Bienvenue à Yaoundé, la capitale animée du Cameroun, connue sous le nom de "ville aux sept collines" pour ses paysages vallonnés et son environnement verdoyant. À votre arrivée, notre chauffeur vous accueillera à l'aéroport et vous transférera à votre hébergement. En fonction de votre heure d'arrivée, vous disposerez d'un peu de temps libre pour vous détendre ou explorer la ville. Nous vous recommandons de visiter le Musée national, situé dans l'ancien palais présidentiel, où vous pourrez découvrir la riche histoire et les diverses cultures du Cameroun. -/-/-
-
28.01-07.02.26 scheduled
Itinéraire
Le Cameroun est un pays vivant, diversifié et plein de vie. Des rues animées de Yaoundé aux hauts plateaux brumeux et aux chutes d'eau rugissantes, ce voyage nous plonge au cœur du pays. Nous explorerons des marchés animés, visiterons des sites historiques et nous aventurerons dans les forêts pour rencontrer des communautés dont les traditions ont résisté à l'épreuve du temps. En chemin, nous nous arrêterons dans un sanctuaire de chimpanzés, où ces incroyables primates s'épanouissent dans leur habitat naturel. Chaque tournant révèle quelque chose de nouveau, qu'il s'agisse de l'odeur des épices dans un marché animé ou de la brume fraîche d'une chute d'eau cachée.
L'aventure prend ensuite une tournure plus sauvage en République centrafricaine, où la nature règne en maître. Nous nous tiendrons au bord des puissantes chutes de Boali, glisserons sur la rivière Oubangui en pirogue et nous promènerons dans la ville de Zinga, qui date de l'époque coloniale. Plus profondément dans la jungle, nous rencontrerons le peuple Baka, dont le mode de vie est tissé dans les rythmes de la forêt. C'est un voyage pour les audacieux, ceux qui recherchent le frisson de l'inconnu, la beauté de la nature sauvage et les histoires qui ne peuvent être trouvées qu'en dehors des sentiers battus.
Points forts :
♦ Chutes de Boali - une chute d'eau époustouflante de 60 mètres de haut entourée d'une forêt luxuriante en République centrafricaine.
♦ Sanctuaire de chimpanzés de Pongo Songo - une chance rare d'observer des chimpanzés rescapés s'épanouir dans leur habitat naturel.
♦ Fleuve Oubangui - l'une des grandes artères vitales de l'Afrique centrale, qui traverse de vastes étendues sauvages et des communautés riveraines dynamiques.
♦ Chute d'eau d'Ekom Nkam - l'une des chutes d'eau les plus étonnantes du Cameroun, célèbre dans le film Tarzan de 1984.
♦ Visite de la communauté Baka - une expérience immersive avec le peuple Baka, pour découvrir leurs traditions et leur mode de vie basés sur la forêt.
Programme du circuit
Day 1
Arrivée à Yaoundé, Cameroun.
Point de départ
Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Day 2
Yaoundé - Batoufam - Fombot
La journée d'aujourd'hui promet d'être passionnante, puisque nous explorons le cœur du Cameroun. Nous commencerons par une visite du monument emblématique de la réunification à Yaoundé, qui commémore la réunification du Cameroun français et britannique en 1961, marquant ainsi la formation du Cameroun moderne. Ce site historique symbolise l'unité nationale après des années de division et offre un aperçu de l'histoire complexe du pays. Nous nous rendrons ensuite à la Chefferie Batoufam, où nous découvrirons le rôle important du chef dans la gouvernance traditionnelle et la vie culturelle du peuple Batoufam. Même si nous ne rencontrons pas directement le chef, nous comprendrons mieux son influence et les pratiques culturelles qui guident la communauté. Les Batoufam sont connus pour leurs impressionnants masques en bois, chacun d'entre eux ayant une signification symbolique et étant utilisé lors des cérémonies qui honorent les ancêtres et les esprits. Ensuite, nous visiterons les sereines chutes d'eau de Metche, une merveille naturelle où les communautés locales peuvent célébrer des cérémonies spirituelles. Les cascades de ce type sont souvent considérées comme des sites sacrés où des offrandes sont faites aux esprits ancestraux censés habiter dans les eaux. Enfin, nous terminons la journée par un trajet en voiture jusqu'à Fombot, où nous nous installons à l'hôtel et nous reposons après une journée longue mais enrichissante. B/-/-
Day 3
Fombot - Foumban - Bafoussam
Aujourd'hui, nous nous plongeons dans le riche patrimoine culturel de la région de Foumban. Nous commençons par visiter le nouveau musée de Foumban, un espace impressionnant qui présente l'histoire, l'art et les traditions de la région. Le musée offre un regard fascinant sur l'histoire royale de la région, ainsi que des objets et des expositions liés au peuple Batoufam et à son importance culturelle. Ensuite, nous explorerons le marché local, où vous pourrez acheter des produits faits à la main, notamment des bijoux, des textiles et des objets d'artisanat qui reflètent le patrimoine artistique de la région. Dans l'après-midi, nous visiterons les villages musulmans Bororo, où nous découvrirons le mode de vie unique de cette communauté. Les Bororos, un sous-groupe des Peuls, sont traditionnellement des éleveurs nomades, et leur foi et leurs traditions communautaires sont au cœur de leur vie quotidienne. Ils vivent dans des maisons simples et circulaires et dépendent fortement du bétail pour leur subsistance et leur commerce. Les femmes sont douées pour le tissage, tandis que les hommes sont connus pour leur expertise en matière de gestion du bétail. La visite de ces villages donne un aperçu d'un mode de vie traditionnel et paisible qui n'a pratiquement pas changé depuis des générations. B/-/-
Day 4
Bafoussam - Ekom Nkam - Douala
Aujourd'hui, nous nous rendons à l'une des merveilles naturelles les plus époustouflantes du Cameroun, la cascade d'Ekom Nkam. Entourée d'une forêt tropicale luxuriante, cette puissante chute d'eau plonge de plus de 80 mètres dans un bassin rocheux en contrebas. C'est l'une des chutes d'eau les plus célèbres du pays, ayant servi de lieu de tournage pour le film Greystoke : La légende de Tarzan. Après avoir admiré la beauté d'Ekom Nkam, nous poursuivons notre voyage vers Douala, la plus grande ville du Cameroun et son centre économique. A notre arrivée, nous nous installons à l'hôtel et profitons d'une soirée relaxante après une journée d'aventure. B/-/-
Day 5
Douala - Sanctuaire des chimpanzés de Pongo Songo - Kribi
Nous commençons la journée par un trajet en voiture jusqu'à Marienberg, une petite ville au bord de la rivière qui a une importance historique. Nous visiterons l'église de Marienberg, une structure de l'époque coloniale qui rappelle la présence des premiers missionnaires au Cameroun. De Marienberg, nous embarquons à bord d'un bateau et voyageons le long de la rivière jusqu'à Pongo Songo, un sanctuaire dédié à la protection et à la réhabilitation des chimpanzés sauvés. Ces chimpanzés, victimes du braconnage et du commerce illégal d'animaux sauvages, sont soignés dans un environnement naturel où ils peuvent vivre librement. Le sanctuaire joue un rôle essentiel dans la conservation, offrant aux visiteurs une chance rare d'observer ces primates intelligents dans leur habitat. Après notre visite, nous continuons par la route vers Kribi, une ville côtière connue pour ses belles plages et son atmosphère relaxante. B/-/-
Day 6
Kribi - Cascades de Lobe - Douala
Nous commençons la journée par une visite du marché aux poissons animé de Kribi, où les pêcheurs locaux ramènent leurs prises fraîches de l'Atlantique. Ce marché animé offre un aperçu de la vie quotidienne des communautés côtières de Kribi, avec une grande variété de fruits de mer exposés. Ensuite, nous nous dirigeons vers les spectaculaires chutes d'eau de Lobe, l'une des attractions naturelles les plus célèbres de Kribi. Ces chutes d'eau de 30 mètres de haut sont uniques car elles se jettent directement dans l'océan Atlantique, l'un des rares endroits au monde où une rivière se jette directement dans la mer. La rivière Lobe, qui alimente les chutes, est une ressource essentielle pour les communautés locales, et le site revêt une profonde signification culturelle et spirituelle. Nous ferons une promenade en bateau sur la rivière pour voir de plus près les chutes et la forêt tropicale luxuriante environnante. Après avoir admiré la beauté des chutes de Lobe, nous prendrons du temps libre pour nous détendre sur les plages de sable de Kribi et nager dans les eaux chaudes de l'Atlantique. L'ambiance décontractée de la ville et son littoral pittoresque en font l'endroit idéal pour se détendre avant d'entamer notre voyage de retour vers Douala. B/-/-
Day 7
Douala - Bangui (République centrafricaine)
Aujourd'hui, nous prenons un vol de Douala à Bangui, la capitale de la République centrafricaine. L'horaire déterminera si nous aurons du temps libre à Douala avant le départ ou à Bangui à l'arrivée. Si le temps le permet à Douala, vous pourrez explorer les rues animées de la ville, visiter les marchés locaux ou profiter d'un repas décontracté avant de vous rendre à l'aéroport. Si vous avez du temps libre à Bangui, vous pouvez faire une petite promenade dans la ville, visiter un café local ou simplement vous détendre après le voyage.
Quel que soit l'horaire, cette journée sert de transition entre deux destinations incroyables, alors que nous nous préparons pour la prochaine étape de notre aventure. B/-/-
Day 8
Bangui - Zinga - Mbaiki
Après le petit-déjeuner, nous nous rendons au port et embarquons à bord d'une pirogue traditionnelle simple pour un voyage pittoresque sur la rivière Oubangui jusqu'à Zinga. Le voyage dure environ quatre heures et offre des vues imprenables sur les environs luxuriants de la rivière et des aperçus de la vie locale sur la rivière.
Zinga est une petite ville qui s'étend sur un kilomètre de long et 300 mètres de large. Autrefois un important port de ferry, elle reste une étape clé pour les bateaux voyageant entre Bangui et Brazzaville. L'histoire coloniale française de Zinga se reflète dans les vestiges d'un chemin de fer de 6 kilomètres de long, construit dans les années 1920 pour relier Zinga et Mongo. Bien qu'il n'ait jamais été entièrement opérationnel, il témoigne du passé de la région et a été ajouté à la liste indicative du patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO. Après avoir exploré Zinga, nous continuons vers la petite ville de Mbaiki, où nous nous installons pour la nuit, entourés par le charme tranquille de cette communauté riveraine. B/-/-
Day 9
Mbaiki - Village Baka - Bangui
Aujourd'hui, nous visitons un village Baka, où nous découvrons le mode de vie et les traditions uniques de l'une des communautés forestières indigènes les plus connues d'Afrique centrale. Les Baka sont traditionnellement des chasseurs-cueilleurs semi-nomades qui vivent dans les denses forêts tropicales de la région. Leurs techniques de survie sont profondément liées à la nature et reposent sur la chasse, la pêche et la cueillette de fruits sauvages, de miel et de plantes médicinales.
Les Baka ont une connaissance approfondie de la forêt, utilisent des plantes médicinales et construisent de petites huttes en forme de dôme, appelées mongulu, faites de feuilles et de branches. Bien que la modernisation ait influencé certains aspects de leur mode de vie, de nombreux Baka conservent de profonds liens spirituels et culturels avec la forêt. Dans le cadre de notre visite, nous assisterons à un spectacle de danse traditionnelle, élément essentiel de la culture Baka. Leur musique se caractérise par des chants polyphoniques, des tambours rythmiques et des mouvements corporels complexes, imitant souvent les sons et l'énergie du monde naturel. Ces danses sont utilisées pour raconter des histoires, des rituels spirituels et des célébrations, offrant une expérience rare et envoûtante. Nous entamerons ensuite notre voyage de retour vers Bangui en voiture, en traversant les paysages pittoresques de la République centrafricaine. B/-/-
Day 10
Bangui - Cascades de Boali - Bangui
Aujourd'hui, nous ferons une excursion d'une journée aux chutes de Boali, situées à environ 80 kilomètres de Bangui. Les chutes d'eau sont l'un des sites naturels les plus impressionnants de la République centrafricaine, l'eau se déversant en cascade sur des falaises rocheuses dans des bassins profonds en contrebas. Le site abrite également la centrale hydroélectrique de Boali, qui utilise l'eau des chutes pour produire de l'électricité pour Bangui et ses environs. À notre arrivée, nous aurons l'occasion d'explorer les chutes, de prendre des photos et de faire une randonnée dans la région. Les chutes constituent un excellent point de vue pour observer la puissance de la nature et les efforts locaux pour exploiter l'énergie hydroélectrique. Dans l'après-midi, nous retournerons à Bangui.B/-/-
Day 11
Départ
Transfert à l'aéroport pour le départ (non inclus dans le prix)
Point d’arrivée
Bangui, Central African Republic
Politique d'annulation
UPDATED TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS OF JANUARY 9TH, 2024
The following Booking Conditions, together with all information relating to your chosen holiday contained on our website or in our relevant brochure, form the basis of your contract with Penguin Travel (operating through its brand names TrekkingBulgaria, CyclingBulgaria, BirdwatchingBulgaria, HorseridingBulgaria, BulgariaCarRent, Skibulgarien.dk, Solowalks etc.).
1. Making your booking.
Once we have received your booking request an invoice will be issued and sent to you, which is actually a confirmation for the services required. 10-14 days before departure, we will send you the vouchers for all services, stated in the invoice. Contact us immediately if any information, which is presented, on any document appears to be incorrect or incomplete as it may not be possible to make changes later.
2. Payment.
In order to confirm your holiday you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of at least 30% of your selected travel arrangements (or minimum 150 EUR or equivalent).
The deposit must be paid at the time of booking (or within a week after that, but not later).
In order to secure particular flight fares, we may require a higher deposit than normal to be paid at the time of booking. This may include an amount up to the full cost of the flight(s) concerned. We will advise you of this before you confirm your booking.
We must receive the balance of the holiday price not less than 6 weeks prior to departure. If we do not receive all payments due (including any surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we will send you a written reminder. If you do not pay all payments due in full within 7 days of receiving this reminder, we reserve the right to treat your booking as canceled by you.
What is a Local Payment?
The local payment is a predetermined amount (usually 100 or 200 EUR per person) which is mandatory on some of our tours to be paid cash to the tour leader upon arrival. The local payment is part of the total cost of the tour, it is NOT an additional fee. This exact amount is deducted from your initial invoice that you pay pre-departure.
Why do we have a Local Payment?
Having a small part of the cost paid cash as a local payment is a standard practice in the tourism industry. During some of our tours in specific parts of the world, there are a lot of cash expenses that we as an agency need to cover (which are included in your travel package).That's why to make it safer and easier for our tour leader, they will collect a small amount in cash directly from you during the tour.
Having a Local Payment also allows us to keep the cost of our tours competitive and save on operational and administrative costs, so we can pass the savings on to you.
Please note that the local payment doesn't cover tips for the local guides, entry fees or other personal expenses.
3. The cost of your holiday
We reserve the right to make changes to and correct errors in advertised prices at any time before your holiday is confirmed. If there are any changes to the published prices, these will be confirmed at the time of booking. We will advise you of any error of which we are aware and of the then applicable price at the time of booking. Once the price of your chosen holiday has been confirmed at the time of booking then, subject to the correction of errors, we will only increase or decrease the price, subject to the conditions set out in this clause, if our costs increase or decrease as a result of transportation costs (e.g. fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline surcharges which are part of the contract between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator) or dues, taxes or fees payable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or airports increasing or decreasing. We will absorb increased costs up to a total amount equivalent to 5% of the cost of your confirmed holiday. Only if the increased costs exceed this 5% will we ask you to pay the difference. If any increase is greater than 5% of the cost of your holiday, you will be entitled to cancel your booking and receive a full refund of all monies paid to us (except for any amendment charges) or alternatively purchase another holiday from us.
4. If you change your booking
a) An administration fee of 100 EUR per booking will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 90 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the charges below. Changes are subject to availability.
b) If a client is unable to travel, in circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking or that client’s place on the booking may be transferred to another suitable person (introduced by you). However, the tour arrangements must remain the same as originally booked. If a transfer can be made, an administration charge of 100 EUR per person transferring his/her place if the Company is advised up to your balance due date or 100 EUR per person if advised after your balance due date.
For flight inclusive bookings, you must pay the charges levied by the airline concerned. As most airlines do not permit name changes after tickets have been issued for any reason, these charges are likely to be the full cost of the flight / an alternative flight.
5. If you cancel your booking.
Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written is received by the Company as a percentage of the total tour price per person canceling, excluding any amendment charges and insurance premium)
a) 60 and more days before tour start date – retention of deposit
b) 59-45 days before tour start date – 50% or retention of deposit if higher
c) Less than 44 days before tour start date – 100%
6. Changes and cancellation by us.
We start planning the holidays we offer many months in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and correct errors in brochure, website and other details both before and after bookings have been confirmed and cancel confirmed bookings. Whilst we always endeavor to avoid changes and cancellations, we must reserve the right to do so. Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to make a "significant change" before departure, such as: a change of accommodation to that of a lower official classification or standard for the whole or a major part of the time you are away, a change of accommodation area for the whole or a major part of the time you are away, a change of outward departure time or overall length of time you are away of twelve or more hours, alterations to your confirmed place of departure that add more than 100 miles to any single leg of your journey. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will tell you as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of the following options: (a) accepting the changed arrangements or (b) purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a similar standard to that originally booked if available. We will offer you at least one alternative holiday of equivalent or higher standard for which you will not be asked to pay any more than the price of the original holiday. If you do not wish to accept the holiday we specifically offer you, you may choose any of our other then available holidays. You must pay the applicable price of any such holiday. This will mean you’re paying more if it is more expensive or receiving a refund if it is cheaper or (c) canceling or accepting the cancellation in which case you will receive a full and quick refund of all monies you have paid to us.
7. Force majeure.
Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by, or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss as a result of, "force majeure". In these Booking Conditions, "force majeure" means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control.
8. Our liability to you
(1) We promise to make sure that the holiday arrangements we have agreed to make, perform or provide as applicable as part of our contract with you are made, performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. This means that, subject to these booking conditions, we will accept responsibility if, for example, you suffer death or personal injury or your contracted holiday arrangements are not provided as promised or prove deficient as a result of the failure of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers to use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or providing, as applicable, your contracted holiday arrangements. Please note it is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the course of their employment (for employees) or carrying out work we had asked them to do (for agents and suppliers). We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss (for example loss of enjoyment), damage, expense, cost or other sum or claim of any description whatsoever which results from any of the following:
(a) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected or any member(s) of their party or
(b) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of your holiday and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable or (c) 'force majeure'. We cannot accept responsibility for any services, which do not form part of our contract. This includes, for example, any additional services or facilities which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where the services or facilities are not advertised in our brochure or website and we have not agreed to arrange them.
Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description (1) which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you or (2) which did not result from any breach of contract or other fault by ourselves or our employees or, where we are responsible for them, our suppliers. Additionally we cannot accept liability for any business losses.
(2) The promises we make to you about the services we have agreed to provide or arrange as part of our contract - and the laws and regulations of the country in which your claim or complaint occurred - will be used as the basis for deciding whether the services in question had been properly provided. If the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied with local laws and regulations applicable to those services at the time, the services will be treated as having been properly provided. The exception to this is where the claim or complaint concerns the absence of a safety feature, which might lead a reasonable holidaymaker to refuse to take the holiday in question.
(3) Where any claim or part of a claim concerns or is based on any travel arrangements (including the process of getting on and off the transport concerned) provided by any air, sea, rail or road carrier or any stay in a hotel, the maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay you will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for that claim or that part of a claim if we are found liable to you on any basis is the most the carrier or hotel keeper concerned would have to pay under the international convention or regulation which applies to the travel arrangements or hotel stay in question (including, for example, the Warsaw Convention as amended or unamended and the Montreal Convention 1999 for international travel by air and/or for airlines with an operating license granted by an EU country, the EU Regulation on Air Carrier Liability No 889/2002 for national and international travel by air and the Athens convention for international travel by sea). Please note: Where a carrier or hotel would not be obliged to make any payment to you under the applicable International Convention or Regulation in respect of a claim or part of a claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money, which you have received or are entitled to receive from the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question. (4)
You must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may reasonably require. You must also tell us and the supplier concerned about your claim or complaint as set out below. If asked to do so, you must transfer to our insurers or us any rights you have against the supplier or whoever else is responsible for your claim or complaint (if the person concerned is under 18, their parent or guardian must do so). You must also agree to cooperate fully with our insurers and us if our insurers or we want to enforce any rights, which are transferred.
9. Complaints and problems.
In the unlikely event that you have any reason to complain or experience any problems with your holiday whilst away, you must immediately inform the hotelier, carrier or other supplier in question. Any verbal notification must be put in writing and given to them as soon as possible. If the complaint or problem is not resolved to your satisfaction straight away, you must contact us with full details by mail within 48 hours. Until we know about a problem or complaint, we cannot assist. Most problems can be dealt with quickly. If you remain dissatisfied, however, you must write to us within 20 days of your return back to your home giving your booking reference and full details of your complaint.
10. Destinations Less Traveled
Due to the nature of travel to our unique destinations, itineraries do not provide or imply a guarantee of the tour’s contents. Though we will make every effort to keep itineraries as described and to find suitable replacements, Penguin Travel and our travel partners reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary in response to unforeseeable events.
In many of the countries that we operate in, especially in the countries of West Africa, tourism is in its infancy and although we strive to maintain as high standards as possible there may be occasions where you encounter discomfort, inconvenience or frustration. It is important that you are prepared to accept these countries as they are.
There may be occasions where the accommodation is very basic, perhaps without electricity or running water. This is often the reality of traveling in remote locations, but we believe it is a small price to pay for the rewards that such travel entails.
11. Luggage Restrictions
On some of our tours, especially in Africa and Central/South America, it is mandatory to carry your luggage in a travel bag or backpack (hard-shell suitcases are not allowed) with a protective cover (rain cover). Your luggage may be stored on top of the bus. The luggage restriction on such tours is: 1x soft shell luggage less than 15kg. and 1 day backpack. It will be mentioned in the "Practical information" of the specific tour what the luggage restrictions are оr our representatives will let you know during the booking process.
12. Pioneer Tours.
A pioneer tour is a travel term that refers to a group tour to a new region with a tour leader, or to a tour that is carried out for the first time. Penguin Travel's pioneer tours are journeys to exotic and authentic travel destinations that are off the beaten track and foreign to mass tourism. What we aim to do with this type of tours is to explore and test these new destinations. More often than not, it is impossible to plan every detail on these tours, and changes can occur as we are exploring the destination. Patience, active participation and flexibility are required for one to participate in these exploration journeys. If you are adventurous, spontaneous, and open to the possibility of unexpected circumstances while traveling, you are very likely to enjoy the varied and unforgettable cultural and nature experiences on our pioneer tours. These tours are offered at a lower price than our regular tours, and quite possibly at the lowest price on the market.
13. Passport and Visa Requirements. Vaccinations.
To be absolutely safe, it is a good idea to make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the date of return of your Tour.
Remember to apply for any necessary visa in good time.
Although we provide invitations for visas, it is your responsibility to ensure all the information is correct and that visa is valid for the duration of your stay.
You are responsible for ensuring you have a valid visa* for the destination, you are traveling to where required. We will provide you with support paperwork and advise you on the visa process but you must be aware that visa regulations change constantly and differ between Embassies in different countries.
Our advice should only be taken as a guide and you should ensure you are aware of all the up to date requirements from your government state advice and the nearest Embassy of the country you are visiting.
Check which vaccinations and medication you may require and allow time to obtain them.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain all necessary inoculations, take all necessary medication and follow all medical advice in relation to your holiday. Remember to bring certificates and confirmations with you in your hand luggage.
14. Website accuracy
Please note, the information and prices shown on this site may have changed by the time you come to book your holiday. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the website, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. This website is our sole responsibility. They are not produced on behalf of and do not commit any independent organization/carriers whose services are featured in it.
Some of our tour descriptions include interactive maps. Please keep in mind there might be some tours with small differences between the written description and the maps. In such cases, the written description is to be referred to as the actual one and the most updated one.
NB. The price is per person for double occupancy. If you are a single traveler you need to pay a single supplement from the start even though you may wish to share a room with an unknown traveler. Possibility of sharing a room will be known after we receive bookings from other clients, and if there is such a possibility and both parties agree, then we will refund the single supplement paid.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OLD TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS OF JAN 9TH, 2024
The following Booking Conditions, together with all information relating to your chosen holiday contained on our website or in our relevant brochure, form the basis of your contract with Penguin Travel (operating through its brand names TrekkingBulgaria, CyclingBulgaria, BirdwatchingBulgaria, HorseridingBulgaria, BulgariaCarRent, Skibulgarien.dk, Solowalks etc.).
1. Making your booking.
Once we have received your booking request an invoice will be issued and sent to you, which is actually a confirmation for the services required. 10-14 days before departure, we will send you the vouchers for all services, stated in the invoice. Contact us immediately if any information, which is presented, on any document appears to be incorrect or incomplete as it may not be possible to make changes later.
2. Payment.
In order to confirm your holiday you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of at least 30% of your selected travel arrangements (or minimum 150 EUR or equivalent).
The deposit must be paid at the time of booking (or within a week after that, but not later).
In order to secure particular flight fares, we may require a higher deposit than normal to be paid at the time of booking. This may include an amount up to the full cost of the flight(s) concerned. We will advise you of this before you confirm your booking.
We must receive the balance of the holiday price not less than 6 weeks prior to departure. If we do not receive all payments due (including any surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we will send you a written reminder. If you do not pay all payments due in full within 7 days of receiving this reminder, we reserve the right to treat your booking as canceled by you.
What is a Local Payment?
The local payment is a predetermined amount (usually 100 or 200 EUR per person) which is mandatory on some of our tours to be paid cash to the tour leader upon arrival. The local payment is part of the total cost of the tour, it is NOT an additional fee. This exact amount is deducted from your initial invoice that you pay pre-departure.
Why do we have a Local Payment?
Having a small part of the cost paid cash as a local payment is a standard practice in the tourism industry. During some of our tours in specific parts of the world, there are a lot of cash expenses that we as an agency need to cover (which are included in your travel package).That's why to make it safer and easier for our tour leader, they will collect a small amount in cash directly from you during the tour.
Having a Local Payment also allows us to keep the cost of our tours competitive and save on operational and administrative costs, so we can pass the savings on to you.
Please note that the local payment doesn't cover tips for the local guides, entry fees or other personal expenses.
3. The cost of your holiday
We reserve the right to make changes to and correct errors in advertised prices at any time before your holiday is confirmed. If there are any changes to the published prices, these will be confirmed at the time of booking. We will advise you of any error of which we are aware and of the then applicable price at the time of booking. Once the price of your chosen holiday has been confirmed at the time of booking then, subject to the correction of errors, we will only increase or decrease the price, subject to the conditions set out in this clause, if our costs increase or decrease as a result of transportation costs (e.g. fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline surcharges which are part of the contract between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator) or dues, taxes or fees payable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or airports increasing or decreasing. We will absorb increased costs up to a total amount equivalent to 5% of the cost of your confirmed holiday. Only if the increased costs exceed this 5% will we ask you to pay the difference. If any increase is greater than 5% of the cost of your holiday, you will be entitled to cancel your booking and receive a full refund of all monies paid to us (except for any amendment charges) or alternatively purchase another holiday from us.
4. If you change your booking
a) An administration fee of 100 EUR per booking will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 90 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the charges below. Changes are subject to availability.
b) If a client is unable to travel, in circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking or that client’s place on the booking may be transferred to another suitable person (introduced by you). However, the tour arrangements must remain the same as originally booked. If a transfer can be made, an administration charge of 100 EUR per person transferring his/her place if the Company is advised up to your balance due date or 100 EUR per person if advised after your balance due date.
For flight inclusive bookings, you must pay the charges levied by the airline concerned. As most airlines do not permit name changes after tickets have been issued for any reason, these charges are likely to be the full cost of the flight / an alternative flight.
5. If you cancel your booking.
Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written is received by the Company as a percentage of the total tour price per person canceling, excluding any amendment charges and insurance premium)
a) 60 and more days before tour start date – retention of deposit
b) 59-45 days before tour start date – 50% or retention of deposit if higher
c) Less than 44 days before tour start date – 100%
6. Changes and cancellation by us.
We start planning the holidays we offer many months in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and correct errors in brochure, website and other details both before and after bookings have been confirmed and cancel confirmed bookings. Whilst we always endeavor to avoid changes and cancellations, we must reserve the right to do so. Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to make a "significant change" before departure, such as: a change of accommodation to that of a lower official classification or standard for the whole or a major part of the time you are away, a change of accommodation area for the whole or a major part of the time you are away, a change of outward departure time or overall length of time you are away of twelve or more hours, alterations to your confirmed place of departure that add more than 100 miles to any single leg of your journey. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will tell you as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of the following options: (a) accepting the changed arrangements or (b) purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a similar standard to that originally booked if available. We will offer you at least one alternative holiday of equivalent or higher standard for which you will not be asked to pay any more than the price of the original holiday. If you do not wish to accept the holiday we specifically offer you, you may choose any of our other then available holidays. You must pay the applicable price of any such holiday. This will mean you’re paying more if it is more expensive or receiving a refund if it is cheaper or (c) canceling or accepting the cancellation in which case you will receive a full and quick refund of all monies you have paid to us.
7. Force majeure.
Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by, or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss as a result of, "force majeure". In these Booking Conditions, "force majeure" means any event which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control.
8. Our liability to you
(1) We promise to make sure that the holiday arrangements we have agreed to make, perform or provide as applicable as part of our contract with you are made, performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. This means that, subject to these booking conditions, we will accept responsibility if, for example, you suffer death or personal injury or your contracted holiday arrangements are not provided as promised or prove deficient as a result of the failure of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers to use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or providing, as applicable, your contracted holiday arrangements. Please note it is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the course of their employment (for employees) or carrying out work we had asked them to do (for agents and suppliers). We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss (for example loss of enjoyment), damage, expense, cost or other sum or claim of any description whatsoever which results from any of the following:
(a) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected or any member(s) of their party or
(b) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of your holiday and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable or (c) 'force majeure'. We cannot accept responsibility for any services, which do not form part of our contract. This includes, for example, any additional services or facilities which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where the services or facilities are not advertised in our brochure or website and we have not agreed to arrange them.
Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description (1) which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you or (2) which did not result from any breach of contract or other fault by ourselves or our employees or, where we are responsible for them, our suppliers. Additionally we cannot accept liability for any business losses.
(2) The promises we make to you about the services we have agreed to provide or arrange as part of our contract - and the laws and regulations of the country in which your claim or complaint occurred - will be used as the basis for deciding whether the services in question had been properly provided. If the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied with local laws and regulations applicable to those services at the time, the services will be treated as having been properly provided. The exception to this is where the claim or complaint concerns the absence of a safety feature, which might lead a reasonable holidaymaker to refuse to take the holiday in question.
(3) Where any claim or part of a claim concerns or is based on any travel arrangements (including the process of getting on and off the transport concerned) provided by any air, sea, rail or road carrier or any stay in a hotel, the maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay you will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for that claim or that part of a claim if we are found liable to you on any basis is the most the carrier or hotel keeper concerned would have to pay under the international convention or regulation which applies to the travel arrangements or hotel stay in question (including, for example, the Warsaw Convention as amended or unamended and the Montreal Convention 1999 for international travel by air and/or for airlines with an operating license granted by an EU country, the EU Regulation on Air Carrier Liability No 889/2002 for national and international travel by air and the Athens convention for international travel by sea). Please note: Where a carrier or hotel would not be obliged to make any payment to you under the applicable International Convention or Regulation in respect of a claim or part of a claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money, which you have received or are entitled to receive from the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question. (4)
You must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may reasonably require. You must also tell us and the supplier concerned about your claim or complaint as set out below. If asked to do so, you must transfer to our insurers or us any rights you have against the supplier or whoever else is responsible for your claim or complaint (if the person concerned is under 18, their parent or guardian must do so). You must also agree to cooperate fully with our insurers and us if our insurers or we want to enforce any rights, which are transferred.
9. Complaints and problems.
In the unlikely event that you have any reason to complain or experience any problems with your holiday whilst away, you must immediately inform the hotelier, carrier or other supplier in question. Any verbal notification must be put in writing and given to them as soon as possible. If the complaint or problem is not resolved to your satisfaction straight away, you must contact us with full details by mail within 48 hours. Until we know about a problem or complaint, we cannot assist. Most problems can be dealt with quickly. If you remain dissatisfied, however, you must write to us within 20 days of your return back to your home giving your booking reference and full details of your complaint.
10. Destinations Less Traveled
Due to the nature of travel to our unique destinations, itineraries do not provide or imply a guarantee of the tour’s contents. Though we will make every effort to keep itineraries as described and to find suitable replacements, Penguin Travel and our travel partners reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary in response to unforeseeable events.
In many of the countries that we operate in, especially in the countries of West Africa, tourism is in its infancy and although we strive to maintain as high standards as possible there may be occasions where you encounter discomfort, inconvenience or frustration. It is important that you are prepared to accept these countries as they are.
There may be occasions where the accommodation is very basic, perhaps without electricity or running water. This is often the reality of traveling in remote locations, but we believe it is a small price to pay for the rewards that such travel entails.
11. Luggage Restrictions
On some of our tours, especially in Africa and Central/South America, it is mandatory to carry your luggage in a travel bag or backpack (hard-shell suitcases are not allowed) with a protective cover (rain cover). Your luggage may be stored on top of the bus. The luggage restriction on such tours is: 1x soft shell luggage less than 15kg. and 1 day backpack. It will be mentioned in the "Practical information" of the specific tour what the luggage restrictions are оr our representatives will let you know during the booking process.
12. Pioneer Tours.
A pioneer tour is a travel term that refers to a group tour to a new region with a tour leader, or to a tour that is carried out for the first time. Penguin Travel's pioneer tours are journeys to exotic and authentic travel destinations that are off the beaten track and foreign to mass tourism. What we aim to do with this type of tours is to explore and test these new destinations. More often than not, it is impossible to plan every detail on these tours, and changes can occur as we are exploring the destination. Patience, active participation and flexibility are required for one to participate in these exploration journeys. If you are adventurous, spontaneous, and open to the possibility of unexpected circumstances while traveling, you are very likely to enjoy the varied and unforgettable cultural and nature experiences on our pioneer tours. These tours are offered at a lower price than our regular tours, and quite possibly at the lowest price on the market.
13. Passport and Visa Requirements. Vaccinations.
To be absolutely safe, it is a good idea to make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the date of return of your Tour.
Remember to apply for any necessary visa in good time.
Although we provide invitations for visas, it is your responsibility to ensure all the information is correct and that visa is valid for the duration of your stay.
You are responsible for ensuring you have a valid visa* for the destination, you are traveling to where required. We will provide you with support paperwork and advise you on the visa process but you must be aware that visa regulations change constantly and differ between Embassies in different countries.
Our advice should only be taken as a guide and you should ensure you are aware of all the up to date requirements from your government state advice and the nearest Embassy of the country you are visiting.
Check which vaccinations and medication you may require and allow time to obtain them.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain all necessary inoculations, take all necessary medication and follow all medical advice in relation to your holiday. Remember to bring certificates and confirmations with you in your hand luggage.
14. Website accuracy
Please note, the information and prices shown on this site may have changed by the time you come to book your holiday. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the website, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. This website is our sole responsibility. They are not produced on behalf of and do not commit any independent organization/carriers whose services are featured in it.
Some of our tour descriptions include interactive maps. Please keep in mind there might be some tours with small differences between the written description and the maps. In such cases, the written description is to be referred to as the actual one and the most updated one.
NB. The price is per person for double occupancy. If you are a single traveler you need to pay a single supplement from the start even though you may wish to share a room with an unknown traveler. Possibility of sharing a room will be known after we receive bookings from other clients, and if there is such a possibility and both parties agree, then we will refund the single supplement paid.
Détails du circuit
Hébergement
l'hébergement selon la description (9 nuits dans des hôtels standard et une nuit dans un bungalow de base ou dans une maison d'hôtes de missionnaires catholiques à Mbaiki)
Transport
transport selon le programme, transfert à l'aéroport d'arrivée
Assurance
Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.
Vols
Vols internationaux
billet d'avion Douala - Bangui (ca. 200-280 EUR/le prix est flexible et peut être différent pour votre date de départ)
Services supplémentaires
le transfert de l'aéroport de départ (peut être organisé avec le guide local sur place moyennant un supplément)
les lettres d'invitation et les frais de visa
les boissons et les repas non mentionnés dans le programme
les droits d'entrée (80-90 EUR)
les pourboires et les dépenses personnelles
Repas
les repas selon la description (B-petit déjeuner ; L-déjeuner ; D-dîner)
Guide
Guide parlant anglais
Guide pour la visite des pingouins à partir de 10 personnes
Bon à savoir
Devise
XAF
CFA Franc BEAC
Cameroun
Prises et adaptateurs
Plug type C
Plug type E
Plug type F
Customer reviews
Operator
Faq Tour
How can I book a tour?
You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.
Which payment options are available?
We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.
Can I change or cancel my reservation?
Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.
What documents are required to participate in the tour?
You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.
Photo gallery
