Thank You for your interest in TrayTableSeatBack & Frankie’s Flight hosted group trip. We are eager to have you join us during this amazing Eastern African experience, as we travel into 3 different countries and immerse ourselves into the sounds, tastes, beauty, and hearts of the local communities. With activities ranging from seeing a Natural World Wonder, Victoria Falls, to camping overnight in the Chobe National Park, home to Africa’s largest elephant population, we are confident this will be a trip of a lifetime!
We are also excited to share that during this experience we have the unique opportunity to support a local non-profit, Okodwela NFP, with their Okodwela Home Project. We will join their local team in the rural surrounding areas of Livingstone, Zambia and assist in building a new home for families in need, as well as visit their previous built homes.
All information for the upcoming July 2020 Eastern Africa hosted trip to Zambia, Zimbabwe & Botswana is listed below. If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to send us a message! (*See contact tab below)
We look forward to toasting with you in Zambia, overlooking the sunset on the Zambezi River soon!
Rahiem and Amanda
All payments are non refundable and non transferable. Once a payment is paid, if you decide you are no longer able to attend, or if you miss a payment (without communicating with host) you will not be refunded any money and no monies can be transferred to a future trip or the trip of another attendee. Please review the Terms and Conditions below. You must have travel insurance. If you would like to add insurance onto your flight, please indicate, as that will be an additional fee. Fees vary based on airline. Please inquire with host if interested.
All room selections are by pairs. If you’re traveling with a friend, relative, or spouse and wish to share a room, please let the host know when booking and we will do our best to accomodate you. If you’re a solo traveler, you will be paired with another solo traveler.
Terms and Conditions – please review, sign, and return within 1 week of first payment.
ZAMBIA
ZIMBABWE
BOTSWANA
Border crossing with return to Zambia
July 29 Wednesday – July 31 Friday
Depart NYC 7.29 – Arrive in Livingstone, Zambia on July 31, 2020
Day 1: July 31 Friday – Welcome to ZAMBIA
Welcome Sunset Dinner on the Zambezi River
(Dinner Included)
Day 2: August 1 Saturday – Seven Wonder of the World
Victoria Falls National Park
(Breakfast Included)
Day 3: August 2 Sunday – BOTSWANA SAFARI
4×4 Land Cruiser Safari in Chobe National Park
Safari Boat Cruise on the Chobe River
Overnight fully-serviced camping in National Park
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)
Day 4: August 3 Monday – Free Day
Free day for activities such as Devils Pool, Bungee Jumping,
White Water Rafting, or take a walk with Cheetahs and Lions!
(Breakfast Included)
Day 5: August 4 Tuesday – Community Day with Okodwela NFP
Visit School, Community & Local Family Homes
(Breakfast & Dinner Included)
Day 6: August 5 Wednesday – House Building and ZIMBABWE
Build a House with Non Profit Okodwela NFP
(Breakfast & Dinner Included)
Day 7: August 6 Thursday – ZIMBABWE
Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe
Sunset Safari Cruise on the Zambezi River
(Breakfast & All You Can Drink/Light Snacks Included)
Day 8: August 7 Friday – Departure
Depart for Airport
(Breakfast Included)
Community Day
Okodwela NFP is a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, who aims to support African communities in developing secure housing, employment, and education. The word Okodwela translates to the native Nyanja word HAPPY. During your community day in Livingstone, you will visit approximately 3 different Okodwela family homes that were built with resources provided by the NGO, as well as visit with its local partner school, The Linda Community School. Located in the Linda Compound, the school serves 460 orphaned and vulnerable children from preschool to grade 7.
We will spend one morning at the school, learning about their students, teachers, and education system. The school also welcomes any ideas on lessons and/or activities you may want to do with the students. From there we will take a 30 minute walk into the village to meet with Okodwela Family members. Here you will be invited to meet the families and into their home for great conversation and laughs! We will also have the unique opportunity to support the Okodwela Construction team in building a new home! Any level of help/knowledge is welcomed from mixing cement, fetching water, laying bricks, to simply spending quality time with the Okodwela Team!
You can learn more about Okodwela, The Linda Community School and how you can support by visiting www.okodwela.org
Follow on instagram @okodwela
Transportation How long is the flight? How do I get there?
Horary, you’re headed to Southern AFRICA! With that being said, yes, it’s far – it will take time to get there. There are no direct flights to Livingstone, Zambia. If you choose the package with roundtrip flight included, you will have a minimum of 1 layover and you will depart and return to New York City, NY. If you choose to book on your own, look for a flight into Livingstone, Zambia (LVI). Another great route with more options would be to fly into Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT), South Africa, then book a round trip ticket on British Airways to Livingstone, Zambia (LVI). Just make sure you are flying in with enough time to recheck your bags for the next flight, we would hate for you to miss your flight, although, I could think of a worse place to be stuck in than South Africa!
You want to give yourself at least 3 days total flying time there and back, remember there is a significant time change.
Accommodation Will I be staying in tents or huts? Is there air conditioner?
No huts this trip! Our group will be staying in a 3-star accommodation lodge known as an oasis in the heart of Livingstone! Centrally located in town, you will step behind the main gates into a relaxing and refreshing landscape of lush greenery surrounded by mango trees. smack right in the middle of town! Enjoy free coffee/tea daily while relaxing by the pool and grab a cocktail at night from the bar. Don’t forget to grab the free pancakes served daily at 3pm. And if you need extra relaxation time, walk over to the spa for a massage or manicure! When they day is over, retreat to your air-conditioned room to recharge and get a great night’s sleep!
BOTSWANA Safari Overnight Camping – After a full day Safari, you’ll arrive at a fully-serviced campground in the heart of Chobe National Park. Enjoy a delicious dinner, grab a chair, sit back and relax around the campfire. After stargazing and campfire stores, you’ll retreat to your shared tent and fall asleep to the sound of elephants, birds, and the nature surrounding us. A beautiful sunrise breakfast awaits you in the morning!
Vaccinations Will I have to get a bunch of shots before I go?
Livingstone is located right next to the Zambezi River, which is how Zambia got its name. As a result of being so close to the river, Livingstone does have bugs and mosquitoes. However, Livingstone is lucky, as it has almost no malaria in the area, unlike other areas in Zambia. It is advisable to wear mosquito repellent, especially at dawn to dusk, and this is often enough to keep the mosquito’s away.
While there are no required vaccinations for Zambia, The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for Zambia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
Please consult your doctor or nearest travel clinic before your trip.
Weather Is it going to be hot?
Welcome to Africa! Yes, yes it will be hot! Our trip takes place during Zambia’s dry season which is subdivided into the cool dry season where temps reach around the mid 70’s (Fahrenheit) during the day and as low as into the 50s at night (May to August). It’s advised that you bring a light to medium jacket for the evenings.
Activities What’s there to do in Livingstone?
Well we thought you’d never ask! Are you looking for adventure? Culture? ANIMALS? We have an amazing itinerary planned for you but just in case you are looking to add on some extra fun, here are some additional options!
ZAMBIA
Currency Do I need cash or can I use my credit card?
Zambia’s local currency is called Kwacha. It’s advised that you exchange your money in town, as the rate tends to be better than at the airport. Most restaurants and activities do take credit card, however it is advised to carry some cash as taxis and some shops do not.
Restaurants What is the food like there?
With a handful of restaurants around town, you won’t go hungry having to choose between restaurants with outdoor seating serving authentic African cuisine, cafe style menus, or delicious homemade pasta and pizza! There are also options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free needs. You’ll want to be sure to try Zambia’s staple dish, Nshima, along with some greens and veggies while you’re there!