Madagascar Encompassed
22 Days
Visiting: Madagascar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MAD
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Interests:
From:
$6163
$5855 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$308
Tour Overview
If you thought that a visit to Madagascar was just about seeing lemurs then think again, as there is so much more to discover on this fascinating island. This trip eschews domestic flights (which are notoriously prone to delay, cancellation and strike action) in favour of exploring at a slower place and in greater depth by minibus, riverboat, 4WD and on foot, the incredible diversity of flora, fauna, landscapes, people and culture that the world’s fourth largest island has to offer.
After an initial visit to see the Indri Indri, the world’s largest lemurs, we’ll leave the fertile highlands and travel along the River Tsiribihina through semi-dry tropical forest to the iconic Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll then take little used coastal tracks from Morondava to Tulear to experience not only the stunning scenery of this less-visited part of the country but also to meet with the Mikea hunter-gatherers, Vezo fisherman and the numerous other tribal people who call this region home.
This trip also takes in some of the better-known sights of the country, including the National Parks of Andasibe, Isalo, Ranomafana and Kirindy Forest Reserve. To our mind, this is THE best trip out there to Madagascar. Go. You will not be disappointed!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Antananarivo (Tana)
Accommodation: Gassy Country House or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
The tour starts this afternoon in Madagascar’s highland capital, Antananarivo which is better known by its shortened name of Tana. Our joining hotel is located very near to the airport so anyone arriving on a late flight need not worry about any lengthy transfers after what is likely to have been a long flight.
Day 2: Tana - Andasibe National Park
Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We start the day with a city tour of Tana, visiting the main governmental, cultural and royal districts. We then take the National Road N2 to Andasibe, a journey of approximately 5-6 hours (dependent upon Tana traffic!). This drive brings us to the humid part of the country through the green landscapes of the east, with primary forest and lakes. We arrive in Andasibe National Park late in the afternoon where we’ll check-in to our hotel for the night. Approx 5-6 hours driving on asphalted roads
Day 3: In Andasibe National Park
Accommodation: Vakona Forest Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we will enter Andasibe National Park and hike for around 3 – 4 hours. The National Park comprises a huge tropical rain forest in the east boasting of nine species of lemurs. The highlight is the ‘Indri Indri’ which are the largest lemurs of Madagascar. This 810 ha reserve is home to other unique flora and fauna and contains a wide variety of orchids, a verdant canopy, endemic animals such as chameleons, tenrecs, and many varieties of birds. After the hike we will take a stroll through Andasibe village, a typical Betsimisaraka (The-Many-inseparable) village, home to Madagascar's second largest ethnic group, who cultivate rice and vegetables. This will give us an opportunity to experience their lifestyle and culture. In the late afternoon we will visit the private park of Vakona including an optional visit to ‘lemurs’ island’ to see three species of lemur. It provides an excellent opportunity to view these fascinating animals.
Day 4: Andasibe National Park - Antsirabe
Accommodation: Plumeria Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll head back towards Tana, from where we’ll start heading south to join our loop of Madagascar. We should arrive in Antisarbe by the late afternoon, for the chance to relax a little before dinner this evening. Approx 7-8 hours driving on asphalted roads
Day 5: Antsirabe - Miandrivazo
Accommodation: Princesse du Tsiribihina or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Antsirabe is considered Madagascar’s most elegant city as well as being home to more pousse-pousses (local-style rickshaws) than anywhere else in the country. We’ll have the morning to discover some of the craft skills for which this temperate city is well known before heading west towards Miandrivazo, some 4-5 hours away and located in the savannah of the lowlands as opposed to the green of the highlands. Approx 4-5 hours driving on asphalted roads
Day 6: Miandirivazo - Tsiribihina River
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we transfer the short distance to Masiakampy where our privately chartered riverboat will be waiting to take us down the Tsiribihina River. This trip allows us to get away from any crowds and to meet the people who use the river as their main conduit for travel. Today we plan to take a short hike up to a waterfall with a natural pool for a swimming opportunity. There’ll be ample time to just relax on board and watch life go by, but in addition we’ll be stopping at villages to meet the Sakalava people who are the major ethnic group in this region. After dinner on board, we’ll set up camp on the banks of the river. See the ‘Riverboat Cruise’ box below for more details. Approx 5 hours by riverboat
Day 7: On The Tsiribihina River
Accommodation: Wild Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we plan to take a walk around a local village before we continue our journey downstream, with a good chance of seeing lemurs, crocodiles, bats and some amazing birdlife in the primary semi-dry forests that line the riverbanks. The scenery changes quite dramatically today as the river takes us through the Tsiribihina Gorge. For a second night we’ll set up camp by the riverside to take in the tranquillity of the Madagascan bush. Approx 5 hours by riverboat
Day 8: Tsiribihina River - Bekopaka
Accommodation: L'Olympe du Bemaraha or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our last morning on the river takes us through to the largish settlement of Belo Tsiribihina which, despite its remote setting, is home to Mad Zebu, one of the country’s best restaurants where we plan to have lunch. Here we bid farewell to our riverboat and meet our 4WDs who will take us north along rough roads towards the village of Bekopaka, which sits at the entrance to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Approx 3hrs by riverboat + 4hrs driving on dirt roads
Day 9: Bekopaka – Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park - Bekopaka
Accommodation: L'Olympe du Bemaraha or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today will be dedicated to exploring the world of the Tsingy de Bemaraha, a limestone massif spectacularly eroded into karst pinnacles some of which can reach up to 50m in height. For those feeling adventurous, we’ll drive 90 minutes north to enter the world of the Grand Tsingy, which is home to the highest pinnacles. Access to this part of the National Park requires a short trek through dry western deciduous forest. We plan to spend the rest of the day exploring this natural phenomenon. The pinnacles themselves are accessed by way of a regularly maintained via ferrata. Here we will also have the opportunity to explore a series of caves and canyons linking these natural wonders, as we enter ever deeper into the National Park. No previous experience is needed and safety harnesses are provided but you will need to be agile and able to scramble over sharp rocks. For those feeling slightly less adventurous, there will be the opportunity to explore the smaller but equally impressive Petit Tsingy which is accessible from Bekopaka itself and which does not involve the need for any safety harnesses. Whichever option you choose, today will also be a day where wildlife sightings including 7 species of lemur, should also feature prominently. Approx 3 hrs driving on dirt roads (if visiting the Grand Tsingy)
Day 10: Bekopaka - Kirindy Forest Reserve
Accommodation: Relais du Kirindy or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we’ll cross the Manambolo River by ferry and drive back via Belo Tsiribihina to Kirindy Forest Reserve. After checking in to our accommodation we’ll head out for a night time nature walk in the hope of seeing the fossa and the giant jumping rat!
Day 11: Kirindy Forest Reserve - Morondava – Belo Sur Mer
Accommodation: Dauphin de Vezo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We wake early (!) and drive to the famous ‘Avenue of the Baobabs’ in time for one of Madagascar's most iconic sun rises. From here we’ll stop for supplies in Morondava, before heading off on our real adventure southwards towards Tulear. Come prepared as we will not see asphalt for several days (!) and will have many rivers to cross along the way. The exact route that we take may be dictated by local river levels as well as the impact that the previous year’s cyclone season may have had on watercourses. However such uncertainty will be par for the course over the next few days and part of the fun. Our aim today is to get to the small fishing village of Belo sur Mer, situated on the beach and famous for its traditional open-air schooner construction, which we hope to be able to witness this afternoon. Approx 4hrs on dirt tracks
Day 12: Belo Sur Mer - Manja
Accommodation: Kanto Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll continue our off-road adventure towards the inland town of Manja where we’ll stay in by far the most basic hotel of the trip.
Approx 5hrs driving on dirt tracks
Day 13: Manja - Morombe
Accommodation: Chez Katia or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s drive is a long but rewarding one with beautiful scenery, huge baobabs, spiny forest and more rivers to cross. Along the way we’ll pass several small villages and take time to ponder over the fact that the rough track we are taking was once a well-maintained national road! After crossing the Mangoky River by ferry we’ll continue on to our beachside hotel in Morombe, where we’ll pass some immense rice plantations that help feed this rice-loving nation. Approx 8hrs driving on dirt tracks
Day 14: Morombe – Mikea
Accommodation: Mikea Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll continue our drive taking in the striking coastal scenery which offers a mixture of large dunes, sandy beaches, yet even larger baobabs (!), spiny forest, and mangroves. We’ll encounter the most difficult part of the journey – a 30km stretch of sandy road after Befandefa - before finally reaching our beachside lodge which will be our base for the next 2 nights. Approx 5hrs driving on dirt tracks
Day 15: In Mikea
Accommodation: Mikea Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our lodge lies on an idyllic stretch of white sandy beach and so is ideal for beachcombing, visiting local Vezo fisherman villages or just relaxing. There’ll be the opportunity for a 4km hike inside the nearby forest, where we may meet with the Mikea, a hunter-gather tribe who even today rarely engage in any contact with the outside world and who live predominantly on the wild honey they forage from beehives. In the season (usually July to September) there may also be the chance to take a boat-trip out to see humpback whales but as this is always dependent on local conditions it hasn’t been included and would need to be arranged on an ad hoc basis at additional cost. Approx 2/3 hrs walking distance, total distance 4km
Day 16: Mikea – Isalo National Park
Accommodation: Satrana Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll spend the morning taking our final drive along Madagascar’s stunning coastline southwards to Tulear where we come to end of the dirt road and join the asphalted road known as Route National 7. Now the scenery changes quickly as we ascend into, the lands of the Antandroy, a tribe of Bantu origins, and whose tombs we will see along the way. Our destination today is considered to be one of Madagascar’s highlights - Isalo National Park with its striking sandstone rocks formations – and this will be or base for the next 2 nights. Approx 4hrs driving on dirt tracks + 4hrs driving on asphalted roads
Day 17: In Isalo National Park
Accommodation: Satrana Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll have the full day to enjoy the delights of Isalo on foot. We’ll start with a short trek to a beautiful natural swimming pool and then continue deeper into the canyon. Isalo is known for its strange geological formations, eroded by the rain and the wind, which offer some of the most spectacular scenery of the country. This is also a place where the Bara tribes used to bury their dead. If we are lucky, we may see lemurs during our walk today.
Day 18: Isalo National Park – Ambalavao
Accommodation: Espace Zongo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we head on to Ihosy which acts as a de facto capital of the Bara tribe who are predominantly Zebu shepherds. We’ll pass through the immense savannah lands of the Horombe Plateau before coming to Anja, a community run park started by local villagers, where part of the income pays the teachers of the local school. Here we’ll walk for a couple of hours into the nearby forest to see almost guaranteed up-close sightings of large families of ring-tailed lemurs. From here we’ll continue to Ambalavao, which houses the fascinating Anteimoro paper factory. Tonight we’ll stay in the middle of the Betsileo highlands. Approx 3hrs driving on asphalted roads
Day 19: Ambalavao – Ranomafana National Park
Accommodation: Centrest Sejour or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ambalavao has its market day on Wednesdays and hosts the second largest Zebu market in Madagascar where cattle sellers have been known to walk from Tulear (400km's away) to attend, we will get to experience the spectacle of market day before we leave for Ranomafana. Ranomafana, which lies in tropical rain forest typical of Madagascar’s east coast. Here, rather than rice fields or zebu herdsmen, we’re more likely to see small villages selling bananas or charcoal. There may be time this evening to wander the friendly streets of the small village which sits near the entrance. Here we’ll take a short night walk outside the park, hoping to encounter some of the endemic chameleons, tree frogs mouse lemurs that make Ranomafana their home. Approx 4hrs driving on asphalted roads
Day 20: Ranomafana - Ambositra
Accommodation: Artisan Hotel Ambositra or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll have the morning to explore some of the best trails inside the National Park. With our specialist guide we’ll enter the rainforest in the hope of seeing, amongst others, the golden bamboo lemur which was only discovered in 1986. However in addition to lemurs, the park is also rich in birdlife, reptiles, butterflies, lichens, and orchids. The tracks are steep and can be very slippery, but we do not plan to cover a huge distance on foot as the emphasis is very much on experiencing the diversity of the rainforest. After a well-deserved lunch we’ll head north towards Ambositra, a great place to pick up some last minute souvenirs. Approx 3.5hrs driving on asphalted roads
Day 21: Ambositra – Tana
Accommodation: Gassy Country House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll head back to Tana, retracing our steps from Antsirabe to the capital. En route we plan to stop in the town of Ambatolampy which is renowned for its traditional metalwork. In Tana we will have our final dinner together before the tour ends. Approx 5.5hrs driving on asphalted roads
Day 22: Tour Ends In Tana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The tour ends today with a free morning to relax in the hotel.
What's Included
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MEALS
21 x Breakfasts21 x Lunches21 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Minibuses, a privately chartered riverboat (see Supplementary Information section) and 4WDs. No flights.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Moderate
What's Not Included
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We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flightsBeverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Madagascar.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Madagascar For those individuals at highest risk please discuss with your local health care provider if a vaccine for Cholera is required. For any clients transiting for more than 12 hours through an airport/country with a risk of yellow fever transmission you will require a yellow fever certificate.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
Malaria is present in all parts of Madagascar and precautions are essential.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional.
However please come prepared for some very bumpy roads that have not been well maintained in recent years (and thus some long driving days) and some real adventures involving several river crossings. Conditions in Madagascar can be unpredictable and a flexible attitude is essential during this trip. Most walks are considered moderate but can be opted out of or alternative easier ones may be available if preferred.
Our nights spent wild camping along the Tsiribihina River are rustic but comfortable. There are no washing facilities and toilets will be bush stops or toilet tents. Please read the 'supplementary information' section for more details.
Please be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety may be limited.
Travelling Solo and single supplements
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour including all camping nights, when you would get your own tent.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
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Saturday - Saturday
Aug 03, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 11, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise
You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**
We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:
There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
Tourist visas (if required) are available.
There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****
** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
**** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
*****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.
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