Footprint Adventures General information

Trip Grading and General Information about Footprint Tours

Our philosophy is based on sustainability - the long term assurance that whatever activity we conduct in any specific natural area, must contribute to the conservation and the well being of the inhabitants of that area, thus ensuring that future generations will be able to visit those same areas and enjoy the same experience.

Grading

1 - Wildlife Safaris, for average traveller, no special preparation required.

2 - Trekking, Rafting and Overland Safaris for the average active person, no special preparation required but roughing it from time to time.

3 - Trekking, Jungle and Walking Safari activities for active person, pre departure hikes and regular exercises are highly recommended. Daily walking 5 to 7 hrs.

4 - Treks involving mountain passes and clients must not only be physically fit but also be able to cope with the unexpected. Daily walking 6 - 8 hrs occasionally 9 - 10 hrs

5 - Treks involving High Mountain passes above 5000m and peak climbing, clients must be physically very fit and very well prepared and be able to cope with difficult conditions. Daily walking 6 - 9 hrs occasionally 9 - 12 hrs.

Please remember the fitter and more prepared you are the more enjoyment you will get out of your trip. These grades are not based on length alone, but also take into account altitude and nature of terrain. * - Grade as shown but trails can be in poor conditions or that due to the jungle environment and high humidity this trip can be very strenuous.

Quality You will find our tours are not only very competitive but also of a high standard. Please be aware that standards differ greatly in different parts of the world, especially so in the more remote areas. This unique combination has been made possible, by our detailed knowledge of the destinations and highly experienced ground operators.

Tour Leaders Our leaders are fully qualified Nationals who will meet you at your destination. For a small number of tours you will be required to make your way to our local offices. For private groups or on special request, a leader can be assigned from the UK.

Wildlife Tours Our Wildlife Tours are designed to give you the best chances of seeing some of the large wildlife. We make extensive use of the many National Parks and Wildlife Reserves. Most of these parks offer some visitor facilities, but the standards vary greatly. Many of these Wildlife Reserves are long established, consequently some of the wildlife have become quite accustomed to visitors. But as with all wildlife observation, it is important that visitors are very quiet and wear dull clothing.

Delays Every effort is made to avoid delays and changes to the itinerary, but due to the nature of our trips there will be occasions when they do happen. Where a delay does occur, we shall do everything possible to minimize its effects, but we cannot be responsible for the result of delays.

Our Cancellation Due to the special nature of our trips, we cannot guarantee the departure of every holiday. We will try very hard to ensure that each trip runs. Should we have to cancel a particular trip for any reasons we will let you know at least 2 months prior to departure. We will then offer you an alternative departure, or refund all payments made to us.

Attitude For those who want to travel and enjoy the countries we go to, it is very important to set your expectations on the right level for the country you are visiting - leaving Western expectations behind.

Remoteness Some areas in which we operate are very remote. Consequently the lifestyle on these tours are necessarily very different from that of an ordinary holiday. If you are not prepared or willing to accept this, you should not travel on these long, remote treks.

Baggage On the majority of treks all your trek baggage will be carried by porters or pack animals. You need only carry a small daypack for your essentials. You are restricted to 20 kg of baggage on flights and to around 14 kg on the trek. Items not required during the trek can be left in a locked bag at the hotel. Please see the detailed itineraries on what is included in each tour. NO SUITCASES PLEASE.

Equipment All basic communal camping equipment will be supplied by us. This includes all cooking and eating utensils, two-man tents, dining tent, table and stools, foam mats and toilet tent. You will need to bring a sleeping bag, walking boots, daypack and other personal items. A full clothing and equipment list will be sent to you on booking.

Accommodation This cost is always part of the stated price, whether in hotels or camping. Hotels used in larger towns are at least tourist-class and chosen for their most convenient location and facilities. Twin rooms with private bathrooms are normally provided unless special requests have been made. Hotels in smaller places are the best available.

Health We recommend you have a medical and dental check up and strongly recommend immunization against yellow fever, typhoid, TB, polio, tetanus, hepatitis, rabies, meningitis and you take anti-malaria tablets if required. Check with your nearest travel clinic.

Trek Staff On all our treks we take an experienced team of guides, cooks, and porters or animal drivers, managed by a local Sirdar in Nepal and a chief guide in other places. The guides will assist at all times, and will encourage you to walk at your own pace.

Insurance It is a condition of joining one of our holidays that you must be insured against medical and personal accident risks including evacuation and repatriation. We offer a special comprehensive cover that includes cancellation insurance. If you make your own insurance arrangement and as a result of an accident or illness you, or any accompanying member of your family, should be in need of medical evacuation which is not covered by your insurance, all expenses incurred by Footprint Adventures will be reimbursed in full by you.

Itineraries A detailed itinerary will be sent to you on booking, or on special request. On our holidays local weather, politics, transport or a host of other factors can mean a change in itinerary. It is very unlikely that an itinerary would be substantially altered, but should this become necessary your leader will decide the best alternative, in consultation with you.

Single supplement Additional payments for single supplements will only have to be made if you specifically require a single room or if you are traveling alone and we are unable to pair you with another single. Prices of single supplements are available on request.