholder’s/travelers behalf with full authority and authorization. It is further assumed that the card holder received all the terms of booking from the agent and has consented thereto prior to processing any payments.
The cardholder is deemed to have made himself aware of the services included under the proposal referenced on the signed booking form. Should the card holder be unsure of the services included in the package, it is the sole responsibility of the cardholder to contact Salute Africa for clarification via Email: gk@saluteafrica.co.za.
The card holder is deemed to have made himself aware of any additions to the booked and confirmed package shown on a booking form and is deemed to have agreed to them prior to payment being processed
Where total booking cost is paid in parts or by numerous card holders or payments or both, the terms and conditions and acceptance thereof are deemed to apply to all payments as one in the same and will be deemed to be treated as a settlement of debt incurred for tour package booked
For more information about how to book, all booking requirements and other payment options, please contact our Support Team +27117836440 or email gk@saluteafrica.co.za.
CHECK-IN TIMES
In accordance with global practice, all hotel and lodge check-in/out times are as follows: Check-in: 14h00; Check-out: 11h00
Force Majeure Circumstances
Force majeure means unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond Merchants control or the control of Merchants suppliers, the consequence of which neither the Merchant nor its suppliers could avoid even with all due care. Such circumstances include, but not limited to, war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity (actual or threatened), industrial dispute, unavoidable technical problems with transport, machinery or equipment, power failure, changes imposed by rescheduling or cancellation of flights by an airline, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, flood, drought, adverse weather conditions, epidemics, pandemics or outbreaks of illness and level of water in rivers.
Force Majeure Circumstances continued
The Merchant will not be liable to refund the refund the cardholder or pay compensation to the card holder if the contractual obligations to the cardholder are affected by force majeure. Furthermore, under any force-majeure circumstances, where such did not permit the merchant to perform any of its obligations to the card holder, the period of performing Merchants obligations to the cardholder shall be extended for the period of the duration of such circumstances. In addition, should the force-majeure circumstances create a need to alter the agreed upon services, accommodation or their logistical order, the Merchant shall do so in order to fulfil its obligations to the cardholder/client. The party failing to perform the obligations under the agreed itinerary, as a result of force-majeure circumstances, shall immediately inform the other party at the start or beginning and cessation of such circumstances and propose a solution. Documents, issued by the competent authorities of the corresponding country can be requested and shall be regarded as a proof of the existence of such circumstances and their duration.
Additional costs incurred under a force-majeure event are specifically and always for the account of the cardholder/client.
Medical condition of any individual guest may not be regarded as a force-majeure.
We may charge a reasonable fee to cover the administration costs associated with providing alternative travel arrangements or products where your booking is affected by Force Majeure.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Please remember to ask permission before taking a photograph of locals. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) is not allowed in any public areas, as well as in any of the conservation areas, until such time as their impact on wildlife and anti-poaching initiatives can be assessed. This rule applies throughout Africa.
SECURITY
Like anywhere else in the world, visitors should take reasonable precautions against opportunistic crime. Most accommodations offer in-room or reception safes to secure your valuables. Visitors are advised not to leave their belongings or personal property unattended. Do not carry large sums of money or valuables on your person. Purchase additional excursions from licensed operators only.
Cancellation or Reduction of Rooms | Resulting Penalty |
After Confirmation | 10% of cost |
Less than 181 days prior to arrival date | 35% of cost |
Less than 120 days prior to arrival date | 60% of cost |
Less than 60 days prior to arrival date | 100% of tour cost |
Cancellation policy continued
Not withstanding the above, the following terms will apply:
•Should booking form part of a group booking ( 12 guests or more) and the number of participants in that specific group fall under the Minimum requirement as based on number of participants used for the purposes of the accepted quote, per person cost will need to be recalculated based on the new number of participants and each participant will be liable for the additional costs without exception.
• In the event where services are not performed to clients full satisfaction, the client or card holder shall contact Salute Africa with their grievances in writing within 24 hours of the resulting dissatisfaction. The grievance must be reported to Support Team +27836040556 or email gk@saluteafrica.co.za. No other actions are appropriate from the card holder.
In event of dissatisfaction Salute Africa/Salute Safaris will do all possible to solve the issue immediately, or negotiate with the supplier for an appropriate compensation or refund. The approved compensation will then be passed on to the client. We require clients to take out travel insurance to cover all unforeseen circumstances.
Ready to book? First Steps!
1) Fill out the client booking form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X-rIz9X4uXY1IICPUFfZMWy1d5pusdN6/view?usp=sharing
2) Client booking form should be completely filled out and returned to Shane via email with a clear copy of your passport at sclarke@countdowntobliss.com
It should be legible and clear.
Once client booking form is received, you will be able to proceed with next steps in booking your space on the trip!