Camping

On our Camping trips, you will be staying in easy-to-assemble, two-person dome tents provided by us. Please try to keep the tent clean, zipped up and remember that no smoking, candles or mosquito coils are permitted in the tent. To keep pests away, we also ask that you not eat or leave food in your tent. Ain’t nobody got time for bugs.

Please note: You must provide your own sleeping bag on Camping trips.

Accommodated

Sometimes you just need your creature comforts. We totally get it. That’s why our Accommodated trips offer the same level of excitement and adventure as our Camping trips – except every day ends with a night in a comfortable bed in a range of safari cabins, tented camps and hostels.

Please note: Trips staying in Spitzkoppe and Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater will not be accommodated and two-person dome tents with a mattress and sleeping bag will be provided for these locations.

Campsites

Campsites you will stay in vary considerably. The general standard in East Africa is modest, although
most have reasonable toilet and shower facilities. In southern Africa, the standard is usually somewhat higher. Occasionally we may camp out in the bush (with limited or no facilities).

In addition to meal assistance, there are other odd jobs you will be expected to undertake as part of any trip in Africa. We ask that you get involved in collecting firewood, lighting fires, filling water tanks, loading luggage, keeping the truck clean and even helping with the dishes. Lending a hand has never been so much fun, trust us.

Horse riding - US$45

Village walk - US$7

Livingstonia day hike - US$10

Okavango scenic flight - U$470

Bushman traditional dancing -USD$15

Quad biking - US$65

Sandboarding - US$50

Deep sea fishing - US$130

Scenic flight - US$300

Tandem skydive - US$210

Swakopmund township tour - US$40

Kayaking - US$65

South Africa

Orange River canoeing - US$40

Wine tasting - US$10

Your included meals are detailed in the 'More Inclusions' section of this document. While on the road, you will be provided with three meals a day unless otherwise stated. African overland trips are participation based, which means you will be expected to do your bit for the team by helping with purchasing, cooking and cleaning-up duties. In some places, we will be able to go out for a meal.If you have any dietary requirements we will make every effort to cater to your specific needs, as long as you advise your travel agent or Topdeck Trip Consultant when you book. Please be aware that it may not be possible to cater for every single dietary requirement, but we will always try our best to arrange it.

Your Topdeck crew never expect tips themselves and will not ask for any; that’s not what friends do! We also know how much tipping can cost you. So go ahead, spoil yourself with the money you will save by travelling with Topdeck (just don’t forget Mum’s souvenir).

Our travel app has landed! With a range of awesome features including a Currency Converter, Budget Tracker, Check-In tool and Social Timeline you can plan your trip like a pro. Think of it like your very own Topdeck Trip Leader, always on call with the latest info, weather, maps and city guides to give you the trip of a lifetime, all in the palm of your hand.

Please note: The Topdeck Travel App should only be downloaded once you have booked onto your trip. You will not be able to log in unless you have a Topdeck Booking Reference Number.

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One of the best parts of travelling is experiencing the nightlife and entertainment each city has to offer. However, amidst the fun and excitement, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and personal safety as well. Before you hit the road with us, it’s important to be aware of the following:

When you’re on a night out, remember to avoid walking alone, particularly through deserted areas like beaches and back streets. Always stick together, take a taxi where possible, and keep a note of your accommodation details so you can find your way back to your fellow Topdeckers if you become separated.

In some countries, alcoholic measures can be considerably larger than what you may be used to. Try to keep track of what you’re drinking, and if you see one of your trip mates looking a little worse for wear, take them back to your accommodation. Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended.

It’s also important to be aware that what you might consider harmless flirting may be interpreted differently in some countries. Be yourself and have fun, but don’t be naïve, and be mindful of the signals you are sending out so that you don’t find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.