FAMILY & FRIENDS HOLIDAYS Family Adventures & Private Charters EXPERIENCE THE WORLD - TOGETHER
FAMILY & FRIENDS OVERLANDING Our truck charters are ideal for families, a bunch of friends or groups with a common interest such as photography, painting or bird watching. Hidden safe for passports and money Roof seats for game viewing Forward facing comfortable seats Gas stove Tables for socialising Reference books and fact sheets? Fully stocked medical kit 350 litre drinking water tank Complete kitchen and fridge Stools Call us on +44(0)1728 861133 to book one of
An Overlander seeks adventure, knowledge and new experiences and engages in exciting and adventurous pursuits Welcome! As a life-long adventurer, the most exciting and memorable trips I ve been lucky enough to enjoy have been those spent with my friends and family. Baggage locker Wood cage My children have now grown up but our shared trips across the globe have not only allowed me introduce them to the excitement and fun of adventure travel, but have ignited their own passion for the world s diverse landscapes, wildlife, communities and cultures. This year, we ve expanded our existing range of Family Adventure Holidays (see the back of this brochure for details) in Vietnam, Nepal, Thailand, Indochina and China to include Private Charters. These 3 bespoke adventures, which can coincide with school holidays (or not!), have been specially designed to allow any group, be it friends, family or otherwise to experience the very best of overland travel to one of the most exciting destinations of all: Africa. What makes them unique, genuinely different, is that you ll be travelling with - and only with - the group you book with, accompanied by the best trained crew and tour leaders in the world. Explore Africa together and track lions, leopards, rhino, elephant and buffalo; go in search of chimps and gorillas, see Kilimanjaro, bush camp under the stars or relax by the Indian Ocean. Your exclusive adventure awaits Removable canvas roof for greater visibility Charlie Hopkinson - Dragoman CEO Spare wheels our trips! OUR East African Safari wagon
FAMILY & FRIENDS OVERLANDING What s it all about? Dragoman has been pioneering overland and adventure travel since 1981 and is now one of the most respected and reputable adventure travel operators in the world. We are now offering Private Charters, where you and the people you choose to travel with can reap the benefits of our 30 years of unrivalled product knowledge. If you ve never been overlanding before, prepare to be converted I was expecting the holiday to be adventurous and challenging. What I wasn t expecting was just how much fun we d have as a family. I ve never laughed so much in years! James Ling, Suffolk. What puts us ahead of the rest Our crew: The best trained in the world Passionate about travel and always up for adventure, our crew are carefully selected for their product knowledge, out-going-easy-going personalities and dedication to customer service. They are also required to undergo the most intensive training programme of any overland travel company in the world. As well as spending 10 weeks at our Suffolk-based HQ learning about truck maintenance, first aid, Dragoman and customer service, our crew spend up to six months shadowing more experienced crew on the road as a trainee. We were recently ranked by The Sunday Times as the most reliable overland tour operator in the world in their Overlanding: who should you trust? feature. Customer service: Putting you first We believe that delivering excellent customer service is about the whole experience. From the first moment you book your trip with our sales team to the farewell dinner, we endeavour to provide a service that puts you first - from start to finish. We provide: comprehensive travel notes and information as well as clothing, climate, visa and immunisation advice, so you are able to get the most out of your trip and experience. We got so close to the elephants that I captured the best images I ve ever shot - a great addition to my portfolio. Mark Perry, photographer. Call us on +44(0)1728 861133 to book this trip!
Our fleet: Build for the purpose We use two types of vehicles for our family trips, our traditional hard-sided overland trucks and also our Summer Time soft-sided East African Safari Wagon. Both are Mercedes, known for their durability and robust design, which allows us to take the road less travelled and sometimes no road at all. From September - June when weather can be variable we use a hard-sided truck similar to the one pictured below. For the summer season (July - August), we prefer to use our soft-sided safari wagon, with superb visibility. Complete with rain canvas, it is the ultimate in Africa Close Up giving an authentic boys own Africa experience. Accommodation: Because comfort matters 50% Camping, 50% Hotels. Fully equipped camping in national parks and in grounds of hotels. Staying in small hotels (usually 3-4 star) and cabins. While camping outside national parks, upgrades to rooms are available on most nights. More inclusions: No hidden costs Dragoman may not be the cheapest choice of operator in the market, but there s a reason for that. Quite simply, the trips we operate have more inclusions in our itineraries than those offered by other companies, which means no nasty surprises - and no hidden costs. If we think a national park is a must-see, then park entry is included in the price. If we believe a local hotel is of a higher standard than a similarly priced inferior version, we book it. We don t compromise on safety. Our crew are skilled mechanics, and each vehicle has 24 hour back up and logistical support from Dragoman HQ. This is the best holiday I ve ever had! Alex Hutchinson, Hampshire, 9 years old. Responsible Travel: Giving something back Since Dragoman was founded in 1981, we ve been committed to a kind of travel which not allows passengers to get up close and personal to the people and places they visit, but which helps us - and our travellers - support those communities by giving something back. In 2010, we won the 5 star Sustainable Travel award by AITO, the Association of Independent Tour Operators for our community work in responsible travel. This type of travel is ideally suited to the wild landscapes and terrain of Africa. I can t believe how much wildlife we saw - and so close! The awe-struck look on my son s face as he watched a nearby giraffe was something I ll remember forever. Hannah Baldwin, London. Email: sales@dragoman.co.uk Website: www.dragoman.com
Private charter - take Kenya & Tanzania Wildlife & beaches Physical rating: Daily activities Culture shock: Moderate Crew: 3 crew members including an African camp master Minimum age: Suitable for children of 6yrs or older Kenya & Uganda THE BIG FIVE Physical rating: Moderate fitness Culture shock: Moderate Crew: 3 crew members including an African camp master Minimum age: Suitable for children of 6yrs or older Itinerary 14 days The ultimate in African adventure! This trip, with a moderate fitness rating, is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and families alike, where you ll spot The Big Five : lions, leopards, rhino, elephant and buffalo, amongst others. Days 1-3: Kenya Arrive Nairobi airport. Group transfer from airport. Overnight in Kenya's capital city, Nairobi. Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park, home of the white rhino. Venture overland across the highlands of Western Kenya. Days 4-14: Uganda Journey through the Ugandan landscape to the capital Kampala. Visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to trek the Rhino on foot. 2 nights at Murchison Falls for excellent game viewing. 2 nights at Budongo forest staying at an eco tourism site. Trek on foot in search of habituated chimpanzees (note: for children under the age of 16yrs that can t trek, alternative activities within the forest reserve can be arranged). Spectacular scenery of the White Nile at Kalagala Falls camp. Group transfer to Entebbe Airport (Uganda). Price ex Nairobi Code FNN Charter of vehicle, equipment, 3 crew, and trip costs (Each private charter can take a group size of between 19 and 22) September to December: 11,000 per charter Christmas and the New Year: 12,000 per charter January to June: 11,000 per charter July & August: 12,000 per charter Local Payment Per Person: From US$840 (Children pay less - take 10% off this payment) Accommodation & meals 50% Camping, 50% Hotels Meal Plan: 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners. Full details can be found in the trip notes online. Code FNN Dates Codes GNN & FNN Please note, you can charter a vehicle for this itinerary all year round. September to June: We will have a truck available every 3-4 weeks and can usually sort out dates to suit your holiday. Contact us for availability. July and August - School Holiday Dates: The summer time is an ideal time for families as it is generally dry, not too hot and malaria and mosquitoes are at their lowest risk. Here are our suggested dates. 09-Jul-11 to 25-Jul-11 25-Jul-11 to 10-Aug-11 13-Aug-11 to 29-Aug-11 Itinerary 16 days A perfect blend of active adventure and relaxation, where you ll not only explore two of the world s greatest game reserves, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, but chill out on the continent s pristine, Indian Ocean beaches and visit the spice island of Zanzibar. From the plains of the Serengeti where there s also the option of a balloon safari, we spend time in and around the foothills of Kilimanjaro learning about the Chagga people at the Kilimanjaro village education community project. Heading way off the tourist trail, we climb into the cooler green Usambara Mountains. Here, surrounded by stunning scenic vistas, we hike through the hills from village to village, getting a grass roots feel of this charming mountain enclave. After all that activity we round off your adventures with relaxation on the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean south of Dar es Salaam and with a visit to the spice Island of Zanzibar. Days 1-2: Nairobi Kenya Arrive Nairobi. Group transfer from airport. Visit to Langatta Giraffe Sanctuary and to the Sheldric elephant and rhino orphanage. Days 3-7: Northern Tanzania Safari Region Overland through Kenya and cross to Arusha in northern Tanzania. 1 night stay at Arusha Snake Park to see Africa s snakes up close up. Camel ride out to Masai Village. 2 day Jeep Safari and 2 nights camping in the wilds Serengeti National Park. Jeep safari in the unique Ngorongoro Crater. Days 8-9: Kilimanjaro 2 night stay under Mt. Kilimanjaro with time for an easy hike in the foothills. Guided walk and visit to the Marangu Village Education Project. Days 10-11: Maasai Steppe & Usambara Mountains 2 night stay in these stunning mountains with time for local community visits and hikes. Half day moderate/easy hill trek to Irente Lookout and community visit to Irente villages. Days 12-13: Tanzanian Coast 2 night stay at Kipepeo, on the beautiful Indian Ocean beaches. Days 14-16: Zanzibar 3 nights on the tropical island of Zanzibar. Guided tour of Spice Plantations and visit with local family. Time to relax at beautiful beach hotel with infinity pool. Visit to Stonetown. Return to Dar es Salaam by hydrofoil and group transfer to airport. Price ex Nairobi Code FEA Charter of vehicle, equipment, 3 crew, and trip costs (Each private charter can take a group size of between 19 and 22) September to December: 11,000 per charter Christmas and the New Year: 13,000 per charter January to June: 12,000 per charter July & August: 13,000 per charter Local Payment Per Person: From US$1100 (Children pay less - take 10% off this payment) Code FEA Accommodation & meals 50% camping, 50% hotels. Camping in national parks and in grounds of hotels and comfortable 3-4 star hotels. Meal Plan: 16 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 12 Dinners. Full details can be found in the trip notes online. Dates Code FEA Please note, you can charter a vehicle for this itinerary all year round. September to June: We will have a truck available every 3-4 weeks and can usually sort out dates to suit your holiday. Contact us for availability. July and August - School Holiday Dates: The summer time is an ideal time for families as it is generally dry, not too hot and malaria and mosquitoes are at their lowest risk. Here are our suggested dates. 09-Jul-11 to 25-Jul-11, 25-Jul-11 to 10-Aug-11, 13-Aug-11 to 29-Aug-11 Call us on +44(0)1728 861133 to book this trip!
your family and friends Kenya & Uganda Chimps & gorillas Physical rating: Moderate fitness Culture shock: Moderate Crew: 3 crew members including an African camp master Minimum age: Not suitable for children under 16yrs. The Big Five is a suitable adventurous alternative. Itinerary 16 days Code GNN East Africa is a famous wildlife destination and on this trip you ll get to see the very best that the continent has to offer. Kenya is quintessential safari country and we ll visit Lake Nakuru National Park before crossing the border into Uganda. Kibale Forest is known for its chimpanzees and you ll have a good chance of seeing these fascinating animals as we trek through primary rainforest. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, we explore the famous Kazinga Channel by boat, watching wildlife on both shores, before returning to land again, tracking through dense forest in search of the mountain gorillas of Bwindi National Park. Days 1-3: Kenya Arrive Nairobi airport. Group transfer from airport. Overnight in Kenya's capital city, Nairobi. Safari in Lake Nakuru National Park, home of the white rhino. Venture overland across the highlands of Western Kenya. Days 4-11: Kampala & Ugandan Wildlife Journey through the Ugandan landscape to the capital, Kampala. 2 nights at a tea plantation in the Kibale Forest; walks in the hills. Forest walking expedition in search of chimps. Big game safari in QEII National Park including boat trip on Kazinga Channel. 1 night stay at the stunning and remote Lake Bunyonyi. 2 nights in Bwindi National Park, home to the mountain gorilla. Trek to find the mountain gorilla. 1 night camping and walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park. Days 12-13: Source of the Nile 2 nights at Jinja at a spectacularly location on a cliff-top 30m above the swirling currents of the White Nile. Days 14-16: Kenya Overland through western Kenya and the Rift Valley. Arrive back in Nairobi for visit to Langatta Giraffe Sanctuary and to the Sheldric elephant and rhino orphanage. Group transfer to Nairobi Airport. Price ex Nairobi Code GNN Charter of vehicle, equipment, 3 crew, and trip costs (Each private charter can take a group size of between 19 and 22) September to December: 11,000 per charter Christmas and the New Year: 12,000 per charter January to June: 11,000 per charter July & August: 12,000 per charter Local Payment Per Person: From US$1240 (Children pay less - take 10% off this payment) Accommodation & meals 50% Camping, 50% Hotels Meal Plan: 15 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 15 Dinners. Full details can be found in the trip notes online. WILDEBEEST MIGRATION The biggest wildlife show on earth! November to June - Migration & Birthing: This itinerary is in the path of the migration or the areas of build up and birthing between the months of November through to June. Don t miss the chance to witness this amazing spectacle. Call our team for details and departure dates that coincide with the migration. Email: sales@dragoman.co.uk Website: www.dragoman.com
FAMILY ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS You can also choose from our great range of Family Adventure Holidays! See the Great Wall of China; ride an elephant through the Thai jungle; spot rhino s and tigers on a Nepal safari; discover the mysterious temples of Angkor Wat, cruise Vietnam s spectacular Halong Bay! Using a range of private and local transport, from trains, buses, boats, cyclos, sanpans or even canoes, and staying in a variety of accommodation, including local guesthouses and homestays, these active trips will see your family joining others to explore the very best of Asia. The holidays have regular departure dates and have been designed to appeal to families with children aged 6 to 18 years. An essential element is meeting local people, giving your children the chance to interact with kids who share a similar age but vast cultural difference. See www.dragoman.com for more great adventure alternatives around the world. Trip suggestions Vietnam Family Adventure Code TVFA 13 days from 885.00 Starts: Hanoi Ends: Ho Chi Minh City Vehicle: Plane, overnight train, overnight boat, minibus, sampan, cyclo Accommodation: Hotel (10nts), overnight train (1nt), overnight boat (1nt) Indochina Family Adventure Code TVFC 15 days from 1250.00 Starts: Hanoi Ends: Siem Reap Vehicle: Plane, overnight train, train, minibus, overnight boat, cyclo Accommodation: Hotel (12nts), overnight train (1nt), overnight boat (1nt) China Family Adventure Code CBFA 14 days from 1310.00 Starts: Beijing Ends: Hong Kong Vehicle: Plane, overnight train, minibus, taxi, local bus, day train, subway, tram, cable ferry, car Accommodation: Hotels (11nts), overnight trains (2nts) Nepal Family Adventure Code HNFA 12 days from 980.00 Starts: Kathmandu Ends: Kathmandu Vehicle: Private vehicles, local / tourist bus, walking, flight, dug-out canoe, elephant, jeep Accommodation: Hotel (7nts), farmhouse (1nt), tented camps (2nts), guesthouse with shared facilities (1nt) Thailand Family Adventure Code TTFA 10 days from 670.00 Starts: Bangkok Ends: Bangkok Vehicle: Overnight train, minibus, boat, longtail boat, local bus, songthaew, bicycle, elephant Accommodation: Guesthouse/hotel (6nts), homestay (1nt), overnight train (2nts) Call our team of travel experts on +44 (0)1728 861133 to discuss your plans! Or go online: We are also able to accept online bookings. Simply click on www.dragoman.com and follow the guidelines below: Choose your trip style from the drop down menu, or enter the trip code Check availability and prices Get your trip notes Read the booking conditions Inform us of an pre-existing medical conditions Complete the online booking Pay a deposit Make your final payment 60 days before departure Sit back and look forward to your trip! You can also connect with us via Facebook, Twitter and our online community, Dragoland. In accordance with the UK and EU regulations on Travel and Tourism, Dragoman Overseas Travel Ltd. is fully bonded through the AITO Trust - membership number 1077. Dragoman Overseas Travel Ltd. holds an Air Travel Organisers Licence, (ATOL) number 4157, this is issued and bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).