Online booking available or call +44 (0)1963 363 400
News
Check out this page for all the latest information and news regarding our trips & the regions we travel through.
17th Nov 2008 OASIS TRAVELLERS RAISE MONEY FOR ZIMBABWEAN CHILDREN A big thank you to our group travelling with Mel and Franco in Africa. The group persuaded Franco to shave off his long flowing locks-he did it-and they had a whip round and raised $700USD for the Hupenyu Hutsva Children's Home in Zimbabwe! This is one of the projects that Oasis regularly supports and you can read more about it on our Sponsorship and Environment page. On behalf of Hupenyu Hutsva and all our our crew and staff we would like to thank Franco (and Mel) for walking around with a cold head and their group for their generous donations.
Oasis office staff organised a fundraising comedy night on 11th October at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton, Dorset. The event was a great success and we've just got the final figures through. We raised £1185 for our two chosen charities- the Sudanese Community Development Program in Cairo-a school for Sudanese refugee children (see our Sponsorship and Environment page) and a youth group local to our UK office. This is the third comedy night we've organised. The previous two raised about £1500. We divide the profits for each event between one of our overseas projects and a charity local to our UK office. If you're around in Dorset on March 14th 2009 why not come along to our next event.
Thanks to all our office staff and visiting crew for their help on the night and thanks to any of you that managed to come along.
1st Nov 2008 CREW WEDDING Congratulations to Rachel and Jeremy, two of our fantastic crew who tied the knot in Wales this weekend. They both scrubbed up very well after years on the road! They met on an Egypt Encompassed tour. Rachel was the Tour Leader, Jeremy an Oasis traveller. Romance ensued and Jeremy ended up becoming a Driver. Together they led trips across the Middle East and Africa. They were very popular crew and will be missed by all of us here at Oasis. On behalf of Oasis and everyone who's ever travelled with them we wish them well in their future life together.
We can't promise you'll find a future spouse on one of our trips but it's not the first time it's happened!
31st Oct 2008 New Brochure out today The ink from our new 2009/10 brochure is barely dry but we all think it's great and hopefully you will too. This year we've combined all our trips into one brochure-hopefully this will save a few trees and maybe inspire you to travel to areas you hadn't previously considered. To order your copy click here to go thru to the brochure order page.
30th Oct 2008 LATE AVAILABILITY - SANTIAGO TO RIO 31st DECEMBER We've got late availability on our Coast to Coast trip from Santiago to Rio on the 31st December this year. Normally sold out for this trip by now.. its a great chance to get out for an adventure this winter. Taking in some stunning scenery in Patagonia, Chile's lake district, and the buzz of Buenos Aires, it ends in Rio in time for Carnival, for the biggest party on earth! See more about the trip here
13th Oct 2008 ZIMBABWE UPDATE It is true to say that Zimbabwe has suffered its fare share of turmoil and problems over the last 10 or so years. It is an unfortunate reality there will continue to be political and economic problems for quite some time in the future.
As a result of the uncertain political and social situation in Zimbabwe over the last few months - The Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) were advising against 'All but Essential Travel' to the country. This has recently been updated and the advise has generally softened . Please click on the following link to view the information and advice for yourself - www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/zimbabwe
The main tourist draw card of Victoria Falls has always been regarded as a haven of peace, even at times when other parts of the country have struggled - especially the rural areas cut off from communication and information. But in saying this - it has always been an important necessity to adhere to the ever changing FCO advice for the security and safety of everyone on board. It is especially important to do this as the travel advice can affect not only the insurance of Oasis but also of our trip participants. This has meant that our trips since April have been re-routed through neighbouring Zambia. We have been monitoring the advice on a daily basis - mainly through constant contact with our local agents and operators in Zimbabwe.
Even though the FCO advice has somewhat softened - we are still unable to return back to Zimbabwe and to follow our original itineraries. This is now mainly due to the closure of certain campsites and facilities that our groups use to frequent regularly on trips. It was hoped that we would be able to return to our original itineraries by now - but it still seems unlikely to be a viable option at the present time. We are continuing to divert our trips through Zambia for the remainder of 2008 - until we can re introduce and establish various services and facilities which are necessary to continue operating an enjoyable and high standard of trip. We hope that when this has happened - we will be able to responsibly return back to Zimbabwe. By continuing to implement this measure - our aim is to avoid any further confusion and make the planning of flights and other preparations as hassle free for our passengers as possible. Also - our aim is to be as positive as possible regarding the current situation in Zim and we hope that the changes being made are for the better - but there still is a chance that the situation ( including the FCO travel advice ) may revert back to its prior standing.
On our normal itineraries - we usually transit through Mozambique from Malawi ( Lilongwe ) and bush camp for a night, before crossing into Zimbabwe - where we spent approx 10 days. Due to the necessity to alter our itineraries - we will no longer be passing through Mozambique but will be spending the same amount of time in Zambia, as we would have originally in Zimbabwe. This means that the itinerary before and after this altered section will remain as originally detailed in the pre departure dossier and the trip itineraries ( both of which can be downloaded or viewed from the specific trip page on our website ). Our altered itinerary will now take in South Luangwa National Park - recognised as one of the best parks in Southern Africa, before heading to the capital of Lusaka. We continue to Lake Kariba - which sits on the border of both Zim and Zambia, before getting the chance to view the Zambian side of Vic Falls from Livingstone. A more detailed daily itinerary is listed below.
Due to the amendment of the "All but Essential Travel" advise by the FCO - it may now be possible for the group to independently visit the Zim side of Vic Falls from Livingstone in Zambia. ( where all our trips usually spend 3-4 nights ). This can be easily be arranged independantly and your crew will be able to advise you once you are there. This option will only be dependant on the current situation and travel advise stated at the time - which may change without prior warning. Please keep informed and ensure that you are fully covered under your travel insurance for travel into Zimbabwe.
All our trips which originally passed through Zimbabwe will be affected by the above itinerary changes. The following trips departing from either Nairobi / Harare or Vic Falls will affect either the joining / ending point of your trip :
Nairobi - Apes and Lakes- Departing 22nd September , 20th October , 12th November , 16th December - 40 days to Harare / 50 days to Vic Falls Savanna Dawn - Departing 20th September , 11th October , 8th November , 1st December - 21 days to Harare / 31 days to Vic Falls
Harare - Deserts & Game Park - Departing 12th September , 11th October , 1st November , 29th November , 22nd December - 33 days to Cape Town / 50 days to Jo Burg
Vic Falls - More Deserts & Game Parks - Departing 22nd September , 21st October , 11th November , 9th December , 1st January - 23 days to Cape Town / 40 days to Jo Burg
If you are booked on any of the above trips - please note :
a) If you were scheduled to begin or end in Harare- please consult with your airline and check the availability of changing your outward / inbound flight to the capital of Malawi - Lilongwe as this will be our new joining / ending point. If you are joining from here - you will be able to enter and fully experience Zambia with the group and visit South Luangwa National Park. The only other joining option would be to fly into the capital Lusaka - which would be approx 5 days after departing from Lilongwe / Malawi. For those of you who will now be ending in Lilongwe / Malawi - It is also possible to extend your trip to Lusaka / Zambia if you wish - Please contact the office for further details with these options.
b) If you are beginning or ending in Vic Falls - check on the possibility of flying in / out of Livingstone. If this is not an option and you have already arranged flights into Vic Falls in Zimbabwe - it may also be possible to transfer by taxi to our camp in Livingstone - costing approx $35 usd. Please bear in mind that this transfer option is not a guarantee and will only be dependant on the state of affairs at the present time. We will offer as much assistance as possible if and when this option is necessitated.
General Itinerary through Zambia
- Day 1
From Lilongwe / Malawi we head west and cross the border into Zambia , where we overnight in Chipata
- Day 2
A couple of hours drive along dirt roads brings us to the Mfuwe area- close to the main entrance of the South Luangwa National Park.
- Day 3
A free day to enjoy a fully guided morning or afternoon Game Drive or Walk in the National Park. As this is a very rich wildlife area ( especially in the dry season between June and October ) there is a good chance to see Lion , Buffalo , Elephant and the elusive Cheetah - amongst other lesser game species. Guided nature walks are also available around the area bordering the campsite - for those with extra energy and/or economical pockets.
- Days 4 , 5
We head back to the main road to Lusaka - using nature as our camp for the night, before continuing on to the capital.
- Days 6 , 7
Continuing south , we head towards Lake Kariba - the heart of the Tonga people and one of the worlds largest man made reservoirs. From here we have the chance to experience the beautiful scenery , wildlife and traditional culture by joining a 2 day / 2 night Houseboat option. You will have the chance to visit a working commercial croc farm - where more than 1500 Nile crocodiles are kept for the purposes of breeding and conservation. Every day is a feeding day - a chance to capture some great shots of these pre historic animals. The lake attracts more than its fare share of birdlife for the keen spotter, with the chance of game viewing ( by tenderboat ) or game walking ( on some of the many islands ). Fishing, relaxing in the plunge pool or taking in a great Kariba sunset are also popular options. You may even get the chance to see the local fisherman out at night - fishing for their staple food source "Kapenta" - an extremely salty tasting fish. Definitely an acquired taste.
- Days 8,9,10
The adventure capital of Livingstone awaits our arrival. This is where the adrenaline junkie in all of us can be let loose. Everything from eye popping Bunjee to the rush of rafting down the mighty Zambezi - it is all for the taking. An amazing experience is to visit the awe inspiring Victoria Falls, either by foot or taking a "flight of the angels" - by plane , microlight or helicopter - a great way to experience the amazing grandeur of this natural wonder. Many other activities are also on offer - from Elephant / Horseback riding to a walking safari to get up close to a White Rhino. There is something for everyone
The above itinerary is intended to be used solely as a guide and may change due to weather, road conditions, political disputes , border closures etc. We have managed to honour the above itinerary for the last couple of trips - with good feedback received from our crew and past trip participants.
Budgeting - Visas & Optional Activities
Single / double entry visas into Zambia for the following nationalities are currently :
£75 / 240 GBP for Uk passport holders
$135 USD for Americans ( Multiple entry visas only available )
$50 / $80 USD for other nationalities.
Along with this extra visa cost and the possibility of rescheduling flights - we are aware that these will be additional and unforeseen expenses to most. We hope that this information allows you to re - budget your spending money accordingly. Please also bare in mind that you will no longer be required to pay for a Mozambique entry visa costing $60 USD pp - so hopefully this will help with counter acting any major extra expense. If your only option is to fly into Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe in order to cross straight over to Zambia to meet up with your group - you will need to also purchase a transit visa ( on entry into Zimbabwe ) which is currently $35 usd pp.
If you wish to visit Vic Falls in Zim for a day from Livingstone - a single entry visa will cost $60 usd for European and British passport holders , $65 usd for Canadians , and $30 usd for Austrailan / New Zealand passport holders. This visa can be obtained at the border . If you wish to undertake this option - you will need to get a multiple entry visa into Zambia - which will allow you to re enter Zambia after your visit to Zim .
Please Note : A majority of the activities that were on offer in Zimbabwe are also available from Livingstone in Zambia ( as detailed in the general itinerary above) - please use the various approx prices detailed in the pre trip information - as these will still be valid. Please be aware that Mastercard is not generally accepted in Zambia ( it can only be used for the payment of some activities - but it is definately not an option if wanting to withdraw money from ATM's ) - Visa Card is the preferred Credit Card to use.
Supplementary Costs for other Optional Activities :
Even though the prices quoted below can be classed as extra costs - please note that they are equivalent to what a majority of people usually spend on our normal itinerary through Zimbabwe ( whilst in Antelope Park - Zim Ruins etc )
Houseboats 2 day / 2night = $125 usd pp
Added costs - Visiting Croc Farm: $15 p/p , Game Walk: $15 p/p , Fishing Tackle: $10p/p for the duration of the trip , Chete Island National Park Entrance Fee $10 p/p.
South Luangwa National Park :
Game drives/walks - $ 40 usd pp per activity ( $35 usd pp for any subsequent activity thereafter )
Our main priority is the safety of all our clients onboard , as well as our crew and vehicles. We have taken this step as a responsible measure, and we hope that by being pro-active we can eliminate any unnecessary hassle and/or disruption to our groups. In saying this - we hope that all will be fine again in Zim in the not so distant future and that Oasis can return there to continue supporting the local people and our long standing operators who have struggled for so many years already.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information.
Happy Travels
The Team @ Oasis
29th Sep 2008 VIDEO CLIPS On 1st August 2008, the Great Primate Handshake chartered one of our vehicles and our driver Stu, to journey across South Africa with a team of 25 people, in order to understand the issues facing South Africa's primates. Check out their video clips to see the places and sanctuaries they visited as well as footage of our overland vehicle and life on the truck. Follow this link and click on the Great Primate Handshake '08 Playlist - more clips will be added in the coming weeks!
20th Sep 2008 INSPIRED BY BRUCE PARRY'S AMAZON ADVENTURES? How can anyone fail to be inspired by the amazing Bruce Parry and his escapades along the Amazon. If you too would like to visit the stunning Amazon Basin why not book on one of our South America trips: Andes and Amazon, Kingdoms and Carnivals, Coast to Coast, or Cordilleras. Unfortunately, we can't provide the same breakfast as episode two but we could try and get the recipe if you really want!
14th Sep 2008 CHILDREN FROM ZIMBABWEAN CHILDRENS HOME GO ON OUTINGS Between the 8th-12th September 2008 Stu McClean one of our drivers in Africa used an Oasis truck to take approx. 100 children and staff from the Hupenyu Hutsva Children's Home in Harare on a series of day trips. The children visited the Lion and Cheetah and the Snake Park. They were all provided with a packed lunch and a pen and notepad and they apparently took copious notes during the day!
The week finished with a big barbecue and party on the Friday night with a few surprises. An ex-resident of the Home, now an adult with his own band, brought his band along and they played for the night and the Lion and Cheetah Park let the Home borrow their bouncy castle for the night. Three Oasis trucks and their crew came along and it was apparently a night to remember!
Many of the children rarely leave the compound normally (as they are educated on site) and these day trips gave them an opportunity to experience the wildlife and scenery their country has to offer.
Money to fund these outings was raised by John and Jenny Harrington-two ex-Oasis travellers (who visited the Home on their Grand Adventurer tour in 2007) and their friends and family and by Oasis office staff who held a fund raising comedy night. Steve and Chris-Oasis directors would like to thank Stu for giving up a week of his own time to run this week.
If you're interested in organising any fund raising events or donating money to any of the projects we're involved in speak to Jackie in our UK office.
10th Sep 2008 TIPS ON TRAVELLING RESPONSIBLY We are all increasingly aware of the need to be 'Responsible Travellers'. Here are a few things you can do before you head off on your trip.
1. Recycle, or dispose of unnecessary packaging from toiletries etc. before you leave home. Most of the countries we travel through have limited waste disposal facilities and recycling facilities are often non-existent.
2. Take a water bottle with you or re-use the first one you buy when you get to your destination.
3. Use rechargeable batteries/ wind-up or solar powered electrical items (eg. torches, personal music players) if at all possible.
4. If you've got even a small space left in your rucksacks why not fill it with pens/pencils or exercise books that can be donated to a local school or Childrens Home on your trip. Your crew will be able to advise you of the best possible place to donate them.
)