Historical Ethiopia Camping 2009
10 Days - Camping

  * See also : Exploring Ethiopia
** See this tour with 2010 dates: Click here


COUNTRIES VISITED: ETHIOPIA

DAY 1/2 ADDIS ABABA TO BAHIR DAR
After a short briefing we drive to Bahir Dar, the road takes a winding route over the Ethiopian Plateau towards Debre Libanso for lunch. After eating we continue to our campsite at Bahir Dar. Bahir Dar is a large town on the edge of Ethiopia’s largest lake, the deep blue Lake Tana.
Optional Activities: Lake Tana cruise. Blue Nile Falls

DAY 3/4 BAHIR DAR TO GONDOR AND SIMEIN MOUNTAINS
In the morning we drive from Bahir Dar to Gonder. We will take a tour of Gonder, once the first capital city of the Ethiopian Empire and home of some impressive ancient African archecture. The next day we explore the castles of Gonder and visit a Woleka village before travelling to the Simien Mountain NP. This mountain range is one of Africa’s largest.

DAY 5/6 SIMEIN MOUNTAINS NP TO AXUM AND MEKELE
On our way to Axum we pass the Limalimo Mountain and traverse the Tekeze valley. Axum is the site of Ethiopia’s most ancient city and the reputed home of the biblical Ark of the Covenant. The next day we tour the ruined city of Yeha (dating back over 2,700yrs). The ancient crowns of many Ethiopian Emperors are held in Axum and, if that is not enough, the supposed ruins of the home of the historical Queen of Sheba are also to be seen here. After absorbing all this history it is on to Mekele for an enjoyable dinner.

DAY 7/8 MEKELE TO LALIBELA
The whole day is required to get to Lalibela. The unpaved road climbs several times to heights of 3,000 m, before descending again into river valleys. The landscape is dry, but visually splendid. We will arrive in Lalibela in the early evening. Lalibela is one of the holiest cities and home to amazing churches that are hewn from solid rock. Between the 10th and 13th centuaries, Roha (previous name) was the capital of the Zagwe dynasty. The current name comes from the famous Zagwe ruler, the 12th century King Lalibela.

DAY 9/10 LALIBELA TO KOMBOLCHA AND ADDIS ABABA
The road runs through villages, cultivated plains and small passes. We are close to the land occupied by the Afar shepherds, a Seminomadic people who live mainly in the deserts of Danakil depression. On our return to the capital of Addis Ababa the road crosses the Ethiopian plateau and the expanse of cultivated fields. We arrive in Addis Ababa in the evening.
Optional Activities: Dinner and Cultural Evening 

  * See also : Exploring Ethiopia
** See this tour with 2010 dates: Click here

Once you make a booking with Nomad we will send you a Tour Dossier and a Pre-Departure Information document. This is a brief overview of the information contained in these documents

FOOD AND MEALS
Included are three hearty meals a day, (unless otherwise specified). Vegetarians are easily catered for and they're always impressed by our varied menu. Our guides can produce miracles on a camp-stove. Special dietary requirements can be catered for, but only by special request. In East Africa it is more difficult to cater to certain requirements.

ACCOMMODATION
On our camping tours you will be staying in two-man dome tents. We supply a mattress and you supply your own sleeping bag. The accommodated tours stay in traditional huts, permanent tented camps and hostel-style rooms.

HEALTH
All people who join an adventure tour need to be in good health. Medical facilities are not always available. If you have a specific medical condition it is compulsary for you to advise us before departure.

Malaria
Malaria is a real concern in many areas of Africa, especially during the rainy season. Our advice is simple, prevent getting bitten by using an insect repellent and use an effective prophylactic. Speak to your doctor before selecting your Malaria medication.

Vaccinations
Please ensure you have the relevant vaccinations. Proof of innoculation is required on certain tours.

TERMS & CONDITIONS
All travellers will be required to sign our indemnity form on departure. Any person refusing to do so will not be allowed on the tour.

CURRENCY, MONEY AND BANKING
This is covered comprehensively in the pre-departure dossier. South African Rand and Credit Cards work in Southern Africa. In East Africa (incl. Zimbabwe and Zambia) USD cash is best

AGE RESTRICTION
Passengers under the age of 18 must have signed permission from a parent or guardian. Passengers over the age of 65 require a medical clearance certificate from their doctor stating they are fit enough to travel.

WHAT TO BRING
A sense of fun and a flexible attitude! A full checklist of essential items is included in the pre-departure info document.

WHAT TO LEAVE BEHIND
Your watch, cellphone, laptop, work, stress, concept of time, pre-conceptions about anything and any attitude that is not pure adventure.

CHANGES TO ROUTES / SCHEDULES
Although we will do our best at all times to ensure that the tour remains on schedule we want to make it very clear that
this is not always possible. There is always something unexpected on a tour, sometimes the truck gets stuck in mud, or sand, sometimes it rains... Anything can happen, but nothing that a good sense of humour cannot overcome.

HOW CAN I MAKE A BOOKING?
Go to the travel agency where you collected this brochure (if applicable) and ask them to process the booking for you. This is the easiest way. You need to complete our booking form and pay a 25% non-refundable deposit to secure your seat. Full payment is due 28 days prior to departure. Please note we can also handle your bookings, see our contact form below.

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
YES! Make sure your insurance covers being airlifted in case of serious illness/injury as good hospital facilities are often a long way from where our tours travel. Free credit card insurance is often insufficient, so a seperate policy is reccommended. As travel insurance is compulsory, you will be asked for the policy number before being allowed to board our vehicle. We recommend World Nomad Travel insurance (click here for more).

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON TOUR?
The average number of passengers on a tour is 18. On the camping tours there is a maximum of 24 and minimum of 4. On the Accommodated tour the minimum is 4 and the maximum is 18. The maximum number on Gorillas, Serengeti and Masai Mara tours is 18. Single Supplements are limited to 4 per tour on all tours.

DO I HAVE TO HELP WITH CAMP CHORES?
Of course not, but you will not make many friends! On our tours our guides do most of the work. On a camping tour your participation in camp chores is limited: taking turns to assist with washing-up duties, putting up and taking down your tent and loading your bags. On some of our accommodated tours we include a camp assistant.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MY VISAS?
You are responsible for your own visas. Please check the itinerary of your tour carefully and if you need a multiple entry visa be sure to get one. Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months after your departure date from Africa and you must have at least 3-4 blank pages available. Some countries will not allow you to enter without 2 blank pages in your passport.

WHAT ARE LOCAL PAYMENTS (LP) FOR?
The Local Payment is a USD cash portion of the tour payment that needs to be paid directly to your guide in Africa. This payment covers fluctuating expenses such as flights, National Park Fees, entrance fees etc and also ensures that we have a reliable amount of hard currency on each tour. Our Local Payment is not a kitty, your food and accommodation are included in the tour price. All Local Payment amounts are subject to change without notice. Changes are very rare and are normally due to a sudden or unexpected price increase by a local service provider or National Park.

WHAT IS A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT?
All of our tours are priced on twin share accommodation. The single supplement is not compulsory on our camping tours but if you want your own tent you need to pay the single supplement. If you are booking one of our accommodated tours alone you have to pay the single supplement. There are a maximum of 4 single supplements available on all tours.

WHAT DO THESE SIGNS OR SYMBOLS MEAN?
We have included these icons on every tour page (brochure and site) so that you can quickly see what key elements are included:

This tour has adventure activities available.

This tour spends time in Game Parks.

This tour spends time at coastal areas.

This tour passes through / visits a World Heritage area.

This tour has cultural interaction with local people (Please see www.whc.unesco.org for full information.)

Nomad has, without doubt, the newest and most modern fleet of vehicles around. Our vehicles are serviced and maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications. Trucks are renewed on a regular basis once age affects reliability. Our equipment is checked and replaced on a regular basis with spot checks by our Operations Manager.
 

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OUR ADVENTURE VEHICLES - THE PRIDE OF NOMAD

Nomad operates two vehicle styles on the scheduled tours. Both are uniquely modified to suit the different tour requirements and are scheduled according to the prevaling conditions at the time of travel.

One thing that sets Nomad apart is that our trucks are standardised and uniform in design and condition. Currently we are in the process of replacing our entire fleet with vehicles similar to the one shown on the right. This is almost complete, but is an ongoing process.

Original Vehicle Design - for rugged terrain. The tough and simple construction of this type of vehicle makes it ideal for the unforgiving roads in East Africa and Mozambique. We were one of the first companies to, amongst other things, introduce freezers on all our trucks to keep food fresh in the African heat. Individual seats, ample leg-room and overhead luggage racks in the truck help make your time on the road as comfortable as possible. Our trucks are fully lockable and there's a safe for your money and documents. A well-stocked first aid kit is on hand for emergencies. Each truck has a radio,as well as informative reading material, games and recreational gear to keep you well entertained. The Kitchen is contained in the large side lockers and there is an easy access entrance. All our trucks have large slide down windows and you can enjoy the view towards the front.

The on-board camp kitchen is fully equipped with the following:

• Gas Stove,
• 150 - 250 L freezer
• Cooking Grill
• Food storage racks
• 200L Water Tank
• Cooler Boxes
• Food preparation and washing up facilities

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EAST AFRICAN SAFARI VEHICLES

Not all of our tours are operated on adventure vehicles. Some of our tours are operated in smaller vehicles. On some of our East African tours these vehicles are Toyota Land Cruisers (or similar) and on the Ethiopian and Madagascar tours the type of vehicle can vary - depending on the number of passengers.

Safari vehicles, such as the pictures below, are able to travel on much rougher terrain than the larger trucks. Unlike the trucks these vehicles are not built for long distance travel, but when it comes to game viewing, they really are ideal. Most of these vehicles are 4x4, but not all. It will depend on the tour that you are doing and you should not be surprised if some tours even make use of a combination of vehicles.

We will always make use of the best vehicle for the terrain that we are travelling on. The Safari vehicles are mainly used on our East African routes where shorter distances, and unpredictable weather mean that access to 4x4 vehicles is far more important than in Southern Africa, where your comfort during the longer distances we cover, takes priority.

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At the core of your tour are the guides. Our clients rave about their enthusiasm and commitment to Nomad, not to mention their dedication to service excellence. Although it is their job, it is also their passion for Africa that will ensure you get more than you expected from your adventure and experience genuine African hospitality on your trip.

GUIDE SELECTION AND TRAINING
Our screening process is stringent and we run a comprehensive in-house training course. Exams are based on the course content and the required pass rate is 75%. These modules cover absolutely everything to do with the running of successful adventure tours.

Guides are then apprenticed for months with senior tour leaders to gain the necessary knowledge and experience before they run tours themselves. Evaluation is continuous.

As a guide, training is never finished and we continue close monitoring of feedback results from our clients to continually improve and refine skills. Nomad operates a unique feedback system to identify problems and ensure that our tours are constantly improving. Guide salaries are heavily incentivised through this system. It is with pleasure that we can announce that, yet again, in 2007 we have managed to set new internal benchmarks for our tour feedback - having the best results since our inception.

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QUALIFICATIONS
All of our tours are accompanied by a minimum of 2 guides who are registered with DEAT (Department Of Environment, Agriculture and Tourism) and have valid First Aid certificates. Drivers also have their PDP's (Professional Drivers Permits). Many of our guides also have more specialised qualifications. On foreign language tours a translator will be provided that speaks English and German.

THE PERSONAL TOUCH
However, all the knowledge and experience in the world is not enough. The most important qualification of a good guide is their ability to work well with people. It is with this in mind that all potential candidates are carefully evaluated. No one goes further than Nomad to ensure that tours run as they should.

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OUR WORKSHOP - THE BACKBONE OF NOMAD
Nomad runs a state of the art specialised vehicle workshop. Our facilities include a metal shop, spray-painting booth, storerooms, mechanical facilities and other demarcated zones for all manner of work. Our trucks are fully maintained and the bodies are lovingly built in our workshop. We are a registered body builder-approved by SABS (South African Bureau of Standards).

Your safety and comfort are our first priority. After all, most tours cover large distances and much time is spent in the trucks, more reason to ensure they are the best.

All vehicles are checked in after tours, job cards are made up and work is undertaken. Upon completion all vehicles are rechecked to ensure everything is perfect. All equipment is checked and tested as well.

OUR EQUIPMENT - THE NOMAD EXPERIENCE
Sleeping under African stars on your comfortable foam mattress, in a two-person Nomad dome tent (with built in mosquito net), is the best way to experience the thrill of bush camping. Sitting on your camp chair around a roaring fire is the perfect way to end your day's adventures.

All Nomad equipment is strong, durable and able to endure the great African outdoors.

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Also see:

Nomad Adventure Tours and Holidays cc, registration number 2007/111212/23 (“the Company”)

APPLICATION
• The terms and conditions contained in this document shall apply to the tour booking concluded between the Company and the undersigned client in respect of the tour, as more fully described in the tour dossier provided to the client on confirmation
of the booking.
• All references in these terms and conditions to “client” shall include references to an agent of the client, with such changes as the context may require.

APPLICABLE LAW AND JURISDICTION
• These terms and conditions shall be deemed to have been concluded in Cape Town, South Africa and shall be interpreted according to the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
• The client consents to the jurisdiction of the Magistrates Court of Cape Town in terms of the provisions of Section 45 of Act 32 of 1944 as amended but it is specifically agreed that Nomad at its instance will have the discretion to sue in the High
Court if it deems it is appropriate.
• Notwithstanding the aforesaid, the client must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and other regulations of all countries visited on the tour.

BOOKINGS
• The Company reserves the right not to confirm the booking until the full amount set out in the invoice received by client is paid and has been received by the Company and all the relevant documentation has been signed and completed in full by the
client.
• Any amendments to, or cancellation of the booking shall be subject to these terms and conditions.

NOMAD CHILD POLICY
• Children between the ages of 8 – 15 are welcome to travel with Nomad on a request basis and must be accompanied by an adult.
• Children between the ages of 16 – 18 are welcome to travel with Nomad but will require a letter of consent signed by a parent or guardian.

TOUR PRICE, DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT
• While Nomad has utilized its best endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the tour price, such price is subject to change as a result of factors beyond Nomad’s reasonable control, in which event Nomad shall utilize its best efforts to notify clients of
such change as soon as possible.
• The tour price includes only those services/items that are included as per the itinerary and the tour dossier, and the client shall be responsible and pay for any additional items where, as required by the Company from time to time, such payment is
made either directly to a third party service provider or to the Company for settlement with a third party service provider.
• The Company records that prices/charges/tariffs in respect of certain activities forming part of the tour are determined in accordance with the public regulations of a particular country and, accordingly, the Company has no control over any increases
in such prices/charges/tariffs, including where such increases are implemented during the tour. The Company accordingly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to increase the relevant prices/charges/tariffs to account for such increases and/
or fluctuations.
• A non-refundable 25% deposit is required to secure a booking in respect of the tour. This non-refundable deposit shall be set off against the tour price.
• The tour price must be paid by not later than 28 days prior to the departure date for the tour, failing which the Company reserves the right to deem the booking as having been cancelled, and to levy the cancellation penalties set out in these terms
and conditions.
• In the event that the client makes a booking within 28 days of the date of departure of the tour, he or she shall, in order to secure the booking, be required to pay the full tour price upfront.

CANCELLATIONS
• Where the booking is cancelled at any time up to 29 days prior to the date of departure of the tour for any reason, the client shall forfeit the non-refundable deposit.
• Where the booking is cancelled less than 29 days prior to the date of departure of the tour for any reason, the client shall be liable to pay the following penalties to the Company –
– cancellation between 28-15 days prior to the date of departure, a cancellation penalty equal to 50% of the tour price;
– cancellation between 14-7 days prior to the date of departure, a cancellation penalty equal to 75% of the tour price; and
– cancellation less than 7 days prior to the date of departure or “no shows”, a cancellation penalty of 100% of the tour price.
• The Company shall be entitled to apply any portion of the non-refundable deposit paid by the client toward any cancellation penalty payable in terms hereof.
• The Company reserves the right, at any time and for any reason, to cancel the tour on notice to the client. In such event, the Company shall refund the tour price (which includes for the avoidance of doubt, the non-refundable deposit) to the client. It
is recorded that refund of the tour price as aforesaid shall be the Company’s sole responsibility to the client, and no claim for any damages, howsoever arising, shall accrue against the Company by reason of a cancellation of the tour.
• The client acknowledges that the tour is subject to a minimum booking of 4 passengers (including the client). If the minimum booking is not obtained, the Company reserves the right to cancel the tour and refund the tour price to the client, in which
event the client shall (for the avoidance of doubt) have no claim for any damages against the Company.

AMENDMENTS TO BOOKINGS
• In the event that the client joins the tour after the departure date, or leaves before the completion thereof for any reason whatsoever, the client shall not entitled to any refunds or rebates whatsoever from the Company.
• Where the client wishes to change tours (that is, to move from the tour confirmed herein to another tour), such amendment is subject to –
– the Company being able to accommodate the client on the substituted tour;
– payment by the client of an administration fee of R1000 and
– the change being made by not later than 28 days prior to the departure date of the original tour, failing which the cancellation penalties set out in these terms and conditions shall apply.
• In the event that a tour is changed, these terms and conditions shall apply to the substituted tour, with the necessary changes having been made.

PASSPORTS, VISAS AND OTHER TRAVEL PAPERS
• It is the client’s sole responsibility to ensure that passports, visas, health certificates, proof of vaccinations and any other required documentation are all in order for the countries to be visited during the tour.
• The Company shall not be held liable for any consequences, damages or claims if the client prior does not correctly attend to the client’s documentation and related matters as contemplated herein.

INSURANCE
• Comprehensive travel and cancellation insurance is mandatory on the tour. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that he or she has such insurance in place (together with the required paperwork to prove such insurance) before embarking on
the tour.
• Should the client be unable to present proof of such insurance to the Company (on request therefore by the Company), the Company may, in its sole discretion, exclude the client from the tour, and the client shall be liable for the cancellation penalty
payments set out in these terms and conditions.
• The client acknowledges that the travel insurance must include comprehensive medical insurance including provision for air evacuation, and that the Company shall not be liable for any consequences, damages or loss as a result of the client failing
to have the necessary cover.

BAGGAGE
• The client shall be responsible for all baggage and personal effects brought by him or her on the tour, and the Company shall not be liable for any loss or damage to such baggage or personal effects, howsoever arising.
• The client shall be entitled to one bag (being a backpack or soft bag, and not a suitcase) that weighs not more than 20 kilograms, and a daypack. Should the client require a larger baggage allowance, this may be arranged with the Company against
payment of a fee that the Company may levy in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the aforegoing, the Company reserves the right to refuse excess baggage.

HEALTH
• The client accepts that to participate in the tour requires a measure of physical fitness and health and it is the client’s obligation to ensure that he or she is medically fit to embark on the tour.
• Where the client is over the age of 65, the Company requires a medical certificate or doctor’s letter confirming that the client is medically fit to undertake the tour.

AUTHORITY ON TOUR
• The client must at all times comply with the laws, customs and foreign exchange regulations of all countries visited during the tour.
• In addition, the client acknowledges that any disruptive, dangerous or potentially dangerous behaviour during the tour shall not be tolerated and that the Company, its employees, representatives, agents and/or contractors being so authorized, reserve
the right to exclude the client from the tour at any point therein in such circumstances.
• The Company shall not be liable for any costs and/or expenses for the client resulting from exclusion as aforesaid, and the client shall not be entitled to a refund or rebate of the tour price or any additional compensation in such instances.

MARKETING
• The Company reserves the right to use any photographs and video taken during the tour for use in marketing or any other advertising material, and the client hereby consents to such use.
• The client further agrees that the Company shall retain copyright over any such photographs and videos taken during the tour and/or used in its brochures and, to the extent necessary, the client hereby assigns copyright in such photographs and/
or videos to the Company.

FORCE MAJEURE
• Unforeseen circumstances including but not limited to war, mechanical breakdowns, weather, riots and other unforeseen reasons beyond the control of the Company may cause delays or alterations to the tour. The Company shall not be held liable
in any way for any of these possible occurrences or any consequences, which may arise as a result of these.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
• On booking, the client shall be issued with our tour dossier and pre-departure information documents. It is the responsibility of the client to read and understand these documents before travelling.

INDEMNIFICATION AND EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY
• The client accepts that the tour is of an adventurous nature and involves an element of personal risk.
• The Company and its respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents shall not be liable for any loss or damage of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising ( including, but not limited
• to, the client’s or any other person’s injury or death, or any loss of or damage to the client’s or any other person’s property) which the client or any such other person may incur or suffer as a result of or arising from the clients participation in the
tour and any other activities undertaken on or during the tour, and the client irrevocably and forever releases and discharges the Company and its respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents from any and all such liability.
• The client furthermore indemnifies and holds the Company and its respective directors, offices, employees, representatives and agents harmless from and against any land all loss, damage, actions, proceedings, claims, demands and legal and other
costs and expenses (including legal costs on an attorney and own client scale) of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising (including, but not limited to, the client’s or any other person’s injury or death, or any loss of or damage to the client’s or any
other person’s property) which the client or any such other person may incur or suffer as a result of or arising from the clients participation in the tour and any other activities undertaken on or during the tour.

Click here to download our booking form

View our: Booking terms & conditions

When you are ready to submit your booking please submit by fax our booking form with your details.

Download our 2011 booking form (103 kb)

Instructions:

1. Download and print our Booking Form (PDF)
2. Fax the completed form to us: Fax Number: (+27 21) 422 1175
3. Require assistance? Click here or email:  websales@nomadtours.co.za


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WHAT’S INCLUDED AND WHAT’S NOT (OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES – IT’S YOUR CHOICE)
It’s your tour – Make it work for you
Years of experience have shown us the best way to navigate Africa. An organised tour allows you to take full advantage of our knowledge, experience and, of course, superb guides. And while the sum total of group travel with most companies is limited to the friendship, fun and security side of Overlanding – we keep all of these elements and still allow you your individuality to discover Africa your own way. We let you structure our tours around your needs. Nomad’s tour price does not dictate what you spend on activities. It’s like pizza, we provide the base and you add the toppings!

What’s in, What’s not and Why
Let’s face it, there is no such thing as an ‘all-inclusive tour’, there are always extra activities that you can do. We choose to let you take advantage of this; don’t pay for activities that you would not choose to - just because a company decides they think you want them. Nomad gives you the real Africa: adventure, animals, famous landmarks and exotic locations. The sights, smells and tastes. You don’t have to spend anything more than the cost of the tour price, the odd meal out, beers and souvenirs. You choose the rest.

Doing What You Want
When you require an additional adrenalin injection you are free to choose and the list of activities on offer gets longer every day. Make it your tour; choose what you want because “it’s up to you”. Not everyone wants to do all the activities. We’re not throwing you out of a plane if you’re scared of heights!

Doing What You Can Afford
Unfortunately, not everyone can afford all of the activities. We keep the tour price as low as we can without compromising quality so you have choices. Let your budget dictate what you spend not your tour operator! The optional experiences and activities are carefully and strategically selected to give you a break from the routine of travelling overland style. They enhance your holiday and give you an adrenaline rush when you need one! These are selected for their value for money, enjoyment factor and the feedback from clients.

Optional activities are not included in the price of the tour for three simple reasons:
* Not everyone can afford to do them all
* Not everyone wants to do them all! (No point in throwing you out of a plane if you can’t bear heights!)
* We leave the running and safety of these specialised activities to the people who do them best. We take you there and then let the professionals take care of you in pursuit of your thrills and spills!

All Optional Activities are listed in Rand and USD, to indicate the approximate value. Optional Activities are payable locally in Rand, USD or EUR.
Rand areas are marked "R". All others are payable in USD. Please note that this list contains only the most popular activities and all prices are
subject to change. Tour Dossiers contain comprehensive lists of Optional Activities and actual pricing.

2011 PRICES LISTED BELOW