Adventure Holiday FAQs
What will the accommodation be like?
It will vary from small guest houses to, locally owned hotels to home-stays. We try to book locally owned accommodation rather than using generic international hotels. On Adventure Holidays you won’t be camping - unless the trip includes some trekking. Check out the detailed trip notes for specific information about accommodation on each trip.
What transport will we use?
Unlike our overland tours we don’t use Dragoman trucks on these trips. Instead, we use all manner of local transport from trains, local buses, private buses and boats to tuk-tuks and even camels. As with all our tours, Adventure Holidays are as much about experiencing an amazing journey as about the highlights along the way - the more unique the better.
Is there a kitty payment on Adventure Holidays?
No. The price you see is the total price for the land value of the tour. You can take a look at the trip notes to see exactly which activities and meals are included.
I have special dietary requirements, is this a problem?
No, you will need to inform us of your dietary requirements and any allergies when you book (add this in the medical conditions box), there will generally always be a vegetarian option available. Your group will be divided into smaller cook groups who will cook for everyone on a rota basis. If you are vegetarian and do not wish to handle meat you will need to be in a group where there are others that are happy to do this. In East and Southern Africa there is a camp master in charge of the cooking and the group will help with preparation and shopping etc. If you have a specific allergy or intolerance and are concerned that suitable foodstuffs may not be available en-route please bring these along with you.
What is the group size?
The group size varies from tour to tour but in general it will be about 12 people. Typically the group will be a mix of ages and nationalities but with the love of travel as a common characteristic.
Who will be my leader?
You will either have a western leader, who has a passion for the destination, or a local leader who knows their own country intimately. All leaders undergo the same extensive training and it’s their passion for travel and customer service that will help make your trip.
Are meals included?
Some meals are included, as per the meal plan that you will find in the trip notes.
Are flights included?
No, you will need to allow for flights. If you are based in the UK or Europe our sales team can also help you with booking your flights. For a quote you can phone or email our reservation team.
Are transfers included in the price?
On some tour they are. If the transfer is included it will say in the trip notes but if you are unsure please give us a call.
Are there any age restrictions?
Adventure Holidays attract a vast range of ages. We take travellers from 12 to 80 (12-17 year old travellers must be accompanied by an adult). It’s more about a spirit of adventure rather than age that defines our travellers.
Do I need to get vaccinations and what about malaria?
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to region and recent bulletins issued by health authorities. It is essential to get the latest advice on the region(s) you are planning to travel in. It is essential that you check with either your doctor or a travel clinic in good time before you travel.
In the UK we have been working with Nomad Travel for many years and their website has comprehensive, up to date vaccination and health information. Dragoman customers will receive a 10% discount off all vaccinations given at Nomad Travel clinics and 15% off kit and equipment.
What visas do I need?
Most countries we visit on our travels will require visas. Some are best obtained before you leave home and others can be obtained en-route. Whilst the ultimate responsibility for obtaining visas is yours, we will endeavour to assist you wherever possible.
The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. The information provided is given in good faith and we do try to keep the visa information as up to date as possible. Please be aware though that rules do change, often without prior warning, which is why it is important that you check for yourself.
For visas that are needed in advance you can choose to submit the applications directly to the relevant embassy /consulate. However our recommendation is that you use a visa agent to assist you with your applications. While this does increase the cost it will make the process much easier for you. Dragoman have teamed up with ‘The Visa Machine’ to create a safe, secure, hassle-free way of obtaining visas and visa advice. Our unique link within their website is designed to make the visa process as straightforward as possible. Simply go to https://dragoman.thevisamachine.com and click on your region of travel followed by your trip route and ‘The Visa Machine’ will advise you about not only the required visas but also the dates by which you should apply. ‘The Visa Machine’ can then assist you in the actual visa application thus taking all the worry and hassle out of the process. This should apply for ALL nationalities and countries of residence.
As you will need to submit your passport together with your applications, we recommend that you avoid making any travel plans in the weeks leading up to your departure. However if you do need to travel in this period please let us know as soon as possible so that we can help you work out the options for your visa application process.
If you book a tour with Dragoman that requires invitation letters we will supply these at no extra cost.
I only have a suitcase do I need a rucksack?
Although you will not have to carry your main bag long distances you will need to help load and unload them onto the truck. For this reason we recommend that you use a backpack or soft bag rather than a heavy suitcase. During your trip your main luggage will be kept in the back locker so you will also need a small daypack. This can be used to carry your camera, water bottle and other personal effects for daily use.
The size of baggage that can be brought on this tour is limited by the locker space on the truck. Different trucks have different-sized lockers however to be safe we recommend that your bag be no larger than 66cm deep, 30cm wide, and 30cm high. The weight limit for luggage on all trucks is maximum 20kg. Backpacks should not have an external frame unless it can be easily removed and stored separately to avoid damaging other people's luggage.
Your clothes and equipment should be appropriate for the conditions you are travelling in. On overland trips Dragoman will provide all camping equipment apart from sleeping bags and ground mats (except on routes between Nairobi and Cape Town where ground mats are provided).
For a comprehensive kit lists take a look at the Dragoman kit list that Nomad Travel have created. Dragoman customers will receive a 15% discount on all equipment purchased either online or in store. Click to see the kit lists nomadtravel.co.uk/pages/dragoman
