Company-wide answers in one tab, and everything specific to a country in the other.
These apply to every Wild Voyager journey, wherever you’re headed. For visas, health, money, packing and local detail, switch to .
Tell us where you’d like to go, roughly when, and what matters most — particular wildlife, pace, budget, who’s travelling. A specialist planner takes it from there and builds a first outline for you. There’s no cost or obligation to the planning stage. The quickest start is our enquiry form.
Most are private — just your party, your own vehicle and guide, your own pace. We also run a small number of set-departure expeditions where joining a like-minded group makes sense, such as some polar voyages and photography trips. We’ll tell you honestly which suits your plan.
We handle your land arrangements end to end — accommodation, expert guiding, park and conservation fees, transfers, and the internal and domestic flights between your destinations. International flights to and from your starting point, and visas, are not included, though we’re glad to advise on both.
A deposit confirms your journey and the balance follows before you travel. As a general guide, that’s a 30% deposit at the time of booking, with the balance due 45 days before travel. Your quote sets out the exact schedule.
Our preferred method is a bank wire transfer, and we hold accounts in the USA, Kenya, the UAE and India for your convenience. Card payments are possible for a surcharge. Cash is the least preferred and carries a cash-handling charge.
Yes — we can usually hold dates for about 7 to 14 days while you decide, by which point the deposit secures them. In peak season availability moves quickly, so confirming sooner protects your dates.
Yes. Many of our journeys cross borders — the routing, permits and connections are part of what we handle. Some pairings work far better than others by season, and we’ll steer you toward the ones that do.
We work across the US, UK, Kenya and India, so there’s usually someone in a helpful time zone. The quickest way to reach a planner, with all our numbers and addresses, is our contact page.
Often, yes. We plan for solo travellers regularly and can advise where single-traveller costs are gentler and where joining a small set-departure works well. You’re looked after throughout, never left to fend for yourself.
Gladly. Honeymoons are some of our favourite journeys to plan — private guides, the most romantic lodges and hotels, a sundowner in the right place at the right hour, and quiet touches arranged behind the scenes. Tell us what “special” looks like to you.
Yes — from a family with young children to a milestone celebration or a photography group. We size the vehicles, choose accommodation that works for the whole party, and pace the days so everyone, from grandparents to grandchildren, gets the trip they came for.
On private journeys, very much so — we tailor the pace, the accommodation and the activities to the ages travelling. Some properties and a few activities carry minimum ages for safety, and we plan around those.
Yes — comprehensive travel insurance is required, and it should cover medical care, emergency evacuation and trip cancellation. For remote and expedition travel this isn’t optional. We’re glad to point you to suitable providers.
Our journeys are built with photographers in mind — the timing, the angles to the light and the unhurried hours at a sighting. Our founder is a wildlife photographer, and much of what guides our planning comes from years behind a lens. Gear and drone notes are under each country.
Most of what matters — when to go, visas and health, money, what to pack for, local laws — is specific to where you’re headed.
Practical details below are a general guide. Visas, vaccinations and entry rules depend on your nationality and change over time — your planner confirms the current specifics for your exact route before you travel.
The prime window is May – October. Dry, mild winters (May–Oct) are best for wildlife; summers are hot with afternoon rains. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
Africa's last great wilderness — the Okavango Delta, vast elephant herds, and safari at its wildest.
Plan on roughly 7 to 12 days for a satisfying safari, more if you’re combining regions.
Book early — six to twelve months — as the safari lodges here are small and fill quickly, especially in the dry season.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever certificate is required only if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria precautions are advised for the north (Okavango, Chobe). Routine vaccinations should be up to date.
Yellow fever. There is no yellow fever here, but the country requires a certificate from anyone arriving from a risk country — so if you combine this with an African or Amazon journey, carry your certificate. Coming directly from a non-risk country, it is not needed.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Gentle — you view wildlife from a vehicle. A reasonable level of mobility helps for getting in and out on uneven ground.
The Botswana Pula (BWP). US dollars are widely accepted at safari lodges. Lodges take cards and often quote in USD; carry some Pula and small USD notes for tips and remote areas.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes and about one litre of spirits per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Most arrive via Gaborone (GBE) or, for safari, Maun (MUB) and Kasane (BBK), usually connecting through Johannesburg.
Most journeys here are lodge-based, where all dining is included. In Maun, the Old Bridge Backpackers and a few lodges offer a meal in transit; Kasane has riverside spots.
Most lodges and hotels offer wi-fi, though it can be slow or limited in remote areas — switching off is part of the appeal. Mobile coverage is good in towns and patchy in the wild. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to buy.
A telephoto zoom (around 100–400mm) is ideal for wildlife, with a wider lens for landscapes. Bring dust protection, spare batteries and plenty of storage. Our founder is a wildlife photographer, so timing and light are planned with you in mind. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is customary and appreciated, though never obligatory. As a rough guide, plan a daily amount for your guide and a shared amount for the lodge or hotel team, usually in US dollars or local currency. We give you clear, current guidance before you travel.
One of Africa's safest and most stable countries; the main hazards are wildlife and the bush, which your guide manages. Strict anti-poaching and wildlife laws; off-road driving is restricted to protect the delta.
Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. Drones are not permitted in national parks and need authorisation generally. Wildlife products are illegal.
Sparsely populated and welcoming; a strong conservation culture runs through the country. Relaxed and casual. Neutral, lightweight safari colours by day; a warm layer for cold morning drives in winter.
English is the official language; Setswana is widely spoken.
Hearty and simple — seswaa (slow-cooked beef), pap, and game meats at the lodges.
Plug types D, G and M; supply is 230V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is June – October & December. Best in the dry seasons (Jun–Oct, the Migration; and Jan–Feb). 'Long rains' fall Mar–May. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The home of the safari — and one of the few countries we run on our own ground.
Plan on roughly 7 to 12 days for a satisfying safari, more if you’re combining regions.
For the Migration months and the best lodges, nine to twelve months ahead is wise. Quieter seasons can be arranged at shorter notice — ask and we’ll tell you what’s realistic.
Yes — Kenya is one of the three countries, with Tanzania and India, where we run our own vehicles, guides and standards. The timing and the people on the ground are ours, and ours to answer for.
A yellow-fever certificate is commonly required. Malaria precautions are advised for most safari areas (Nairobi's highlands are low-risk). Consider typhoid and hepatitis A.
Yellow fever. This is a yellow-fever risk country. A certificate is required if you arrive from another risk country, and — importantly for planning — because you will have been here, many onward tropical destinations (for example India, the Middle East, Singapore, China and neighbouring countries) will require your certificate. Onward travel to the US, Canada or Europe does not. We recommend the vaccination for any journey here. Reassuringly, human cases along East Africa’s established safari circuits are rare and localised, and the requirement is now largely precautionary; the vaccine is nonetheless recommended. Infants under nine months are exempt, and an exemption letter can be issued by a doctor for pregnant women, the immunocompromised, the elderly, and anyone with a severe egg allergy. Once given, the certificate is valid for life under current international rules — a single vaccination covers all your future trips.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Gentle — you view wildlife from a vehicle. A reasonable level of mobility helps for getting in and out on uneven ground.
The Kenyan Shilling (KES). US dollars are accepted for many tourist services. Lodges take cards; M-Pesa mobile money is everywhere. Carry some shillings and small USD for tips and markets.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes and around one litre of spirits per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta (NBO) is the main gateway; Moi International (MBA) serves the coast, with light aircraft to the lodges.
In Nairobi, long-standing favourites include Carnivore (its famous ‘beast of a feast’), Talisman in Karen, and About Thyme. On the coast, Swahili seafood in Lamu and Malindi is superb. In the parks themselves, dining is at your lodge or hotel.
Most lodges and hotels offer wi-fi, though it can be slow or limited in remote areas — switching off is part of the appeal. Mobile coverage is good in towns and patchy in the wild. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to buy.
A telephoto zoom (around 100–400mm) is ideal for wildlife, with a wider lens for landscapes. Bring dust protection, spare batteries and plenty of storage. Our founder is a wildlife photographer, so timing and light are planned with you in mind. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is customary and appreciated, though never obligatory. As a rough guide, plan a daily amount for your guide and a shared amount for the lodge or hotel team, usually in US dollars or local currency. We give you clear, current guidance before you travel.
Safe and welcoming. Nairobi and Mombasa ask only for the same common sense you would use in any big city; on our trips and in our hotels you are very well looked after. Plastic bags are banned — don't bring them. Wildlife and photography rules in parks are strictly enforced.
Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. Drones may not be flown without authorisation and are not permitted in national parks. Plastic bags are banned. Ivory and wildlife products are strictly illegal to buy or carry.
Famously warm hosts, with dozens of communities including the Maasai of the Mara. Modest in towns and on the coast; neutral safari colours in the bush; a fleece for early drives.
Swahili and English are both official and widely spoken.
Nyama choma (grilled meat), ugali, and Swahili coastal dishes rich in coconut and spice.
Plug type G (UK-style); supply is 240V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is April – November. Drier April–November is best; the east stays humid and cyclones are possible Jan–Mar. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
A world apart — lemurs, baobabs, rainforest and stone forests found nowhere else on earth, on the planet's oldest island.
Plan on roughly 7 to 12 days for a satisfying safari, more if you’re combining regions.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season, when the best lodges and hotels fill early. Quieter months can be arranged at shorter notice — ask and we’ll tell you what’s realistic for your dates.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever certificate is needed if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria precautions are advised. Routine vaccinations plus typhoid and hepatitis A are sensible.
Yellow fever. There is no yellow fever here, but the country requires a certificate from anyone arriving from a risk country — so if you combine this with an African or Amazon journey, carry your certificate. Coming directly from a non-risk country, it is not needed.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Gentle — you view wildlife from a vehicle. A reasonable level of mobility helps for getting in and out on uneven ground.
The Malagasy Ariary (MGA). Largely a cash economy; carry Ariary. Cards work in Antananarivo hotels but rarely beyond, so plan cash for the regions.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes and about one litre of spirits per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Antananarivo's Ivato (TNR) is the hub, with domestic flights to the wildlife regions.
In Antananarivo, La Varangue, Le Combava and Chez Mariette serve refined Malagasy-French cooking. In the reserves, dining is at your lodge.
Most lodges and hotels offer wi-fi, though it can be slow or limited in remote areas — switching off is part of the appeal. Mobile coverage is good in towns and patchy in the wild. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to buy.
A telephoto zoom (around 100–400mm) is ideal for wildlife, with a wider lens for landscapes. Bring dust protection, spare batteries and plenty of storage. Our founder is a wildlife photographer, so timing and light are planned with you in mind. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is customary and appreciated, though never obligatory. As a rough guide, plan a daily amount for your guide and a shared amount for the lodge or hotel team, usually in US dollars or local currency. We give you clear, current guidance before you travel.
Welcoming and friendly; the usual city common sense in the capital is all that is needed, and we arrange travel between regions so you are well looked after. Strict rules protect endemic wildlife; never buy or handle protected species or their products.
Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. Drones are restricted. The export of certain wildlife, plants and minerals is illegal — buy only from licensed sources.
A culture all its own, Southeast Asian and African in origin, with deep respect for ancestors. Modest and practical; lightweight layers for rainforest humidity and cooler highlands.
Malagasy and French; English is limited outside tourist areas.
Rice with everything — romazava (beef and greens stew) and zebu are staples.
Plug types C, D, E, J and K; supply is 127V/220V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is May – October. Dry and sunny most of the year; best wildlife May–Oct; hot with some rain Dec–Mar. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
Where the world's oldest desert meets the wildlife — red dunes, the Skeleton Coast, and elephants in the sand.
Plan on roughly 7 to 12 days for a satisfying safari, more if you’re combining regions.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season, when the best lodges and hotels fill early. Quieter months can be arranged at shorter notice — ask and we’ll tell you what’s realistic for your dates.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
Malaria precautions are advised only for the far north (Caprivi/Zambezi, Etosha fringes). A yellow-fever certificate is needed only if arriving from an endemic country.
Yellow fever. There is no yellow fever here, but the country requires a certificate from anyone arriving from a risk country — so if you combine this with an African or Amazon journey, carry your certificate. Coming directly from a non-risk country, it is not needed.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Gentle — you view wildlife from a vehicle. A reasonable level of mobility helps for getting in and out on uneven ground.
The Namibian Dollar (NAD), pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand, which is also accepted. Cards are accepted in towns and lodges; carry cash for fuel, tips and remote stretches on self-drive routes.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes and about one litre of spirits per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Windhoek's Hosea Kutako (WDH) is the main entry, with light aircraft to the desert lodges.
In Windhoek, Joe's Beerhouse is an institution, with The Stellenbosch Wine Bar and Leo's at the Castle also popular. In Swakopmund, The Tug is a seaside favourite. In the desert, dining is at your lodge.
Most lodges and hotels offer wi-fi, though it can be slow or limited in remote areas — switching off is part of the appeal. Mobile coverage is good in towns and patchy in the wild. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to buy.
A telephoto zoom (around 100–400mm) is ideal for wildlife, with a wider lens for landscapes. Bring dust protection, spare batteries and plenty of storage. Our founder is a wildlife photographer, so timing and light are planned with you in mind. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is customary and appreciated, though never obligatory. As a rough guide, plan a daily amount for your guide and a shared amount for the lodge or hotel team, usually in US dollars or local currency. We give you clear, current guidance before you travel.
Very safe and easy, including for self-drive; distances are large, so plan fuel and water. Stay on designated tracks in parks; respect private conservancies and the fragile desert.
Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. Drones are restricted, especially near parks and towns. Wildlife products are illegal.
One of Africa's least crowded countries, with strong community-conservation areas. Casual and practical; sun protection by day and a warm layer for cold desert nights.
English is the official language; Afrikaans, German and several local languages are also spoken.
Game meats, biltong and a German-influenced bakery and beer tradition.
Plug types D and M; supply is 220V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is June – September, December – February. Drier seasons (Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb) ease trekking; the hills are green and cool year-round. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The Land of a Thousand Hills — mountain gorillas in the Virungas, chimps in the rainforest, and a Big-Five comeback story.
Plan on roughly 7 to 12 days for a satisfying safari, more if you’re combining regions.
Book well ahead — six to twelve months — as gorilla and chimp permits are strictly limited and the better lodges sell out. We secure permits as a priority once you confirm.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever certificate is required. Malaria precautions are advised at lower altitudes. Routine vaccinations should be current.
Yellow fever. This is a yellow-fever risk country. A certificate is required if you arrive from another risk country, and — importantly for planning — because you will have been here, many onward tropical destinations (for example India, the Middle East, Singapore, China and neighbouring countries) will require your certificate. Onward travel to the US, Canada or Europe does not. We recommend the vaccination for any journey here. Reassuringly, human cases along East Africa’s established safari circuits are rare and localised, and the requirement is now largely precautionary; the vaccine is nonetheless recommended. Infants under nine months are exempt, and an exemption letter can be issued by a doctor for pregnant women, the immunocompromised, the elderly, and anyone with a severe egg allergy. Once given, the certificate is valid for life under current international rules — a single vaccination covers all your future trips.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
A reasonable level of fitness helps. Gorilla and chimp tracking can mean two to several hours of hiking over uneven, sometimes steep and muddy forest terrain. We match the trek to your ability where we can, and porters are available.
The Rwandan Franc (RWF). Cards work in Kigali and at lodges; carry cash for the gorilla regions and tipping.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes and about one litre of spirits per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Kigali International (KGL) is the gateway, a short drive from the city.
Kigali has a lively scene — Repub Lounge, Khana Khazana, Poivre Noir and Heaven Restaurant are well established. Near the gorilla parks, dining is at your lodge.
Most lodges and hotels offer wi-fi, though it can be slow or limited in remote areas — switching off is part of the appeal. Mobile coverage is good in towns and patchy in the wild. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to buy.
A telephoto zoom (around 100–400mm) is ideal for wildlife, with a wider lens for landscapes. Bring dust protection, spare batteries and plenty of storage. Our founder is a wildlife photographer, so timing and light are planned with you in mind. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is customary and appreciated, though never obligatory. As a rough guide, plan a daily amount for your guide and a shared amount for the lodge or hotel team, usually in US dollars or local currency. We give you clear, current guidance before you travel.
Among the safest, cleanest countries in Africa; Kigali is calm and orderly. Plastic bags are banned by law. Gorilla-trekking rules (distance, group size, permits) are strict and non-negotiable.
Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. Drones require a permit and are not allowed in parks. Plastic bags are banned by law — bags are checked on arrival. Wildlife products are illegal.
Warm and proud; the country's recovery and conservation story is remarkable. Smart-modest in Kigali; sturdy trousers, long sleeves and boots for gorilla trekking.
Kinyarwanda, English, French and Swahili are all in use; English is widespread.
Brochettes, ugali and fresh produce; Kigali has a lively, modern food scene.
Plug types C and J; supply is 230V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is May – September. Dry winter (May–Sep) is prime for safari; the Cape is best in its summer (Nov–Mar). See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The most varied safari country there is — Big Five, the world's best leopard viewing, desert, coast and the Cape.
Plan on roughly 7 to 12 days for a satisfying safari, more if you’re combining regions.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season, when the best lodges and hotels fill early. Quieter months can be arranged at shorter notice — ask and we’ll tell you what’s realistic for your dates.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
Malaria precautions are advised only for the Kruger lowveld and Limpopo. A yellow-fever certificate is needed only if arriving from an endemic country.
Yellow fever. There is no yellow fever here, but the country requires a certificate from anyone arriving from a risk country — so if you combine this with an African or Amazon journey, carry your certificate. Coming directly from a non-risk country, it is not needed.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Gentle — you view wildlife from a vehicle. A reasonable level of mobility helps for getting in and out on uneven ground.
The South African Rand (ZAR). Cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry some cash for tips, markets and remote areas.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes, 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of spirits per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Johannesburg (JNB) for the Kruger and the north; Cape Town (CPT) for the Cape.
Cape Town is a world food city — La Colombe, Kloof Street House, the V&A Waterfront and the Constantia wine estates. Johannesburg's Maboneng and Parkhurst are lively. In the Kruger, dining is at your lodge.
Most lodges and hotels offer wi-fi, though it can be slow or limited in remote areas — switching off is part of the appeal. Mobile coverage is good in towns and patchy in the wild. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to buy.
A telephoto zoom (around 100–400mm) is ideal for wildlife, with a wider lens for landscapes. Bring dust protection, spare batteries and plenty of storage. Our founder is a wildlife photographer, so timing and light are planned with you in mind. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is customary and appreciated, though never obligatory. As a rough guide, plan a daily amount for your guide and a shared amount for the lodge or hotel team, usually in US dollars or local currency. We give you clear, current guidance before you travel.
The wildlife areas are safe; in cities take real care, avoid displaying valuables, and use arranged transport at night. Strict conservation laws; never buy wildlife products. Seatbelts and anti-drink-driving rules are enforced.
Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. Drones are regulated and not allowed in national parks. Wildlife products are illegal.
Diverse and spirited — the 'Rainbow Nation' of many cultures and languages. Casual and varied; warm layers for winter mornings, smart-casual for Cape dining.
Eleven official languages; English is widely spoken.
The braai (barbecue), biltong, bobotie and a world-class wine country.
Plug types M, N and D; supply is 230V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is June – October, December – March. Jun–Oct is dry and prime; the Migration moves year-round; 'long rains' fall Mar–May. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The biggest stage in African safari — the Serengeti, the Crater, and a migration that never stops moving.
Plan on roughly 7 to 12 days for a satisfying safari, more if you’re combining regions.
For the Migration months and the best lodges, nine to twelve months ahead is wise. Quieter seasons can be arranged at shorter notice — ask and we’ll tell you what’s realistic.
Yes — Tanzania is one of the three countries, with Kenya and India, where we run our own vehicles, guides and standards. The timing and the people on the ground are ours, and ours to answer for.
A yellow-fever certificate is required if arriving from an endemic country (and for Zanzibar from the mainland). Malaria precautions are advised throughout. Consider typhoid and hepatitis A.
Yellow fever. Tanzania does not require a certificate for most direct arrivals — but if you enter from Kenya, Uganda or another risk country, the certificate is asked for at the border. As Tanzania is itself a risk country, onward tropical destinations may also require it. We recommend the vaccination, especially for an East Africa combination. Reassuringly, human cases along East Africa’s established safari circuits are rare and localised, and the requirement is now largely precautionary; the vaccine is nonetheless recommended. Infants under nine months are exempt, and an exemption letter can be issued by a doctor for pregnant women, the immunocompromised, the elderly, and anyone with a severe egg allergy. Once given, the certificate is valid for life under current international rules — a single vaccination covers all your future trips.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Gentle — you view wildlife from a vehicle. A reasonable level of mobility helps for getting in and out on uneven ground.
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS); US dollars are widely used for park fees and tourism. Lodges take cards; carry USD cash (newer notes) for fees and tips, and some shillings for small purchases.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes and around one litre of spirits per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Kilimanjaro (JRO) for the northern circuit, Dar es Salaam (DAR), and Zanzibar (ZNZ).
In Arusha, try Blue Heron, George's Tavern or the Africafe. On Zanzibar, the Stone Town seafood scene and Forodhani night market are highlights. In the parks, dining is at your lodge.
Most lodges and hotels offer wi-fi, though it can be slow or limited in remote areas — switching off is part of the appeal. Mobile coverage is good in towns and patchy in the wild. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to buy.
A telephoto zoom (around 100–400mm) is ideal for wildlife, with a wider lens for landscapes. Bring dust protection, spare batteries and plenty of storage. Our founder is a wildlife photographer, so timing and light are planned with you in mind. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is customary and appreciated, though never obligatory. As a rough guide, plan a daily amount for your guide and a shared amount for the lodge or hotel team, usually in US dollars or local currency. We give you clear, current guidance before you travel.
Safe and easy in the parks and on the coast; ordinary big-city common sense in Dar, and you are well looked after throughout with us. Park rules are strict; respect Zanzibar's cultural norms, including modest dress away from beach resorts.
Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. Drones need authorisation and are not allowed in national parks. Plastic bags are banned — don't bring them. Wildlife products are illegal.
Welcoming and easy-going; the Maasai and many other communities share the land. Neutral safari wear inland; modest, covering dress on Zanzibar, which is largely Muslim.
Swahili and English are both widely spoken.
Ugali and nyama choma inland; fragrant Swahili seafood and spices on the coast.
Plug types D and G; supply is 230V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is June – September, December – February. Drier seasons (Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb) ease forest trekking; the country is green and equatorial. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The Pearl of Africa — half the world's mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and savanna where the rainforest meets the plains.
Plan on roughly 7 to 12 days for a satisfying safari, more if you’re combining regions.
Book well ahead — six to twelve months — as gorilla and chimp permits are strictly limited and the better lodges sell out. We secure permits as a priority once you confirm.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever certificate is required. Malaria precautions are advised throughout. Routine vaccinations plus typhoid and hepatitis A are sensible.
Yellow fever. This is a yellow-fever risk country. A certificate is required if you arrive from another risk country, and — importantly for planning — because you will have been here, many onward tropical destinations (for example India, the Middle East, Singapore, China and neighbouring countries) will require your certificate. Onward travel to the US, Canada or Europe does not. We recommend the vaccination for any journey here. Reassuringly, human cases along East Africa’s established safari circuits are rare and localised, and the requirement is now largely precautionary; the vaccine is nonetheless recommended. Infants under nine months are exempt, and an exemption letter can be issued by a doctor for pregnant women, the immunocompromised, the elderly, and anyone with a severe egg allergy. Once given, the certificate is valid for life under current international rules — a single vaccination covers all your future trips.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
A reasonable level of fitness helps. Gorilla and chimp tracking can mean two to several hours of hiking over uneven, sometimes steep and muddy forest terrain. We match the trek to your ability where we can, and porters are available.
The Ugandan Shilling (UGX). Cards work in Kampala and at lodges; carry cash for the trekking regions and tips.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes and about one litre of spirits per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Entebbe International (EBB), on Lake Victoria near Kampala.
In Kampala and Entebbe, well-regarded tables include Latitude 0 Degrees, the Lawns, and 2K Restaurant for local fare. Around the gorilla parks, dining is at your lodge.
Most lodges and hotels offer wi-fi, though it can be slow or limited in remote areas — switching off is part of the appeal. Mobile coverage is good in towns and patchy in the wild. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to buy.
A telephoto zoom (around 100–400mm) is ideal for wildlife, with a wider lens for landscapes. Bring dust protection, spare batteries and plenty of storage. Our founder is a wildlife photographer, so timing and light are planned with you in mind. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is customary and appreciated, though never obligatory. As a rough guide, plan a daily amount for your guide and a shared amount for the lodge or hotel team, usually in US dollars or local currency. We give you clear, current guidance before you travel.
Generally safe and friendly; take normal city precautions in Kampala. Gorilla/chimp permit and distancing rules are strict; respect community and park regulations.
Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. Drones require authorisation and are not allowed in national parks. Wildlife products are illegal. Plastic bags are discouraged.
Warm and good-humoured — the 'Pearl of Africa' is known for its hospitality. Modest in towns; sturdy trousers, long sleeves and boots for gorilla and chimp trekking.
English and Swahili are official; Luganda is widely spoken.
Matoke (steamed plantain), groundnut stews and the famous 'rolex' street snack.
Plug type G (UK-style); supply is 240V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is May – October. Dry season (May–Oct) is best; the green season brings birds and dramatic skies. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The home of the walking safari — vast, wild and uncrowded, from leopard-rich South Luangwa to the bat skies of Kasanka.
Plan on roughly 7 to 12 days for a satisfying safari, more if you’re combining regions.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season, when the best lodges and hotels fill early. Quieter months can be arranged at shorter notice — ask and we’ll tell you what’s realistic for your dates.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever certificate is needed if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria precautions are advised throughout. Routine vaccinations should be current.
Yellow fever. There is no yellow fever here, but the country requires a certificate from anyone arriving from a risk country — so if you combine this with an African or Amazon journey, carry your certificate. Coming directly from a non-risk country, it is not needed.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Mostly gentle vehicle viewing. If you join a walking safari — this is its spiritual home — a comfortable level of fitness for a few hours on foot is useful.
The Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). Cards work in towns and lodges; carry cash for tips and remote lodges.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes and about one litre of spirits per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Lusaka (LUN) for the country; Livingstone (LVI) for Victoria Falls.
In Livingstone, the Royal Livingstone and Golden Leaf are well known; Lusaka has a growing scene. In the bush, all dining is at your lodge.
Most lodges and hotels offer wi-fi, though it can be slow or limited in remote areas — switching off is part of the appeal. Mobile coverage is good in towns and patchy in the wild. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to buy.
A telephoto zoom (around 100–400mm) is ideal for wildlife, with a wider lens for landscapes. Bring dust protection, spare batteries and plenty of storage. Our founder is a wildlife photographer, so timing and light are planned with you in mind. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is customary and appreciated, though never obligatory. As a rough guide, plan a daily amount for your guide and a shared amount for the lodge or hotel team, usually in US dollars or local currency. We give you clear, current guidance before you travel.
Very safe and low-key; the bush is the main consideration, managed by expert walking guides. Strict park and anti-poaching rules; walking safaris follow the guide's instructions closely.
Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. Drones need authorisation and are not allowed in parks. Wildlife products are illegal.
Famously friendly; Zambia is the spiritual home of the walking safari. Casual safari wear; a warm layer for winter mornings; sturdy shoes for walking safaris.
English is official, alongside several local languages.
Nshima (maize staple) with relishes, stews and fresh river fish.
Plug types C, D and G; supply is 230V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is May – October. Dry season (May–Oct) is best for wildlife; the falls are fullest Mar–May. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
Africa's walking-safari heartland — Victoria Falls, the great elephant herds of Hwange, and the wild Zambezi at Mana Pools.
Plan on roughly 7 to 12 days for a satisfying safari, more if you’re combining regions.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season, when the best lodges and hotels fill early. Quieter months can be arranged at shorter notice — ask and we’ll tell you what’s realistic for your dates.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever certificate is needed if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria precautions are advised for the Zambezi valley and lower areas. Routine vaccinations should be current.
Yellow fever. There is no yellow fever here, but the country requires a certificate from anyone arriving from a risk country — so if you combine this with an African or Amazon journey, carry your certificate. Coming directly from a non-risk country, it is not needed.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Gentle — you view wildlife from a vehicle. A reasonable level of mobility helps for getting in and out on uneven ground.
US dollars are the practical day-to-day currency for visitors. Largely a cash economy — bring sufficient USD in good-condition notes; card acceptance is unreliable outside main lodges.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes and about five litres of alcohol per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Harare (HRE) for the country; Victoria Falls (VFA) for the falls and Hwange.
In Victoria Falls, the Boma (a lively traditional feast), the Lookout Cafe and the Victoria Falls Hotel terrace are favourites. In the parks, dining is at your lodge.
Most lodges and hotels offer wi-fi, though it can be slow or limited in remote areas — switching off is part of the appeal. Mobile coverage is good in towns and patchy in the wild. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to buy.
A telephoto zoom (around 100–400mm) is ideal for wildlife, with a wider lens for landscapes. Bring dust protection, spare batteries and plenty of storage. Our founder is a wildlife photographer, so timing and light are planned with you in mind. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is customary and appreciated, though never obligatory. As a rough guide, plan a daily amount for your guide and a shared amount for the lodge or hotel team, usually in US dollars or local currency. We give you clear, current guidance before you travel.
Tourist areas are safe and welcoming; bring enough cash, as ATMs can be unreliable. Strict conservation laws; photography of government and military sites is prohibited.
Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. Drones need authorisation and are banned in parks. Photographing government and military sites is prohibited. Wildlife products are illegal.
Warm, resilient and among Africa's best-trained safari guides. Casual safari wear; warm layer for winter mornings.
English, Shona and Ndebele are the main languages.
Sadza (maize staple) with stews and grilled meats.
Plug types D and G; supply is 220V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is March – May, September – November. Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) are clearest; winters are cold, monsoon Jun–Aug. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The last Buddhist Himalayan kingdom — black-necked cranes, tigers in the clouds, and a country that measures success in happiness.
Plan on roughly 8 to 14 days, depending on how many parks or regions you link.
A few months ahead is usually enough, though the spring and autumn festival dates and the better hotels fill earlier.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
No significant malaria risk in the main tourist areas. A yellow-fever certificate is needed only if arriving from an endemic country. Mild altitude is a factor in the high valleys.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Moderate — the highlight Tiger’s Nest walk and some sightseeing involve uphill effort at altitude. We pace everything to you, and nothing strenuous is compulsory.
The Ngultrum (BTN), pegged to the Indian Rupee, which is also accepted (except some large notes). Largely cash; cards are limited outside Thimphu/Paro hotels. Carry Ngultrum or Rupees.
Personal effects are allowed; tobacco is restricted and taxed. A daily Sustainable Development Fee applies. Confirm current rules before you travel.
Paro International (PBH) — a dramatic Himalayan approach flown by a handful of pilots.
In Thimphu and Paro, Babesa Village Restaurant, Bukhari at Uma, and Folk Heritage offer traditional Bhutanese fare. Most meals on a Bhutan journey are at your hotel.
Wi-fi is available in hotels and mobile coverage reaches most valleys, though not remote trails.
A good zoom for wildlife and a wider lens for culture and landscapes; dust protection and spare storage help. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated though less formalised. We suggest sensible amounts for guides, drivers and hotel staff before you travel.
Exceptionally safe and serene; the main consideration is mountain altitude and roads. A daily Sustainable Development Fee applies. Tobacco sales are restricted; respect temples and remove shoes/hats.
Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. The sale of tobacco is restricted and importing it is heavily taxed. Drones require special permission. Respect for religious sites is enforced.
Deeply Buddhist and gentle; the country measures progress in Gross National Happiness. Modest and respectful; long trousers and covered shoulders are required to enter dzongs and temples.
Dzongkha is official; English is the medium of education and widely spoken.
Ema datshi (chillies and cheese) is the national dish; expect plenty of chilli and red rice.
Plug types D, F, G and M; supply is 230V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is October – April. October–March is the comfortable, prime window; summers are very hot before the Jun–Sep monsoon. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The only country with tigers and lions in the wild — and one of three we run with our own teams on the ground.
Plan on roughly 8 to 14 days, depending on how many parks or regions you link.
For peak tiger season in spring and the best lodges, six to nine months ahead is wise. Off-peak trips can be arranged at shorter notice.
Yes — India is one of the three countries, with Kenya and Tanzania, where we run our own vehicles, guides and standards. The timing and the people on the ground are ours, and ours to answer for.
A yellow-fever certificate is required if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria precautions vary by area; typhoid, hepatitis A and routine vaccinations are recommended.
Yellow fever. India has no yellow fever, but requires a certificate from anyone arriving from a risk country — including most of sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America — and will ask for it on arrival. If you are coming from an African safari, carry your certificate. Arriving from a non-risk country, it is not needed.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Gentle — wildlife viewing is from a vehicle. Some cultural sites involve walking and steps.
The Indian Rupee (INR). Cards work in cities and hotels; UPI digital payment is ubiquitous. Carry cash for rural areas, parks and markets.
Typically up to 100 cigarettes and two litres of alcohol per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM) and Bengaluru (BLR) are the main international gateways, with strong domestic links to the parks.
Delhi: Bukhara and Karim's are institutions, Indian Accent for the modern table. Mumbai: Trishna and the Bandra scene. Across cities the regional food is exceptional. In the tiger parks, dining is at your lodge.
Wi-fi is widespread in hotels and cities, thinning in remote parks. Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to arrange.
A good zoom for wildlife and a wider lens for culture and landscapes; dust protection and spare storage help. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated though less formalised. We suggest sensible amounts for guides, drivers and hotel staff before you travel.
Generally safe and hospitable with the usual big-city common sense; we arrange your transport and accompany you, so you are well looked after throughout. Photography is restricted at some sites and borders; respect temple customs and wildlife-park rules.
Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. Drones are tightly regulated — most require prior permission and are banned over parks, monuments and sensitive areas. Satellite phones are restricted. Exporting antiques and ivory is illegal.
Astonishingly diverse and hospitable; the only country with both wild tigers and lions. Modest dress is appreciated, especially at temples — cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes where asked.
Hindi and English are widely used, among 20-plus official languages.
Vast and regional — from Mughlai north to coconut-rich south; vegetarian food is excellent everywhere.
Plug types C, D and M; supply is 230V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is April – October. Dry season (Apr–Oct) is best for wildlife and diving; wet season brings afternoon downpours. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The world's great wildlife archipelago — Komodo dragons, orangutans, and more birds-of-paradise and endemics than anywhere on earth.
Plan on roughly 8 to 14 days, depending on how many parks or regions you link.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season, when the better hotels and lodges fill early. Shorter-notice trips are often workable — just ask.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever certificate is needed only if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria risk is mainly in the east (Papua); dengue is present. Routine vaccinations plus typhoid and hepatitis A are sensible.
Yellow fever. There is no yellow fever here, but the country requires a certificate from anyone arriving from a risk country — so if you combine this with an African or Amazon journey, carry your certificate. Coming directly from a non-risk country, it is not needed.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Gentle — wildlife viewing is from a vehicle. Some cultural sites involve walking and steps.
The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Cards work in tourist areas and cities; carry cash for Komodo, remote islands and markets.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes and one litre of alcohol per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Jakarta (CGK) and Bali's Denpasar (DPS) are the main hubs, with domestic links onward.
Bali has a vast scene — Locavore (Ubud) is celebrated, with Merah Putih and the seafood of Jimbaran. Jakarta is cosmopolitan. Around Komodo, dining is on your boat or at your lodge.
Wi-fi is widespread in hotels and cities, thinning in remote parks. Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to arrange.
A good zoom for wildlife and a wider lens for culture and landscapes; dust protection and spare storage help. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated though less formalised. We suggest sensible amounts for guides, drivers and hotel staff before you travel.
Generally safe in tourist areas; respect local customs and sea conditions on boat trips. Drug laws are extremely severe. Dress and behave respectfully at religious sites.
Drug offences carry the most severe penalties, including the death penalty — take this seriously. Drones are restricted near sites and airports. Respect temple dress and customs.
Warm and diverse across thousands of islands and cultures. Modest at temples — a sarong and covered shoulders; light, breathable clothing for the tropics.
Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia); English is common in tourist areas.
Nasi goreng, satay, rendang and an endless variety across the archipelago.
Plug types C and F; supply is 230V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is December – February. Winter (Dec–Feb) is the wildlife-photography season — cranes, eagles and snow monkeys. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
A wildlife photographer's winter dream — dancing red-crowned cranes, Steller's sea eagles on the drift ice, snow monkeys in the hot springs, and the wild bears
Plan on roughly 8 to 14 days, depending on how many parks or regions you link.
For the winter wildlife season — cranes, eagles and snow monkeys — six to nine months ahead is wise, as specialist hotels are limited.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
No malaria or yellow-fever concerns. Routine vaccinations should be current. Winters in Hokkaido are severely cold — dress accordingly.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Gentle — wildlife viewing is from a vehicle. Some cultural sites involve walking and steps.
The Japanese Yen (JPY). Increasingly card-friendly, but still cash-loving — carry yen, and an IC transit card helps. Convenience-store ATMs accept foreign cards.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes (for non-residents) and three bottles of alcohol per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Tokyo's Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND); for Hokkaido wildlife, Sapporo's New Chitose (CTS).
Tokyo has more acclaimed restaurants than any city on earth, from sushi counters to izakaya. For Hokkaido wildlife trips, Sapporo's seafood, ramen and dairy are superb. Book ahead for the best tables.
Connectivity is excellent, including rural Hokkaido. Pocket wi-fi and SIM cards are easy to rent or buy.
A good zoom for wildlife and a wider lens for culture and landscapes; dust protection and spare storage help. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion — excellent service is simply the standard. There is no need to tip.
Among the safest countries on earth, with very low crime. Strict rules on some common medications (check before travelling); follow etiquette at shrines and onsen.
Japan has strict rules on some common medications (certain cold and allergy drugs) — check before bringing them. Drugs are strictly illegal. Drones are tightly regulated in cities and near sites.
Courteous, orderly and quietly hospitable; etiquette matters. Neat and considerate; remove shoes indoors and at many ryokan and temples.
Japanese; English signage is common but spoken English varies.
Sushi, ramen, and exquisite regional specialities; Hokkaido is famed for seafood and dairy.
Plug types A and B (US-style); supply is 100V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is March – October. Drier months vary by coast; Borneo wildlife is good much of the year, wettest Nov–Feb. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
Borneo's wild heart and the peninsula's ancient rainforests — orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills and the elusive clouded leopard.
Plan on roughly 8 to 14 days, depending on how many parks or regions you link.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season, when the better hotels and lodges fill early. Shorter-notice trips are often workable — just ask.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever certificate is needed only if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria precautions apply in interior Borneo; dengue is present. Routine vaccinations plus typhoid and hepatitis A are sensible.
Yellow fever. There is no yellow fever here, but the country requires a certificate from anyone arriving from a risk country — so if you combine this with an African or Amazon journey, carry your certificate. Coming directly from a non-risk country, it is not needed.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Gentle — wildlife viewing is from a vehicle. Some cultural sites involve walking and steps.
The Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Cards are widely accepted in cities; carry cash for rural Borneo and small vendors.
Typically a limited alcohol allowance and personal effects; tobacco duty-free was largely removed. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Kuala Lumpur (KUL); for Borneo wildlife, Kota Kinabalu (BKI) and Sandakan.
Kuala Lumpur is a street-food capital — Jalan Alor, plus fine dining like Dewakan. In Borneo, Kota Kinabalu has excellent seafood; in the rainforest lodges, dining is included.
Wi-fi is widespread in hotels and cities, thinning in remote parks. Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to arrange.
A good zoom for wildlife and a wider lens for culture and landscapes; dust protection and spare storage help. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated though less formalised. We suggest sensible amounts for guides, drivers and hotel staff before you travel.
Generally safe and easy; normal precautions in cities. Drug offences carry the harshest penalties. Respect religious customs and dress codes.
Drug trafficking carries the death penalty — take this extremely seriously. Drones are restricted near sites and airports. Respect mosque dress codes.
Multicultural and friendly, with deep rainforest traditions in Borneo. Modest in this Muslim-majority country, especially at mosques; light tropical clothing otherwise.
Malay is official; English is widely spoken.
Nasi lemak, laksa and a rich blend of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours.
Plug type G (UK-style); supply is 240V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is February – April, May – September. Summer (Jun–Sep) is the window; winters are brutally cold. The Gobi is hot by day, cold by night. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The land of the eternal blue sky — wild horses on the steppe, Bactrian camels and dinosaur cliffs in the Gobi, and snow leopards in the high Altai.
Plan on roughly 8 to 14 days, depending on how many parks or regions you link.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season, when the better hotels and lodges fill early. Shorter-notice trips are often workable — just ask.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
No malaria or yellow-fever concerns. Routine vaccinations should be current. The climate is extreme — prepare for cold and remoteness.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Gentle — wildlife viewing is from a vehicle. Some cultural sites involve walking and steps.
The Mongolian Tögrög (MNT). Cash is essential outside Ulaanbaatar; cards work in the capital's hotels and shops only.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes and one litre of spirits per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Ulaanbaatar's Chinggis Khaan (UBN), with long overland journeys to the wild regions.
In Ulaanbaatar, Modern Nomads, Hazara (Indian) and Veranda are reliable. Beyond the capital, meals are with your ger stay or crew.
Wi-fi is widespread in hotels and cities, thinning in remote parks. Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to arrange.
A good zoom for wildlife and a wider lens for culture and landscapes; dust protection and spare storage help. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated though less formalised. We suggest sensible amounts for guides, drivers and hotel staff before you travel.
Safe and friendly, especially in the countryside; the usual city common sense in Ulaanbaatar is all that is needed, and you are well looked after with us. Respect nomadic customs and sacred sites; permits are needed for some border and protected areas.
Illegal drugs are prohibited. Drones may need permission near sites and borders. Respect sacred ovoos (cairns) and nomadic customs.
Nomadic, hospitable and proud; ger (yurt) hospitality is a highlight. Practical warm layers; the weather swings sharply, even in summer.
Mongolian; English is limited outside the capital.
Mutton, dairy and dumplings (buuz); hearty fare suited to the steppe.
Plug types C and E; supply is 220V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is November – March, July – September. Jul–Sep suits Kamchatka's bears and volcanoes; winter (Nov–Mar) for Amur tigers and snow. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The wildest reaches of the Russian Far East — Amur tigers in the taiga, the brown bears and volcanoes of Kamchatka, the sea otters of the Bering Sea, and the de
Plan on roughly 8 to 14 days, depending on how many parks or regions you link.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season, when the better hotels and lodges fill early. Shorter-notice trips are often workable — just ask.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
No malaria or yellow-fever concerns in the Far East. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination is advised for taiga regions. Routine vaccinations should be current.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Gentle — wildlife viewing is from a vehicle. Some cultural sites involve walking and steps.
The Russian Ruble (RUB). Bring sufficient cash. Note that many foreign Visa/Mastercard cards currently do not work in Russia, so plan payment carefully with your trip team.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes and three litres of alcohol per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Moscow (SVO/DME); for the wildlife Far East, Vladivostok (VVO) and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (PKC).
In Vladivostok, seafood spots like Zuma and Ogonyok are well known. In Kamchatka and the wild east, dining is with your expedition crew or lodge.
Wi-fi is widespread in hotels and cities, thinning in remote parks. Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to arrange.
A good zoom for wildlife and a wider lens for culture and landscapes; dust protection and spare storage help. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated though less formalised. We suggest sensible amounts for guides, drivers and hotel staff before you travel.
Remote and expedition-led; the main considerations are logistics, weather and current travel advisories. Permits and registration apply in border and protected zones; check current advisories before booking.
Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited. Drones and photography are restricted near military and border zones. Permits apply in many far-east protected areas.
Reserved at first but hospitable; the Far East is genuinely wild frontier. Practical, weatherproof and warm; the Far East and Kamchatka are rugged and cold.
Russian; English is limited outside major cities.
Hearty Russian fare — soups, fish and game in the wild regions.
Plug types C and F; supply is 220V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is February – July, November – April. The island has two monsoons — your planner times the route to the dry coast/parks. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
A whole continent's wildlife on one island — the world's best leopard watching, blue whales offshore, and elephants by the hundred.
Plan on roughly 8 to 14 days, depending on how many parks or regions you link.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season, when the better hotels and lodges fill early. Shorter-notice trips are often workable — just ask.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
Malaria has been largely eliminated, but dengue is present. A yellow-fever certificate is needed only if arriving from an endemic country. Routine vaccinations plus typhoid and hepatitis A are sensible.
Yellow fever. There is no yellow fever here, but the country requires a certificate from anyone arriving from a risk country — so if you combine this with an African or Amazon journey, carry your certificate. Coming directly from a non-risk country, it is not needed.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Gentle — wildlife viewing is from a vehicle. Some cultural sites involve walking and steps.
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Cards work in cities and hotels; carry cash for parks, small towns and tips.
Typically up to 1.5 litres of spirits and two litres of wine per adult, plus personal effects; tobacco allowances are limited. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Colombo's Bandaranaike (CMB) is the main gateway.
Colombo has a strong scene — Ministry of Crab is renowned, with Upali's for local rice and curry and the Gallery Cafe. In the hills and parks, dining is at your hotel or lodge.
Wi-fi is widespread in hotels and cities, thinning in remote parks. Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to arrange.
A good zoom for wildlife and a wider lens for culture and landscapes; dust protection and spare storage help. Drones are restricted — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated though less formalised. We suggest sensible amounts for guides, drivers and hotel staff before you travel.
Friendly and generally safe; normal precautions apply. Never turn your back to a Buddha image for photos, and don't pose disrespectfully — it's taken seriously.
Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. Drones need CAA approval and are restricted near sites and parks. Never pose disrespectfully with Buddha images — it is taken seriously and prosecuted.
Warm and welcoming, with a remarkable density of wildlife for the island's size. Modest at temples — cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes and hats; light clothing otherwise.
Sinhala and Tamil are official; English is widely used.
Rice and curry, hoppers and fiery sambols; superb tropical fruit and tea.
Plug types D, G and M; supply is 230V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is October – April, June – December. Patagonia is best Oct–Apr (its summer); the whale coast of Valdés peaks Jun–Dec. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
Glaciers and granite spires, the thunder of Iguazú, and the whale coast of Valdés — Argentina spans the continent's wildest extremes.
Plan on roughly 10 to 16 days — distances are large and the wildlife regions are spread out.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season; Galapagos vessels and Patagonia lodges in particular fill early.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever certificate/vaccine is advised for the subtropical north (Iguazú). No malaria in the main wildlife regions. Routine vaccinations should be current.
Yellow fever. Most of Argentina is yellow-fever free, but a vaccine is advised for the subtropical north (Iguazu and the jungle). A certificate may be requested if you arrive from a risk country. For Patagonia and the whale coast it is not a concern. Infants under nine months are exempt, and an exemption letter can be issued by a doctor for pregnant women, the immunocompromised, the elderly, and anyone with a severe egg allergy. Once given, the certificate is valid for life under current international rules — a single vaccination covers all your future trips.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Generally gentle, though some regions involve walking. We tailor the effort to you.
The Argentine Peso (ARS); rapid inflation makes US dollars very useful. Bring USD cash in good notes for favourable exchange; cards work in cities but rates can lag. Carry pesos for daily spending.
Typically up to 400 cigarettes and two litres of alcohol per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Buenos Aires (EZE); for Patagonia, El Calafate (FTE) and Ushuaia (USH).
Buenos Aires is a great food city — the parrillas (steakhouses) of Palermo, Don Julio among the most famous, and a deep café culture. In Patagonia, dining is at your lodge or in small towns like El Calafate.
Wi-fi is available in city hotels and most lodges; the Amazon and remote Patagonia can be limited. Local SIM cards are available.
A zoom for wildlife and birds, a wide lens for landscapes, and humidity protection for the Amazon. Drones are restricted at many sites — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers and lodge staff. We suggest sensible amounts before you travel.
Tourist areas are safe and lively; the usual big-city common sense in Buenos Aires is all that is needed, and you are well looked after on our trips. Carry ID; respect national-park rules in fragile Patagonian and Andean environments.
Illegal drugs carry penalties. Drones are restricted in national parks and cities. Bringing fresh food, plants and animal products across borders is controlled.
Lively, social and proud, with strong European roots. Layered and windproof for Patagonia; smart-casual for Buenos Aires.
Spanish; English is limited outside tourism.
World-famous asado (barbecue), empanadas and Malbec wine.
Plug types C and I; supply is 220V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is May – October. Dry season (May–Oct) is best; the salt flats reflect beautifully after rain (Dec–Mar). See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
One of South America's wildest, least-visited frontiers — the megadiverse Madidi rainforest, the wildlife-packed Pampas, and the surreal Uyuni salt flats.
Plan on roughly 10 to 16 days — distances are large and the wildlife regions are spread out.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season; Galapagos vessels and Patagonia lodges in particular fill early.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever certificate is required for the Amazon and lowlands. Altitude sickness is a real factor in La Paz and the highlands — acclimatise. Routine vaccinations plus typhoid and hepatitis A are sensible.
Yellow fever. A certificate is required for the Amazon and lowlands, and recommended broadly. As a risk country, onward tropical destinations may also ask for it. The highlands are not a yellow-fever area, but altitude is the real consideration. Infants under nine months are exempt, and an exemption letter can be issued by a doctor for pregnant women, the immunocompromised, the elderly, and anyone with a severe egg allergy. Once given, the certificate is valid for life under current international rules — a single vaccination covers all your future trips.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
The activity itself is gentle, but altitude is the real factor in the highlands — we build in time to acclimatise. Reasonable general health helps.
The Boliviano (BOB). Largely cash; carry Bolivianos. Cards are limited outside major cities, so plan ahead.
Typically up to 400 cigarettes and three litres of alcohol per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
La Paz (LPB) — one of the world's highest airports — and Santa Cruz (VVI) for the lowlands.
In La Paz, Gustu (founded by a Noma co-founder) is renowned, with Ali Pacha and the lively Mercado Lanza for street food. In the salt flats and wild areas, dining is with your tour.
Wi-fi is available in city hotels and most lodges; the Amazon and remote Patagonia can be limited. Local SIM cards are available.
A zoom for wildlife and birds, a wide lens for landscapes, and humidity protection for the Amazon. Drones are restricted at many sites — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers and lodge staff. We suggest sensible amounts before you travel.
Generally safe; the main concern is altitude. Use arranged transport and acclimatise gradually. Respect indigenous customs and protected areas; coca leaf is legal and traditional here.
Illegal drugs carry penalties (note coca leaf is legal and traditional here). Drones are restricted at sites. Exporting antiquities is illegal.
Strong indigenous heritage and traditions, especially in the highlands. Layers for sharp day-night temperature swings; sun protection at altitude.
Spanish, Quechua and Aymara.
Salteñas, hearty highland stews and quinoa dishes.
Plug types A and C; supply is 230V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is July – October. The Pantanal's dry season (Jul–Oct) is prime for jaguars. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The greatest wildlife in the Americas — wild jaguars of the Pantanal, and the endemic birds of the Atlantic Forest.
Plan on roughly 10 to 16 days — distances are large and the wildlife regions are spread out.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season; Galapagos vessels and Patagonia lodges in particular fill early.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever vaccine is recommended (and may be required) for the Pantanal and Amazon. Malaria precautions apply in the Amazon. Routine vaccinations plus typhoid and hepatitis A are sensible.
Yellow fever. A vaccine is recommended — and effectively required — for the Pantanal and Amazon. As a risk country, carry your certificate for onward tropical travel. Take it at least ten days before arrival in those regions. Infants under nine months are exempt, and an exemption letter can be issued by a doctor for pregnant women, the immunocompromised, the elderly, and anyone with a severe egg allergy. Once given, the certificate is valid for life under current international rules — a single vaccination covers all your future trips.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Generally gentle, though some regions involve walking. We tailor the effort to you.
The Brazilian Real (BRL). Cards are widely accepted; carry cash for the Pantanal and small towns.
Typically up to a limited alcohol and tobacco allowance and personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
São Paulo (GRU) and Rio (GIG); for the Pantanal, Cuiabá (CGB) or Campo Grande.
Rio and São Paulo are major food cities — São Paulo's D.O.M. is world-famous, and the churrascarias are an institution. In the Pantanal and Amazon, dining is at your lodge.
Wi-fi is available in city hotels and most lodges; the Amazon and remote Patagonia can be limited. Local SIM cards are available.
A zoom for wildlife and birds, a wide lens for landscapes, and humidity protection for the Amazon. Drones are restricted at many sites — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers and lodge staff. We suggest sensible amounts before you travel.
The wildlife regions are calm and welcoming; the usual big-city common sense applies in São Paulo and Rio, and you are well looked after throughout with us. Carry ID; respect protected-area and river-navigation rules in the Pantanal and Amazon.
Illegal drugs carry penalties. Drones are restricted in parks and cities. Removing wildlife, plants or Amazonian products is illegal.
Warm, energetic and welcoming. Light and casual; long sleeves and repellent for the wetlands.
Portuguese; English is limited.
Feijoada, churrasco and vibrant regional cooking.
Plug types N and C; supply is 127V/220V (varies by city). A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is October – April. Patagonia is best Oct–Apr; the Atacama is clear year-round. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The world's driest desert, the towers of Paine, and the wild pumas of Patagonia — Chile runs the length of a continent.
Plan on roughly 10 to 16 days — distances are large and the wildlife regions are spread out.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season; Galapagos vessels and Patagonia lodges in particular fill early.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
No yellow-fever or malaria concerns in the main regions. Altitude is a factor in the Atacama — acclimatise. Routine vaccinations should be current.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Generally gentle, though some regions involve walking. We tailor the effort to you.
The Chilean Peso (CLP). Cards are widely accepted; carry cash for remote Patagonia and the Atacama.
Typically up to 400 cigarettes and 2.5 litres of alcohol per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Santiago (SCL); for Patagonia, Punta Arenas (PUQ); for the Atacama, Calama (CJC).
Santiago has a fine scene — Boragó is world-renowned, and the Bellavista and Lastarria districts buzz. In Patagonia and the Atacama, dining is at your lodge.
Wi-fi is available in city hotels and most lodges; the Amazon and remote Patagonia can be limited. Local SIM cards are available.
A zoom for wildlife and birds, a wide lens for landscapes, and humidity protection for the Amazon. Drones are restricted at many sites — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers and lodge staff. We suggest sensible amounts before you travel.
One of South America's safest countries; normal city precautions in Santiago. Strict national-park rules, especially around the pumas of Torres del Paine; don't approach wildlife.
Illegal drugs carry penalties. Strict agricultural controls — declare all food, seeds and animal products on arrival. Drones are restricted in parks.
Friendly and easy-going, proud of their dramatic landscapes. Windproof layers for Patagonia; sun protection and warm nights in the desert.
Spanish; English is limited outside tourism.
Superb seafood, empanadas and Chilean wine.
Plug types C and L; supply is 220V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is December – March, July – August. The most bird-rich country on earth has good birding year-round; drier months ease access. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The most bird-rich country on earth — Andean cloud forests, the Santa Marta endemics, the wildlife-packed Llanos and the Amazon, in one astonishing nation.
Plan on roughly 10 to 16 days — distances are large and the wildlife regions are spread out.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season; Galapagos vessels and Patagonia lodges in particular fill early.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever certificate is required for the Amazon and certain regions. Malaria precautions apply in lowland jungle. Routine vaccinations plus typhoid and hepatitis A are sensible.
Yellow fever. A certificate is required for the Amazon and certain natural parks, and recommended for lowland jungle. As a risk country, carry your certificate for onward tropical travel. Infants under nine months are exempt, and an exemption letter can be issued by a doctor for pregnant women, the immunocompromised, the elderly, and anyone with a severe egg allergy. Once given, the certificate is valid for life under current international rules — a single vaccination covers all your future trips.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Generally gentle, though some regions involve walking. We tailor the effort to you.
The Colombian Peso (COP). Cards work in cities; carry cash for rural areas, the Llanos and the Amazon.
Typically up to a limited cigarette and alcohol allowance and personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Bogotá (BOG) and Medellín (MDE), with domestic links to the birding regions.
Bogota and Medellin have excellent tables — Bogota's Leo is internationally acclaimed, with strong coffee culture throughout. In birding lodges, dining is included.
Wi-fi is available in city hotels and most lodges; the Amazon and remote Patagonia can be limited. Local SIM cards are available.
A zoom for wildlife and birds, a wide lens for landscapes, and humidity protection for the Amazon. Drones are restricted at many sites — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers and lodge staff. We suggest sensible amounts before you travel.
Much improved and welcoming in tourist regions; follow local and operator guidance on routes. Follow operator guidance on which regions to visit; respect protected areas and indigenous lands.
Illegal drugs carry penalties. Drones are restricted at sites. Exporting pre-Columbian artefacts is illegal.
Warm, vibrant and proud of their natural wealth. Varies by altitude — cool in Bogotá, hot and humid in the lowlands; layers help.
Spanish; English is limited outside tourism.
Arepas, bandeja paisa and exceptional coffee.
Plug types A and B (US-style); supply is 110V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is December – April. Dry season (Dec–Apr) is easiest; the green season is lush with afternoon rain. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
A pocket-sized wildlife superpower — quetzals and macaws, cloud forests and rainforests, and more biodiversity per acre than almost anywhere on earth.
Plan on roughly 10 to 16 days — distances are large and the wildlife regions are spread out.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season; Galapagos vessels and Patagonia lodges in particular fill early.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
No malaria in most visited areas. A yellow-fever certificate is needed only if arriving from an endemic country. Routine vaccinations plus hepatitis A are sensible.
Yellow fever. There is no yellow fever here, but the country requires a certificate from anyone arriving from a risk country — so if you combine this with an African or Amazon journey, carry your certificate. Coming directly from a non-risk country, it is not needed.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Generally gentle, though some regions involve walking. We tailor the effort to you.
The Costa Rican Colón (CRC); US dollars are widely accepted. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry some cash and small USD for tips and rural vendors.
Typically up to 500 cigarettes and five litres of wine or spirits per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR) for the northwest.
San Jose has a growing scene; most journeys, though, are nature-focused, where eco-lodges include excellent farm-to-table dining. Coastal towns offer fresh seafood and casados.
Wi-fi is available in city hotels and most lodges; the Amazon and remote Patagonia can be limited. Local SIM cards are available.
A zoom for wildlife and birds, a wide lens for landscapes, and humidity protection for the Amazon. Drones are restricted at many sites — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers and lodge staff. We suggest sensible amounts before you travel.
Very safe and well set up for nature travel; normal precautions for valuables. Strong environmental protections; never touch or feed wildlife, and stay on trails.
Illegal drugs carry penalties. Drones are restricted in national parks. Removing wildlife, shells, coral or plants is illegal.
Famously laid-back — 'pura vida' is a way of life — and conservation-minded. Light, quick-dry clothing and rain gear; it's warm and humid.
Spanish; English is common in tourist areas.
Gallo pinto, casado and abundant tropical fruit.
Plug types A and B (US-style); supply is 120V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is June – September. The Galápagos is rewarding year-round; the Andes are cool and changeable. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
A tiny country of staggering richness — the cloud forests of the Andean Chocó, the wildlife of the western Amazon, and the gateway to the Galápagos.
Plan on roughly 10 to 16 days — distances are large and the wildlife regions are spread out.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season; Galapagos vessels and Patagonia lodges in particular fill early.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever vaccine is advised for the Amazon. Altitude is a factor in Quito and the Andes. Routine vaccinations plus typhoid and hepatitis A are sensible.
Yellow fever. A vaccine is advised for the Amazon. As parts of the country are risk areas, carry your certificate for onward tropical travel. The Galapagos and the Andes are not yellow-fever areas. Infants under nine months are exempt, and an exemption letter can be issued by a doctor for pregnant women, the immunocompromised, the elderly, and anyone with a severe egg allergy. Once given, the certificate is valid for life under current international rules — a single vaccination covers all your future trips.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Gentle overall; in the Andes, altitude is the factor to manage, so we build in time to acclimatise. The Galapagos involves easy walking and swimming.
The US Dollar is the official currency of Ecuador. Cards work in cities; carry small-denomination USD cash for the Galápagos, markets and rural areas.
Typically up to a limited cigarette and alcohol allowance and personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Quito (UIO) and Guayaquil (GYE); for the Galápagos, Baltra (GPS) and San Cristóbal (SCY).
In Quito, Urko and Nuema showcase Ecuadorian cuisine; the old town has fine cafés. In the Galapagos and Amazon, dining is at your lodge or aboard your vessel.
Wi-fi is available in city hotels and most lodges; the Amazon and remote Patagonia can be limited. Local SIM cards are available.
A zoom for wildlife and birds, a wide lens for landscapes, and humidity protection for the Amazon. Drones are restricted at many sites — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers and lodge staff. We suggest sensible amounts before you travel.
Tourist areas and the Galápagos are safe; take normal city precautions and follow guidance on regions. Galápagos National Park rules are strict — keep distance from wildlife, don't remove anything, follow your naturalist guide.
Illegal drugs carry penalties. The Galapagos has strict biosecurity — no fresh food, seeds or organic material may be brought in. Drones are restricted in the national park.
Friendly and diverse, from Andean communities to the coast. Layers for the cool highlands; light clothing for the coast and Amazon.
Spanish; English is limited outside tourism.
Ceviche, llapingachos and hearty Andean dishes.
Plug types A and B (US-style); supply is 120V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is September – April. Drier windows (roughly Sep–Apr) ease access to the rainforest interior. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
One of the wildest, least-visited countries on earth — pristine Amazon and savannah where jaguars, giant otters, giant anteaters and harpy eagles still thrive,
Plan on roughly 10 to 16 days — distances are large and the wildlife regions are spread out.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season; Galapagos vessels and Patagonia lodges in particular fill early.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever certificate is required. Malaria precautions apply in the interior. Routine vaccinations plus typhoid and hepatitis A are sensible.
Yellow fever. A certificate is required for entry. As a risk country, carry your certificate for onward tropical travel. Take the vaccine at least ten days ahead. Infants under nine months are exempt, and an exemption letter can be issued by a doctor for pregnant women, the immunocompromised, the elderly, and anyone with a severe egg allergy. Once given, the certificate is valid for life under current international rules — a single vaccination covers all your future trips.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Generally gentle, though some regions involve walking. We tailor the effort to you.
The Guyanese Dollar (GYD). Largely cash; cards are rarely accepted outside Georgetown. Carry sufficient cash for the interior.
Typically a limited cigarette and alcohol allowance and personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Georgetown's Cheddi Jagan (GEO), with light aircraft into the interior.
Georgetown has Caribbean-Indian fare — Backyard Cafe is a known table. In the interior, dining is at your eco-lodge.
Wi-fi is available in city hotels and most lodges; the Amazon and remote Patagonia can be limited. Local SIM cards are available.
A zoom for wildlife and birds, a wide lens for landscapes, and humidity protection for the Amazon. Drones are restricted at many sites — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers and lodge staff. We suggest sensible amounts before you travel.
A small, pioneering ecotourism scene; travel into the interior is arranged and guided. Respect Amerindian community lands and protected areas; permits are arranged for you.
Illegal drugs carry penalties. Drones are restricted. Removing wildlife or rainforest products is illegal; respect Amerindian community rules.
Culturally diverse and welcoming, with strong Amerindian communities in the interior. Light, quick-dry clothing, long sleeves and repellent for the rainforest.
English — the only English-speaking country in South America.
Pepperpot, curries and a Caribbean-influenced table.
Plug types A, B, D and G; supply is 120V/240V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is May – October. Dry season (May–Oct) is best for the Andes; the Amazon is rewarding year-round. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
Where the Andes fall into the Amazon — Manu and Tambopata's macaw clay licks and jaguars, the cloud-forest cock-of-the-rock, and Machu Picchu above it all.
Plan on roughly 10 to 16 days — distances are large and the wildlife regions are spread out.
Six to nine months ahead is sensible for peak season; Galapagos vessels and Patagonia lodges in particular fill early.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever vaccine is advised for the Amazon. Altitude is a serious factor in Cusco (3,400m) — acclimatise. Routine vaccinations plus typhoid and hepatitis A are sensible.
Yellow fever. A vaccine is advised for the Amazon and low jungle. As those are risk areas, carry your certificate for onward tropical travel. Cusco and the Andes are not yellow-fever areas. Infants under nine months are exempt, and an exemption letter can be issued by a doctor for pregnant women, the immunocompromised, the elderly, and anyone with a severe egg allergy. Once given, the certificate is valid for life under current international rules — a single vaccination covers all your future trips.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
The activity itself is gentle, but altitude is the real factor in the Andes — we build in time to acclimatise. Reasonable general health helps.
The Peruvian Sol (PEN). Cards work in cities; carry cash for markets, rural areas and the Amazon.
Typically up to 400 cigarettes and three litres of alcohol per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Lima (LIM); for the Andes and Amazon gateway, Cusco (CUZ) and Puerto Maldonado.
Lima is one of the world's great food cities — Central and Maido rank among the best on earth, alongside superb cevicherias. In the Amazon, dining is at your lodge.
Wi-fi is available in city hotels and most lodges; the Amazon and remote Patagonia can be limited. Local SIM cards are available.
A zoom for wildlife and birds, a wide lens for landscapes, and humidity protection for the Amazon. Drones are restricted at many sites — see the banned-items note.
Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers and lodge staff. We suggest sensible amounts before you travel.
Tourist areas are safe and welcoming; the usual city common sense applies, the main thing to manage is altitude, and you are well looked after on our trips. Respect archaeological and protected sites; don't buy artefacts or wildlife products.
Illegal drugs carry penalties (coca leaf is legal and traditional). Drones are restricted at archaeological sites including Machu Picchu. Exporting genuine antiquities is illegal.
Proud Andean and Amazonian heritage, with warm highland communities. Layers for the Andes; light clothing for the Amazon; sun protection at altitude.
Spanish and Quechua.
A celebrated cuisine — ceviche, lomo saltado and hundreds of potato varieties.
Plug types A and C; supply is 220V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is November – March. The season runs Nov–Mar (austral summer); conditions are changeable and itineraries flex with the ice. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
Earth's last great wilderness — the White Continent and its sub-Antarctic islands, reached by expedition ship across the Southern Ocean.
Plan on roughly 10 to 14 days; most journeys here are expedition- or voyage-led and move to their own rhythm.
Book well ahead — often a year or more — as expedition voyages have limited cabins and the best departures sell out early.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
No tropical-disease concerns. A medical questionnaire is required; good general health and mobility matter more than vaccinations here.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Moderate mobility for zodiac cruising and shore landings; a health questionnaire applies. No previous expedition experience is needed.
No local currency — expedition ships run onboard accounts settled by card. You won't need cash on the ice; onboard purchases and tips are handled by card or account.
Not applicable — you travel via Argentina or Chile, whose allowances apply. Onboard purchases are settled by account.
Most voyages depart by ship from Ushuaia (Argentina); some fly-cruise options use Punta Arenas (Chile).
There are no restaurants — all dining is aboard your expedition vessel, which is included. Ushuaia (your departure port) has good Patagonian seafood and king crab.
Expect to be largely offline. Some expedition ships offer limited, often paid, satellite wi-fi.
A zoom for wildlife and a wide lens for the ice; keep batteries warm. Drones are banned on most expeditions.
A gratuity for the expedition crew at the end of the voyage is customary; your ship suggests a guideline amount.
Expedition-led with strict safety protocols; landings depend on weather and ice. The Antarctic Treaty governs strict environmental rules — keep distance from wildlife, take nothing, leave nothing.
The Antarctic Treaty forbids taking anything (rocks, bones, feathers) or leaving anything behind. Drones are banned on most expeditions. No food may be taken ashore.
No permanent population — just wildlife, research stations and your expedition team. Serious cold-weather gear — many operators provide an expedition parka and loan boots; bring warm layers.
Expeditions are typically run in English by international teams.
Full dining aboard your expedition vessel.
Onboard sockets vary by vessel (often European type C/F or US type A/B) — your ship advises. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is December – March. Dec–Mar for snow and the aurora; summers are mild with long daylight. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The aurora heart of Lapland — glass igloos, huskies and reindeer, and Santa's own Arctic Circle.
Plan on roughly 10 to 14 days; most journeys here are expedition- or voyage-led and move to their own rhythm.
Book early — nine to twelve months or more — as expedition voyages and Arctic lodges have limited space and sell out well ahead.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
No malaria or yellow-fever concerns. Routine vaccinations should be current. The real consideration is extreme winter cold.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Moderate — expect zodiac landings and walks on uneven ground; good mobility makes it more enjoyable. No technical skills are needed.
The Euro (EUR). Effectively cashless — cards are accepted everywhere, including remote Lapland.
Arriving from outside the EU, typically up to 200 cigarettes and one litre of spirits per adult; within the EU, generous personal allowances. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Helsinki (HEL); for Lapland and the aurora, Rovaniemi (RVN) and Ivalo (IVL).
Helsinki has a refined Nordic scene — Olo and Savoy are well known. In Lapland, dining is at your wilderness hotel, often featuring reindeer and local fish.
Wi-fi is available in town hotels; at sea and in remote Arctic areas it is limited or by satellite — expect to be offline at times.
Keep spare batteries warm in the cold. A zoom for wildlife and a wide lens for the landscapes. Drones are generally not permitted — see the banned-items note.
On expeditions, a gratuity for the crew and guides at the end is customary, and the ship suggests a guideline. In the Nordic countries tipping is modest and not expected.
Among the safest countries in the world. Everyman's right allows respectful access to nature; follow it and leave no trace.
Illegal drugs carry penalties. Drones are regulated near airports and towns. Standard EU customs rules apply.
Reserved, honest and deeply connected to nature. Serious winter layers — thermal base, insulated outer, hat, gloves and proper boots.
Finnish and Swedish; English is widely and excellently spoken.
Reindeer, salmon, berries and rye breads.
Plug types C and F; supply is 230V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is June – September. Jun–Sep for ice, whales and hiking; winter for the aurora and dog-sledding. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The world's largest island — a realm of icebergs, calving glaciers and the great icefjord, where Inuit culture meets the high Arctic.
Plan on roughly 10 to 14 days; most journeys here are expedition- or voyage-led and move to their own rhythm.
Book early — nine to twelve months or more — as expedition voyages and Arctic lodges have limited space and sell out well ahead.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
No malaria or yellow-fever concerns. Routine vaccinations should be current. Cold and remoteness are the main considerations.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Moderate — expect zodiac landings and walks on uneven ground; good mobility makes it more enjoyable. No technical skills are needed.
The Danish Krone (DKK). Cards are accepted in towns; carry some cash for small settlements. It's an expensive destination.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes and one litre of spirits per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Often via Copenhagen or Reykjavík to Nuuk (GOH), Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) or Ilulissat (JAV).
Nuuk has a small but ambitious scene — Sarfalik is the best known, serving Arctic ingredients. In settlements and on expeditions, dining is at your hotel or aboard.
Wi-fi is available in town hotels; at sea and in remote Arctic areas it is limited or by satellite — expect to be offline at times.
Keep spare batteries warm in the cold. A zoom for wildlife and a wide lens for the landscapes. Drones are generally not permitted — see the banned-items note.
On expeditions, a gratuity for the crew and guides at the end is customary, and the ship suggests a guideline. In the Nordic countries tipping is modest and not expected.
Very safe; the considerations are weather, ice and logistics. Respect fragile Arctic environments and local hunting traditions; travel is weather-dependent.
Illegal drugs carry penalties. Respect hunting traditions and fragile Arctic sites. Drones are restricted. It is a remote, costly destination.
Inuit culture runs deep, with a profound relationship to the ice and sea. Serious cold-weather gear and windproof layers year-round.
Greenlandic and Danish; English is limited in smaller settlements.
Fish, seafood and traditional Arctic fare.
Plug types C, E, F and K; supply is 230V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is September – March, June – August. Sep–Mar for the aurora; Jun–Aug for the midnight sun and accessible highlands. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
Fire and ice at the edge of the Arctic — volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls beneath the winter aurora.
Plan on roughly 10 to 14 days; most journeys here are expedition- or voyage-led and move to their own rhythm.
Book early — nine to twelve months or more — as expedition voyages and Arctic lodges have limited space and sell out well ahead.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
No malaria or yellow-fever concerns. Routine vaccinations should be current. Weather is the real hazard — it changes fast.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Moderate — expect zodiac landings and walks on uneven ground; good mobility makes it more enjoyable. No technical skills are needed.
The Icelandic Króna (ISK). Effectively cashless — cards (with a PIN) are accepted everywhere, even at remote fuel stops.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes and one litre of spirits plus wine/beer per adult; alcohol is expensive, so many use the arrivals duty-free. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Keflavík (KEF), near Reykjavík.
Reykjavik punches above its weight — Dill (Iceland's Michelin star), Fiskmarkadurinn and the famous hot-dog stand. Outside the capital, dining is at your hotel.
Wi-fi is available in town hotels; at sea and in remote Arctic areas it is limited or by satellite — expect to be offline at times.
Keep spare batteries warm in the cold. A zoom for wildlife and a wide lens for the landscapes. Drones are generally not permitted — see the banned-items note.
On expeditions, a gratuity for the crew and guides at the end is customary, and the ship suggests a guideline. In the Nordic countries tipping is modest and not expected.
Extremely safe; the main risks are weather, roads and rough coastline. Strict rules against off-road driving (it scars fragile land) and approaching some natural sites.
Illegal drugs carry penalties. Off-road driving is illegal and heavily fined. Drones are restricted near sites and in bad weather. You may bring limited food.
Friendly, literary and proud of their wild landscapes. Windproof and waterproof layers in any season; the weather is famously fickle.
Icelandic; English is spoken almost universally.
Lamb, fresh fish and skyr (thick yoghurt).
Plug types C and F; supply is 230V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is September – March, May – August. Sep–Mar for the northern lights; May–Aug for the midnight sun and fjords. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
From the fjords to the polar north — sea-cliff coastlines and aurora, the Lofoten peaks, and the polar bears of Svalbard.
Plan on roughly 10 to 14 days; most journeys here are expedition- or voyage-led and move to their own rhythm.
Book early — nine to twelve months or more — as expedition voyages and Arctic lodges have limited space and sell out well ahead.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
No malaria or yellow-fever concerns. Routine vaccinations should be current. Arctic cold is the main consideration; in Svalbard, polar-bear safety protocols apply.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Moderate — expect zodiac landings and walks on uneven ground; good mobility makes it more enjoyable. No technical skills are needed.
The Norwegian Krone (NOK). Effectively cashless — cards are accepted everywhere. It's an expensive destination.
Typically a limited alcohol and tobacco allowance and personal effects; alcohol limits are strict. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Oslo (OSL); for the Arctic, Tromsø (TOS); for Svalbard, Longyearbyen (LYR).
Oslo has Maaemo (three stars) and a strong New Nordic scene. In Tromso and the Arctic, dining is at your hotel; on Svalbard, surprisingly fine restaurants exist in Longyearbyen.
Wi-fi is available in town hotels; at sea and in remote Arctic areas it is limited or by satellite — expect to be offline at times.
Keep spare batteries warm in the cold. A zoom for wildlife and a wide lens for the landscapes. Drones are generally not permitted — see the banned-items note.
On expeditions, a gratuity for the crew and guides at the end is customary, and the ship suggests a guideline. In the Nordic countries tipping is modest and not expected.
Very safe; in Svalbard, never leave settlements without an armed guide (polar bears). Strict environmental and wildlife rules, especially in Svalbard; respect the right-to-roam responsibly.
Illegal drugs carry penalties. Strict alcohol import limits (it is expensive locally). In Svalbard, you may not leave settlements without polar-bear protection. Drones are restricted.
Outdoorsy and reserved, with a deep love of nature (friluftsliv). Warm, windproof, waterproof layers; serious cold-weather kit for the Arctic and Svalbard.
Norwegian; English is widely and excellently spoken.
Superb seafood, salmon and brown cheese (brunost).
Plug types C and F; supply is 230V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is December – March. Dec–Mar for snow and the aurora in Lapland; summers are mild with long light. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
Arctic Sweden under the aurora — the original ICEHOTEL, Sami reindeer country, and the famously clear skies of Abisko.
Plan on roughly 10 to 14 days; most journeys here are expedition- or voyage-led and move to their own rhythm.
Book early — nine to twelve months or more — as expedition voyages and Arctic lodges have limited space and sell out well ahead.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
No malaria or yellow-fever concerns. Routine vaccinations should be current. Winter cold is the main consideration.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Moderate — expect zodiac landings and walks on uneven ground; good mobility makes it more enjoyable. No technical skills are needed.
The Swedish Krona (SEK). Among the most cashless countries — cards and phone payments are accepted virtually everywhere.
Arriving from outside the EU, typically up to 200 cigarettes and one litre of spirits per adult; within the EU, generous personal allowances. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Stockholm (ARN); for Lapland and the aurora, Kiruna (KRN).
Stockholm has a celebrated scene — Frantzen (three stars) and the Ostermalm food hall. In Lapland, the Icehotel's restaurant and wilderness lodges serve local game and fish.
Wi-fi is available in town hotels; at sea and in remote Arctic areas it is limited or by satellite — expect to be offline at times.
Keep spare batteries warm in the cold. A zoom for wildlife and a wide lens for the landscapes. Drones are generally not permitted — see the banned-items note.
On expeditions, a gratuity for the crew and guides at the end is customary, and the ship suggests a guideline. In the Nordic countries tipping is modest and not expected.
Very safe and orderly. Allemansrätten (right of public access) lets you roam nature respectfully — follow its leave-no-trace ethic.
Illegal drugs carry penalties. Drones are regulated near airports and towns. Standard EU customs rules apply.
Reserved, egalitarian and nature-loving. Warm winter layers for the north; lighter kit for mild summers.
Swedish; English is widely and excellently spoken.
Meatballs, cured fish, lingonberries and the institution of fika (coffee and cake).
Plug types C and F; supply is 230V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
The prime window is May – October. The drier months (roughly May–Oct) ease access; it's tropical and humid. See the month-by-month detail on our Safari Calendar.
The last great frontier of birds-of-paradise — raw New Guinea, where the world's most extravagant birds display in cloud forest.
Plan on roughly 10 to 14 days — this is a remote destination and the internal logistics take time.
Several months ahead at least, as logistics in remote areas need careful arranging and festival dates fill early.
Here we plan the journey ourselves and place you with local specialists we know personally and rate among the best — chosen for this region, and named openly so you always know who you’re travelling with.
A yellow-fever certificate is needed if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria is a serious risk — precautions are essential. Routine vaccinations plus typhoid and hepatitis A are sensible.
Yellow fever. There is no yellow fever here, but the country requires a certificate from anyone arriving from a risk country — so if you combine this with an African or Amazon journey, carry your certificate. Coming directly from a non-risk country, it is not needed.
We’re not a medical authority — please confirm with a travel clinic for your circumstances.
Reasonable fitness helps for humid conditions and uneven terrain in remote areas.
The Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK). Largely cash; cards are limited outside Port Moresby. Carry Kina, and arrange logistics through operators.
Typically up to 200 cigarettes and two litres of alcohol per adult, plus personal effects. Confirm current limits before you travel.
Port Moresby's Jacksons (POM), with onward flights to the regions.
Port Moresby has a few hotel restaurants (the Airways and Crowne Plaza are reliable). Beyond the capital, dining is with your lodge or expedition, often a traditional mumu feast.
Connectivity is limited outside Port Moresby — expect to be offline across much of the journey.
A zoom for wildlife and a wide lens for culture; humidity protection helps. Always ask permission before photographing people.
Tipping is not strongly expected but is appreciated for guides; we advise before you travel.
A remarkable but challenging destination — travel only with established operators and follow their security guidance closely. Respect village customs and land rights; photography of people should be with permission.
Illegal drugs carry penalties. Drones may need permission. Respect village land rights and always ask before photographing people. Exporting artefacts and wildlife is controlled.
Extraordinary cultural diversity — hundreds of tribes, languages and traditions. Modest and respectful, especially in villages; light tropical clothing.
Tok Pisin, English and Hiri Motu — among 800-plus languages.
Root crops (kaukau), and food cooked in earth ovens (mumu).
Plug type I (Australian-style); supply is 240V. A universal adapter is worth carrying.
If we haven’t answered it here, ask us directly — a real planner will reply, not a script.
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