Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions. If your particular question is not answered below, please call one of our experts on +44 (0)1285 6433333.
BOOKING
We are a small, professional and specialist nature travel company, who pride ourselves on our personal service and expert travel knowledge.
You will therefore deal directly with one of our Country Directors for your chosen destination by either phone, email or letter, whichever suits you.
This way we can be sure that you are getting exactly what you want for your own special trip or safari with us.
This is why we do not offer an online booking procedure.
Final confirmation and availability
Once we have finalised your trip and checked availability, we will send you trip confirmation and/or a detailed itinerary and costing so that you can go ahead and book.
DO YOU DO LAND ONLY ARRANGEMENTS?
We can easily quote you land only prices for all our trips if you are traveling from outside the UK or want to book your own flights. Do contact us for pricing and the rendezvous city or town to start your trip.
DO YOU OFFER TAILORMADE & BESPOKE ITINERARIES?
Yes. We can help you in putting together a superb tailormade itinerary to travel individually, with your partner or with a group of friends, to suit your exact level of comfort, wanderlust and interests. Let us know what you have in mind, and we would be pleased to put together a quote. We can tailormake some of our group and study trips to suit your exact dates. Please contact us to discuss it.
CAN YOU DO PRIVATE TRAVEL FOR SMALL GROUPS?
If you and a number of friends or family would like us to tailormake a trip or charter a cruise boat we would be delighted to do this. Alternatively we can arrange a specific date to suit you and create your own departure. The choice is yours.
DO YOU DO FAMILY SAFARIS?
We offer a number of destinations for fabulous family safaris, combining real learning about wildlife and nature and combining this with beach, pools and sunshine. They can be tailored to suit all ages and have activities that get children actively involved in learning about the wild and about other cultures. Some lodges operate a minimum age policy.
DO YOU DO CORPORATE & ORGANISATIONAL TRIPS?
We would be delighted to reserve a group departure for your company or organization or tailormake an incentive or corporate programme exactly for you, as we have done for companies including HSBC bank. You may consider getting your company to promote these ventures as part of an incentive or reward scheme. Call us to discuss your exact requirements.
CAN I TRAVEL SOLO AS A SINGLE TRAVELLER?
Yes of course. A lot of our group trips have a large proportion of single travellers both male and female. If you are happy to share even if we are unable to find a suitable room mate, then we will not charge you any extra. If you want your own room then single supplements do apply.
WHAT AIRLINES DO YOU USE?
All our programmes are put together with specific International carriers including British Airways, Virgin, KLM, Kenyan Airways, Iberia and a host of others, that provide the most convenient and cost effective service to your destination. We endeavour to always fly you directly to the host country.
Where flights are not included we can book cost effective flights to these countries and any other destinations you may require. If you are coming from countries outside the UK, you must book your own air tickets and we can arrange your pick up and meeting with the appropriate group in the staging city in the host country. All internal flights are with quality domestic airlines.
ARE ALL TRIPS ESCORTED?
Yes. All our small groups are fully escorted from the moment you reach your destination. Often groups will be accompanied by International or local bilingual experts and nature specialists in their field, and where necessary all will have bilingual guides, interpreters and/or naturalists. All study tours and expeditions will have an expert Project Manager/Researcher to oversee your trip and enjoyment.
All tailormade or bespoke safaris and trips are arranged on a private basis, with private transport and arrangements and private guiding and/or escorting as requested and as per the itinerary.
WHAT TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION IS USED?
We select all accommodation and lodges on the basis of high quality, personal service, boutique character and infinite charm. They are, wherever possible, small, private, locally owned and operated and are environmentally active and sensitively operated and constructed in fragile areas. A number of our trips combine comfortable camping with quality hotels and comfortable lodges. These campsites will either be predetermined or set up as needed and in all instances we are insistent that our staff and representatives encourage and apply best practice in our camping techniques. If you want to know more please call us and we can describe all accommodation in detail to you.
DO YOU PROCESS VISAS?
We do not process visas in our offices, but recommend a visa service when you book. Some visas can be processed in 24 hours however some may take anything up to 2/3 weeks and need letters of authority. Different countries have different visa requirements so please call us to confirm their criteria for issuing a visa. We will help and assist where possible by sending you specific Visa application forms, letters of authority and visa service company details when you book but it is your responsibility to make sure all is in order.
WHAT ABOUT HEALTH?
You will receive health recommendations for the country you are visiting and can discuss these with one of our Travel Directors. However it is important to seek expert advice. The Travellers health line at MASTA in the UK is a premium health advice service on 0906 8224 100.
DO I NEED A PASSPORT?
Yes. For all destinations you will require a full passport valid for at least six months from the date of travel. Visas can take up to one or more full page of your passport so please make sure there is enough space.
DO I NEED ANY SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE ON OUR STUDY TOURS
No prior skills, knowledge or expertise is needed for our study programmes, just a sense of humour and a willingness to get involved. Full orientation and any training needed will be given at the start of your visit.
HOW FIT DO YOU NEED TO BE?
All our trips are within the capabilities of anyone who is reasonably fit and healthy. For those regarded as ‘adventurous & challenging’ we advise that some initial fitness preparation is undertaken prior to arrival in the host country so that you can really make the most of your holiday and the various walks, hikes, and other activities that are included.
WHAT ARE THE GROUP SIZES?
Our own experience tells us that ten is the optimum number for a Land based group but more commonly you’ll be in smaller groups of six to eight with local guides and other experts. Our clients find being in small very personal close knit groups of like minded travellers to be one of the most rewarding aspects of their trip. Cruise trip group sizes do vary but we recommend and charter only the small boats and yachts wherever possible.
WHAT WILL THE WEATHER CONDITIONS BE LIKE?
The weather varies depending on the region but we have chosen the best times of year for each of the group itineraries and the activities we have shown. With tailormade trips we will always inform you of best times to travel to these regions so you can make you own informed judgements as to when and where you travel.
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
We all love our food and need it more than ever when active and outdoors on wildlife safaris, marine cruises and adventure trips. We ensure high quality and healthy meals from all our accommodation, employing cooks and enjoying delicious local foods, supplemented where necessary with western foodstuffs when in wilderness or while camping. In towns and cities the variety of food on offer will be better and you can enjoy wonderful local restaurants. It is possible to cater for vegetarians and other diets on all our group and tailormade trips. Please advise us in advance of any dietary preferences.
WHAT CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT WILL I NEED?
Essential kit includes day sack, binoculars, sun hat and cameras but depending on your trip you may also include weatherproofs, torches and good walking shoes or other footwear. A recommended clothing, equipment and reading list is sent to you once we have received your booking form, as part of your comprehensive trip dossier.
WHO TRAVELS WITH US?
Experience has shown us that our tours attract people of all ages and backgrounds – the one thing they all share is a real love of wildlife. The age range is enormously wide from 18 to over 80, but most commonly is between 35 and 65. Should you wish to talk to somebody who has been to a particular area with us or is booked onto a particular trip we would be happy to put you in touch.