Madagascar. Departs August 15, Itinerary correct as at Feb 01, 2018 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed.

Transcription

1 a Madagascar Departs August 15, 2018

2 MADAGASCAR Madagascar, 400 km off the East coast of Africa, is the world s fourth largest island (excluding Australia), a fragment of Gondwanaland left behind when the ancient landmass split to form the continents of Africa, India and Australia; it stretches 1600 km from north to south and is 650 km across at its widest point. The most astonishing thing about the island is not its size however, but its flora and fauna, which are found nowhere else in the world. The island has been referred to as natures design laboratory, because of the many unique creatures and vegetation, some of quite a primitive nature, which are found here. The terrain varies from tropical rainforest to desert, from high stony plateaus to lush green islands with many amazing geological and geographical formations throughout. Madagascar has a whole range of unique animals and plants, which have evolved here separated from the rest of the world. The most notable are the Lemurs of which nearly 30 are described. We will visit a number of their known habitats and search both day and night, so that, with just a little luck we will see a fair number of these pro-simian primates. For the bird fancier there are over 250 species of which 106 are endemic, whilst for lovers of reptiles most of the world s chameleons are found here, in fact, the country is nearly as well known for its chameleon population as for its lemurs. The flora has its own peculiarities, the vegetation varying greatly by climatic region - thorny scrub in the south-west, tropical rainforest along the east coast, heath-land and moss forests on the central plateau and savannahs in the western lowlands. The two best-known examples of these unusual plants are the fan shaped Ravinala, known as the Traveller s Palm, and the Baobab of which there are 10 different species. We will see many examples of these throughout while in the tropical forests we will see trees lush with ferns, fungi, mosses and orchids. Most of this unique flora and fauna, together with some now extinct species, were here when the first humans arrived some 1500 to 2000 years ago. The first inhabitants were Malay-Polynesians who crossed the Indian Ocean in large canoes from Indonesia and South East Asia. These early settlers mixed with later arrivals, African, Arab, Indian and Portuguese traders and French colonials have formed the current 18 official tribes, which are collectively termed the Malagasy. French is the official language and is spoken in all but the remotest areas. The country has recovered from its recent political problems, everywhere things are improving new roads, airports and other infrastructures are being built. The country is in great need of foreign currency as part of this income can be used to help preserve what remains of the Island s natural wonders. For those looking for something different, this is really it!

3 Day 1, Wednesday August 15 DEPARTURE Depart Perth for Mauritius on Air Mauritius flight MK441 (TBC).Arrive in the evening and transfer to the hotel just 5 minutes drive. Here you will overnight. Meal in flight and dinner at the hotel. D Day 2, Thursday August 16 MAURITIUS ANTANANARIVO After breakfast, if time permits, there ll be an opportunity to have a quick visit of Mahebourg (at own expense). After that we ll transfer to the airport for flight MK288 to Tana,departing 2pm and arriving 3pm (Flight TBC). On arrival, you will obtain your short stay visa (about $30 Euros) and then meet your guide. He will help you make our way to the money exchange for local currency. Then we ll transfer to the hotel which is situated in the centre of Antananarivo (known as Tana by most). This is a fascinating hour s drive as you ll see how the locals living the capital city, go about their day. We ll overnight at quirky, but lovely Royal Palissandre Hotel. The hotel offers very good food and is named after the Palissandre tree, a commonly used hardwood in Madagascar. B/D Day 3, Friday August 17 ANTANANARIVO Today we will see some of the core sites of the capital city. We will start with a trip to the Queen s Palace about 45 minutes drive. You ll learn about this fascinating part of the region s history and then take a short walk for the panoramic view back towards Tana. The group will then drive back towards town for lunch and head to the lookout in the city where you will see the Tana from above. B/L/D Day 4, Saturday August 18 ANTANANARIVO ISLE SAINTE MARIE We start today with early breakfast before transferring to the airport and flying to the eastern part of the country to Isle Sainte Marie is a gorgeous island, just 45km s long, with many small villages. This strategic position attracted many pirates around the year The Pirates Cemetery which wewill visit on the hay to our hotel - is a witness to this history andwe will see the graves of some of the famous pirates from that era. Isle Sainte Marie offers a rich culturalhistory, lush vegetation, sandy beaches shaded by coconut palms, bays and coves protected by coral reefs.the island is known for the humpback whales whichmigrate close to the coastline from July to September. This is one of the main reasons we visit. Overnight at Masoandra Lodge. B/L/D Day 5, Sunday August 19 SAINTE MARIE Today we ll enjoy a whale safari excursion. Every year,hundreds of the giant mammals come to the warmwaters of Sainte-Marie lagoon to give birth. You ll havethe opportunity to discover their graceful ballets and

4 theirfascinating jumps outside the water which will make the experience a once in a lifetime. The excursion will be about 3 hours on a smallish boat owned by the hotel. (If you are not good on boats then you may need to reconsider this excursion). Then the group will take the boat to the south of the island where you will have lunch on a small islet. After a stroll around the local village, you ll drive back to the lodge arriving late in the afternoon just I time for drinks at the bar, overlooking the sea. B/L/D Day 6, Monday August 20 SAINTE MARIE ANTANANARIVO ANDASIBE After and early breakfast we ll fly back to Tana (flight TBA) and then transfer by coach to Andasibe (also known as Perinet). This is about a 4 hour drive east through a windy, but picturesque landscape. The area is in a rainforest so expect some rain! Depending on flights, lunch will either be on arrival or, on the way. On arrival the group will check in to our lodge and in the evening, we ll walk (with your torch) to spot the active wildlife. Overnight at the Vakona Lodge. B/L/D Day 7, Tuesday August 21 ANDASIBE Today we ll do a morning expedition to Mantadia National Park for wildlife spotting. This 155sq km park is the premier rainforest in the region and provides the chance to hear and see the Indri and Sifaka lemurs. If we are lucky we may find other species of lemurs plus reptiles and birds too. The flora is very interesting in the lower elevation dominated by fern trees, at higher elevation moss and lichen grow superbly. Mantadia is a superb example of lowland and mid-altitude rainforest (a certain level of fitness is needed for this 3-4 hour walk). We will enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park and in the afternoon we continue to the natural pool before driving back to the lodge in the afternoon. Those interested can take an evening stroll to sport the nocturnal wildlife. Overnight at the Vakona Lodge. B/L/D Day 8, Wednesday August 22 ANDISABE ANTANANARIVO After breakfast we ll transfer to Analamazaotra where we will do more wildlife spotting by foot and enjoy the beautiful surrounds. Lunch is back at the lodge before stopping at Lemur Island (right next to the hotel) for some interaction with wild, but friendly lemurs. Those interested can take a short walk through the town of Andasibe (highly recommended) before the transfer back to Tana where we will check in and have dinner at the Royal Palissandre Hotel. B/L/D Day 9, Thursday August 23 ANTANANARIVO MORONDAVA After breakfast we ll drive to the airport and fly to Morondava, on the western side of Madagascar (flight TBA). Transfer to the hotel where we will have lunch. Enjoy the hotel grounds, pool and beach in the afternoon. Later, you can visit to the local market place formixing it with the locals about 30 minute enjoyable walk or, order a pousse pousee for a few ariary. Then back to the hotel to enjoy its facilities and have dinner. Overnight at Palissandre Cote Ouest. B/L/D Day 10, Friday August 24 MORONDAVA BEKOPAKA After an early breakfast we head off on a long day s drive on a dirt and sand road towards the village of Bekopaka. The first stop is the famous Avenue of the Baobabs where you can take photos of These giant trees in the morning light. Lunch is at Belo at the halfway mark. We undertake a 45 minute transfer by local barge (with cars on board) and then continue to the second river crossing before arriving at the small village of Bekopaka. Arrival will be late in the afternoon. This is a long and bumpy drive in 4WD vehicles but well worth the visit. The river barge trip with the locals is a great experience. Overnight at the beautiful Soleil Du Tsingy. B/L/D Day 11, Saturday August 25 BEKOPAKA Today's expedition is to the Big Tsingy. Trekking inside the limestone forest, passing through hanging bridge to go from one side to another and arrive at the panoramic view to have an overall view offered by this spectacular unique UNESCO listed landscape. There are three options for today as certain level of fitness and flexibility is required. You ll also need to be good with heights and able to climb up a series of steep ladders (harness supplied). If climbing is too hard (tour leader can help decide), then you will have the option of taking a walk through another section of the forest, or, simply enjoy the hotel s facilities. Overnight at the Soleil Du Tsingy. B/L/D Day 12, Sunday August 26 BEKOPAKA MORONDAVA After breakfast we start the drive back to Morondava in the 4WD vehicles the same road we came in on. Cross both rivers by barge and then have lunch at Belo. The main sight today is the Avenue of the Baobabs, this time in the afternoon light where you ll enjoy the sunset through the giant trees. Have your cameras ready as this is one of the great sights of Madagascar. We arrive back at Morondava in the evening (it will be dark) for dinner. Overnight at the Palissandre Cote Ouest. B/L/D Day 13, Monday August 27 MORONDAVA ANTANANARIVO After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the airport and fly to Antananarivo (flight TBA) A late lunch today, at the Combava Restaurant on our way to the city centre. We ll make two more stops before arriving at the hotel Firstly at the artisan market just up the road from the restaurant and then at the large supermarket in case you want to stock up on essentials. Overnight at the Royal Palissandre. B/L/D

5 Day 14, Tuesday August 28 ANTANANARIVO TULEAR Today will we fly to the south west of the island to Tulear (flight TBA) most likely via Fort Dauphin (you will not require to leave the plane). This part of the island is quite different to the places you have visited so far. On arrival, you ll check in to the hotel and then take a tour of the township including its markets plus the Arbortorum. Overnight the Victory Hotel clean but very basic in comparison with Some of the other hotels on tour. B/L/D Day 15, Wednesday August 29 TULEAR ANAKAO This morning we transfer to the dock and take the speed boat to Anakao to the Safari Vezo Hotel. (If we are lucky, we ll see whales in the Mozambique Channel). The 40 minute speed boat ride can be bumpy. (There is no other option unless you take a full-day, slow and bumpy drive by road). The afternoon is at leisure. Enjoy the locals in the village right next door. Overnight at Safari Vezo a beach hotel, simple but with all the comfort needed. All bungalows are right at the beach! The food served here is mainly seafood. Note that hot water is provided by buckets, not running taps. B/L/D Day 16, Thursday August 30 ANAKAO TSIMANAMPETSOTSA After breakfast we ll drive to the reserve of Tsimanampetsotsa, about 1.5 hours drive on dirt and sandy road in 4x4 vehicles. Tsimanampetsotsa is one of the most interesting parks on the island. We ll trek about 1.5 hours on a slightly steep trail until we get to the plateau. The view point of the salt lake where you can see the flamingos who have migrated from Africa - is special. We ll have a picnic lunch inside the park. On the way you ll see the unique blind fish in one of the caves, Grandmother, the island s oldest Baobab tree and the huge Bunyan tree with its mega root system. In the afternoon we will drive back to Anakao. Overnight at Safari Vezo. B/L/D Day 17, Friday August 31 ANAKAO TULEAR ISALO In the morning we take the speed boat back to Tulear from Anakao. The bus will then take us to Isalo via a delightful 4 hour drive. After check-in at the hotel, we will have late lunch. The afternoon is for your relaxation. Enjoy the beautiful pool, gardens and pet tortoises of the gorgeous hotel - The Jardin Du Roy. B/L/D Day 18, Saturday September 1 ISALO Walking shoes on... today is a physical one, where we undertake an expedition inside the National Park. We drive to the canyon of Maki and walk through the forest. If lucky, we ll see different lemurs, birds and reptiles. The trek may not be for everyone as it could be considered physical for some. We will visit the waterfall and blue and black waterholes. Your guide will explain the physicality and the time required. We ll have picnic lunch inside the park then walk back to the bus and drive to the hotel. Overnight at the Jardin Du Roy. B/L/D Day 19, Sunday September 2 ISALO A slower pace to the day after yesterday s walking adventure. After lunch at the hotel, we will transfer to another part of the beautiful national park for some sightseeing and light trekking to a beautiful natural swimming pool which looks like a scene from a Tarzan movie! (Pack your swimmers and towel). Later in the afternoon, enjoy the sunset through the window of Isalo, as we head back to the Jardin Du Roy for dinner. B/L/D Day 20, Monday September 3 SALO TULEAR ANTANANARIVO Today is pretty much a day of transfers. Time permitting we will stop at one of the few sapphire towns for a stroll. We will arrive in Tana for dinner (Flight TBA) via Fort Dauphin where you will not need to alight. On arrival into Tana, you ll take the hour s drive to the hotel and have Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel Palissandre. B/L/D Day 21, Tuesday September 4 TANA MAURITIUS - PERTH Today we take a visit to the Lemur Park before we depart Madagascar for our flight back to Perth, via Mauritius. Your flight is MK289 departing 16.40hrs and arriving in Mauritius 19.25hrs (Flight TBC). The connecting flight to Perth is MK440 at 22.10hrs arriving in Perth at 9.10hrs. B Day 22, Wednesday September 5 PERTH HOME Transfer for your flight to Sydney or Melbourne arriving home in the afternoon/evening. *PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME OF THE DAY TRIPS ON THIS TOUR COULD BE CONSIDERED QUITE PHYSICAL. DEPENDING ON YOUR LEVEL OF FITNESS YOU MAY DECIDE NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES. YOU ARE NOT OBLIGED TO PARTAKE IN EVERY ACTIVITY. ADVICE CAN BE PROVIDED PRIOR TO DEPARTURE AND BY YOUR TOUR HOST OR GUIDE. IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT FLIGHTS IN THIS COUNTRY CHANGE REGULARLY. YOU WILL NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE AND EXERCISE PATIENCE. Reunion Island extension Optional add-on Extension to Madagascar. For those interested, there is an opportunity to add a 3 night extension to the French tropical island of Reunion, with it's majestic peaks jutting out of the Indian Ocean cloaked in green with an astonishing diversity of landscapes and of course gorgeous French food with a tropical island twist. Day 1 Madagascar to Reunion Island Depart Madagascar's capital city Antananarivo for the short one hour forty minute flight to the French department of Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean and transfer to our hotel, Hotel Le Recif for the next 3 nights. The rest of the day is for leisure around the pool. B/D

6 Day 2 - Reunion Island Today we set out for Reunion s incredible natural wonder, the Cirque of Cilaos. Driving on a dramatic road that twists and turns through tunnels and across bridges we reach a scene of immense natural beauty. Here we see fields of flowers, forests of indigenous trees, soaring rock walls and magnificent waterfalls. In the afternoon we explore a typical Reunion island village with its local handicraft market and hot springs. B/D Day 3 - Reunion Island After an early breakfast we depart for Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world s most active volcanoes. Leaving the west coast of the island we take the forest road and then climb 2,600 meters to the crater for an awe inspiring view of Furnace Peak. The volcano first erupted some 50,000 years ago while the last big eruption occurred in B/D Reunion Australia flight After a leisurely breakfast, today we bid farewell to Reunion. You will be transferred back to your airport before boarding your flight to Australia. B/Meals in flight Madagascar 2018 Tour cost inclusions and exclusions. The cost for this wonderful experience combining unique nature, culture and sightseeing ex Perth is $11,990. This is extremely good value as it includes a one night stop-over in Mauritius, air fares including the international flights from Perth and Madagascar internal flights. Also included are transfers between the airports and hotels, accommodation and meals as outlined plus professional guide and Australian host. Tariff is on a twin-share basis. A single supplement is available for $1,470. Hotel portage, room taxes, meals as shown and entry fees to historical places, Reserves and National Parks along with the obligatory guides, are also included. Not included are drinks and any other personal requirements. Madagascar tourist visa is currently available at no charge and issued on arrival but note that between now and departure, this can change. The above price applies to a Group of 10 or more travellers. If less than 10 persons apply it may mean the tour will proceed but without an Australian host accompanying. $250 secures your place on this wonderful trip. Please refer to the booking form. A partial payment will also be required when we lock in your international airfares. The full tariff less deposit and any interim payment is due 60 days prior to departure. You must refer to the terms and conditions attached to this itinerary and available on our website prior to making a decision to travel. Cost for Reunion extension: $2,100 pp. Reunion extension S/Supplement: $100 pp. Services included: Economy international airfares from Perth All internal flights with Air Madagascar All accommodation on a twin share basis Breakfasts, lunches & dinners as indicated on the itinerary All transfers while overseas Mini or Midi bus or coach including driver, insurance, and petrol English speaking guides Australian host (providing there is a minimum of 10 pax) All entrance fees for museums and places of interest Services not included: Alcoholic drinks and other beverages Any entry visas as required (approximately $30 Euros) Any special fees/taxes incurred by local governments and airlines Tips Domestic Australian transfers Travel Insurance which is compulsory If you have any questions please call us on

7 BLUE DOT TRAVEL TERMS AND CONDITIONS As at January 15, Booking and payment terms To register your interest in a tour, a non-refundable deposit of $250 and a completed booking form must be received and acknowledged by Blue Dot Travel (BDT). Approximately 4-8 weeks after your booking has been confirmed we will require a non-refundable progress payment of $2,000 towards your tour. Your final payment becomes due 75 days prior to departure. On certain tours we may be required to book special cruises, ferries, expedition ships, pre-paid entrance fees, special permits, internal flights, etc which may require an additional payment, in which case you will be advised when we accept your booking. Flight class upgrades require payment at the time of booking. If payments are not paid by the due date, the booking will be considered cancelled. Higher deposit payments are required for late bookings please refer to your consultant at the time of booking. A guarantee of full payment is required at the time of booking for all bookings received within 4 weeks of departure. We reserve the right to amend our prices for any tour, without notice, at any time up until final payment has been made by you, in the event of exchange rate fluctuations, increases in fuel costs, airport charges, airfares or increase in other service provider s fees. It is the traveller s duty to ensure they have checked the most up to date travel itinerary prior to the tour departure. These are available on our website. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars and must be paid in Australian dollars. For payments by credit card we add 1.1% to cover merchant fees. No credit card fee is applied to your $250 deposit. 2. Single supplement/sharing accommodation A booking may be accepted on a share room basis on the condition that the person requesting the share reservation agrees that we accept no responsibility for any incompatibility between the persons sharing. Regardless, no guarantee is given that a share room will be available. If not available, at the time of final payment you agree to pay the single supplement. If you choose to pay a single supplement for a tour and due to non-availability of a single room at one or more destinations, a single room cannot be provided, a refund for the single supplement component will be made for any night that a single room was not available. A single supplement means you will receive a room by yourself. The size of the room may (or may not) differ to that of a standard twin or double room. 3. Compulsory Travel Insurance Personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price. Every effort is made to ensure the safety of all participants, however, we insist that you take out a personal travel Insurance policy as a condition of us accepting you on the tour. Each traveller is responsible for ensuring they have the correct level of cover for their individual circumstances. It is the traveller s responsibility to check that your insurance policy (especially those offered by your credit card company), covers you comprehensively for the entirety of the tour you have booked on. You must read your travel insurance PDS with an emphasis on what is and what is not covered. Your travel insurance must be in place before your first instalment is made. In the event of cancellation after flights have been booked, any airfares or other non-refundable interim payments made to BDT, will be forfeited. You may be able to claim this on your travel insurance depending on the circumstances. 4. Discounts Any early bird discount offered, cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount applied such as a regular customer discount. 5. Client responsibilities The client acknowledges and agrees that the tours offered by BDT may be adventurous in nature and that he or she travels at his/her own risk. A minimum level of fitness is required to be able to participate on a BDT. You must be able to walk at least one thousand metres at a reasonable pace without requiring a stop, be able to carry at least your own bags and be able to walk at least up three flights of stairs unassisted. It is the client s own responsibility to obtain and maintain any appropriate travel documents, eg, a valid passport, any valid visas, permits, vaccination certificate or the like. The client has an obligation to disclose to BDT any pre-existing medical condition or allergies when booking the tour and the company reserves its right to refuse a booking with a client suffering from any such condition. The client also has an obligation to carry their own medical needs including legal prescription medicines and basic medical kit. For client s choosing to make land only bookings with BDT, the client will have sole responsibility for managing their own flights and changes to these flights before and whilst on tour including all necessary transfers, hotels etc. BDT does not accept any responsibility for any loss, delay or additional expenses incurred in a delay in joining the tour. 6. Tour amendments and cancellations Amendments and cancellations must be notified in writing to our office. Should you wish to amend your flights after booking there will be financial penalties applied by the airlines depending on the flight class. BDT may charge $150 admin fee for flight changes over and above the airlines fees. If a cancellation is received: More than 75 days before departure, then the non-refundable deposit and progress payment will be forfeited along with any other prepaid portions of your tour such as special cruises, ferries, expedition ships, pre-paid entrance fees, special permits, flights, etc. Between 75 and 31 days before departure, a fee of 50% of the tour cost, less any non-refundable monies paid. 30 days or less before departure, 100% of the tour cost will be forfeited. Depending on the reason for cancellation, these charges may be recoverable under your travel insurance policy. Example of cancellation costs at 60 days Tour cost $10,000 Deposit paid (non-refundable) $250 Progress payment paid (non-refundable) $2,000 Balance of tour cost $7,750 Tour refund at 50% $3,875 Upon commencement of the trip, no refunds will be made for any reason, for unused section(s). If BDT deems it to be appropriate to cancel any tour due to factors beyond its control, such as civil unrest, natural disaster or other emergencies in the areas to be visited, prior to departure when client trust funds have, or could reasonably be expected to have been expended on purchasing elements of the tour, i.e. domestic and international flights, hotel accommodation among other things, then BDT will refund all monies that can be recovered from the recipients of those expenses, without entering into any legal dispute, this being the limit of its obligations. BDT is only obliged to cancel a tour if the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade issue a travel warning stating Do Not Travel. 7. Client Numbers BDT s general policy is to have no more than 16 clients on any tour unless otherwise stated. If less than 10 people are booked on any tour, the trip may proceed without a host accompanying the group. This will be at the discretion of BDT. An in-country guide will still be provided in these circumstances. Should there be too few people booked for any tour, we reserve the right to cancel the tour no later than 90 days before scheduled departure. In this event, a full refund will be made, and BDT will not be liable for any claims made or any additional costs incurred by you including but not limited to flights, transfers and permits paid directly by you. Page 1 of 2

8 BLUE DOT TRAVEL TERMS AND CONDITIONS As at January 15, Itinerary Changes We reserve the right to vary the itinerary, accommodation and forms of transport should any conditions make it preferable, appropriate or necessary to do so. We will provide alternative services as close as possible to those listed. Wherever possible we shall advise you of such changes prior to departure, however we accept no responsibility for any alterations made for any reason, or for any associated loss or damage. If any additional expenses are incurred through delays, accidents, or disruption of planned itineraries because of force majeure or if it considered advisable by our management, such expenses are to be borne by you. It is possible that a route change could be necessary due to inclement weather, political restrictions or any other cause. Route changes will always be at the discretion of the group leader and the local operator. We will not be responsible for postponement or delay caused by delayed flights or schedule changes at any point in tour. No refund will be available in the event of any route or itinerary changes including hotel accommodation. 9. Exclusions Items not included in our tour costs Your personal travel insurance (which is compulsory). Any tourist visas required. Special fees/taxes incurred by local governments and airlines. Transfers not included on the core group s itinerary, for example when you arrive separately from a different destination or using different airline to that booked by BDT. Domestic Australian transfers unless specified on the itinerary. Seat preferences where additional costs apply. Laundry, postage, personal clothing, medical expenses, and all items of a personal nature. Mountain, road or river rescue or any other emergency evacuation charges. Expenses incurred as a result of illness and any other un foreseen situations and events. Expenses incurred in cases of personal liability, injury or death if you have been participating in optional activities. Excess baggage charges. Loss incurred by rerouting, cancellation, inclement weather, floods, famine, political disruptions, strikes, riots and other disturbances. Meals not stipulated in the itinerary. Alcoholic drinks and other beverages unless stated in the itinerary. Tips to guides, drivers or service personnel on tour. Photography and video fees (where applicable). 10. Blue Dot Travel s rights BDT reserves the right to exclude a client from any tour if they fail to comply with our fair and reasonable instructions while on tour, if they prevent or impede other clients enjoyment of a tour, if they jeopardise the safety of other clients, if they engage in illegal or undesirable behaviour, or if they become a danger to themselves or other clients. If this happens, the client will not be entitled to a refund and BDT will not be responsible for any expenses that the traveller may incur if they are excluded from a tour for any of these or other unforeseen reasons. 11. Consumer Claims If a problem occurs while you are away, it is essential and most practical to try to resolve it locally with the tour host and or guide or tour provider. If you are unhappy with your hotel room, please inform the Duty Manager so the situation may be rectified on the spot. If you have any other complaint, please advise us promptly so that we can attempt to resolve the matter. If you fail to take these steps any claim for compensation may be reduced or denied. If you have an unresolved complaint this must be put to us in writing advising details of the efforts, if any, that were made with the tour host, guide or local operator to resolve the issue. Please send this with supporting documentation within 30 days of return to Australia. No claim made after this period will be considered save to the extent that the law otherwise provides. 12. Photo Competitions If you provide us with a photo from the tour in relation to our on-tour photo competitions, you are providing us approval to use the image in our newsletters, website, social media sites and other promotional material. This is a condition of entry to our on-tour photos competitions. 13. Social Media From time to time, usually whilst on tour, BDT will post photos and videos to the BDT Facebook page and other BDT social media sites. These may include images of individuals and groups of individuals who are on the tour. These are available for anyone to see when they log in to the BDT Facebook or relevant social media site page. Should you not wish to have your image posted on any of these social media sites, you must advise us on or before departure of the tour. Otherwise, you are deemed to have consented to the inclusion of any such material. DISCLAIMER BY BOOKING AGENT (Blue Dot Travel, ACN ) 1. These booking conditions cannot exclude the provisions of the Competition & Consumer Act 2010 or of any relevant State Act or Australian Consumer law. 2. Under these Acts BDT is required to pro vide services to you with due care and skill and to provide services which are reasonable for a particular purpose if you have made that purpose known. The Acts provide a right to compensation in appropriate cases. 3. BDT gives notice that it acts as agent only for our tours, and of all other persons and companies who provide the services outlined in this itinerary and in connection with any tour for which you book and that this contract is between the client and the in-country operator. 4. BDT warrants that its services as a tour direct seller/retailer and booking agent will be rendered with due care and skill. 5. BDT does not state that the route suggested or recommended in the itinerary for any tour is the best or more suitable from any particular point of view. 6. Any maps in the itinerary and other documents are for information only, and may not necessarily show the exact routings. 7. In promoting the tours outlined in our itineraries BDT acts as agents for each travel supplier and their associated companies and contractors, therefore: - all tours outlined in this itinerary, and all tickets, vouchers and documents issued by BDT are subject to the terms and conditions of the persons and companies for whom BDT are agents - all tickets and coupons or vouchers issued by BDT and all arrangements for transport or conveyance or accommodation, are made by BDT as agents for such others persons and companies and are made at your request on the express conditions that BDT shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned whether by reason of defect in any vehicle or mode of transportation, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in carrying passengers or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour or otherwise in connection with the tour or of any provider of any accommodation to provide any facility normally available. - BDT is not responsible for any default, omission, negligence or other act our suppliers and the contractors associated with them. - BDT is not responsible for losses or additional expenses due to delays or changes in transportation services, other services, sickness, accident, injury, weather, strikes, war, civil unrest or disturbance, riots, quarantine or other causes. 8. These terms and conditions cannot be altered or waived by any servant, agent or representative of BDT or of any person providing services on the tour other than in writing signed by BDT. Page 2 of 2

9 BOOKING FORM By paying your deposit, you accept Blue Dot Travel s terms and conditions displayed on our website. TOUR NAME:... Tour Departure Date:... Today s Date:... YOUR DETAILS Passenger 1: Passenger 2: Preferred Name:... Preferred Name:... Full Name (as shown on passport):... Full Name (as shown on passport):... Mr/Mrs/Ms/Dr Mr/Mrs/Ms/Dr First Name Surname First Name Surname Date of Birth:... Date of Birth:... Postal Address:... Postal Address: P/Code:......P/Code:... Home Ph: ( )... Home Ph: ( )... Work Ph: ( )... Work Ph: ( )... Mobile:... Mobile: Passport Number:... Passport Number:... Nationality:... Nationality:... Date of Issue:... Date of Expiry:... Date of Issue:...Date of Expiry:... Important: please photocopy and post or scan & your passport details to us. Accommodation Needs: Double Room Twin Share Single Room (at additional cost) Dietary/Special Needs:... Emergency Contact: Name:... Who will be in Australia while you are travelling. Phone 1: ( )... Phone 2: ( )... Travel Insurance: Provider Name:... Policy Number:... Personal travel insurance is not included in the tour price and we insist that you take out a policy as a condition of us accepting you on the tour. You must be able to walk at least 1000 metres at a reasonable pace without requiring a stop, be able to carry at least your own bags and be able to walk up at least three flights of stairs unassisted. Signature 1:... Signature 2:... Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to keep up with the group while travelling? Yes No How did you hear about us?... PAYMENT To register your interest in a tour, a non-refundable deposit of $250 and a completed booking form must be received and acknowledged by Blue Dot Travel. Approx 4-8 weeks after your booking has been confirmed we will require a non refundable progress payment of $2,000 per person towards your tour. Your final payment becomes due 75 days prior to departure. There are three payment options: 1 Credit Card: Please call (02) or complete and fax/post to Blue Dot Travel. If paying balance by credit card we add 1.1% to cover merchant fees. (Note: merchant fee is not applied to your $250 deposit.) Mastercard Visa Name on Card:... Card Number: Expiry Date: / Amount to Pay: $250 (p/p)... Signature of Card Holder:... 2 EFT Payment $250 (p/p) Please use your surname as a reference when making payment. Account Name: Blue Dot Travel Trust Account BSB: Account Number: Cheque $250 (p/p) Please make cheque payable to Blue Dot Travel Trust Account and post to address opposite, with this completed form. THANK YOU. We look forward to welcoming you. By paying your deposit, you accept Blue Dot Travel s terms and conditions displayed on our website. Blue Dot Travel Phone Fax Suite 109, Ground Floor, 48 Atchison Street, St.Leonards NSW 2065 BDT012018