Gorilla Trek in Uganda

The health and wellbeing of everyone who travels with Contiki has been, and always will be, our top priority. That’s why we’ve rigorously evaluated our experiences, training and protocols to make sure we not only meet our travellers wellbeing expectations, but exceed them in every single way. We sought guidance from the World Health Organisation and government agencies, and, as members of the World Travel and Tourism Council, we’ve been involved in defining global protocols. Due to our diligent work during this time, we’ve been awarded the WTTC safe travels stamp - meaning we’re a business which has adopted global, standardised health and hygiene protocols. You can find details about how we’re prioritising your wellbeing when you travel with us here.

Definitely not! All of our trips are designed to suit all ability levels. Whether you’re surfing in Morocco, hiking in Austria, or biking in Croatia the experiences will be designed for you to go at your own pace and for there to be a mix of abilities in each group. You will need a basic ability to swim to participate in any water sports and be able to ride a bike for anything bike related. If you’re a pro and want to push yourself, you’ll be able to do that too.

All of our Hosts are local experts, hand-picked to lead your trips. They come from all different walks of life, and unlike our Contiki Trained Trip Managers who host trips all around the world, our Detour Hosts are experts in their field and focus on their specific style of trip. That means on Safari in Kruger National Park your Host is a Full Time Safari Guide and you’ll learn to hunt and cook truffles from Matteo, who was born and raised to be a Truffle Hunter and Chef. Usually, your Host is in charge of the whole trip from start to finish – like Andre and Lee in Morocco, who not only own and run the hostel, but also are qualified surf teachers and host your dining experiences. Detours are a truly immersive experience, where you will spend time with locals from start to finish.

Detour Trips are mostly designed to be smaller group sizes, averaging about 8 – 15 people per trip. Our groups are smaller so you have more one on one time with your hosts, access to experiences that are made for more intimate groups and allows us to use different forms of transport – you won’t see any of our big, shiny Contiki Coaches on Detour. Instead, we use minivan, boat, bike and even hike between destinations! There are a couple of exceptions where we operate in larger groups on coaches, check the specific trip page to see the group size of your trip.

International flights to/from the destination your trip starts and ends in are not included in the cost of the trip, and must be purchased separately. You can book these independently if you want to shop around for the best quote, or through your travel agent.

Any flights you take during your Contiki are included in the cost of your trip. On certain African trips we use planes to get you from A to B as quickly as possible, and all of this is included.

Depending on your nationality, you may require visas to enter certain African countries. You are fully responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your trip. Contiki is not legally permitted to knowingly allow anybody who does not have a valid visa (if required) to join a trip. Visa & other entry & exit conditions such as currency, arrival/ departure taxes, customs & quarantine regulations change regularly, so make sure you stay up-to-date before you travel. It is also essential that you have any necessary vaccinations & comply with all laws of the countries visited.

Baggage restrictions of one medium sized bag with a maximum weight of 23kg (50lbs) plus one piece of hand luggage per person. It is advised to not bring bags
with wheels as some locations don’t have smooth pathways. The piece of hand luggage should be big enough to be used as an overnight bag for the trips camping in the Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta.

People are at the heart of everything we do, and our team is what makes our trips the best. Our worldwide On-Road Team, locally based staff & network of Local Guides are all extensively trained & widely travelled, & are the best in the business. But we know it’s not just about training, it’s about passion & our team have it in their blood. 
Your Trip Manager is like your walking, talking guidebook – just for you. They plan your itinerary every day, organise your food and accomodation and book your Free Time Add ons, and because they know everything about where you’re going, you will too. Your Drivers are the experts on getting you from A to B efficiently and safely in Africa. They know their way around like the back of their hands & they’ll drop you at your door & unload your bags for you. Local Guides provide specialist knowledge when you need it, like when you’re on a safari, and will always help you avoid the tourist traps.

How much spending money you’ll need will depend on the duration of the trip and how much you anticipate spending on personal expenses like alcohol or shopping. Before you travel, it’s also a good idea to read up on and get an idea of the Free Time Add-Ons you think you’ll want to do on trip, as these will form part of your overall budget. We’d advise doing some research on your chosen destinations beforehand, looking at things like:
 
- Cost of a local lunch
 
- Cost of a local dinner
 
- Cost of a local taxi
 
- Cost of entry to a sightseeing spot
 
It is strongly advised to have US$ in cash before the start of the trip.  Most places let you pay with card, but it is strongly advised to have US$200 - US$300 as sometimes electricity, signal or card machines might not be working in remote places. In all areas of the service industry in Africa, whether it’s restaurants, bars, hotels or taxis, it’s common practice to tip if you feel that the service received has been excellent. The same goes for your Contiki team; if you feel that their service has been exceptional then feel free to tip them. Our travellers often ask what to tip, we suggest 3.00 US$ per person per day. Remember that tipping (& how much you tip) is optional - it’s entirely up to you.

There will be WiFi at some lodges and most hotels, but when you’re staying in safari camps you may be off-grid. But when you’re this close to nature, camping under starswept skies, a mobile detox isn’t such a bad thing. You’ll still be able to upload your best snaps as you travel.

We believe that travelling sustainably and consciously, matters. Contiki Cares is our commitment to protecting the communities we visit, the wildlife we interact with, and the planet we all share. Our founding partner, the TreadRight Foundation was established 10 years ago as a not-for-profit organisation focused on promoting sustainable tourism within The Travel Corporation’s family of brands. From a giraffe centre in Nairobi and an elephant orphanage in Kenya to a community visit in Shanga, we make sure our African experiences give something back to this incredible continent.