Dragoman is the real deal. If we say you'll be camping in the Serengeti, we mean it and don't just stop close by. Our pricing reflects that we offer a high level of service, making sure you get good value for your money. Overland travel should be affordable, but we will not cut corners in service levels, inclusions or saftey.
Pricing on each Dragoman Overland trip is transparent and split into two simple parts, the 'Trip Price' and 'Kitty'. More expensive than some of our competitors? Maybe, but look and see what theirs actually includes: our comprehensive prices take into account full itineraries and more activities and excursionsthan any other overland operator we know of - check out the 'what's included?' section of each trip.
The trip price includes:
- All expedition vechile transport
- Tolls, ferries, seaport taxes and vehicle fees
- Services of the crew
- Vehicle accident liability insurance
- 24 hour back up and logistical support from Dragoman's HQ
The kitty and how it works:
The Kitty is the second part of the price. It's an amount that each passenger puts into a central fund and is monitored by you and the Dragoman crew. It funds accommodation, camp meals and activities that the group take part in as a whole. You, the passengers and the group leader monitor it. Dragoman cannot guarantee that extra contributions will not be necessary if the kitty runs short. On the other hand, often at the end of the trip there is money left over in the kitty which will be refunded to all group members. It is a group fund, rather than Dragoman payment.
By including campsite fees, hotels, national parks and gamepark entrances and other group expenses in the kitty, it allows greater flexibility and gives the group greater control.
The kitty in the brochure is an estimate at the time of printing. Local inflation and costs vary during the year and so we review kitties on a monthly basis. We do send you through a Trip Update about 6 weeks before departure with latest kitties at that point, but we urge you to check out our website just before you join the trip as this is likely to be more accurate.
The kitty covers:
- Camping and hotel fees
- Meals whilst camping
- All "Highlights" as listed in the 'what's included?' section i.e. - game park entrances; activities, admissions and local guides
The price/kitty does not include:
- Optional extras or travel insurance
- Connecting flights, transportation or any costs while not on the trip
- Passports, visas, vaccinations, personal taxes (including personal border taxes)
- Extra accommodation or upgrades
- Contingency route expenses in case of war/flood etc
Local Payment
Our Non Truck Trips do not use a kitty, instead they have a local payment. Trips using Local Payment instead of Kitties are identified as such:
What is a Local Payment and how does it differ from a Kitty?
The compulsory local payment forms part of the contract with you (the customer) and Dragoman. This amount is the final payment for your trip and is to be paid in the specified currency, in cash to your leader upon arrival. The local payment is non-refundable, and is considered part of the total trip payment. Equally once you have enbarked on your journey you will not be asked for additional local payment. In essence a local payment is not a group fund like a kitty. Please note the local payment does not pay for food.
Why do we sometimes use local payments?
It is expensive to transfer funds to many countries - so by making a Local Payment you help us keep your costs low.
What is the Local Payment used for?
The Local Payment is used for paying for local services such as hotels and transport, park entrances, etc.
Can I pay the Local Payment before I leave?
No, as the money is used to pay for local services these cannot be paid elsewhere.
Personal Spending
The amount is up to you. All hotel food, drinks, laundry and souvenirs (remember that a full size carving of a giraffe takes up space) are part of your personal spending. A rough spending guide is included in our 'Trip Notes.'
Optional Extras
Optional Extras, many of which are shown in the 'what else can I do?' section are not included in the contract. Dragoman does not operate these optional extras and, even when organised by our crew, takes no responsibility for them. Some options are adventurous and clients take them at their own risk. Details and prices of optional extras can be found in the 'Trip Notes'. Make sure your insurance covers any options you might want to
Personal Spending:
The amount is up to you. All hotel food, drinks, laundry and souvenirs (remember that a full size carving of a giraffe takes up space) are part of your personal spending. A rough spending guide is included in our 'Trip Notes.'
Optional Extras
Optional Extras, many of which are shown in the 'what else can I do?' section are not included in the contract. Dragoman does not operate these optional extras and, even when organised by our crew, takes no responsibility for them. Some options are adventurous and clients take them at their own risk. Details and prices of optional extras can be found in the 'Trip Notes'. Make sure your insurance covers any options you might want to