Welkom in Yaoundé, de levendige hoofdstad van Kameroen, bekend als de "Stad van de Zeven Heuvels" vanwege de glooiende landschappen en groene omgeving. Bij aankomst ontmoet onze chauffeur je op het vliegveld en brengt je naar je accommodatie. Afhankelijk van je aankomsttijd heb je wat vrije tijd om te ontspannen of om de stad te verkennen. We raden je aan een bezoek te brengen aan het Nationaal Museum, gehuisvest in het voormalige presidentiële paleis, waar je een fascinerende introductie krijgt in de rijke geschiedenis en diverse culturen van Kameroen. -/-/-
Een glimp van Kameroen en de Centraal-Afrikaanse Republiek
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28.01-07.02.26 scheduled
Reisroute
Kameroen - bruisend, divers en vol leven. Van de bruisende straten van Yaoundé tot de mistige hooglanden en bruisende watervallen, deze reis neemt ons mee naar het hart van het land. We verkennen levendige markten, bezoeken historische plaatsen en wagen ons in de bossen om gemeenschappen te ontmoeten waarvan de tradities de tand des tijds hebben doorstaan. Onderweg stoppen we bij een chimpanseeopvangcentrum, waar deze ongelooflijke primaten in hun natuurlijke omgeving gedijen. Elke bocht onthult iets nieuws - of het nu de geur is van kruiden op een drukke markt of de ruisende koele mist van een verborgen waterval.
Daarna neemt het avontuur een wilde wending in de Centraal-Afrikaanse Republiek, waar de natuur hoogtij viert. We staan aan de rand van de machtige Boali watervallen, glijden per pirogue over de Oubangui rivier en wandelen door het koloniale stadje Zinga. Dieper in de jungle ontmoeten we het Bakavolk, wiens levenswijze verweven is met de ritmes van het woud. Dit is een reis voor de stoutmoedigen die op zoek zijn naar de spanning van het onbekende, de schoonheid van het ongetemde en de verhalen die alleen buiten de gebaande paden te vinden zijn.
Hoogtepunten:
♦ Boali Falls - een adembenemende 60 meter hoge waterval omgeven door weelderige bossen in de Centraal-Afrikaanse Republiek.
Pongo Songo Chimpansee Sanctuary - een zeldzame kans om geredde chimpansees te zien gedijen in hun natuurlijke omgeving.
♦ Oubangui rivier - een van de grote levensaders van Centraal-Afrika, die door uitgestrekte wildernis en levendige gemeenschappen langs de rivier stroomt.
Ekom Nkam waterval - een van de mooiste watervallen van Kameroen, beroemd uit de Tarzan film uit 1984.
♦ Baka Community Visit - een meeslepende ervaring met de Baka bevolking, waarbij je leert over hun tradities en manier van leven in het bos.
Reisprogramma
Dagen 1
Aankomst in Yaounde , Kameroen.
Startpunt
Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Dagen 2
Yaoundé - Batoufam - Fombot
Vandaag belooft een spannende reis te worden als we het hart van Kameroen verkennen. We beginnen met een bezoek aan het iconische Reunification Monument in Yaoundé, dat de hereniging van Frans en Brits Kameroen in 1961 herdenkt en de vorming van het moderne Kameroen markeert. Deze historische plek symboliseert de nationale eenheid na jaren van verdeeldheid en biedt een kijkje in de complexe geschiedenis van het land. Vervolgens reizen we naar de Batoufam Chefferie, waar we leren over de belangrijke rol van het opperhoofd in het traditionele bestuur en culturele leven van het Batoufam-volk. Hoewel we het opperhoofd misschien niet direct ontmoeten, zullen we meer inzicht krijgen in zijn invloed en de culturele gebruiken die de gemeenschap leiden. Het Batoufam-volk staat bekend om hun indrukwekkende houten maskers, die elk een symbolische betekenis hebben en gebruikt worden in ceremonies ter ere van voorouders en geesten. Daarna bezoeken we de serene Metche Watervallen, een natuurwonder waar de lokale gemeenschappen spirituele ceremonies kunnen uitvoeren. Watervallen als deze worden vaak beschouwd als heilige plaatsen waar offers worden gebracht aan voorouderlijke geesten waarvan wordt geloofd dat ze in het water wonen. Tot slot sluiten we de dag af met een rit naar Fombot, waar we inchecken in ons hotel en uitrusten na een lange maar bevredigende dag. B/-/-
Dagen 3
Fombot - Foumban - Bafoussam
Vandaag duiken we in het rijke culturele erfgoed van de regio Foumban. We beginnen met een bezoek aan het nieuw gebouwde Foumban Museum, een indrukwekkende ruimte die de geschiedenis, kunst en tradities van de regio laat zien. Het museum biedt een fascinerende kijk in de koninklijke geschiedenis van het gebied, evenals artefacten en tentoonstellingen met betrekking tot het Batoufam-volk en hun culturele betekenis. Daarna verkennen we de plaatselijke markt, waar je handgemaakte producten kunt kopen, zoals sieraden, textiel en handwerk dat het artistieke erfgoed van de regio weerspiegelt. In de middag bezoeken we de Bororo moslimdorpen, waar we meer te weten komen over de unieke levensstijl van deze gemeenschap. De Bororo, een subgroep van de Fulani, zijn van oudsher nomadische herders en hun geloof en gemeenschappelijke tradities staan centraal in het dagelijks leven. Ze wonen in eenvoudige, cirkelvormige huizen en zijn voor hun levensonderhoud en handel sterk afhankelijk van vee. Vrouwen zijn bedreven in weven, terwijl mannen bekend staan om hun expertise in het beheren van vee. Een bezoek aan deze dorpen biedt een kijkje in een traditionele en vreedzame manier van leven die al generaties lang grotendeels onveranderd is gebleven. B/-/-
Dagen 4
Bafoussam - Ekom Nkam - Douala
Vandaag reizen we naar een van de meest adembenemende natuurwonderen van Kameroen, de Ekom Nkam waterval. Omgeven door weelderig tropisch regenwoud stort deze krachtige waterval zich meer dan 80 meter in een rotsachtig bassin eronder. Het is een van de beroemdste watervallen van het land en diende als opnamelocatie voor de film Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan. Nadat we van de schoonheid van Ekom Nkam hebben genoten, vervolgen we onze reis naar Douala, de grootste stad en het economische centrum van Kameroen. Bij aankomst checken we in bij ons hotel en genieten we van een ontspannen avond na een dag vol avontuur. B/-/-
Dagen 5
Douala - Pongo Songo opvangcentrum voor chimpansees - Kribi
We beginnen de dag met een rit naar Marienberg, een klein stadje aan de rivier met historische betekenis. Hier bezoeken we de Marienbergkerk, een bouwwerk uit het koloniale tijdperk dat herinnert aan de vroege aanwezigheid van missionarissen in Kameroen. Vanuit Marienberg gaan we aan boord van een boot en varen we over de rivier naar Pongo Songo, een opvangcentrum gewijd aan de bescherming en rehabilitatie van geredde chimpansees. Deze chimpansees, slachtoffers van stroperij en illegale handel in wilde dieren, worden verzorgd in een natuurlijke omgeving waar ze vrij kunnen leven. Het reservaat speelt een vitale rol in natuurbehoud en biedt bezoekers een zeldzame kans om deze intelligente primaten in hun habitat te observeren. Na ons bezoek vervolgen we onze weg naar Kribi, een kustplaats die bekend staat om zijn mooie stranden en ontspannen sfeer. B/-/-
Dagen 6
Kribi - Lobe watervallen - Douala
We beginnen de dag met een bezoek aan de levendige vismarkt van Kribi, waar lokale vissers hun verse vangst uit de Atlantische Oceaan binnenbrengen. Deze levendige markt biedt een kijkje in het dagelijkse leven van de kustgemeenschappen van Kribi, met een grote verscheidenheid aan zeevruchten. Vervolgens gaan we naar de spectaculaire Lobe watervallen, een van de beroemdste natuurlijke attracties van Kribi. Deze 30 meter hoge watervallen zijn uniek omdat ze rechtstreeks in de Atlantische Oceaan storten, een van de weinige plaatsen ter wereld waar een rivier rechtstreeks in zee uitmondt. De Lobe rivier, die de watervallen voedt, is een essentiële bron voor de lokale gemeenschappen en de plek heeft een diepe culturele en spirituele betekenis. We maken een boottochtje op de rivier voor een beter zicht op de watervallen en het omringende weelderige regenwoud. Nadat we van de schoonheid van de Lobe watervallen hebben genoten, nemen we wat vrije tijd om te ontspannen op de zandstranden van Kribi en te zwemmen in het warme water van de Atlantische Oceaan. De relaxte sfeer van de stad en de schilderachtige kustlijn maken het de perfecte plek om tot rust te komen voordat we aan onze reis terug naar Douala beginnen. B/-/-
Dagen 7
Douala - Bangui (Centraal-Afrikaanse Republiek)
Vandaag nemen we een vlucht van Douala naar Bangui, de hoofdstad van de Centraal-Afrikaanse Republiek. Het schema zal bepalen of we wat vrije tijd hebben in Douala voor vertrek of in Bangui bij aankomst. Als de tijd het toelaat in Douala, kun je de levendige straten van de stad verkennen, lokale markten bezoeken of genieten van een ontspannen maaltijd voordat je naar het vliegveld gaat. Als we vrije tijd hebben in Bangui, kun je een korte wandeling door de stad maken, een plaatselijk café bezoeken of gewoon tot rust komen na de reis.
Ongeacht het schema, dient vandaag als overgang tussen twee ongelooflijke bestemmingen terwijl we ons voorbereiden op het volgende deel van ons avontuur. B/-/-
Dagen 8
Bangui - Zinga - Mbaiki
Na het ontbijt gaan we naar de haven en aan boord van een eenvoudige traditionele pirogue voor een schilderachtige tocht over de Oubangui rivier naar Zinga. De tocht duurt ongeveer vier uur en biedt een prachtig uitzicht op de weelderige omgeving van de rivier en een glimp van het lokale leven op de rivier.
Zinga is een klein stadje van slechts één kilometer lang en 300 meter breed. Het was ooit een belangrijke veerboothaven en is nog steeds een belangrijke halte voor boten die tussen Bangui en Brazzaville varen. De Franse koloniale geschiedenis van Zinga wordt weerspiegeld in de overblijfselen van een 6 kilometer lange spoorweg, gebouwd in de jaren 1920 om Zinga en Mongo met elkaar te verbinden. Hoewel de spoorweg nooit volledig operationeel is geweest, getuigt hij van het verleden van de regio en is hij toegevoegd aan de Werelderfgoedlijst van UNESCO. Na het verkennen van Zinga gaan we verder naar het kleine stadje Mbaiki, waar we ons installeren voor de nacht, omringd door de rustige charme van deze gemeenschap aan de rivier. B/-/-
Dagen 9
Mbaiki - Baka-dorp - Bangui
Vandaag bezoeken we een Baka-dorp, waar we inzicht krijgen in de unieke levensstijl en tradities van een van de bekendste inheemse bosgemeenschappen van Centraal-Afrika. De Baka zijn van oudsher semi-nomadische jager-verzamelaars die in de dichte regenwouden van de regio leven. Hun overlevingsvaardigheden zijn sterk verbonden met de natuur en berusten op jagen, vissen en het verzamelen van wilde vruchten, honing en geneeskrachtige planten.
De Baka hebben een uitgebreide kennis van het bos, gebruiken kruiden als medicijn en bouwen kleine, koepelvormige hutten, mongulu genaamd, gemaakt van bladeren en takken. Hoewel de modernisering sommige aspecten van hun levenswijze heeft beïnvloed, onderhouden veel Baka nog steeds hun diepe spirituele en culturele banden met het bos. Als onderdeel van ons bezoek worden we getrakteerd op een traditionele dansvoorstelling, een essentieel onderdeel van de Baka cultuur. Hun muziek wordt gekenmerkt door meerstemmige zang, ritmisch trommelen en ingewikkelde lichaamsbewegingen, die vaak de geluiden en energie van de natuur nabootsen. Deze dansen worden gebruikt voor het vertellen van verhalen, spirituele rituelen en vieringen en bieden een zeldzame en betoverende ervaring. Daarna beginnen we onze terugreis naar Bangui per auto, waarbij we door de schilderachtige landschappen van de Centraal-Afrikaanse Republiek rijden. B/-/-
Dagen 10
Bangui - Boali watervallen - Bangui
Vandaag maken we een dagexcursie naar de Boali watervallen, ongeveer 80 kilometer van Bangui. De watervallen zijn een van de indrukwekkendste natuurgebieden in de Centraal-Afrikaanse Republiek, met water dat over rotsachtige kliffen naar beneden stort in diepe poelen. Op deze plek staat ook de Boali Hydroelectric Plant, die het water van de watervallen gebruikt om elektriciteit op te wekken voor Bangui en de omliggende gebieden. Bij aankomst hebben we de gelegenheid om de watervallen te verkennen, foto's te maken en een wandeling door het gebied te maken. De watervallen bieden een uitstekend uitkijkpunt om de kracht van de natuur en de lokale inspanningen om hydro-elektrische energie op te wekken te observeren. In de namiddag keren we terug naar Bangui.B/-/-
Dagen 11
Vertrek
Transfer naar de luchthaven voor vertrek (niet bij de prijs inbegrepen)
Eindpunt
Bangui, Central African Republic
Annuleringsbeleid
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.
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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.
Reisinformatie
Accommodatie
accommodatie volgens de beschrijving (9 nachten in standaardhotels en één nacht in een eenvoudige bungalow of een katholiek missiepension in Mbaiki)
Vervoer
vervoer volgens programma, luchthaventransfer bij aankomst
Verzekering
Verzekering is niet inbegrepen. Reisverzekering is verplicht voor deze reis. Zorg ervoor dat je voldoende verzekerd bent.
Vluchten
Internationale vluchten
vliegticket Douala - Bangui (ca. 200-280 EUR/de prijs is flexibel en kan verschillen voor je vertrekdatum)
Extra diensten
luchthaventransfer bij vertrek (kan ter plaatse worden geregeld met de plaatselijke gids tegen extra betaling)
uitnodigingsbrieven en visumkosten
drankjes en maaltijden die niet in het programma zijn vermeld
entreegelden (80-90 EUR)
fooien en persoonlijke uitgaven
Maaltijden
maaltijden volgens de beschrijving (Bontbijt; L-lunch; D-diner)
Gids
Engelssprekende gids
Pinguïn reisleider bij min. 10 personen
Goed om te weten
Valuta
XAF
CFA Franc BEAC
Kameroen
Stekkers en adapters
Stekkertype C
Stekkertype E
Stekkertype F
Klantbeoordelingen
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.
Fotogalerij
