THE MAGIC DOWN UNDER! A PRIVATE SAFARI IN AUSTRALIA DESIGNED FOR AND HOSTED BY TOM STALF PRESIDENT & CEO, COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM OCTOBER 8-22, 2017
Please join me as I travel westward almost half-way round the world to explore some of Australia s most enchanting destinations. We will venture out on the Great Barrier Reef to experience its majestic beauty, and we ll have a devil of a time in Tasmania. TOM STALF, PRESIDENT AND CEO, COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM As President and CEO, Tom Stalf leads the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club and the Wilds conservation center with a single focus inspire people to make a difference for wildlife and wild places. Tom brings to his leadership role more than 20 years experience gained by first working as zookeeper and then advancing quickly through every aspect of zoo management from animal care to exhibit design to financial management to strategic visioning. He became the youngest zoo director in the country when tapped to manage Niabi Zoo in Illinois in 1995 and guided that zoo to gain national accreditation for the first time. Tom joined Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in May of 2010 as the Senior Vice President of Operations and one year later was promoted to Chief Operations Officer. The Board of Directors appointed him President and CEO in February 2013. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Western Illinois University. Tom places a high priority on animal welfare and conservation, and he has traveled to several countries where the Zoo supports programs that help people help protect wildlife. A tireless champion for wildlife, Tom uses his gift of storytelling and love of education to help inspire people to join the Zoo s mission to protecting animals globally and locally.
THE MAGIC DOWN UNDER! AUSTRALIA The name of the smallest continent brings forth images of exotic creatures animals unlike those found anywhere else on earth. Kangaroos are probably the first creatures that come to mind - upright animals with impossibly large feet and a pouch for carrying babies. Or cuddly-looking koalas that look like something a toy company would produce. For some, maybe it s the platypus, with its unexpected duck-billed snout. And, perhaps, the most famous (or infamous) of Australian animals in American culture is the Tasmanian devil, although most of us probably think of the Warner Brothers cartoon character. It is estimated that the Australian land mass separated from Antarctica about 96 million years ago. As it moved north toward the tropics, the earth experienced overall global cooling. The continent s journey toward the tropics counteracted the cooling, allowing Australia s temperatures to remain relatively constant over an exceptionally long period of time, giving rise to its enormous diversity of life. When cooler global temperatures caused a loss of species in most of the world, Australia s consistent climate allowed more species to evolve and flourish. The majority of the indigenous mammals of Australia are marsupials animals that give birth to incompletely developed young, which are nourished in a protective pouch. Current scientific thought focuses on the arrival of marsupials in Australia about 50 million years ago. It is theorized that a single species may have traveled from Antarctica to Australia on a raft of debris, from which the diversity of species spread. The reasons for Australian marsupials becoming the dominant mammal species remain unclear. The exceptional diversity of species isn t limited to mammals. According to The Wilderness Society, Australia has more species of vascular plants and non-fish vertebrates (mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians) than 94% of the world s countries. As we explore portions of this vast country, we will discover an incredible world of new life wherever we travel.
Our Magic Down Under Itinerary: Oct 8 (Sun) - Depart USA Suggested flight Qantas QF16, departs Los Angeles at 11:50pm flight not included. International flights and some flights within Australia are not included in order to provide flexibility in making your flight arrangements. We have an air travel professional available to assist you with your flight arrangements. Oct 9 (Mon) - Lose a day in flight, crossing the International Dateline Oct 10 (Tue) Brisbane Our expected arrival time in Brisbane will be 7:55am. Upon clearing immigration and customs, we ll be met in the arrival hall and driven to our accommodations at the Royal On The Park Hotel, where arrangements have been made for immediate check-in. The rest of the morning is set aside for rest and relaxation after our extended flights. However, for those who wish to stretch their legs, we will have an option to explore the habitats of the adjacent Brisbane Botanic Garden. ROYAL ON THE PARK HOTEL After lunch, we will travel to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for a private tour and a personal introduction to Australia s most engaging marsupial the koala. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world s first and largest koala sanctuary with over 130 koalas. The staff of the sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of koalas and all native Australian animals and operating in an environmentally friendly manner. Their extensive research programs include ground-breaking investigations into the prevention and treatment of diseases that threatened the population of koalas. DUCK-BILLED PLATYPUS During our tour, we will also meet kangaroos and enjoy our first encounters with a number of species of Australia s diversity of wildlife, including one of the Earth s strangest creatures the duck-billed platypus, one of two egglaying mammal species in Australia. Accommodations at the Royal On The Park Hotel (LD)
Oct 11 (Wed) - The Australia Zoo After breakfast we will travel to the Australia Zoo, home of The Crocodile Hunter the late Steve Irwin. Terri Irwin and her family carry on Steve s passion and dedication to the preservation of wildlife in Australia and throughout the world. STEVE IRWIN BINDI, TERRI & ROBERT IRWIN Started in 1970 as a two acre wildlife park, the Australia Zoo has grown to 1500 acres largely due to the revenue generated by Steve Irwin s television programs. While Australian wildlife is the zoo s specialty, our private tour will introduce us to creatures from around the world that call the zoo their home. One of the highlights of our visit will be a close encounter with one of the zoo s residents perhaps a wombat, a white rhino or a Komodo dragon!. Accommodations at the Royal On The Park Hotel (BLD) WOMBAT ENCOUNTER CROCOSEUM DEMONSTRATION WHITE RHINO GALAPAGOS TORTOISE Oct 12 (Thu) - Cairns This morning we return to the airport for our flight to Cairns, in tropical north Queensland (suggested flight JetStar JQ945 - flight not included). We will be met and taken to one of Australia s most unique destinations Hartley s Crocodile Adventures. Upon arrival, we will enjoy their famous Aussie Burger lunch (with vegetarian options available). Following lunch, we will proceed on a private tour, led by one of the wildlife keepers. We will explore woodland and rainforest habitats and meet one of the most intriguing birds in the world the Southern cassowary.
TIGER QUOLL SOUTHERN CASSOWARY Our tour will end with a cruise on Hartley Lagoon, with its population of saltwater crocodiles, the largest of all the world s living reptiles. Mature males can often reach over 17 feet in length and over 1300 pounds. Accommodations at the Cairns Pacific Hotel (BLD) Oct 13 (Fri) Great Barrier Reef The Great Barrier Reef is the world s largest coral reef system. And probably the most famous. The reef covers over 133,000 square miles off the northeastern coast of Australia. We will explore two destinations within the reef system during our approximately five hour excursion, with opportunities to explore these shore and underwater wonderlands by snorkel and scuba diving. Unlike most excursions in the Great Barrier Reef, we will be able to enjoy separate snorkeling and diving experiences in two different locations.
We will walk the short distance to the marina and venture out from the mainland on the Seastar, a vessel that was custom-designed for navigating the reef and facilitating diving. The Seastar offers an exceptional level of personal service, with no more than 35 adventurers invited to come onboard. Those wishing to snorkel will select one of two programs: one for novices, who wish to learn the basics of safe snorkeling, and a more adventurous program for experienced snorkelers who are also strong swimmers. Likewise, separate scuba diving programs are offered for those who have never dived (but would like to) and for certified divers. Please note that the scuba diving programs are offered at additional cost. Our first destination will be Michaelmas Cay, the largest uninhabited coral cay in the Cairns area a voyage of about 25 miles. Only three boats are authorized to visit each day and the Seastar holds the coveted first arrival time slot. The cay is large enough to sustain a permanent low grassy area the size of two football fields and is home to up to 35 different species of sea birds. Sitting on the western tip of Michaelmas Reef, a mid-shelf reef formed by living coral animals, the cay developed when fragments of corals and shells were washed to the calm side of the reef by waves and wind, forming a single plateau. In these sheltered areas behind the sand bank, seeds carried by birds flourished, stabilizing the cay and encouraging more seabirds to roost and nest. Their droppings fertilized the sand and more plants were able to grow. This is the large grassy area which now covers the center of the cay. Unlike other cays, it is always above water no matter how high the tide. A delicious hot and cold buffet will be served on board, as the Seastar moves to Hastings Reef, on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. 15,000 years ago, this was the continent s coast line and it was here that the reef began to grow. We travel to the outer reef in order to swim and dive in the clear, calm water on the inside edge of the reef. The reef itself is shallow on top, with steep sides reminiscent of cliffs falling away into the surrounding water. Although the back of the boat may be hanging over the shallow coral the bow of the boat is in 65 feet of water. It is here we can experience the true wonders of this outer edge reef, with its coral caves, coral overhangs, deep water drop-offs, coral canyons, swim-throughs and shallow coral bays that are only feet from the side of the Seastar. Along the steep edges, there are swirling schools of small fish, colorful parrot fish, turtles, giant clams, friendly" little reef sharks, bright yellow butterfly fish, pairs of rabbit fish, countless varieties of brightly colored damsel fish and of course, clown fish, the model for the Disney cartoon character, Nemo. And we even have an option for those who do not wish to snorkel or dive. The Seastar carries a glass-bottomed boat, which allows us to explore the reef as we float along, often just a foot above the colorful coral. It s a gentler, more relaxing way to discover the magical creatures of the world s largest reef system. After an active day of exploring the Great Barrier Reef, we ll return to our accommodations at the Cairns Pacific Hotel (BLD)
Oct 14 (Sat) - The Atherton Tablelands Following breakfast, we will meet our naturalist guide and travel up into the Atherton Tablelands an extensive, fertile plateau within the Great Dividing Range. With heights ranging from 1600 to 4200 feet above sea level, the plateau offers a climate perfect for its attractive rolling uplands (which support dairy farming communities), BOYD S FOREST DRAGON pockets of rainforest (that hold some massive strangler fig trees) and deep volcanic lakes and other wetlands. DOUBLE-EYED FIG PARROT We will explore a number of habitats including rainforest, wet hard-leaf forest and the more open eucalypt and woodland areas. Scanning up, down and around, we will look for some of the region s endemic creatures, including Boyd s forest dragon an arboreal lizard with distinctive pointed scales on the crest of its head. Among the birds, we ll look for the double-eyed fig parrot while it doesn t actually have double eyes, its preferred food is clearly stated in its name. And we will always be on the lookout for one of the more interesting members of the kangaroo family the tree kangaroo. TREE KANGAROO CURTAIN STRANGLER FIG In the afternoon, we will visit the Tolga Bat Hospital, a community-based facility that provides care for injured, ill or orphaned bats. The hospital is staffed entirely by volunteers, who are dedicated to the restoration of the spectacled flying fox and its habitat within a 65 acre remnant of the Mabi rainforest, known as the Tolga Scrub. Spectacled flying foxes are among the largest bats in the world and, unlike the majority of bat species, are exclusively fruit eaters. The hospital treats and cares for any species of bat that is brought in. During our tour, we will have the opportunity to meet some of these fascinating flying mammals up close and personal. In addition, our visit will coincide with the bats feeding time. Accommodations at the Cairns Pacific Hotel (BLD) SPECTACLED FLYING FOX Oct 15 (Sun) Adelaide and Kangaroo Island This morning s flight will take us to Adelaide, on the southern coast of Australia (suggested flight Jetstar JQ963 flight not included) where we will board our short flight to Kingscote, on Kangaroo Island (flight included). We will be taken to the Aurora Ozone Hotel, for a restful evening overlooking Nepean Bay. (BLD)
Oct 16 (Mon) Kangaroo Island Today we will be introduced to the life of Kangaroo Island. Although initially inhabited by aborigines, Kangaroo Island is primarily an agricultural community with a number of important nature preserves protecting significant remnants of its unique natural vegetation and native wildlife. It is estimated that the island became separated from mainland Australia about 10,000 years ago, due to rising sea levels after the last glacial period. In 1802, Captain Matthew Flinders, the first explorer to circumnavigate Australia (identifying it as a continent), gave it the name of Kangaroo Island after the endemic subspecies of the Western gray kangaroo he found. One of our destinations will be Lathami Conservation Park, which is named after the scientific name of its most iconic resident an endangered subspecies of the glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus). It is estimated there may be no more than 100 individuals, due to the clearing of their primary food source the Drooping She-Oak. As we walk through the forest, we will keep our eyes open for the local wallabies and other interesting creatures that make Lathami their home. GLOSSY BLACK COCKATOO After a traditional barbeque in the bush (featuring fresh seafood, including King George whiting, and fine South Australian wines), we will venture forth to the Seal Bay Conservation Park. Here we will find Australian sea lions, which are now protected after being nearly hunted to extinction in the 19 th century. Our guide will describe the intricate sea lion monitoring program and the other methods being implemented to insure a continued healthy population, including the establishment of the Southern Kangaroo Island Marine Park. The remainder of the afternoon will be spent exploring the south east region of the Island, with destinations and experiences chosen to reflect seasonal opportunities. Accommodations at the Aurora Ozone Hotel. (BLD) Oct 17 (Tue) - Kangaroo Island After breakfast at our hotel, we will depart on a full day tour, exploring some more of Kangaroo Island s highlights, including the lesser known backtracks of Flinders Chase National Park - a wilderness covering nearly 200,000 acres, which is home to a wide array of wildlife species such as kangaroos, wallabies, possums, goannas, echidnas, koalas, platypus and many birds, including the rare Cape Barren Geese. We will be on the lookout for the Island s namesake the Kangaroo Island kangaroo also known as the sooty kangaroo.
In addition, Flinders offers us our best opportunity to spot both of Australia s monotremes (egg-laying mammals) in the wild: the duck-billed platypus and the short-beaked echidna. If we find an echidna, we will quickly understand why its other name is the spiny anteater. SHORT-BEAKED ECHIDNA CAPE BARREN GEESE The drive down to Cape du Couedic takes in some dramatic dune country with a complex fire history and an interesting range of vegetation types. The road alignment follows the original horse trail between the ranger station and the lighthouse settlement on the tip of the peninsula. At Cape du Couedic, we will visit a fur seal colony which now numbers over 50,000, after being decimated by hunting in the early 1800 s. The fur seals can be observed at rest on the rocks or frolicking in the surf under Admirals Arch - a spectacular coastal grotto. On the headland above is a beautiful stone lighthouse where three light keepers and their families lived, maintaining a warning for ships. With no road access until 1940 life was tough - supplies came by sea only every 3 months. FUR SEAL REMARKABLE ROCKS Other impressive stone structures we ll find had a very different architect. The Remarkable Rocks, huge natural granite sculptures, have been carved by relentless winds, rain and salt from the Southern Ocean. The end result has been described as looking like a meeting of the minds of Henri Moore and Salvador Dali! After our lunch in the bush, we will continue our exploration of Kangaroo Island by visiting sites chosen by our guide to take advantage of the best of the season. Accommodations at the Aurora Ozone Hotel. (BLD) Oct 18 (Wed) Adelaide and Tasmania We return to Adelaide by air (flight included) for a morning visit at the Adelaide Zoo. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has supported the research of Dr. Elisa Sparrow. During our morning visit to the Zoo, we hope to meet with her and learn about the importance of her work with the Southern hairy-nosed wombat. After lunch, we return to the Adelaide airport for our flight to Melbourne (suggested flight Qantas QF692 flight not included) and on to the city of Hobart, on the island of Tasmania (suggested flight Qantas QF1507 flight not included). Upon arriving, we will be driven to our accommodations at the Salamanca Inn in the redeveloped heart of the harbor s wharf district. (BLD)
Oct 19 (Thu) Bruny Island We will cross the D Entrecasteaux Channel on the Mirambeena, the automobile ferry that links Bruny Island to mainland Tasmania. Although the ferry voyage only takes about 15 minutes, we are likely to see a variety of seabirds, some wonderful scenery and possibly little penguins or dolphins swimming in the water alongside the ferry. Our explorations will feature a number of Bruny s Islands habitats along its southern coast. If we missed discovering the short-nosed echidna on Kangaroo Island, we ll have another chance today. The Island is also home to a number of beautiful birds, including the yellow-tailed black cockatoo. Destinations we will visit will include cool temperate rainforest and eucalypt forest habitats offering a wide variety of unique birds. After dinner, we will venture out on a night excursion in search of little penguins, as well as the albino form of Bennett s wallaby and the Tasmanian Pademelon the smallest of the wallabies. Our accommodations will be in the comfortable Bruny Island Cottages, each with two or three bedrooms and shared bathroom facilities. (BLD) LITTLE PENGUINS TASMANIAN PADEMELON Oct 20 (Fri) Cradle Mountain Following an early morning birding visit to the private wildlife sanctuary of INALA, we return to the mainland of Tasmania on the ferry. A full day of travel will take us north, across the island, to the Cradle Mountain Lake St. Clair National Park, Tasmania s most popular wilderness destination. The jagged contours of Cradle Mountain epitomize the feel of a wild landscape, while ancient rainforest and alpine heathlands, buttongrass and stands of
colorful deciduous beech provide a range of environments to explore. Icy streams cascading out of rugged mountains, stands of ancient pines mirrored in the still waters of glacial lakes and a wealth of wildlife ensure there is always something captivating to discover. After dinner, we will venture out on a short spotlighting tour, in search of wombats, rufous-bellied pademelons and brushtail possums. Accommodations in the Pencil Pine Cabins at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, a luxurious retreat in one of Tasmania s most spectacular wildernesses. (BLD) CRADLE MOUNTAIN LODGE PENCIL PINE CABINS PENCIL PINE CABIN
MOUNTAIN WALKS CANOEING FLY FISHING Oct 21 (Sat) Cradle Mountain You may choose to join our guide for an early morning walk to introduce you to the beauty of Cradle Mountain. After breakfast, we will meet with the lodge s guides to discuss the variety of walking tours which we may choose from, based on the seasonal highlights available this day. November s attractions include a number of beautiful flowering plants (remember this is spring in Tasmania!) and lots of bird activity. With a bit of luck, we may even spot one of Tasmania s most spectacular birds the endangered wedge-tailed eagle. And the usually elusive platypus is more active during the daylight hours it s their breeding season!
TASMANIAN SHORT-BEAKED ECHIDNA TASMANIAN PADEMELON DUCK-BILLED PLATYPUS WOMBAT WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE In the late afternoon, we will visit Devils at Cradle, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of Tasmania s most famous creatures Tasmanian devils. They are the world s largest carnivorous marsupial and, although they do not look anything like the famous cartoon character, they do share a common characteristic their temperament. When a devil feels threatened, it goes into a rage in which it growls, lunges and bares its teeth. It also makes screams which some describe as otherworldly. Perhaps early explorers considered these behaviors as devillike, leading to their common name. Tasmanian Devils are primarily a nocturnal species and are far more active at night. The sanctuary uses environmentally sensitive lighting and focuses on the social interactions and feeding habits of these unique carnivores, allowing us a rare up-close opportunity to observe these fascinating animals in a group feeding situation. Accommodations in the Pencil Pine Cabins at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. (BLD) TASMANIAN DEVIL
Oct 22 (Sun) Melbourne & departure We conclude our Australian adventure with a flight to Melbourne (suggested flight Qantas QF2054 flight not included), connecting with our departing flight (suggested flight Qantas QF95 to Los Angeles flight not included). As your aircraft lifts off, you look down at the island continent, having enjoyed the magical beauty of the land down under Australia! THE MAGIC DOWN UNDER! $8,998 per person sharing twin/double occupancy* $2,392 per person single room supplement, subject to availability A minimum of eight (8) travelers, not including the leaders, is required to maintain the above prices. A maximum of 15 travelers may participate in this adventure. A nonrefundable deposit of $2,800 per person** is required no later than February 1, 2017 to confirm your reservation at the above price. A credit card may be used for the payment of the deposit only. Fees for the use of credit and debit cards are not included in the prices. If you wish to use a credit or debit card for your deposit, please add $84 if using Discover, MasterCard or Visa - $105 if using American Express - to your deposit amount. We strongly recommend submitting your registration and deposit as early as possible to insure your reservations, which cannot be confirmed until your registration and deposit are received. Full payment of the balance is due no later than June 1, 2017. Balance payments are accepted by check. To give you maximum flexibility, international air transportation and certain flights within Australia are not included, as shown in the above itinerary. Roundtrip economy flights between Columbus and Brisbane, Australia and the flights within Australia are currently estimated at $2400 per person. Please note that this estimate may not reflect the price available when you book your tickets. We recommend you make your international travel arrangements and the flights within Australia through Cathy King, an independent air travel professional, so she may coordinate everyone s flight schedule. You may contact Cathy at 828-421-5000 or adventuretrips@hotmail.com. The following flights are not included in the price. Because travelers may depart from different home airports, we have not shown suggested flights to and from Los Angeles. While you may choose other flights between your home and Australia, you must obtain reservations on the flights within Australia listed below, in order to participate in this safari. Cathy King can assist you with coordinating those flights, as well. Oct 8, 2017 Qantas QF16 Los Angeles to Brisbane Oct 12, 2017 JetStar JQ945 Brisbane to Cairns Oct 15, 2017 JetStar JQ963 Cairns to Adelaide Oct 18, 2017 Qantas QF692 Adelaide to Melbourne Oct 18, 2017 Qantas QF1507 Melbourne to Hobart Oct 22, 2017 Qantas QF2054 Devonport to Melbourne Oct 22, 2017 Qantas QF95 Melbourne to Los Angeles This itinerary includes group transfers at each destination in Australia. If your flight schedule requires transfers at any other time, there may be additional charges. * Arrangements in Australia are based on the Australian dollar. If the currency exchange rate is different when payments for arrangements in Australia are paid, the safari balance may be adjusted. **In the event that the minimum number of safari registrations is not met and the safari is cancelled, your full deposit will be returned.
Included in the Safari Price: Safari Director Services of Tom LaRock, Managing Director/Founding Partner, World Safaris, with a minimum of eight (8) travelers. Transportation in Australia: All ground transportation, including transfers, as shown in the above itinerary, are included. Your flights to and from Kangaroo Island are included. Accommodations and Meals: All lodge accommodations are based on two people sharing a room. However, a limited number of single accommodations may be available. All meals are included some meals may be included in flight. Safari Activities: All tours and wildlife activities are included, as shown in the above itinerary, unless listed as optional. Miscellaneous Fees and Tips: All service charges, hotel taxes as imposed by government agencies and park and reserve entrance fees are included. Pre-departure Preparation: You will receive extensive, personalized information on all aspects of your safari, including health and safety, passports and visas, packing recommendations, electricity, currency, and local customs. Not included in the Safari Price: Transportation between your home and Australia, flights within Australia (except for flights to and from Kangaroo Island), passports and visas (visas are required for U.S. passport holders entering Australia), tips and gratuities, travel insurance, immunizations, excess airline baggage charges, airline fuel surcharges, guide tips, beverages (other than water, tea and coffee) and items of a personal nature, such as medical expenses, laundry and room service; souvenirs; telephone and internet charges; and any activities not included in the safari itinerary or those activities listed as optional. For the comfort of all safari travelers, smoking is not permitted in vehicles or in the lodges.
WORLD SAFARIS REGISTRATION FORM Name of Safari: The Magic Down Under! Safari dates: October 8-22, 2017 The price of this safari, as shown in the above itinerary, is based on twin or double occupancy. Single accommodations, if available, require payment of a single room supplement of $2392. A $2800 per person non-refundable deposit is required no later than February 1, 2017 to reserve a place for each traveler on this safari. The balance is due no later than June 1, 2017. Enclosed is $ as a deposit for a total of persons on this safari. Accommodations Requested: ( ) Double/Twin two travelers sharing a room sharing with ( ) Single one traveler in a single room. Single accommodations may be available but are not guaranteed until confirmed. Air transportation to and from Australia and certain flights within Australia are not included in the safari price. You may make your own flight arrangements. If you would like us to assist you in purchasing your international air tickets, please let us know. ( ) Please assist us with our air transportation arrangements. SCHEDULES & FARES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY RESULT IN PRICE INCREASES I certify that I have read, understand and accept the terms of the "Cancellations" and "Terms and Conditions" included on this sheet, and; 1. I am aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available during all or part of my trip. This includes emergency medical care, presence of physicians, and adequate medication. I hereby release World Safaris, Safari Professionals, their staff and safari escorts from liability in case of accident or illness while I am participating in this safari and do further agree to absolve from all responsibility World Safaris, Safari Professionals and their staff from all loss, damage or expense which I may incur by reason of any such accident or illness. 2. I shall be responsible for all uninsured medical expenses. 3. I hereby authorize necessary hospitalization and/or treatment while I am participating in this safari. 4. I assume the risk for traveling in countries where standards of safety, maintenance, and health may not be common to those in the United States. 5. I understand that weather and other conditions may necessitate changes in the activities and schedule of this safari. Signature: Today's Date: Signature: Today's Date: Please note: Your signature on this form indicates that you understand and accept the terms and conditions of this safari. Registrations cannot be accepted without a signature. The signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for anyone under 18 at the time of registration. Make checks payable to World Safaris and mail to: World Safaris, 5306 Villas Ct., Winston-Salem, NC 27103 Please read the other side and complete the personal information form. Due to requirements in Australia, we are unable to finalize your registration without a completed personal information form and a copy of your passport.
COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM DISCLAIMER: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (hereafter Zoo ) is not the tour operator. Zoo is not responsible for changes of flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or car rental reservations, delays, losses, injuries, inconveniences, cessation of operations, airline or tour operator bankruptcies, acts of God, or any other event beyond Zoo s control. Zoo acts only as agent for participants with respect to travel services, and it shall not be responsible for changes of flight times, fare changes, dishonor of airline, hotel or other reservations, injury, damage, loss of baggage, accidents or for the acts or defaults of any person or entity engaged in conveying participants or in carrying out other arrangements of the tour. Further, Zoo shall not be responsible for losses or additional expenses of any participants due to sickness, weather, strike, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, quarantine, acts of God, or other causes beyond its control. Zoo shall not be responsible for alteration of the itinerary as deemed necessary for carrying out the tour and the right is reserved to substitute hotels of similar quality. The right is further reserved to cancel any tour prior to departure; in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on Zoo s part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of the tour should such person s health, actions or general deportment in the opinion of Zoo impede the operation of the tour or the rights or welfare of the other participants. No refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour. Applicants for participation in this tour accept in full all the conditions set forth above. TRAVEL INSURANCE: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance which covers baggage, medical costs, trip interruption and cancellation. World Safaris nor the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are liable for any accident, injury, or illness, and are not liable for theft, damage, or loss of personal effects or baggage. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers a comprehensive insurance package which allows the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion to be waived if purchased within 21 days of the initial trip payment. Information will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation and deposit. For details you can call the Zoo at 614-724-3558, or go to the Zoo s website at: https://www.travelinsure.com/select?/pcode=33004/. TERMS AND CONDITIONS World Safaris, Safari Professionals and our representatives agree to work for you in the making of reservations and/or other arrangements with travel service providers on the following terms: We do not own, manage, control, or operate any of the travel service providers with whom we make your travel arrangements. We serve as agents for certain travel service providers, including Airlines Corporation carriers and in-country operators and we make your travel arrangements with these travel service providers in accordance with their terms and conditions. Should you have any questions concerning those, please contact either the travel service provider or World Safaris. All coupons, exchange orders, receipts, contracts and tickets issued by us or a travel service provider are subject to applicable tariffs as well as any terms or conditions imposed by the travel services provider. We are not responsible for events of force majeure including disease, acts of war, terrorist attacks, unfavorable weather conditions, earthquakes, political instability or for inadequate visas or passports. Any and all controversies, claims or disputes of any nature arising before, on and after the date of this agreement and claims brought by or against the client, this travel agency, or a third party, shall be settled by a single arbitrator in Forsyth County, North Carolina in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You acknowledge that this agreement involves interstate commerce. Our sole knowledge and the expertise on which you may rely are in the making of travel arrangements. In the case of all travel arrangements the contract in use by the provider of such transportation or lodging, shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and such travel supplier. World Safaris reserves the right to cancel or withdraw the safari prior to departure and to decline to accept or retain any person as a participant of the safari if their actions impose upon or disturb the other participants of the safari. The right is also reserved to amend the itinerary should it be found necessary for the benefit of the participants of the safari or for other reasons. By accepting these travel arrangements you confirm that you have read this agreement and understand that it is the sum total of our agreement with you and supersedes all prior arrangements or understandings. This agreement cannot be changed except in writing and signed by Michael Hutchins or Thomas LaRock. CANCELLATION: All cancellations must be submitted in writing and are subject to the following cancellation fees: The deposit generally covers the costs of canceling the services already booked, if the cancellation is received in our office no later than February 1, 2017. If the fees charged by our suppliers exceed the deposit, an extra charge may apply. A minimum cancellation fee of $500 will apply to all cancellations. Cancellations received in our office after February 1, 2017 are subject to cancellation fees of 100% of the safari price. Refunds for any services that are voluntarily not used will not be issued. HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS: To enjoy your travels to the fullest, you should be in good physical and mental health. Any physical disability requiring special attention or treatment must be reported in writing to World Safaris when the reservation is made. World Safaris reserves the right to refuse or revoke travel to anyone who is, in the sole judgment of World Safaris, in such physical or mental condition as to be incapable of group travel or who may require care and attention beyond that which World Safaris can provide. To assist you in preparing to make the most of your safari, you will receive a detailed personal Safari Guide after you register for your safari. We strongly recommend you read it thoroughly when you receive it and, again, a few weeks before your departure. You may call us at any time for answers to your questions.
TRAVELER INFORMATION: Please complete the following for each traveler. PLEASE PRINT YOUR NAME EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS ON YOUR PASSPORT Name Address: Date of Birth Phones: Home/Office Mobile Email: Nickname Passport Number Country of Issue Date of Expiration Person to contact in case of emergency & relationship (spouse, child, parent, friend) Their phone numbers Their address List the names of medications you are currently taking, dietary preferences or requirements, allergies (including food allergies), disabilities or special health care needs that may affect your ability to fully participate in this safari: Please give us any other information you feel would be helpful: Health Insurance Company: Policy # Signature: Today's Date: Please note: Your signature on this form indicates that you understand and accept the terms and conditions of this safari. Registrations cannot be accepted without a signature. The signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for anyone under 18 at the time of registration. PLEASE ENCLOSE A COPY OF THE PHOTO PAGE OF YOUR PASSPORT