dragoman

If the goose has been on a diet, the partridge is still avoiding the pear tree and the five gold rings have been confiscated at customs then Dragoman Overland’s 21-night overland Christmas adventure offers a spectacularly orthodox alternative to the increasingly bleak norm. Coinciding with Africa’s greatest religious festival, the Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas celebrations in Lalibela, Dragoman promises a memorable seasonal journey departing Gondar 26th December 06.

From the ancient city of Gondar, travel on to the stunning Simien Mountains National Park, spending a couple of days walking in search of Klipspringer and endemic Walia Ibex or Gelada Baboon amongst the huge, jutting volcanic cores and high altitude plains. On to UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ethiopia’s oldest city, Axum, for palaces and temples, impressive granite obelisks (tallest 23metres), and the debatable ruins of the Queen of Sheba’s palace. Mekele is next, a base from which to visit some of the 120 remarkable and intriguing rock-hewn churches of Tigray, carved into cliff faces and caves, a vital part of Ethiopia’s historical heritage. Later, hidden in one of the most remote parts of Ethiopia is the small mediaeval town of Lalibela. Here, on January 7th the festive season for many Ethiopians begins and Lalibela’s 11 extraordinary subterranean churches, carved out of volcanic rock, often referred to as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, are the focus for this great religious event. While some of the churches are housed in a labyrinth of tunnels, crypts, galleries and grottoes, the most spectacular stand three-storeys tall, with elaborate geometric carvings on their exteriors. The population swells with over 60,000 pilgrims from all corners of Ethiopia, arriving to celebrate, dressed in traditional white clothing. As a visitor, being part of the festivities offers a rare and exciting glimpse into a rich Orthodox Christian heritage dating back over 1000 years. After the festivities, continue onto Bahir Dar on the shores of Lake Tana near the source of the mighty Blue Nile and the 45 metre high, 400 metre wide Blue Nile Falls. Here, using reed boats. Visits are made to remote island monasteries, featuring traditional Orthodox Church murals and decoration, before the journey concludes in Addis Ababa.

The tour costs £625 p/p plus kitty $250 (~£130) including travel aboard Dragoman's customised Mercedes-Benz vehicle, campsites, wildcamps and hotel/hostel accommodation (35% / 65%) all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman's two person crew.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127
email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

‘GLASTONMALI FESTIVAL’
NO MUD – GUARANTEED
MUSIC FESTIVAL ON THE NIGER

Join Dragoman Overland’s roadcrew on a 21-day musical journey from Bamako, timed to coincide with Mali’s annual 4-day Festival on the Niger at Segou, featuring 13 concerts showcasing West Africa’s best musicians and artists, including Vieux Farka Touré (Ali’s son) and his band, Doussou Bagayogo, Papa Gaoussou Diarra and many others, departing Bamako 18th January 2007.

Mali has produced some of Africa’s finest musicians and has a long tradition of tribal music. Today the traditional has fused with the modern and Bamako’s venues headline many of Mali’s internationally acclaimed talents including such giants as Salif Keita and Ali Farka Touré. Indeed it may be even be possible to include one of these top gigs during Drago’s time in town. However, the main focus of this tour is Segou, Mali’s second city on the shores of the Niger River, where once a year the majority of country’s musical and cultural talent converges for the Festival on the Niger (see festivalsegou.org). For four-days travellers enjoy performances from a host of Malian and international musicians, dancers, puppeteers and storytellers that fill the town and make the event one of West Africa’s most important artistic expositions. Dragoman Overland’s journey also explores one of Mali’s most unusual tribal cultures during a 3-day trek through Dogon lands on the Bandigara Escarpment. Here, travellers experience village mask dances, the rhythms of Dogon drumming and the remarkable origins of their Sirius B (the Dogstar) - worshipping beliefs. Elsewhere, a 3-day river boat voyage up the Niger explores the river’s inland delta and takes travellers to the anecdotally remote desert settlement of Timbuktu. Here, amongst dusty tea-shops and simple restaurants, Dragoman seek out authentic Tuareg jamming sessions for memorable sounds. Further highlights include the thriving river port of Mopti and the frenetic markets of Djenne, with its famous mosque – the world’s largest mud structure. The tour concludes back in Bamako with one last chance to hit Rue Dafake and the live bands at top venue, Le Hogon.

The Sounds of the Sahara tour costs £695 plus kitty USD$510 (~£270) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s expedition truck, camping accommodation, all camp meals and expert guiding. Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127
email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Adventurers looking for the full-on, Indian Christmas experience with great wild camping at a bargain price, should look no further than Dragoman Overland’s 15-day ‘Jodphurs & Jackaranda’ tour from New Delhi to Mumbai, departing 17th December 2006 (also runs in reverse from Mumbai departs 1st December 2006).

Arriving amongst the hustle and bustle of Delhi certainly acclimatises travellers for the Indian extremes ahead. Travel across the heart of the Thar Desert via the Maharaja city of Bikaner to reach ‘The Golden City’, Jaisalmer, so named for its foundation of yellowish sandstone. Here, 3-nights are spent exploring the ornately sculptured Jain temples, medieval streets, famous fort and surrounding desert, followed by an overnight camel safari with Rajasthani camel drivers. Next on the itinerary is Jodhpur, known as ‘The Sun City’ for its year round bright sunshine. Travellers visit many beautiful palaces, forts and temples, including the mighty Meherangarh fort, before continuing to the sacred Hindi pilgrim town of Pushkar. Here, travellers have time to relax in the famous Pushkar Lake or visit the 14th century temple of Brahma, god of creation, the world’s only dedicated temple. The next 2-nights are spent discovering the stunning white Maharaja city of Udaipur and the abandoned ghost city of Mandu. Travel off-the-beaten-track along tiny back roads for a spot of meditative tranquillity at the remote caves and Buddhist temples of Ellora and Ajanta before the trip concludes in India’s most cosmopolitan city, Mumbai.

The tour now costs just £383 p/p (normally £450 – saving £67) plus kitty of $150 (~£83) including camping and hostel accommodation (30%/70%), all camp meals, transport aboard a Dragoman-style customised truck and expert guidance from Dragoman Overland’s crew.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127
email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Discover the sights, sounds and spirit of India, exploring its stunning beaches, peaceful backwaters, exotic wildlife and ancient temples during Dragoman Overland’s wonderfully vivid 23-night trip from Mumbai to Chennai, departing 19th February 2007.

On arrival in cosmopolitan Mumbai, take a ferry to Elephant Island to visit seventh century cave temples followed by an evening’s colourful entertainment of acrobats, magicians and balloon sellers on Chowpatty Beach. Next day, head for the relaxed state of Goa with its beautiful architecture, traditions, religion and lifestyle retained from previous Portuguese rule. Sample local cuisine and Feni, potent locally produced coconut and cashew nut spirit, before chilling out under a palm tree, watching the dhows sailing into the sunset. Visual senses will have a feast at the fascinating Hoysalesvava Temple, with wall to wall ancient deities and sensual sculptures, before an aromatic visit to the incense-producing town of Mysore, known as ‘Sandalwood City’. Journey up the twisting roads into the Nilgiri Hills passing tea plantations, forests and hill tribes on the way before discovering why the British loved the former Madras government’s summer hillstation-town of Ooty. Spend 3-days experiencing Cochin, India’s Venice and the centre of the spice trade, taking boat trips to its many islands and absorbing the various highlights including an evening’s entertainment of wonderfully dramatic Kathakali dancing. From here, explore the backwaters and villages of Kerala, crossing palm-fringed lakes, narrow canals, enjoying occasional refreshment stops of chai. Onto South India’s most popular wildlife sanctuary, Periyar, home to bison, elephants and tigers to name but a few, cruise on the lake or take a jungle walk to appreciate the full benefits of this beautiful region. Next, opportunities for souvenir purchasing are plentiful amongst the colourful non-stop shops, street markets and bazaars of Madurai. Later, climb 434 steps to reach the Temple of Ganesh over-looking Tiruchirappalli and plains of River Cauvey, then head to Ranganathaswamy and the 2.5km square complex comprising numerous shrines and temples, before arriving in Chennai for further temple and museum exploration, before the conclusion of a magnificent Indian adventure.

The overland costs £590 p/p (15% reduction on 2006 prices) plus kitty of $210 (~£110), including hotel and camping accommodation (85%/15%), all camp meals, transport aboard Dragoman Overlands ‘classic’ Dragoman-style customised truck and expert guidance from a two person crew.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127
email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

roadtrippin’ uk tour
at a pub near you!
WIN AN OVERLAND TRIP WITH DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

Meet the experts in travel writing, equipment, guidebooks and adventure travel, as they journey round the UK. Travel the world in an evening with experts from Dragoman Overland, Bradt Travel Guides, Wanderlust magazine and Nomad Travel Stores and test your knowledge in a special travel quiz where first prize is an overland trip for two!

Come along for an informative evening, travel consultation and quiz. The £3 entry ticket (all money to be donated to Kariandusi School Trust, Kenya; www.kariandusi.co.uk) includes food and a welcome drink. Experts from Bradt Travel Guides, Wanderlust magazine, Nomad Travel Stores and Dragoman Overland will host the evening and discuss any aspects of adventure travel. The evening starts with a twenty-minute live presentation on overland travel through Africa, Asia and Latin America, including a talk on preparation for your travels and how to stay healthy while on the road. Later, join in the travel quiz and get the chance to win an overland trip with adventure specialists Dragoman Overland, to Peru, Ecuador or East Africa. The five runners-up will each receive a Bradt Travel Guide of their choice, a Wanderlust subscription and selected Nomad gear.

Pub venues include:
Tuesday 7th Nov Oxford Smollensky’s, 17 Park End Road, Oxford OX1 1HU
Thursday 9th Nov Manchester Stanfords, 39 Spring Gardens, Manchester M” 2BG
Wednesday 15th Nov Glasgow O’Neills Pub, Merchant Square, 71 Albion Street, Glasgow G1 1NY
Sunday 19th Nov Edinburgh The Chancer, 30-32 Bread Street, Edinburgh EH3 9AF
Wednesday 22nd Nov Norwich Gardener’s Arms, 2-8 Timber Hill, Norwich NR1 3LB
Thursday 23rd Nov London Hammersmith’s Ram, 81 King Street, London W6 9HW

Team registration at 7pm, with welcome drink and food.
Presentation starts at 7.30pm.
Quiz begins at 8 pm.

For tickets, complete the online registration at www.dragoman.com/quiz or call Dragoman Overland on 01728 861 133.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127
email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

GO LOCO, IN A BLOCO
SALVADOR CARNIVAL – BRAZIL’S BEST KEPT SECRET
BOOK BY 27th OCTOBER & SAVE 35%!

Dragoman Overland is going to let you into a secret… The number one carnival in Brazil is in Salvador not Rio! While other's bust a gut amongst the hordes in Rio, partygoers can slide into a Samba in the unreal party atmosphere of the Salvador Carnival. To get you in the party mood, Dragoman is offering a whopping 35% discount on their new 19-night Salvador Carnival Journey, departing Rio 2nd February 07. Must book by 27th October 06 to qualify.

This trip showcases the best of Brazil with a great mix of chilling, culture, adventure and hiking, village stays and partying. Kick off in Rio (Brazil’s other carnival city), then head inland and explore the beautiful colonial town of Ouro Petro before chilling out in the cool mountains above the Atlantic Coast. Beach hop along the coast towards Bahia, and later, make a deviation into Chapada Diamantina (Diamond Highlands), a national park protecting a spectacularly dramatic and ecologically diverse landscape. Discover the lush green valleys dotted with colourful tropical flowers and the red-rock mesa-like mountain formations during a 3-day guided exploration. Visit Lencois, an historic Diamond town and gateway to the park, founded by prospectors in the last century. Time to go nuts in Brazil, as the following six days are devoted to non-stop partying, although there is time for a half day tour of historic Salvador. All Dragoman travellers get an abada (official carnival outfit) in order to join a bloco (a carnival group who follow a trio eletrico – an exotic float with band on top) and experience first hand, the crazy atmosphere of Brazil’s top carnival!

The tour now costs only £452 p/p (normally £695 – saving £243) plus kitty USD$630 (~£350) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s rugged but comfortable customised Mercedes Benz truck, camping and hotel accommodation (50%/50%) all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman Overland’s two person crew.

International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127
email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

ON PLANET BAOBAB
WALK WITH LIONS, RACE OSTRICHES
NEW TOUR - SOUTHERN AFRICA IN-DEPTH

For an action-packed itinerary with more than just the highlights, Dragoman Overland’s new 5-week exploration of South Africa offers an in-depth look at the region, from Cape Town to Vic Falls or v/v, via the off-the-beaten-track areas of Zimbabwe and Botswana and the Indian Ocean beaches of Mozambique. First departure leaves Cape Town 19th February 07.

For those who want to do more than just tick off the highlights, this longer trip explores Southern Africa in-depth, with plenty of outrageous adventure activities along the way including walking with Lions and Ostrich racing, and is probably the most comprehensive tour of this region available. The southern region of Africa features some of the continent’s most exciting countries to visit, with great scenery, cool campsites, atmospheric bars and fantastic national parks positively bursting with animals. During the 5-week itinerary travellers visit South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia and explore some of Africa’s finest wilderness areas, such as the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. Highlights en route include a 3-night stay at Malalea Lodge community project, 4-nights on the stunning Mozambique beaches of Vilankulos, 2-nights at Antelope Park in Zimbabwe, 2-nights in the Kalahari at the remote Planet Baobab, a jeep safari in Hwange NP, the largest park in Zimbabwe and much more.

The tour costs £885 p/p plus kitty $680 (~£377) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s rugged but comfortable customised Mercedes Benz truck, camping and hotel accommodation (95%/5%) all camp meals, the expertise of Dragoman Overland’s two person crew and accompanying African camp master.

International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127
email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Dragoman Overland’s December departure of their remarkable 25-night overland journey following the Nile from Khartoum in Sudan, to Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa, coincides with one of Africa’s greatest religious festivals, the Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas celebrations in Lalibela. Tour departs Khartoum 23rd December 06.

Exploring rough roads aboard Dragoman's customised Mercedes-Benz vehicle, expect few western amenities and likely deviations to the planned itinerary, all of which reflect the ‘otherness’ of this region of Africa. Step into a world of ancient Christian and Muslim traditions against a backdrop of memorable sights and sounds – the confluence of the Niles, Blue Nile Falls and Gorge, Gondar, the Grave Dancing of the Whirling Dervishes, Lalibela Churches, Bahir Dar, Axum, Lake Tana and the Monasteries and the stunning Simien Mountains National Park. When excitement over Dragoman’s own Christmas festivities has died down (the truck’s tinsel and flashing Santa safely stowed), January 7th marks the beginning of the festive season for many Ethiopians. Lalibela’s 11 extraordinary subterranean churches, carved out of volcanic rock, often referred to as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, are the focus for this great religious event. While some of the churches are housed in a labyrinth of tunnels and crypts, galleries and grottoes, the most spectacular stand three-storeys tall, with elaborate geometric carvings on their exteriors. The population swells with over 60,000 pilgrims from all corners of Ethiopia, arriving to celebrate, all dressed in their traditional white clothing. As a visitor, being part of the festivities offers a rare and exciting glimpse into a rich Orthodox Christian heritage dating back over 1000 years, and is a particular highlight of Dragoman’s Christmas tour.

The tour costs £895 p/p plus kitty $280 (~£155) including travel aboard Dragoman's customised Mercedes-Benz vehicle, hotel, camping and bush camp accommodation (65% / 35%) all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman's two person crew. Travellers may join for the Ethiopian section only on request, departing Gondar 27th December 2006.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127
email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

How far would you go to party? When it’s the Rio Carnival, the biggest party on earth, distance is no object surely? Dragoman Overland offer a number of adventure itineraries in South America ranging in length and variety, all culminating in Party Central, in time for the Carnival (16th Feb 07).

Gaucho & Altiplano Encounters – Quito to Rio: 8,000 kms, 9½-weeks – departing Quito 12th Dec 06.
Via the steamy Amazon jungle, the mountain trails of the Andes, the gleaming white salt flats in Bolivia, an Argentinean estancia (riding with gauchos), the unbelievable Iguazu Falls and the beaches of Brazil’s tropical Parati Islands.
Tour costs £1,680 p/p plus kitty $1050 (~£583).

Amazon Andean Adventure – Caracas to Rio: 7,500 kms, 7½-weeks – departing Caracas 29th Dec 06.
Get off the beaten track in Venezuela and Brazil. Swap trucks for… trekking boots and hike through the table top mountains of Venezuela’s Gran Sabana, board jungle riverboats and canoes for waterborne navigation of the Amazon and 4x4’s and horses for explorations of the backwaters and ranchlands of Brazil’s Pantanal.
Tour costs £1,580 plus kitty $890 (~£494).

The Vaquero – Santiago to Rio: 11,000 kms, 6½-weeks – departing Santiago 3rd Jan 07.
Combine a love of the outdoors – wild white glaciers, craggy fjords, ice holes, volcano climbs, superb wildlife viewing, horse riding and mountain biking – with your more cosmopolitan urges in Santiago, Buenos Aires and of course Rio.
Tour costs £1,520 p/p plus kitty $540 (~£300).

All tours include camping and hotel accommodation, transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes Benz expedition truck and experienced two-person crew. Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

And when you have completed your trip of a lifetime, it must be time to party.

Rio Carnival Extension: 16th Feb 07
5-days of madness and mayhem in the vibrant city of Rio. Submerge yourselves in the exuberant Latin excesses of Rio’s Carnival where the whole city becomes alive with music, singing and dancing. Be prepared for some sleepless days and nights as the partying is non-stop, be it in the streets or in the famous Sambadrome watching the parading carnival groups with their extravagant costumes and floats.
Tour extension costs £340 p/p (no kitty).

Alternatively check out Brazil’s rival carnival – Salvador Carnival 15th-20th Feb 07.
A 19-night tour from Rio to Salvador showcases the best of Brazil with a great mix of chilling, culture, adventure and hiking, village stays and partying.
Tour departs Rio 2nd Feb 07 and costs £695 p/p plus kitty $630 (~£350).

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127
email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Discover life on the road with Dragoman Overland’s 21-day musical journey from Bamako, timed to coincide with Mali’s annual 4-day Festival on the Niger at Segou, showcasing West Africa’s best musicians and artists, departing Bamako 18th January 2007.

Mali has produced some of Africa’s finest musicians and has a long tradition of tribal music. Today the traditional has fused with the modern and Bamako’s venues headline many of Mali’s internationally acclaimed talents including such giants as Salif Keita and Ali Farka Toure. Indeed it may be even be possible to include one of these top gigs during Drago’s time in town. However, the main focus of this tour is Segou, Mali’s second city on the shores of the Niger River, where once a year the majority of country’s musical and cultural talent converges for the Festival on the Niger (see www.festivalsegou.org). For four-days travellers enjoy performances from a host of Malian and international musicians, dancers, puppeteers and storytellers that fill the town and make the event one of West Africa’s most important artistic expositions. Dragoman Overland’s journey also explores one of Mali’s most unusual tribal cultures during a 3-day trek through Dogon lands on the Bandigara Escarpment. Here travellers experience village mask dances, the rhythms of Dogon drumming and the remarkable origins of their Sirius B (the Dogstar) - worshipping beliefs. Elsewhere, a 3-day river boat voyage up the Niger explores the river’s inland delta and takes travellers to the anecdotally remote desert settlement of Timbuktu. Here, amongst dusty tea-shops and simple restaurants, Dragoman seek out authentic Tuareg jamming sessions for memorable sounds. Further highlights include the thriving river port of Mopti and the frenetic markets of Djenne, with its famous mosque – the world’s largest mud structure are. The tour concludes back in Bamako with one last chance to hit Rue Dafake and the live bands at top venue, Le Hogon.

The Sounds of the Sahara tour costs £795 plus kitty USD$620 (~£365) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s expedition truck, camping accommodation, all camp meals and expert guiding.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127
email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

A country twice the size of France with only three million inhabitants is the focus of a 16-day overland expedition following desert pistes (tracks in the sand) through the immense empty expanses of northern Mauritania, taking advantage of lower winter temperatures, departing Nouakchott (‘the place of winds’) 6th December 2006.

From capital, Nouakchott, Dragoman Overland’s 4WD Mercedes Benz truck heads north towards the tranquil oasis of Terjit. By day, bathe in the precious water of the oasis gorge, one warm pool and one cold, and at night camp out in Moorish tents. Further north, the town of Atar marks the end of road and the beginning of off-tarmac exploration leading towards the ksour of Chinguetti. The UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the edge of a great dune sea and has a long history as one of several towns that grew up on the tax revenues from trans-Saharan caravans – sometimes up to 30,000 camels strong. Depending upon local conditions, Guelb Er Richat – the 50km ‘eye of Africa’ is largest geological feature to be discovered from space (during a 1965 Gemini mission). From Richat, the journey towards Choum, Nouadibou and the coast begins, keeping south of the iron ore railway, away from ill-defined minefields between Mauritania and Western Sahara… The railway carries the world’s longest trains (over 3kms), transporting iron ore from mines at Zouerate. It may be possible to leave the truck for a while and let the train take the strain… Whichever way travellers choose, the monumental rock monolith of Ben Amera, second only to Ayers Rock in size, is a key landmark along the way. Arrival in Nouadibou, allows for refreshing swimming at Baie de L’Etoile, an eclectic market experience, a surreal tour of a shipping graveyard and a one-to-one with residents of the Elephant Seal colony at Cap Blanc. Continuing, the route down the coast traverses very remote desert regions with no roads and no settlements, finally skirting Banc D’Arguin National Park. Taking account of the tides, a 50km drive along the beach, camping in the sand by the Atlantic is a prelude to arrival back in Nouakchott and the end of a fascinating journey. Dragoman’s Discover the Moorish Sahara is billed as a tough trip for the more adventurous traveller, offering challenging experiences but no great facilities. Don’t expect to send text messages or receive calls from the office – mobile phones aren’t banned, they just don’t work here! Participation with camp chores is essential – shopping, cooking, finding wood, building campfires and sadly, washing up! On some days travellers should expect to sand-mat the truck through massive dunefields – this is hot, hard work!

The journey costs £496 (normally £620 – saving £124) plus USD$150 (~£85) including transport in Dragoman Overland’s rugged Mercedes Benz ‘Classic’ 4X4 truck, camping accommodation, all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman Overland’s professional crew. Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127
email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Winners of AITO’s Responsible Tourism Award for 2005, Dragoman Overland offer travellers a chance to save 20% on their 31-night Toucans, Temple’s & Trails overland, featuring a pioneering ‘alternative Inca Trail’ whilst journeying from Peru to Ecuador, departing Cuzco 1st September 2006.

From Cuzco, the Inca’s ancient capital, an alternative Inca Trail, a Quechua Indian community trek explores the Pumahuanca region on the opposite side of the Urubamba Valley from the Classic Inca Trail. Following virtually deserted routes used only by locals and Dragoman, the route allows trekkers to stay within local communities and help out in ‘hands-on’ community projects away from the crowds. At Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest chasms, travellers take some time to appreciate that ‘condor moment’ as these magnificent predators catch the updrafts and ride the thermals over the canyon. Next, at 3,500m up on the Altiplano, the colonial town of Arequipa lying at the foot of volcano El Misti, is visited. One of the town’s best known residents, ‘Juanita’, an Inca mummy found frozen on the slopes of Volcan Ampato, made an impression on Bill Clinton during his 1996 visit, prompting the alarming exclamation ‘That’s a good-looking mummy!’ Travelling north up the coast, Puerto Inca, Cuzco’s port and the mysterious Nazca Lines are further highlights together with a boat trip to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands, before arriving in Peru’s capital, Lima. Later, echoes of pre-Inca civilisations, the Moche and Chimu, are explored in Huanchaco, Chan Chan, Tucume and Sipan. After crossing the border into Ecuador, the plazas, cobbled streets, markets and 16th and 17th Century churches of Cuenca, the country’s favourite city are visited. Heading away from the coastal plains, Misahualli is the departure point for Amazon jungle expeditions, learning about the rich resource of the fragile forest ecosytems. The Indian market at Otavalo, renowned for colourful fabrics, is a top shopping stop prior to arrival in final destination Quito, another city disconcertingly nestled below volcanic slopes – Volcan Pichincha.

The overland journey costs £796 (normally £995 - save £199) plus kitty USD$830 (~£488) including transport in Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes Benz truck, hotel and camping accommodation (65%/35%), all camp meals, the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and local guides en route. International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

NEW INDIAN FAMILY TAKEAWAY …
SELLING LIKE HOT POPPADUMS!
BOOK NOW FOR OCTOBER HALF TERM 2007!

October Half Term 2007 may be seem a long way off, but those families looking for an authentic Indian experience that offers camel riding, tiger safaris, elephant riding, rickshaw tours, a unique farmstay, plenty of cultural explorations and enough comfort in the form of mini palace accommodation to take the rough edges off an overland tour, should book now! Dragoman Overland’s brand new 10-night family adventure is guaranteed to sell like hot poppadums – early booking is recommended! Tours depart Delhi 17th October and 21st December 07.

Start explorations in the colourful heart of India with a city tour amongst the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi and the leafy boulevards of Delhi. Leaving the hustle and bustle of city life behind, Dragoman heads for the Rajasthan Desert, where families spend two nights at the Mandawa Desert Resort, a village of mud brick cottages. Enjoy camel rides through the spectacular desert scenery and village walks in local Rajasthani communities, and back at the resort, there’s an inviting pool to cool off in. Experience the ‘real India’ during a unique farmstay in the countryside surrounding Jaipur, with Dragoman’s local Rajasthani guide and his family. A city tour of Jaipur is next, followed by a traditional evening with music and an overnight stay in a small Maharajah’s palace in the centre. A guided visit to the mighty Amber Palace, a classic fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, situated outside of the city, is also included. The next three nights focus on Agra and its surrounding areas, and feature a guided rickshaw ride through sleepy Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, and overnight near the sanctuary, a two-night hotel stay in Agra with a rickshaw city tour, guided tour of the Taj Mahal and Red Fort plus a visit to the royal city of Fatehpur Sikri. For the last leg of the journey Dragoman heads through Uttar Pradesh to the Himalayan foothills and Corbett National Park. During a two-night stay in one of the park’s charming cottages, exciting tiger and wildlife safaris by jeep and elephant back, top the itinerary. The tour finishes back in Delhi with a celebratory Indian feast for the entire group – poppadums included!

The tour costs £450 p/p (adults) £382 p/p (children 7-15 years) plus kitty USD$470 (~£261) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s rugged but comfortable customised Mercedes Benz truck, accommodation in fun small hotels, small palaces, cottages and farm camp, all chosen with families in mind, some meals and the expertise of Dragoman Overland’s two person crew.
International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

For those times in life when the eternal human question ‘What am I doing here?’ has no satisfactory answer, Dragoman Overland has devised a journey to fill the void… Their new 52-week overland covers more than 34,800 miles, greater than the circumference of the Earth, during a traverse of 28 countries. Initially heading out across Russia to Mongolia and China, returning west through Central Asia before striking African soil and making for the continent’s most southerly extent, the journey finally concludes in Cape Town. Don’t panic, there’s plenty of time to pack your bags, quit your job, put the dog in kennels and say sayonara to that relationship that was never going to work out, as the first epic departure from St. Petersburg is 20th April 2008.

Kathy Churchill, Dragoman Overland Operations Manager heralds this new ultimate overland saying, ‘For a number of years we’ve been asked by travellers for a 12 month overland route, though for logistical reasons the longest duration we offered was 42 weeks. With the advent of our new overlands out of St. Petersburg we can now schedule journeys that bridge the psychological gap to 52 weeks. As we say in our advertising, “it’s going to be hard coming home…”’ The itinerary encompasses a multitude of evocative place names, from Ashgabat, Almaty and Addis Ababa to Omdurman, Osh and Okavango naming but a few, each conjuring images of far off lands and far out people – though after 52 weeks on the road most travellers will inevitably appear to hail from the far side themselves…
The journey comprises 12 sections, all remarkable in their own right, and represents a cost saving of 18% on the sum of its individual parts.

The journey costs £10,600 plus kitty USD$6,520 (~£3,725) including transport in Dragoman Overland’s reassuringly rugged Mercedes Benz truck, camping, hotel, guest house accommodation, all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman Overland’s two person crew plus, on some sections, a local Camp Master.
International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Now that the political situation in Nepal has stabilised, selected departures of Dragoman Overland’s 15-night Moguls, Mosques and Mahals journey from Kathmandu to Delhi are available at a 15% discount, offering remarkable value on rich and varied overland trip taking in bustling cities and temples as well as some off-the-beaten-track wilderness areas. Applicable departures include; 23rd September and 2nd December 2006, plus 11th November and 16th December 2006 operating in reverse.

From the ancient tri-city capital - Kantipur, Bhaktapur and Patan, that is the chaos and calm of modern Kathmandu descend to Nepal’s lowland ‘terai’ and Royal Chitwan National Park. Here there’s the opportunity to take elephant-back explorations in search of elusive tigers, rhinos and sloth bears. Crossing the frontier into India’s state of Uttar Pradesh and the holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges senses are awakened by the sights, sounds and smells of India. Later in Madhya Pradesh, the intricate carvings found at the erotic temples of Khajuraho only serve to emphasise the lack of Missionary imagination. Leopards and Tigers are again sought amongst the dense jungle of remote Panna National Park before camping overnight amongst the deserted temples and palaces of Orchha allows time to calmly contemplate ancient India. Heading back into Uttar Pradesh, Agra and the Taj Mahal remain enduring attractions before crossing into Rajastan. Here, visits to the ancient mogul capital of Fatehpur Sikri, the forests, lakes and wetlands of the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and Maharaja Jai Sing’s rose-pink city of Jaipur prelude arrival amongst the bustling streets and bazaars of India’s third largest city, Delhi.

The overland costs £383 (normally £450) plus kitty of $230 (~£130), including hotel and camping accommodation (80%/20%), all camp meals, transport aboard Dragoman Overlands ‘classic’ Dragoman-style customised truck and expert guidance from a two person crew.
International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Escape the falling leaves, get off the beaten track and save 15% this autumn with Dragoman Overland on a 5-week journey experiencing the spectacular landscapes and wildlife of south eastern Africa, from Victoria Falls to Nairobi, departing 2nd October 2006.

The journey kicks off with the stunning sight of Victoria Falls followed by an optional exploration of the Kafue and Zambezi Rivers by canoe, taking in the views of broad floodplains and rugged escarpments. Rural Zambia is the Africa of storybooks and the drive through semi-forested mountains, small villages and across cattle ranching country gives travellers great opportunities to experience the beauty of this developing country. South Luangwa National Park is perhaps the best place to observe vast numbers of hippos, crocodiles, elephants as well as Red Lechwe, unique to Zambia. On arrival in Malawi many activities are available, ranging from relaxing on the beach to high altitude diving, horse riding to birdwatching walks in search of magnificent Fish Eagles. Next, is the historically infamous tropical Spice Island of Zanzibar, which far from slavery and ivory trades, now offers a warm African welcome amongst its stunning palm-fringed beaches and bustling markets. Back on the African mainland in Tanzania, further opportunities to see major wildlife species including Black Rhino are on offer during Landrover explorations of Ngorongoro Crater. Later, travelling through the characteristic rolling grasslands of the Serengeti, wild camping is guaranteed to live up to expectation. The ultimate in game viewing can be experienced during an early morning hot air balloon safari. As well as spectacular wildlife, nights on idyllic Indian Ocean Beaches and a camel trip to traditional Masai villages, many other aspects of Africa are explored throughout this journey, including getting hands-on at the Kariandusi School Trust’s latest project at Langalanga. Following the earlier raising of £45,000 through Dragoman Overland and building of eight new classrooms, participation in teaching, building fabrication and land management is the order of the day and a great way to meet local people. Finally, soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere and stock up on souvenirs in Nairobi, journey’s end.

The overland costs £1,050 (normally £1,235) plus kitty of $980 (~£530) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes-Benz truck, camping and hotel accommodation (85%/15%), all camp meals plus the expertise of Dragoman's two person crew and local camp master. International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman from £610 including taxes.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Dragoman Overland take the high route across Bolivia’s High Altiplano via the stunning greens and pinks of Laguna Colorado and Laguna Verde, part of a 27-day journey down the backbone of the Andes, through Peru, Bolivia and Chile, from Cusco to Santiago, that also includes a unique alternative Inca Trail trek, first developed in 2005 in conjunction with the Quechua community. 1st September departure from Cusco comes with a 20% discount!

The High Andes and High Altiplano have some of the most remote and visually spectacular mountains on earth. The adventure starts high up, in and around Cusco and the Urumbamba Valley amongst the classic highlights of Peru’s Inca heritage and includes a hike along Dragoman’s alternative Inca Trail – an unconventional route that involves stunning views and a Quechua India community project. Continue on to Bolivia and Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake visiting the floating reed island homes of the Uros Indians. Discover the witchcraft markets of La Paz and the colonial city of Potosi, the highest city in the world at 4,090 metres. Watch flocks of pink flamingos and herds of grazing Alpaca on the shores of colourful Laguna Colorado and Laguna Verde in Bolivia’s High Altiplano. Descend into the tiny colonial village of San Pedro de Atacama, with its pretty 16th century adobe buildings, set in the heart of Chile’s Atacama Desert, the driest on the earth. San Pedro makes a great base for desert excursions with good access to the spectacular geysers, volcanoes, lakes and salt flats. Finally head for the valleys and estancia region of Southern Chile, fertile lands first claimed by the Spanish Conquistadors and now home to the Chilean Huaso (cowboy).

The tour now costs £640 p/p (normally £800 - save £160) plus USD$680 (~£377) kitty including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s Mercedes Benz vehicle, camping and hotel accommodation (50%/50%), all camp meals, Dragoman Overland’s two person crew and local guides. Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

WINDHOEK TO CAPE TOWN
SAVE 25% ONLY £402!!!
17-NIGHTS WINDHOEK TO CAPE TOWN NOW

Dragoman Overland is offering a 25% saving on a 17-night journey from Windhoek to Cape Town, experiencing the spectacular landscapes and wildlife of remoter parts of Namibia and South Africa, departing Windhoek 4th August 2006.

Travels start in Windhoek, where German colonial architecture blends with modern styles in a charming city that has great souvenir markets, several excellent ‘all-you-can-eat’ African game meat-themed restaurants serving ‘strong man’s beer’… Swakopmund proves an adventurous waypoint with quad-biking, sand-boarding, horse-riding or even sky-diving on offer, before heading for the vast spaces of Etosha, Namibia’s best-known national park. Home to a wide range of Southern Africa’s wildlife including all the big carnivores and five rare or endangered species (Black Rhino, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Black-faced Impala, Roan Antelope and the tiny Damara Dik Dik), campsites near a waterhole offer excellent game viewing. Journey through the mountains, dunes and plains of the Namib Desert to the Sossuslvei Dunes, taking a guided dawn trek up the huge Dune 45. A Namibian farmstay combines domestic stock husbandry activities with night and day game drives seeking out wilder inhabitants. Explore the unique Quiver Tree Forest and Giant’s Playground rock formations and later Fish River Canyon, where a 2-night stay offers plenty of hiking opportunities. Cross the border into South Africa and travel down the coast allowing time to either raft the Orange River or visit Cederberg. Sample some great wines during an expertly guided tour in the winelands of Stellenbosch, then make for the southernmost point of the African continent – the Cape of Good Hope. Finally, soak up the atmosphere in the sophisticated and beautiful city of Cape Town, journey’s end.

The tour now costs only £402 p/p (normally £535) plus kitty USD$320 (~£188) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s rugged but comfortable customised Mercedes Benz truck, camping and hotel accommodation (80%/20%) all camp meals, the expertise of Dragoman Overland’s two person crew and accompanying African camp master. Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

INAUGURAL 20% DISCOUNT
***NEW TOUR***
GHENGIS KHAN
ON THE ROAD
NEW - RUSSIAN/MONGOLIAN OVERLAND

Fancy laying the foundations for a new empire and leaving an indelible mark on World history – or just experiencing an incredible overland journey, leaving an indelible mark on the psyche? Dragoman Overland offers a new 11-week journey through the heart of Russia and Mongolia, from St. Petersburg to Beijing, departing 22nd April 2007. Inaugural 20% discount for bookings made by 30th September 2006.

Relax in the ‘City of the Tzars’, St. Petersburg, and re-orientate amongst the endless twilight of the famous White Nights, preparing for adventures ahead. Initially travel into Russia’s historic and elaborate past, beautiful ecclesiastical buildings, unique monuments and ancient, picturesque cities. Stay on the banks of the Volga before heading out overland across the Russian and Kazakh steppe. Travel via the former fishing port of Aral with its surreal ship graveyard created by the retreat of the Aral Sea in the 60’s, then off to Baikonur Cosmodrome, the World's oldest and largest operational space launch facility. On arrival in Southern Kazakhstan, visit the 10th century ruined city of Sauren, continuing to the wonders of Persian culture in Turkestan. If too much fresh air unbalanced travellers’ ‘ying’ during hikes in the stunning Tien-Shan Mountains (‘Heavenly Mountains’), then their ‘yang’ will be evened out by 3-nights in the big smoke of Almaty (‘the place with apples’) where clubs, culture and perhaps a little rest, relaxation combine with…apple pie. Next, an overland journey through the amazing Siberian Altai and Mongolia Altai Mountains, camping in remote mountainscapes before hopping from lake to lake through northern Mongolia, staying in traditional Ger’s with the Tsaatan Nomads and their Reindeer herds. Journey through Mongolia’s Khorgo-Terkiin Tsagaan, where big-skied wildlands of mountains, racing streams, rivers, lakes, extinct volcanoes, green forests form an ever-changing back drop. A traverse of Asia’s largest desert wilderness, the Gobi is next. From this dry expanse, journey down the Orhon River where ancient ruins scatter the river valley, and explore the geographical curiosity of the Yolin Am Iced Valley, before crossing the grasslands and plains of southern Gobi to enter the People’s Republic of China where the Great Wall and the Feng Shui inspired Ming Tombs are just some of the cultural highlights.

The journey costs £2,396 p/p (Normally £2,995) plus kitty USD$1,205 (~£710) including camping and hotel accommodation (70%/30%), all camp meals, transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes Benz expedition truck and guidance from an experienced two-person crew. Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Brazil has many associations; home to the World’s longest river, samba, cult cinema, extreme hair removal, criminal ex-pats and designer ‘body-beautifuls’, but above all these is football! Amongst many wildly enthusiastic Latin America nations Brazil is pre-eminent in its appreciation of the ‘beautiful game’ and is without doubt football’s southern hemisphere home. Dragoman Overland offer a 5% discount on a 27-night journey across the heart of Brazil and the Amazon, perhaps seeing how soccer should be played, departing Rio de Janeiro 19th August 2006.

On arrival in the iconic harbour city of Rio luxuriate on the warm, sandy beaches of Copacabana and no doubt wow the Brazilians with your beach footie skills, before a spectacular cable car ride to the summit of Pao de Azucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain). Later, take a cultural tour of the Historical, Indian and National Museums before an evening of vibrant Brazilian nightlife. Leaving Rio, head overland to the futuristic capital city of Brasilia, before hiking through the remote Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park to be inspired by beautiful waterfalls, rock canyons and hot springs. Journey through the luxuriant lowland of the world’s largest flood plains, the Pantanal Matogrossen. 3-days are spent in 4x4’s and on horseback within the backwaters and ranch lands observing varied wildlife on the shores of innumerable rivers and crystal clear lakes. From the Pantanal, further waterborne exploration of Amazon tributaries heads into the jungle, observing numerous species of flora and fauna, from Jaguars and peccaries to over 300 species of tree and a huge variety of insects and reptiles. Return to a small riverside village, and fish in the clear waters that are home to an amazing abundance of fish species including Piranha – so definitely not for supper! The final leg of the journey takes a jungle riverboat, travelling up the Rio Madeira to Manaus, the unique jungle city and capital of the Amazonas where the Amazon and Solimoes Rivers meet. Here, visit historic sites and wander around the colourful markets, collecting many and various indispensable Latino trinkets!

The holiday costs £808 p/p plus kitty USD $530 (~£290) including camping and hotel accommodation (70%/30%), transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes Benz expedition truck and experienced two-person crew. Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Dragoman Overland’s new 5-week Wildlife, Beaches and Delta overland journey from Victoria Falls to Cape Town offers a comprehensive view of Southern Africa, travelling through Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho in an action-packed itinerary featuring more than just ‘the highlights’ and includes a stay at the remote and surreally funky Planet Baobab camp in the Kalahari Desert.

Departures commence February 2007 and initially attract a 20% discount (book by September 2006). From millions of tons of tumbling water at Victoria Falls head to Zimbabwe’s enduringly game-rich though now undertouristed Hwange National Park, then cross into Botswana’s Chobe National Park where boat safaris offer a different perspective on African wildlife, including huge resident herds of Elephant. Cross into Namibia and the upper reaches of the Okavango Delta panhandle of the western Caprivi Strip where a 2-night mokoro (poled canoe) safari into the Delta allows tranquil exploration and exceptional photographic opportunities. It may not be the final frontier but back in Botswana it’s time to boldly go… to Planet Baobab, adjacent to the Makgadikgadi Pans – the remnants of a once great ancient lake. Here, accommodation is in either traditional Bakalanga Huts or genuine Bushman Grass Huts, built and designed by local craftsmen featuring exterior artwork using natural pigments from termite mounds! Even the central ablution blocks are decorated with inspiring local art! However, the showpiece is the shebeen bar, complete with huge beer bottle chandelier suspended from the thatched roof, cowskin chairs and its mopane walls covered in an amazing collection of photographs. Meals are taken al fresco under the spreading branches of a morula tree. Activities include game viewing, 4x4 Quad-bikes - the only way to explore the vast nothingness of the Makgadikgadi in an ecologically sensitive way, and walking safaris accompanied by guides who will explain the local environment and the traditional uses of plants and animals. Returning to southern Zimbabwe, White Rhino are sought in Matobo National Park and the ruins of Great Zimbabwe are explored before continuing east and onto the coast of central Mozambique for a 4-night stay on the stunning beaches of Vilankulos, allowing time for optional dhow trips to the Bazaruto Archpelago, diving and snorkelling. Follow Mozambique’s Indian Ocean beaches (someone’s bound to have Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks) and visit Maputo before entering the Kingdom of Swaziland and the sublime Mlilwane National Park followed by the battlefields of the Zulu Wars in latter-day South Africa. Later, in the highlands of Lesotho, Dragoman stay at the hillside lodge of Malealea. Here travellers partake in numerous adventures, riding and hiking plus community based activities such as school visits. Dragoman Overland donates $10 per visiting passenger to Malealea’s development fund supporting community projects. Continuing along the Garden Route, arrival in Cape Town is a fitting journey’s end.

The overland costs from £908 p/p (normally £1135 p/p) plus kitty of USD$675 (~£400) including travel aboard Dragoman Overland’s reassuringly rugged customised Mercedes Benz truck, camping and hotel accommodation (95%/5%), all camp meals, many activities, entry fees and the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and African camp master. Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

LESS IS MORE…
FAMILY OVERLAND ADVENTURES
LATE CANCELLATIONS OFFER-UP AVAILABILITY ON PREVIOUSLY FULL TOURS
£75 p/p TOWARDS FLIGHT COSTS

Two of Dragoman Overland’s most popular family overland adventures, departing during the summer holidays, have been full for months. However, the recent late cancellation of two family groups means space is again available on both the 16-night East Africa Family Safari and the 18-night Namibia, Botswana Family Adventure, departing Nairobi and Windhoek, 16th July and 23rd July respectively. As a further incentive to late bookers, £75 p/p is being offered by Dragoman Overland towards flight costs.

East African Family Safari – 16-nights – Nairobi to Dar es Salaam – dep Nairobi 16th July
Adults £815 Children (7 to 15 years) £693 – kitty USD$690 (~£405)
Highlights of the tour include exploring the flamingo-rich Lake Nakauru, visiting ‘Elsamere’ - once home of the Adamsons of Born Free fame, game drives in the Serengeti National Park and a jeep safari in Ngorongoro Crater. An overnight at a Masai Boma – a Dragoman-supported community project, gives travellers a genuine insight into traditional life. Later, more wildlife of a reptilian nature is observed at Arusha’s snake park before heading to the coast and an idyllic 3-night stay on the exotic Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar.

Namibia, Botswana Family Adventure – 18-nights – Windhoek to Vic Falls – dep Windhoek 23rd July
Adults £750 Children (7 to 15 years) £638 – kitty USD$580 (~£341)
From Windhoek, head to the Namib Naukluft National Park for a guided trek through the dune seas of Sossusvlei including a climb of Dune 45 – the world’s highest. Continue through the Namib Desert to Namibia’s adrenaline capital, Swakopmund for Quad biking, sand-boarding, sky diving or horse riding. Head up the Skeleton Coast for a rendezvous with Cheetahs at Otjitongwe Reserve and then enter Etosha National Park for some big game. A visit to a San Bushman community project supports the local community and provides insight into indigenous life before crossing into Botswana. Chobe National Park, reveals vast elephant herds together with other rich wildlife populations. In the remarkable waterworld of the Okavango Delta the group stays on houseboats and explores by canoe before heading for a further watery encounter and the conclusion of the journey with a 2-night stay at Victoria Falls.

Both tours involve a majority, 60% to 70%, camping accommodation combined with the small hotels and lodges. All campsites and hotels are chosen with families in mind and many offer swimming pools. Transport is provided by Dragoman Overland’s dependably rugged, customised Mercedes Benz expedition truck and accompanying the two person crew is an African Camp Master who effortlessly helps organise camp cookery and chores – a key guy in the proceedings.

Flights are not included but are currently available through Dragoman Overland from £875 adt, £586 chd (under 12 years) NBO DAR inc pre-paid taxes, and £865 adt, £580 chd (under 12years) WDH VFA.
Prices are quoted exclusive of Dragoman Overland’s £75 contribution.

International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

CAPE TOWN TO WINDHOEK
SAVE 25%
17-NIGHTS CAPE TOWN TO WINDHOEK
NOW ONLY £401!!!

Dragoman Overland is offering a 25% saving on a 17-night journey from Cape Town to Windhoek, experiencing the spectacular landscapes and wildlife of remoter parts of South Africa and Namibia, departing Cape Town 17th June 2006 – further discounts of 20% and 10% respectively are available on reverse itineraries departing Windhoek 4th and 24th August.

After soaking up the atmosphere in the sophisticated and beautiful city of Cape Town travellers head for the southernmost point of the African continent – the Cape of Good Hope. Next, through the winelands of Stellenbosch where an expertly-guided tour allows ample opportunity to try great wine not seen in the UK. Later, travel up the coast with time to raft stretches of the Orange River or visit the Cederberg Wilderness, before crossing the border into Namibia and a 2-night stay at Fish River Canyon. Exploring further, head into the unique Quiver Tree Forest and the Giant’s Playground rock formations. A Namibian farm-stay combines domestic stock husbandry activities with night and day game drives seeking out wilder inhabitants. A dawn trek of enormous Dune 45 at Sossusvlei offers great photographic opportunities over the sea of sand, and precedes a further journey through the mountains, dunes and plains of the Namib Desert. Heading for the vast spaces of Etosha, Namibia’s best-know national park, home to a wide range of Southern Africa’s wildlife including all the big carnivores and five rare or endangered species (Black Rhino, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Black Faced Impala, Roan Antelope and the tiny Damara Dik Dik), campsites near a waterhole offer excellent game viewing. Then, travelling through the expanse of Central Namibia, Swakopmund proves an adventurous waypoint with quad-biking, sand-boarding, horse-riding or even sky-diving on offer. After final sojourns in the coastal desert journey’s end is found at Windhoek, where German colonial architecture blends with modern styles in a charming city that has great souvenir markets, several excellent ‘all-you-can-eat African game meat’ themed restaurants serving ‘strong man’s beer’…

The tour costs only £401 p/p (normally £535) plus kitty USD$320 (~£188) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s rugged but comfortable customised Mercedes Benz truck, camping and hotel accommodation (80%/20%) all camp meals, the expertise of Dragoman Overland’s two person crew and accompanying African camp master.
International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Dragoman Overland is offering a 30% discount on a specific eastbound departure of its 3½-week The Caucasus & Trans Caspian Central Asian journey from Istanbul to Ashgabat via Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, departing 28th June 2006. Bookings must absolutely, positively, without fail, be confirmed by the end of May 2006 to allow maximum time for byzantine Visa application processes.

Leaving Istanbul, travel to Turkey’s Cappadocia and Goreme Valley. Entering the Caucasus, spectacular mountain scenery, orthodox churches and monasteries characterise the amazingly friendly destination of Georgia. In Azerbaijan, Dragoman overnight at a well preserved ancient Caravanserai and visit a Zoroastrian Fire Temple and bubbling geysers of provincial Gubistan. Moving east, crossing the Caspian Sea, Dragoman Overland enters the vast Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan. Travelling to the historic ruin Nissa Fortress and then onto Ashgabat, an oasis of modernity in a desert sea of antiquity with perhaps the world’s spectacular local market – the Tolkuchka Sunday Bazaar.

The journey costs £613 (normally £874 – saving £262!) plus kitty USD$560 (~£320) including transport aboard Dragoman’s Mercedes Benz expedition truck, small hotel, wild camping and campsite accommodation (55%/45%), all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman Overland’s professional two person crew.
International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

TWO DATES - LAST MINUTE AND SUMMER 15% & 20% DISCOUNTS
GOOD GNUS IN AFRICA
WILDEBEEST MIGRATION - EAST AFRICAN OVERLAND & ZANZIBAR

Save up to 20% with Dragoman Overland on two 16-night journeys from Zanzibar to Nairobi – one coinciding with the Serengeti’s Wildebeest migration and the other taking advantage of great weather on the Indian Ocean coast, departing Dar es Salaam 12th May and 13th August 2006.

The perpetual movement of vast numbers of plains game in search of new grazing and water, is perhaps the greatest wildlife spectacle to be observed in East Africa. By the time that the ‘long rains’ have ceased each May, over 1.5 million Wildebeest (Gnu), 300,000 Thomson's Gazelle, 250,000 Zebra will have amassed in the Serengeti National Park, many with newly-born calves. This remarkable abundance also attracts particular interest from predatory species including Lion, Cheetah on the plains and Crocodile at river crossings. Dragoman Overland take full advantage of their mobility by wild camping in the Serengeti National Park and allowing travellers to observe the migration at first hand. A further perspective is offered by an optional early-morning balloon safari, allowing memorable views over the East African savannah. Dragoman’s journey kicks off with a relaxed introduction to overlanding, spending 3-days on tropical Spice Island of Zanzibar, where stunning palm-fringed beaches, bustling markets offer a warm African welcome! In addition to the Serengeti, Dragoman’s journey includes Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area and follows the migration across the border into Kenya’s Masai Mara, later visiting Lake Nakuru. As well as wildlife, other aspects of Africa are explored during a camel trip to local Masai Boma community project where travellers learn about pastoralist people's way of life – proceeds go to the local community. Just outside Nairobi travellers get hands-on at the Kariandusi School Trust’s latest project at Langalanga, following the earlier raising of £45,000 through Dragoman and building of eight new classrooms. Here, participation in teaching, buildings fabrication and land management is the order of the day.

The overlands cost £531 (normally £625 – 12th May) and £476 (normally £595 – 13th August) plus kitty of $530 (~£311) including travel aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes-Benz truck, hotel and camping accommodation (25%/75%), all camp meals plus the expertise of Dragoman's two person crew and local campmaster.
Balloon Safaris cost £280 and should be booked from the UK as space is inevitably limited. International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman from £460 including pre-paid taxes.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

With the advent of recent low-cost flights into Marrakech the expense of an adventurous family holiday can be at least be partially mitigated. Dragoman Overland is making life easier too by offering a 15% discount on two departures of their 14-night Moroccan Family Adventure, departing Marrakech 17th and 31st July 2006.

Designed specifically and exclusively for families this accessible overland journey has it all – camel rides into the desert dunes of Erg Chebi, snake charmers in Marrakech’s ancient square of Djemaa el Fna and ancient kasbahs in Ait Benhaddou (as seen in ‘Gladiator’) combine with explorations of the vast Todra Gorge and palmery. Dragoman Overland’s Mercedes Benz truck may not have the same paint job as the Marrakech Express but it does feature some really natural highs when crossing the spectacular Tizzi-n-Test pass in the High Atlas.
Throughout, adventurous desert camping combines with wonderfully atmospheric hotels, including a sumptuous merchant’s Riad, a mountain auberge and a converted Kasbah, all with pools and phenomenally good food. In the mountain trekking village of Imlil, the award-winning Kasbah de Toubkal utilises local produce and labour to provide the very best available accommodation, without loosing the Berber tradition of hospitality. Here too, there’s an opportunity to climb north Africa’s highest peak, Mt Toubkal (4,167m) and visit one of the community projects instigated by the lodge and supported by Dragoman Overland. The journey concludes with a relaxing couple of days on the Atlantic beaches of Essaouira – yes, Jimi Hendrix did stay and probably play here!

The tour costs £506 p/p adult (Normally £595), £405 p/p child 8 to 15 years (Normally £476) plus kitty of $480 p/p (~£282) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s truck, hotel and camping accommodation (65%/35%), all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman Overland’s two person crew. International flights are not included but low cost flights are available with EasyJet www.easyjet.com from around £150 subject to availability.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Gubistan are not even a blip on the radar of global tourism but for adventurous travellers, Dragoman Overland are definitely the ‘go-to-guys’ if Stan’s your man! For a limited period only, specific eastbound departures of two overland adventures encompassing these fascinating, though little-visited, Central Asian states, are available at a 30% discount. Bookings must be confirmed by 1st June 2006 to allow time for Visa application processing.

The Caucasus & Trans Caspian – Istanbul to Ashgabat
3½ -weeks - Departs Istanbul 28th June 2006
Cost £613 (NORMALLY £874 – SAVING £262!) plus kitty US$560 (~£320)

Leaving Istanbul, travel to Turkey’s Cappadocia and Goreme Valley. Entering the Caucasus, spectacular mountain scenery, orthodox churches and monasteries characterise the amazingly friendly destination of Georgia. In Azerbaijan, Dragoman overnight at a well preserved ancient Caravanserai and visit a Zoroastrian Fire Temple and bubbling geysers of provincial Gubistan. Moving east, crossing the Caspian Sea, Dragoman enter the vast Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan. Travelling to the historic ruin Nissa Fortress and then onto Ashgabat, an oasis of modernity in a desert of antiquity with perhaps the world’s spectacular local market – the Tolkuchka Sunday Bazaar.

Samarkand & Tamerlane’s Testament – Ashgabat to Tashkent
14-nights - Departing Ashgabat 22nd July 2006
Cost £417 (NORMALLY £595 – SAVING £178!) plus kitty US$340 (~£200)

In a period of ten years, starting from his capital Samarkand, Tamerlane the Magnificent annexed an empire from the Mediterranean to Delhi. His heartland was the Oxus River Valley, the lands of the Central Silk Route and the surrounding Karakum and Kyzylkum deserts. Encounters with nomadic Turkmen of the Karakum Desert offer insights into traditional lifestyles and a Bactrian camel safari out into the Kyzylkum concludes with a yurt-stay. Entering Uzbekistan, explorations of the Oxus Valley reveal the ancient Khanate of Khiva its bloodstained history surpassed only by the origins of Bukhara’s Death Tower and Bug Pit, together with almost mystical Samarkand - Central Asia’s oldest city. The tour concludes in the Uzbekistan capital of Tashkent.

These two overlands do run concurrently creating a 5½ journey and offering a combined saving of £440 in total.

All costs include transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes-Benz vehicle, camping and hotel accommodation, all camp meals and expert guiding from Dragoman’s two person crew. International flights are not included but may be arranged through Dragoman Overland.

Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Dragoman Overland’s pioneering ‘Inca Trail & Quechua Community Trek’, first introduced in July 2005 and now featured in six South American itineraries, has been hailed a huge success. The trail explores the Pumahuanca region on the opposite side of the Urubamba Valley from the Classic Inca Trail, following virtually deserted routes used only by locals and Dragoman, and allowing trekkers to stay within local communities and help out in ‘hands-on’ community projects.

Charlie Hopkinson emphasises, ‘The route still follows Inca trails through unspoilt Andean mountains, but without hordes of other trekkers and additionally it allows travellers to spend a couple of nights at a local Quechua Indian community project. There will be no crowded campsites or waiting for other groups each morning or indeed competition for the best view points. We are convinced that this is the way forward for future trekking in the area. We can still offer the Classic Inca Trail, as an alternative, if clients still want it.’ After six months of running their new ‘Inca Trail & Quechua Community Trek’, Dragoman are enormously proud to see what a huge success it has become. The groups love the trekking, the awesome scenery and the fact that they are totally alone and not crowded by tourists (the trail is unique to Dragoman). But best of all is the actual and potential benefits to the local community. This is a real community project and a must for all visitors to Peru.

Dragoman’s ‘Inca Trail & Quechua Community Trek’ is featured in six South American itineraries including:-
‘Inca Heartland Revisited’ – next departure from Cusco 18th June – SAVE £115 p/p! A 24-day overland adventure tour from Cusco in Peru to Quito in Ecuador or v/v. The tour now costs £650 p/p (normally £765) plus kitty US$760 (~£447) including transport aboard Dragoman’s rugged, customised Mercedes-Benz expedition vehicle, camping and hotel accommodation (10%/90%), all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman’s knowledgeable two person crew.
Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

A country twice the size of France with only three million inhabitants was the focus in December 2005 when Dragoman Overland ran an exploratory journey through the remote wilderness of Mauritania’s Sahara – video footage now loaded on www.dragoman.com. The ‘exploratory’ has resulted in a new 16-day overland expedition following desert pistes in the immense empty expanses of northern Mauritania, departing Nouakchott 4th December 2006, 26th January and 14th February 2007, taking advantage of lower Saharan temperatures.

Dragoman’s Moorish Sahara is billed as a tough trip for the more adventurous traveller, offering an unbelievable experience but no great facilities. Travellers should expect to help sand-mat the truck through massive dunefields – this is hard work! From Mauritania’s capital, Nouakchott (‘the place of winds’), the route heads north towards the tranquil oasis of Terjit. By day, bathe in the precious water of the oasis gorge, one warm pool and one cold, and at night camp out in Moorish tents. Further north, the town of Atar marks the end of road and the beginning of off-tarmac exploration leading towards the ksour of Chinguetti. The settlement lies on the edge of a great dune sea and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chinguetti has a long history and is one of several towns that grew up on the tax revenues received from trans-Saharan caravans – sometimes up to 30,000 camels strong. Depending upon local conditions, Guelb Er Richat – the largest geological feature to be discovered from space (during a 1965 Gemini mission) will be the next stop. Thought initially to be an impact crater, then the product of terrestrial erosion, there’s still a deal of uncertainty regarding the origin of this remarkable 50km ‘bull’s eye’ in the desert. From Richat, the journey towards Choum and then Nouadibou and the coast begins, keeping south of the iron ore railway, away from forgotten minefields between Mauritania and Western Sahara… The railway carries the world’s longest trains (over 3kms), transporting iron ore from mines at Zouerate. It may be possible to leave the truck for a while and let the train take the strain… Whichever way travellers choose, the monumental rock monolith of Ben Amera, second only to Ayers Rock in size, is a key landmark along the way. Arrival in Nouadibou, allows for refreshing swimming at Baie de L’Etoile, an eclectic market experience, a surreal tour of a shipping graveyard and a one-to-one with residents of the Elephant Seal colony at Cap Blanc. Continuing, the route down the coast traverses very remote desert regions with no roads and no settlements, finally skirting Banc D’Arguin National Park. Taking account of the tides a 50km drive along the beach is a prelude to arrival back in Nouakchott and the end of a fascinating overland journey.

The journey costs £495 plus USD$240 (~£141) including transport in Dragoman Overland’s rugged Mercedes Benz ‘Classic’ 4X4 truck, camping accommodation, all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman Overland’s professional crew.
To view ‘exploratory’ video visit www.dragoman.com and click the ‘films’ link or search for tour code ‘XNN’.
Flights are not included but are currently available from £325 plus tax.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Dragoman Overland offers a 25% saving and an opportunity enjoy culture, sun-soaked beaches, skiing, beautiful mountain scenery and some of the world’s most impressive marine wildlife during a 4½-week overland journey from Rio to Santiago via Uruguay and Argentina, departing Rio 12th July 2006.

Rio, Buenos Aires and Montevideo provide the culture, Brazil the sun-kissed beaches together with the awe inspiring Igauzu Falls, the Chilean and Argentine Lake District the skiing, and Penguins, Right and Orca Whales of the Valdez Peninsula and Punta Tombo National Park in Argentina the marine wildlife spectacle.
The itinerary also includes a three night visit to Anglo-Argentinean estancia to ride purebred horses and calls in on a local village school run by the estancia. Dragoman Overland supports the school through a donation of $5 for each passenger. Travellers meet the 20 or so children and teacher, and to see the small advances that previous groups have made possible.

The journey costs £672 p/p (normally £895) plus kitty of USD$530 (~£311) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes-Benz truck, hotel and camping accommodation (20%/80%), all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew.
International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

APRIL – MAY – JUNE
SOUTH AMERICA & AFRICA
OVERLAND SEAT SALE
SEE BILL CLINTON’S FAVOURITE MUMMY…

For any overland journey in Africa and South America, departing April, May or June 2006, Dragoman Overland has instituted a 15% discount on brochured costs. Take the 31-night Toucans, Temple’s & Trails journey through Peru and Ecuador departing Cuzco 16th May, and save almost £150.

From Cuzco, the Inca’s ancient capital, an alternative Inca Trail, a Quechua Indian community trek and homestay, gives a beneficial insight into indigenous life away from the crowds. At Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest chasms, travellers take some time to appreciate that ‘condor moment’ as these magnificent predators catch the updrafts and ride the thermals over the canyon. Next, at 3,500m up on the Altiplano, the colonial town of Arequipa lying at the foot of volcano El Misti, is visited. ‘Juanita’ an Inca mummy found frozen on the slopes of Volcan Ampato is one of the town’s best known residents. ‘If I were a single man, I might ask that mummy out. That's a good-looking mummy!’ – Bill Clinton 1996…allegedly…
Travelling north up the coast, Puerto Inca, Cuzco’s port and the mysterious Nazca Lines are further highlights together with a boat trip to the wildlife rich Ballestas Islands, before arriving in Peru’s capital, Lima. Later, echoes of pre-Inca civilisations, the Moche and Chimu, are explored in Huanchaco, Chan Chan, Tucume and Sipan. After crossing the border into Ecuador, the plazas, cobbled streets, markets and 16th and 17th Century churches of Cuenca’s, the country’s favourite city are visited. Heading away from the coastal plains, Banos and Misahualli are departure points for Amazon jungle expeditions, learning about the rich resource of the fragile forest ecosytems. The Indian market at Otavalo, renowned for colourful fabrics, is a top shopping stop prior to arrival in final destination Quito, another city disconcertingly nestled below volcanic slopes – Volcan Pichincha.

The overland journey costs £846 (normally £995 - save £149) plus kitty USD$810 (~£476) including transport in Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes Benz truck, hotel and camping accommodation (65%/35%), all camp meals, the expertise of Dragoman’s two person crew and local guides en route.
International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Dragoman Overland’s 15-night Moguls, Mosques and Mahals journey departing Delhi 7th April for Kathmandu is very reasonably priced at £450 on their website. However, if you fancy the trip and want to start the Indian bazaar experience a little early, a telephone call to a Dragoman adventure consultant may result in a substantial discount, depending upon your haggling skills… Yield management is not new in the travel business, certainly everyone is familiar with differential pricing in the airline world. For overland travel this is certainly a new concept and one that Dragoman Overland is keen to pioneer. For whatever reason some overland sectors fill more quickly than others, but Dragoman’s fleet of 35 customised Mercedes Benz trucks has to operate to schedule. Adventure consultants are therefore authorised to give variable discounts. Though not available on all tours, discount rates are updated daily, if consultants can offer a deal, they will. Whichever continent travellers want to experience, if they book direct by phone through DragoDeals before May 31st some amazing savings are to be made on many 2006 overlands.

Moguls, Mosques & Mahals
From Delhi’s bustling streets and bazaars Dragoman Overland journey through Maharaja Jai Sing’s rose-pink city of Jaipur, the forests, lakes and wetlands of the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the ancient mogul capital of Fatehpur Sikri. The familiar, though enduring, wonders of the Taj Mahal are a must-see, along the way taking in the possibly less familiar wonders of the erotic temples at Khajuraho. From the holy city of Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganges, travel to Panna National Park in search of leopards and tigers. Later, camp overnight amongst the deserted temples and palaces of Orchha. The sights, sounds and smells of India subtly change with the border crossing in to Nepal’s lowland ‘terai’ and Royal Chitwan National Park. Here there’s the opportunity to take elephant-back explorations in search of elusive Bengal Tigers, rhinos and sloth bears before ascending the Kathmandu valley. The journey ends amongst the durbar squares of the ancient tri-city capital - Kantipur, Bhaktapur and Patan, that is the chaos and calm of modern Kathmandu.

The published tour cost is £450 p/p plus kitty of $230 (~£135), including hotel and camping accommodation (80%/20%), all camp meals, transport aboard Dragoman Overlands ‘classic’ Dragoman-style customised truck and expert guidance from a two person crew. However, you’re only a phonecall from a DragoDeal!!!
International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

DRAGO-MAN
TACKLES TOUGHEST FOOTRACE ON EARTH
The Sahara Desert - 150 miles - 45° Heat - 15Kg packs - 7 days - 2 Feet!

Dragoman Overland’s South American Operations Manager, James Corrigan, has entered the epic 150-mile Sahara Desert Marathon des Sables for April 2006, aiming to raise £5,000 for the UK’s leading cancer charity, CLIC Sargent (Cancer and Leukaemia in Children - Sargent).

The Marathon des Sables is an endurance footrace that takes place each spring in the Saharan sands of Southern Morocco. Competitors cover over 150 miles, the equivalent of nearly six marathons, in seven days, through some of the harshest terrain on the planet. Midday temperatures can soar to 50° and drop to near freezing at night and as if the extreme temperatures and sheer distance isn’t enough, competitors must carry everything they need to survive in backpacks, only a tent and a daily ration of 9 litres of water are transported by support crews.
James, who has now been in training for over a year, comments “Most people think I’m insane for taking this on - especially since before signing up I’d never run further than about 5 miles! However, It’s a fantastic opportunity to raise a lot of money for a really worthwhile cause.” Every 48 hours, 10 children are diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia in the UK. CLIC Sargent acts as a lifeline keeping families together when the unimaginable happens. The charity provides clinical, psychosocial, emotional and financial care and support to them and their families (www.clicsargent.org.uk).

James hopes to raise £5,000 for the charity and is already on his way with kind support from his employer, Dragoman Overland. For more about the Marathon des Sables and how to contribute to James’s fundraising effort visit www.saharamadness.co.uk or email jamescorrigan@saharamadness.co.uk

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators), representing over 150 independent travel companies, recently announced Dragoman Overland as the overall winner of their Responsible Tourism Company of the Year award for 2006.

Dragoman Overland combines over 40 years experience to run a fleet of 35 customised Mercedes Benz trucks, on 72 overland routes, in up to 392 combinations, across Africa, Asia, North and South America. The company carries AITO’s top ‘3-star’ responsible tourism accreditation, along with only 18 other members, and as responsible tourism pioneer, has supported community projects in host countries worldwide.
In Kenya, the Kariandusi Schools Trust, who’s patron was the late John Peel, recently benefited by approx. £45,000 raised through Dragoman Overland and its passengers, enabling the construction of an entirely new school for over 300 pupils. Another fund raising cycle ride, supported by Dragoman Overland, is planned later in 2006 as the trust continues work on its next school project. In addition, AITO has awarded £1000 to the Kariandusi Schools Trust in recognition of their work – more details on www.kariandusi.co.uk In Uganda, the Soft Power organisation is an example of a specific community initiative set up to support teachers in a number of Ugandan schools. Dragoman groups visit participating schools and spend a time helping in practical ways to improve the learning environment for children and teachers.
In South America Dragoman Overland made a bold move in 2005 to remove ‘Classic Inca Trail’ from their programme and instead to pioneer a ‘new’ alternative Inca Trail, using responsible tourism principles and in conjunction with the local Quecha Indian community. Feedback had highlighted the real environmental problems caused by so many people taking the Classic Inca Trail at any one time. The new route directly benefits Quecha communities and provides trekkers with an experience closer to their aspirations and with community involvement. An overview of Dragoman Overland tours reveals that a remarkable 56% of a passenger’s spend ends up in the host country, the industry average is nearer 10%.
Charlie Hopkinson, Director of Dragoman Overland, states “One of our core values is to be an ethical operator and to endorse the principals of Responsible Tourism. We don’t exploit the countries or the people we meet along the way. We want them to benefit from our travels. This is what the Dragoman Overland experience is really about.”

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Whilst much of the travel industry is increasingly driving business towards the web, Dragoman Overland has just announced a new telephone-only initiative, potentially saving customers up to 30% off a wide range of overland tours. To benefit from DragoDeals travellers have to pick up the phone and actually speak to Dragoman Overland’s team of expert overland consultants - 01728 861 133.

Dragoman Overland believes that travel and talking go hand in hand. Their sales team lives, breaths, eats and sleeps overlanding and has an in-depth personal knowledge not available anywhere on the internet. Speaking to people who have first-hand knowledge of the best bar in Timbuktu, what to buy in the witches market in La Paz or when the wildebeest really do migrate is priceless. And, when the result of the conversation is a DragoDeal, everyone benefits. Dragoman Overland’s adventure consultants are authorised to offer up to 30% off some brilliant trips and though discounts are not available on all tours, if consultants can offer a deal, they will. Whichever continent travellers want to experience, if they book direct by phone through DragoDeals before May 31st some amazing savings are to be made on many 2006 overlands. Quoted DragoDeals, where a booking is made on option, will remain valid for 7-days. Deals may not be repeated and are dependent upon several variables including departure date, availability, and other logistical factors.

Dragoman Overland has over forty years experience running overland adventures across the four great continents of Africa, Asia, North and South America. Their fleet of over 35 expedition trucks around the world has pioneered more routes then any other adventure travel operator. With an administration, training and maintenance base in Suffolk, Dragoman Overland are renowned for commitment to responsible tourism, benefiting the local people of countries they visit.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Dragoman Overland is offering friends, couples or people who have established profound and meaningful relationships after having met in the pub the previous night, the chance to save 20% on a 17-night journey experiencing the spectacular landscapes and wildlife of remoter parts of South Africa and Namibia, departing Cape Town for Windhoek 20th March 2006. Travellers must book together to receive the discount and be happy to share a tent!

After soaking up the atmosphere in the sophisticated and beautiful city of Cape Town travellers head for the southernmost point of the African continent – the Cape of Good Hope. Next, through the winelands of Stellenbosch where an expertly-guided tour allows ample opportunity to try great wine not seen in the UK. Later, travel up the coast with time to raft stretches of the Orange River or visit the Cederberg Wilderness, before crossing the border into Namibia and a 2-night stay at Fish River Canyon. Exploring further, head into the unique Quiver Tree Forest and the Giant’s Playground rock formations. A Namibian farm-stay combines domestic stock husbandry activities with night and day game drives seeking out wilder inhabitants. A dawn trek of enormous Dune 45 at Sossusvlei offers great photographic opportunities over the sea of sand, and precedes a further journey through the mountains, dunes and plains of the Namib Desert. Heading for the vast spaces of Etosha, Namibia’s best-know national park, home to a wide range of Southern Africa’s wildlife including all the big carnivores and five rare or endangered species (Black Rhino, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Black Faced Impala, Roan Antelope and the tiny Damara Dik Dik), campsites near a waterhole offer excellent game viewing. Then, travelling through the expanse of Central Namibia, Swakopmund proves an adventurous waypoint with quad-biking, sand-boarding, horse-riding or even sky-diving on offer. After final sojourns in the coastal desert journey’s end is found at Windhoek, where German colonial architecture blends with modern styles in a charming city that has great souvenir markets, several excellent ‘all-you-can-eat African game meat’ themed restaurants serving ‘strong man’s beer’…

The tour costs only £428 p/p if you book with a friend (‘Johnny No-Friends’ price £535!) plus kitty USD$310 (~£180) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s rugged but comfortable customised Mercedes Benz truck, camping and hotel accommodation (80%/20%) all camp meals, the expertise of Dragoman Overland’s two person crew and accompanying African camp master. International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.
International flights are not included but are available on request through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT OF 15% UP FOR GRABS!
DRAGOMAN OVERLAND
FOR KIDS!
MOROCCO & PERU
***MUST BOOK BY END OF FEB 06***

There’s never been a better time to introduce the family to the joys of overland adventure holidays, as Dragoman Overland are offering a 15% early booking discount on two of their popular family tours. Get a thumbs up from the kids and take them on a real adventure…

Moroccan Adventure: 14-nights Marrakech to Marrakech
Ride camels through the desert like ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, watch snake charmers in Marrakech and visit the ancient kasbah of Ait Benhaddou (as seen in the blockbuster film ‘Gladiator’), departing Marrakech 19th June, 3rd, 17th & 31st July & 14th August 06.
The tour now costs £506 adults (normally £595), £405 kids 7-15 years (normally £476) plus $480 p/p (~£266) kitty.

Peru Adventure: 15-nights Lima to Cusco
Walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, stay with the Quechua Indians in the high Andes, see swooping Condors in Colca Canyon and enjoy some great shopping in the markets of Cusco, departing Lima 17th July & 7th August 06.
The tour now costs £561adults (normally £660), £449 kids 7-15 years (normally £528) plus $550 p/p (~£305) kitty.

Tours include transport aboard Dragoman’s rugged Mercedes-Benz vehicle, hotel and camping accommodation, all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman’s two-person crew. International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland. International flights are not included but are available on request through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Adventurers looking for a full on, colourful trip with a great lifestyle and absolutely loads to see and do and all at a bargain price too, should look no further than Dragoman Overland’s 15-day ‘Jodphurs & Jackaranda’ tour from Delhi to Mumbai, departing Delhi 5th March 2006.

Numerous highlights include the forts, palaces and monuments of Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jodphur, Pushkar, Udaipur and the old British bastion of Bombay, now India's most cosmopolitan city - Mumbai, off-the-beaten-track visits to the remote caves at Ellora and Ajanta and an overnight camel safari in the Thar Desert with Rajasthani camel drivers. All of this plus fabulous shopping, amazing people, even overly friendly rats at the rat temple near Bikaner – how can you resist? It all adds up to a great travelling experience not to be missed and definitely the best way to see India on a tight budget!

The tour now costs just £315 p/p (normally £450 – saving £135) plus kitty of $150 (~£83) including camping and hostel accommodation (75%/25%), all camp meals, transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s rugged desert-adapted vehicle and expert guidance from Dragoman Overland’s expedition leader. International flights are not included but are available on request through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Dragoman Overland has sent truckloads of travellers out to the ‘Stans of Central Asia, from Istanbul but for whatever reason, a lesser number seem keen to take the return trip! The result is a bargain opportunity for those happy to travel against the flow, inbound from Kathmandu. Discounts of between 20% and 30% are available on one of the four 2 to 5-week component sectors, or a saving of £699 on the whole 12½-week overland immersion in the ‘Stans of Central Asia, departing Kathmandu 21st May 2006.

The Chinese Silk Route & Tibet – Kathmandu to Bishkek – 5-weeks
Departing Kathmandu 21st May 2006
Cost £1,015 (normally £1,450 – Save 30%) plus kitty US$450 (~£250)
A 5-week overland expedition from Nepal to Kyrgyzstan, travelling through some of the remotest and harshest landscapes in the world, through the Himalayas to Tibet, incorporating a trek to Everest Base Camp, the vast deserts of China’s Turkestan and over the mythical high passes of Kyrgyzstan.

Mountain Kingdoms of Kyrgyzstan – Bishkek to Tashkent – 15-nights
Departing Bishkek 25th June 2006.
Cost £556 (normally £695 – Save 20%) plus kitty US$300 (~£176)
This is definitely a trip for lovers of trekking and mountainous regions, with much of the time spent traversing some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. There will be time for trekking and hiking and relaxing on Lake Issyk-Kul. It is also a trip about local people and the Kyrgyz are renowned for their hospitality. To get a real insight into the lives of rural Kyrgyz we will spend some time staying in traditional yurts with local shepherd families before returning via the ancient silk route to Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Samarkand & Tamerlane’s Testament – Tashkent to Ashgabat – 14-nights
Departing Tashkent 10th July 2006.
Cost £476 (normally £595 – Save 20%) plus US$360 (~£205)
In a period of ten years, starting from his capital Samarkand, Tamerlane the Magnificent annexed an empire from the Mediterranean to Delhi. His heartland was the Oxus River Valley, the lands of the Central Silk Route and the surrounding Karakum and Kyzylkum deserts. Dragoman Overland explore all of these, crossing the vast Karakum, meeting the nomadic Turkmen that live there. Travellers take a Bactrian camel safari out into the Kyzylkum and then explore the wonders of the Oxus Valley, including the great Khanate and Emirates of yesteryear, Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva. The Ashgabat Tolkuchka Sunday Bazaar is arguably the world's most impressive local market and a fantastic experience; where else will you find flying camels?

The Caucasus & Trans Caspian – Ashgabat to Istanbul- 25-nights
Departing Ashgabat 23rd July 2006.
Cost £764 (normally £955 – Save 20%) plus kitty US$530 (~£311)
Leaving the oasis of modernity that is Turkmenistan’s capital Ashgabat, Dragoman Overland cross the Karakum Desert before taking a ferry across the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan. Later visits include a Zoroastrian Fire Temple and the mud volcanoes of Gobustan. Heading northwest a final night is spent at a well preserved ancient Caravanserai before crossing into Georgia and heading for the capital Tbilisi. Georgia is an amazingly friendly destination, with great history and a great wine-growing region… Skirting the Black Sea, travel steadily through Turkey’s Cappadocia and Goreme Valley before arriving at the crossroads of Asia and Europe at Istanbul.

The whole 12½-week journey from Kathmandu to Istanbul costs £2,811 (normally £3510 – Saving £699!) plus kitty US$1640 (~£937). All tours include transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes Benz trucks, mixes of hotel and camping accommodation, all camp meals and the expertise of a two person crew sometimes joined by local guides and camp masters. International flights are not included but are available on request through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

IT’S AN INDIAN BAZAAR
BOOK IN DECEMBER – SAVE 30%
BOOK JAN, FEB, MARCH – SAVE 20%
ON ALL INDIAN OVERLANDS
DEPARTING BY MAY 2006

Dragoman Overland give you little bit cheaper price! Travellers booking any 2006 Indian overland journey departing before the end of May can save 30% on the brochured cost by signing up this month… For those remaining undecided in January, February or March a saving of 20% is still possible subject to availability. For example:-

Maharajas, Tigers & Taj - 20-nights - Kathmandu to Delhi – SAVE 30%!!!
Departures Available 3rd January or v/v 13th and 27th January 2006 This journey encompasses Nepal’s lowland terai National Park of Chitwan, the Ghats of Varanasi, Khajuraho Erotic Temples, the ancient Mogul capital of Fatepur Sikri, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, and many other northern Indian highlights, ending up with Shah Jehan’s melancholic memorial to his wife – the Taj Mahal.

The tour costs just £486p/p (normally £695 – saving £209) plus kitty of USD$250 (~£138), including camping and hotel accommodation (20%/80%), all camp meals, transport aboard a Dragoman Overland ‘Classic’ MercedesBenz truck and expert guidance from two experienced crew. International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

£275!!! CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR
DESERT BACKROADS OF INDIA
DELHI TO MUMBAI – 15-NIGHTS

Though travel over the Christmas and New Year holidays is always determined by availability, it would seem that, with a little searching, flights to India can still be found close to key dates. If Christmas Day in Delhi and New Year’s Eve in Pushkar sound like the ideal antidote to obligatory overindulgence, faux conviviality and soporific C-list telly celebs, then read on… Dragoman Overland offer a bargain 15-night ‘Desert Backroads of India’ overland exploration through the deserts of Rajastan, remote corners of Maharashtra state and the lesser frequented areas of Madhya Pradesh state, departing Delhi 25th December 2005.

Christmas Day in Delhi is a surreal experience. No snow, no lights, no fir trees and too many Gods! Whatever way you find to celebrate, Delhi will assault your senses – India in top gear, in the outside lane, 24-hours. After time for sightseeing, Dragoman Overland set out, via a jeep safari in Sariska National Park, to the ancient Rajastani capital of Jaisalmer – dating from 1156 AD. The deserts, temples and caravan routes of Rajastan are next, before arriving in Jodhpur at the edge of the Thar Desert – known as the ‘blue city’ because of the indigo coloured houses of the old city. New Year’s Eve sees arrival in Pushkar, famous for its huge camel fair held in October or November. The town is also very holy and an important pilgrim site for Hindu's, consisting of many temples. The buildings around the lake, and indeed most of the town, are painted white, creating a wonderfully mellow atmosphere to see in 2006. Next, enter Udaipur ‘City of the Sunrise’ travellers are reminded that this is perhaps Rajastan’s most romantic city with many ornate palaces, including The Lake Palace Hotel serenely isolated in the centre of Pichola Lake – don’t worry if you didn’t pack your best sari Drago aren’t staying there… Next, up from the extensive, and mainly deserted, hill fort at Mandu, situated on the edge of the Vindhya Hills, the itinerary tracks through Ajanta and Ellora before reaching journey’s end at Mumbai (Bombay) – the gateway to India.

The tour costs only £275p/p (normally £325) plus kitty of $90 (~£50) including camping and hostel accommodation (85%/15%), all camp meals, transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s rugged desert-adapted ‘Encounter-style’ vehicle and expert guidance from Dragoman Overland’s expedition leader.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Dragoman Overland are offering a substantial 20% discount on the brochured cost of a 20-night overland journey from Kathmandu to Delhi, encompassing Nepal’s lowland terai National Park of Chitwan together with the Ghats of Varanasi, Khajuraho Erotic Temples, the ancient Mogul capital of Fatepur Sikri, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, and many other northern Indian highlights, ending up with Shah Jehan’s melancholic memorial to his wife – the Taj Mahal, departing 3rd January 2006.

From the ancient city of Kathmandu travellers descend to Nepal’s lowland ‘terai’ and Royal Chitwan National Park. Here, there’s the opportunity to take elephant-back explorations in search of elusive tigers, rhinos and sloth bears. Crossing the frontier into India and the holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges, the senses are awakened by the sights, sounds and smells of India. Inspiration and stimulation are provided by Khajuraho’s Erotic Temples and a further monument to a different kind of love is manifest in the Taj Mahal at Agra. Later, the ancient mogul capital of Fatehpur Sikri, dating from 1574, is visited together with the forests, lakes and wetlands of the one-time Maharaja’s hunting reserve that is now Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. If you didn’t catch a Tiger, so to speak, first time round, Ranthambore National Park offers an even better chance – statistically amongst the locations with the highest probability of a sighting. Continuing through Udaipur, Pushkar and Maharaja Jai Sing’s rose-pink city of Jaipur, the overland concludes in India’s third largest city, Delhi, with plenty of time for sightseeing and getting lost amongst the bustling streets, bazaars and bargains.

The tour costs just £556p/p (normally £695 – saving £139) plus kitty of USD$250 (~£138), including camping and hotel accommodation (20%/80%), all camp meals, transport aboard a Dragoman Overland ‘Classic’ MercedesBenz truck and expert guidance from two experienced crew. International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

***LAST MINUTE***
22-NIGHTS – SAVE £100!
ONLY £380
OVERLAND MUMBAI TO CHENNAI

Take advantage of a £100 saving on Dragoman Overland's post monsoon Southern Indian Encounter 22-night, wind in your hair, flies in your teeth, authentic overland journey from Mumbai to Chennai through Goa, Kerala's backwaters, the southernmost tip of the Subcontinent at Cape Comorin and the temples and carvings of Mahabalipuram, departing Mumbai 21st November and v/v from Chennai 17th December 2005.

Journey through Maharashstra from the old British bastion of Bombay, now Mumbai, crossing the edge of the Western Ghats to spend time chilling out on the stunning beaches of Goa. Continue to Karnataka and feel free to inhale in Mysore, sandalwood and incense centre of India. Later, journey into the hills of Ooty for a cooling down period before descending to explore the coastal backwaters of Kerala around Cochin. More time on the Indian Ocean coast - ain't life a beach? - before crossing into Tamil Nadu and heading for India's southernmost point at Cape Comorin. Travel overland, up the east coast via Trichy and the former French colony of Pondicherry to stone-carvings-R-us central - AKA Mahabalpuram, finding journey's end a little further north in Chennai.
This Dragoman Overland journey utilises a rugged Encounter-style open-sided truck and is aimed at younger travellers on a budget. With one leader, everyone is expected to muck in with chores - this is not an air-conditioned coach tour! A more flexible, relaxed itinerary allows travellers to decide how much to spend and on what to see. There is often even a chance for individuals to head-off on their own and catch up with Dragoman Overland a few days later.

The tours costs £380 (normally £480) plus kitty of USD$130 (~£72) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s rugged MercedesBenz truck, camping and hotel accommodation (35%/65%), all camp meals and the guidance of Dragoman Overland’s experienced tour leader/driver. International flights are not included but are available on request.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

***NEW TOUR***
EXPLORATORY TOUR
CUSCO TO IQUITOS
NEW ROUTE – UNIQUE TO DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

Away from the Urubamba Valley and the classic highlights of Peru’s Inca heritage lie the remains of the pre Inca Kuelap civilisation. Dragoman Overland’s new 32-night journey explores the amazing pre Inca, Kuelap ruins in a remote part of northern Peru before taking a fascinating 6-day riverboat journey along the Amazon from Yurimaguas to Iquitos. The first departure of this challenging exploratory overland tour leaves Cusco 22nd March 2006.

After spending an initial period in and around Cusco, hiking Dragoman Overland’s alternative Inca Trail – a route that involves great views and a Quechua India community project – head to the High Andes and Colca Canyon for that ‘Condor moment’. From Arequipa hit the coastal deserts for the mysterious Nazca Lines. What is their meaning? Extra terrestrial landing sites, complex pilgrimage routes or proof that the Great Flying Spaghetti Monster did indeed create the earth? The wildlife of Paracas National Park is next up together with boat trips to the seal colonies of the Ballestas Islands. Following a couple of nights in an historic part of Lima take the high road north once more for the Moche Pyramids and Chimu City of Chan Chan. Surroundings will have become increasingly remote over the last few days and echoes of pre-Inca Sipan culture may become increasingly apparent. Heading inland from the Andes to the jungle it is here also that the pre Inca Kuelap ruins offer an insight into a long forgotten people and civilisation. After many jungle villages arrive at Yurimaguas on the banks of the Amazon where a 6-day journey by riverboat cover the final leg of the journey to the riverfront city of Iquitos.

The tour costs £1,195 plus USD$750 (~£440) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s MercedesBenz vehicle and riverboat, camping and hotel accommodation (25%/75%), all camp meals, two Dragoman Overland crew and local guides. International flights are not included but are available on request.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

FREE FALLING!
22-NIGHTS OVERLAND VICTORIA FALLS TO NAIROBI VIA ZANZIBAR
BUNGI JUMPING, ELEPHANT RIDING, JET-BOATING, RAFTING OR HELI FLYING
PLUS £150 SAVING!

Leading independent overlanders, Dragoman Overland, are offering travellers the choice of three FREE adrenaline-pumping activities, during their time at Victoria Falls, combined with a special ‘Skegness’ discount of £150 on a 22-day journey between Victoria Falls and Nairobi via Mozambique, Malawi and Tanzania, ideal for those wanting to encapsulate the diversity of Africa in a short time, departing Victoria Falls 11th December 2005.

Dragoman Overland have an excellent deal for active travellers during their stay at Victoria Falls, with a choice of three free thrills (say that quickly…) normally costing up to USD$300, providing a memorable way to mark their stay. Travellers can choose from Bungi Jumping, helicopter flights, white-water rafting, elephant rides and jet-boating. Leaving the thundering smoky water and adventure activities of Victoria Falls behind, further highlights include visits to the archaeological remains at Great Zimbabwe and a walking safari in Matobo National Park in search of White Rhino. Transiting through Mozambique to Malawi, 3-nights relaxing on the sandy beaches of Lake Malawi precede a drive through Tanzania’s Mikumu National Park, the country’s third largest, before arrival in the capital Dar es Salaam. A hydrofoil takes travellers to the enduringly exotic Spice Island of Zanzibar, then it’s back to Dar and on to the wildlife-laden plains of East Africa, and jeep safaris into the almost prehistoric landscape of Ngorongoro Crater. Leaving Tanzania via Arusha, with Mt Kilimanjaro on the horizon, Dragoman head for Nairobi through the tribal lands of the Masai and good views of the Great African Rift Valley along the way.

The tour costs £545 (normally £695 – save £150) plus kitty of $380 (~£220) including THREE FREE adventure activities at Victoria Falls, transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s MercedesBenz truck, camping and hotel accommodation (85%/15%), all camp meals (the added bonus of a locally hired campmaster/cook) and the expertise of the Dragoman Overland crew. International flights are not included but are available on request.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Dragoman Overland operates several in-depth journeys through the dune seas of the Mauritanian Sahara and the country’s Atlantic coast, all as part of longer overlands. However, for logistical reasons a Dragoman Overland truck has become available for a unique 12-day, unscheduled expedition off the tarmac, from Nouakchott to Nouadibou and back, via the ancient Saharan ksour city of Chinguetti. Additionally, sand conditions permitting, an exploratory foray will be attempted to the remarkable multiple concentric craters and ridges of the 50km Richat Structure – the largest geological feature to be discovered from space (during a 1965 Gemini mission). The expedition departs Nouakchott 9th December 2005.

Nouakchott is one of those unpronounceable capital cities that exist for most, only on the flight-show screens of high-flying jetliners. For Dragoman Overland travellers the city will be where they meet up with each other and their reassuringly rugged expedition vehicle for a remarkable 10-day journey. After a visit to Nouakchott’s Marche Capital, Foire Artisanale (silver market) and national museum the route heads north towards the tranquil oasis of Terjit. By day bathe in the precious water of the oasis gorge, one warm pool and one cold, and at night camp out in Moorish tents. Further north, the town of Atar marks the end of road and the beginning of off-tarmac exploration leading towards the ksour of Chinguetti. The settlement lies on the edge of a great dune sea and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chinguetti has a long history and is one of several towns that grew up on the tax revenues received from trans-Saharan caravans – sometimes up to 30,000 camels strong. Depending upon local conditions the Richat Structure will the next stop. Thought initially to be an impact crater, then the product of terrestrial erosion, there’s still a deal of uncertainty regarding the origin of this remarkable 50km ‘bull’s eye’ in the desert. From Richat the journey towards Nouadibou and the coast begins, keeping south of the iron ore railway, away from forgotten minefields between Mauritania and Western Sahara… The railway carries the world’s longest trains (over 3kms), transporting iron ore from mines at Zouerate. It may be possible to leave the truck for a while and let the train take the strain… Whichever way travellers choose, the monumental rock monolith of Ben Amera, second only to Ayer’s Rock in size, is a key landmark along the way. Arrival in Nouadibou, allows for refreshing swimming at Baie de L’Etoile, an eclectic market experience, a surreal tour of a shipping graveyard and a one-to-one with residents of the Elephant Seal colony at Cap Blanc. Continuing, the route down the coast traverses very remote desert regions with no roads and no settlements, finally skirting Banc D’Arguin National Park. Taking account of the tides a 50km drive along the beach is a prelude to arrival back in Nouakchott and the end of a fascinating overland journey.

This unique overland expedition costs just £240 plus kitty of EUR€200 (~£135) including transport in Dragoman Overland’s rugged MercedesBenz Encounter-style 4X4 truck, camping accommodation, all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman Overland’s professional crew.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Away from the Urubamba Valley and the classic highlights of Peru’s Inca heritage lie the remains of the pre Inca Kuelap civilisation. Dragoman Overland’s new 32-night journey explores Kuelap ruins in remote parts of northern Peru before taking a fascinating 6-day riverboat journey along the Amazon from Yurimaguas to Iquitos. The first departure of this challenging exploratory overland tour departs Cusco 22nd March 2006.

After spending an initial period in and around Cusco, hiking Dragoman Overland’s alternative Inca Trail – a route that involves great views and a Quechua India community project – head to the High Andes and Colca Canyon for that ‘Condor moment’. From Arequipa hit the coastal deserts for the mysterious Nazca Lines. What is their meaning? Extra terrestrial landing sites, complex pilgrimage routes or proof that the Great Flying Spaghetti Monster did indeed create the earth? The wildlife of Paracas National Park is next up together with boat trips to the seal colonies of the Ballestas Islands. Following a couple of nights in an historic part of Lima take the high road north once more for the Moche Pyramids and Chimu City of Chan Chan. Surroundings will have become increasingly remote over the last few days and echoes of pre-Inca Sipan culture may become increasingly apparent. Heading inland from the Andes to the jungle it is here also that the pre Inca Kuelap ruins offer an insight into a long forgotten people and civilisation. After many jungle villages arrive at Yurimaguas on the banks of the Amazon where a 6-day journey by riverboat cover the final leg of the journey to the riverfront city of Iquitos.

The tour costs £1,195 plus USD$770 (~£427) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s MercedesBenz vehicle and riverboat, camping and hotel accommodation (25%/75%), all camp meals, two Dragoman Overland crew and local guides.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Save up to £200 – Valid All Overlands Departing by 31st December 2005
Dragoman Overland is bringing overlanding into the 21st Century - a new look, new style trips, new routes and much, much more...

To celebrate this, discounts are being offered on any vehicle-based trip hitting the road in 2005. Travellers must quote the magic word, one that conjures myriad exotic images in the minds of prospective adventurers the world over, the name of a thriving east coast resort – ‘Skegness’

£100 off - trip price up to £500

£150 off - trip price up to £1,000

£200 off - trip price over £1,000

Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a newcomer to overlanding - Dragoman Overland - definitely not your everyday journey. Cannot be taken in conjunction with any other offer or discount, so there!

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

EXPLORATORY JOURNEY – TRANS-SAHARA
MAURITANIA MANIA – SAVE £150
‘A JOURNEY BEYOND THE REALMS OF THE WESTERN MINDSET…6½ WEEKS’

Dragoman Overland’s pioneering new 6½-week exploratory ‘Encounter’ from UK to Bamako takes Mauritania seriously instead of missing it out completely or just hugging the coastline in the style of some other operators. First departure leaves UK 12th November 2005.

Crossing into Africa via the Spanish enclave of Ceuta (a kind of Spanish Gibraltar…) a thorough appreciation of Morocco’s cities of Fez, Rabat, Marrakech, the Roman city of Volubilis precedes the wild and beautiful landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains, the Valley of the Kasbahs and the spectacular Todra Gorge. After a relaxing sojourn amongst the seafood markets and restaurants of Essaouria, Dragoman Overland travel through the disputed UN-monitored territories of Western Sahara, before entering the desert Kingdom of Mauritania at its second city Nouadibou. Once characterised by lakes and lush tropical forests, today Mauritania’s forests are an expanse of desert and its lakes are filled with sand dunes. Away from the country’s one tarmac arterial route, this is land of hard travelling and Dragoman Overland’s 4wd Mercedes Benz 1622 ‘Encounter-style’ vehicle with triple diff-locks is certainly the right vehicle for the desert crossing. Heading south, into the heart of the Mauritanian Sahara, the Adrar Mountains, separate the dunefields of Majabat El Koubra and Aoucker deserts. This harsh landscape is host to four of North Africa’s most important cultural centres, the stone-built ksours (cities) of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata, dating from the 12th Century. Founded on tax revenue from the major trans-Saharan trade routes where caravans of up to 30,000 camels once passed carrying all manner of goods through - gold was exchanged for salt (weight for weight), ostrich feathers, dates, wheat and barley together with one of the most valuable cargoes, slaves. At least two of the remote ksours will be visited, the choice being dependent on driving conditions. Next stop is Nouakchott, usually only seen as a waymark on aircraft flyshow screens. Largest city in the Sahara it encompasses lively markets and bustling fishing beaches. From here Dragoman Overland follow the ‘Highway of Hope’ south, detouring into the Sahal region of Tgant and the Oasis of Tidjikja, founded in 1680 by the ‘Idawall’ Moors and home to the country’s largest palm grove. Nearby is the significant year-round water hole of Guejta of Matmata where rock paintings record the enduring presence of Saharan crocodiles. Leaving Mauritania, entry is made into sub-Saharan Mali through rural floodplains of the mighty Niger River. Here travellers will experience seldom-visited areas, roads are rough and progress is slow but the pace allows for a real appreciation of the country. Arrival in Bamako sees journey’s end in Mali’s easy-to-navigate capital amongst colourful markets and friendly people.

The cost for Dragoman Overland’s exploratory journey is £825 (normally £975) plus US$370 kitty (~£205) including camping and guesthouse accommodation, all camp meals, transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s rugged expedition vehicle and western leader/driver and local guides. International flights are not included but may be arranged through the Dragoman Overland.
International flights are not included but may be arranged through Dragoman Overland.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

DRAGOMAN OVERLAND
SEAT-SALE
Save Up To £200 On ALL New Dragoman Overland Bookings, Departing Now Till End 2005

Dragoman Overland, the new name in overlanding, is extending a fantastic offer to adventure travellers - a discount off any vehicle based Escape, Discover, Encounter, Ultimate or Family-style trip starting in 2005:
£100 off overlands costing up to £500
£150 off overlands costing up to £1,000
£200 off overlands costing over £1,000
For seasoned travellers or a newcomers to overlanding - Dragoman Overland, definitely not your everyday journey!
This offer applies only to trips booked on or after 1st August 2005 and cannot be taken in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

Example:

Southern Cross of Africa – 29-Days - Cape Town to Livingstone
Departs 15th October 2005 – Only £430 - Save £150!
This Dragoman Overland ‘Encounter’ sets out from the archetypal Southern African city of Cape Town and heads north along the coast to Namibia’s Fish River Canyon, the massive dune fields of the Namib Desert surrounding Swakopmund, and the private Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park. Next, the 23,175 square kilometres of Etosha National Park, home to 93 mammal and over 340 bird species, are experienced before some cultural input at the Ombili Foundation, where a school, craft enterprise and agricultural projects help the San people cope with life in modern Namibia (www.ombili.org). Across the border in to Botswana amongst the prolific ecosystem of the Okavango Delta, houseboats combine with camping and mokoro (dugout canoe) explorations. Dragoman Overland’s route then enters the narrow intrusion of the Caprivi Strip. This slim finger of Namibia, bordering Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana, in a constant state of undeclared war until as recently as 1990. Back in Botswana a safari by boat down the Chobe River is only one aspect of time spent in wildlife-rich Chobe National Park. The tour concludes in Zambia’s border town of Livingstone, where the natural spectacle of Victoria Falls is the undeniable highlight.

The tour costs £430 (normally £580) plus kitty USD$590 (~£327) including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s rugged Encounter-style Mercedes Benz truck, camping and hotel accommodation (90%/10%), all camp meals, park fees, and Dragoman Overland driver/leader.
International flights are not included but may be arranged through Dragoman.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

GORILLAS IN RWANDA, RAFTING THE WHITE NILE,
A SCHOOL’S PROJECT AND THE BEST VODKA COCKTAIL IN EAST AFRICA
GREAT APES & GAMEPARKS
£150 OFF
Save Up To £200 On ALL New Dragoman Overland Bookings, Departing Now Till End 2005

Dragoman Overland, the new name that’s bringing overlanding into the 21st century, is keen to point out that it does NOT offer air-conditioned coach tours. Indeed, the vehicle of choice employed during a new 15-day ‘Escape’ from Kampala to Nairobi, via Rwanda and Uganda, is a heavy-duty, rigid-bodied custom-built mother-of-all 6x4 MercedesBenz trucks - for the record! This new tour includes remote regions of Central Africa, Gorilla trekking, white-water rafting, community project work, and plains wildlife safaris in East Africa - phew! For those with a 15-day window of opportunity this challenging overland is hard to beat, impossible in fact when combined with a current £150 saving, departing Kampala 20th November 2005.

Leaving from Kampala the shores of remote Lake Bunyonyi give a great introduction the heart of Central Africa with dugout canoes allowing encounters with nearby Batma Pygmy communities. Crossing into Rwanda, at the watershed of Africa’s two largest river systems – the Nile and the Congo, the Virunga Mountains and more specifically Volcanoes National Park, is the focus of attention. Here, endangered Mountain Gorillas maintain one of their few strongholds. From Ruhengeri, amongst mountainsides shrouded in mists, four habituated Gorilla groups are visited during strenuous, controlled guided treks. The viability of Mountain Gorilla populations is of great importance, not least because it is linked through tourism to Rwanda’s own post 1994-genocide resurgence. Entering Uganda again, Queen Elizabeth National Park lies across the Equator and hosts over 100 mammal and 600 bird species. The park is bordered by Lake Edward and Lake George, with the Kasinga Channel, connecting the lakes, and laying claim to Africa’s highest concentration of Hippos. Later, on the shores of Lake Victoria, a boat trip to Mgamba Island allows close observation of freely roaming Chimpanzees. East of Kampala, Jinja is one of the highlights of any Ugandan visit, combining aspects for the adrenaline junky and the Eco-traveller. Here a private campsite beautifully situated above Bujagali Falls offers great views of the White Nile whose tortuous course is of particular interest to white-water rafters, offering rapids from grade 1-2 (easy) to the ‘best’ Grade 5s on the Nile. During time at Jinja Dragoman help out at one of the local primary schools through the Soft Power Education (www.softpowereducation.com) initiative, originally set-up by an ex-Dragoman driver. Jobs such as painting, building or helping teaching staff will be distributed to all willing travellers with the ultimate goal of bringing all 21 primary schools in the Jinja area up to government standards over a five-year period. Dragoman Overland doesn’t just call this responsible tourism, rather ‘positive impact tourism’. Next, Dragoman’s route crosses into Kenya where the election of an anti-corruption, anti-crime government and the adoption of responsible tourism practices, has seen rapid positive changes move the country back towards it’s position as land of the safari. The Masai Mara remains the quintessential African game park and the wildlife viewing is indeed awesome, with some of East Africa’s best Big Cat viewing. Finally, after seeing the wildlife of Africa, you might as well eat some of it (though only from approved sources) at Nairobi’s Carnivore – possibly Africa’s best-known eatery – complimented, if that’s the right word, by a Dhawa or two, the Carnivore’s signature lime, honey and vodka cocktail, whose name means medicine…

The tour costs £475 (normally £625) plus a kitty of USD$280 (~£155) including transport aboard a Classic Dragoman truck, hotel and camping accommodation (20%/80%), all camp meals, National Park Entry Fees, two experienced Dragoman Overland Crew and an African Camp Master. Gorilla Trekking Permits must be booked in advance at a cost of £200p/p.
Savings of up to £200 are available on ALL new bookings departing now till end 2005 – special terms and conditions apply.
International flights are not included but may be arranged through Dragoman.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN OVERLAND

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

FESTIVAL OF THE DESERT, FESTIVAL ON THE NIGER, MUSIC OF MAURITANIA’S KSOURS
WEST AFRICAN
MUSIC TOUR PROGRAMME
FREE ‘SONGLINES’ WORLD MUSIC MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION

Festival season is upon us in the UK and His Bobness has spoken unto to all regarding Live8. However, the arrival of people carriers, designer dome tents and corporate hospitality at Glastonbury, together with on-line opportunism and media squabbling elsewhere, may be sounding a bum note. From this discord it is left to the UK’s leading independent overland adventure operator, Dragoman, to bring harmony in the form of their new programme of West African music tours.

Sounds of the Sahara
Festival of The Desert – 21-nights - £525 plus kittty US$550 (~£305) – Departs Bamako 29th December
Mali is one of the musical heartlands of West Africa and this new tour combines the industry’s hum of Bamako, musical outposts at Seghou and Timbuktu with cultural exploration in the Dogon country. However, top billing here is due to the inclusion of the greatest of all West African gigs, the Festival of the Desert, near the dusty settlement of Essakane. The Festival in the Desert is much more than just music, as it is the coming together of clans, a symbol of peace and unity. Until a few years ago these same Tuareg clans were engaged in bitter clashes. Now they’ve downed the gun and taken up the Fender Stratocaster and the kora. Despite performances by some western musicians this is a Tuareg venue and they come in their hordes on board camels and by ubiquitous Toyota 4x4s. The music is awesome, especially the Tuareg Blues Men. At the Festival travellers will be rubbing shoulders (hey, even jamming – if they can play) with some of West Africa’s top acts and even some European ones. Camels, nomads, chai, campfires, endless rhythm, not to mention some extraordinary blues come together in the sands of the Sahara for an unbelievable experience.

Saharan and Moroccan Encounter
Music of Mauritania’s Ksours – 6½-weeks - £976 plus kitty US$370 (~£205) – Departs UK 12th November
This exploratory adventure from UK to Bamako takes Mauritania seriously instead of missing it out completely or just hugging the coastline. Heading south, into the heart of the Mauritanian Sahara, the Adrar Mountains separate the dunefields of Majabat El Koubra and Aoucker deserts. In this harsh landscape are four of North Africa’s most important cultural centres, the stone-built ksours (cities) of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata. Dating from the 12th Century these settlements were founded on tax revenue from the major trans-Saharan trade routes where caravans of up to 30,000 camels once passed carrying all manner of goods. At least two of the remote ksours will be visited, the choice being dependent on driving conditions and it is here that Dragoman will search out the traditional music of the Sahara.

Rhythms and Sounds of West Africa
Festival on the Niger - 6-weeks - £895 plus kitty US$590 (~£327) – Departs Bamako 1st February 2006 This tour encompasses Mali’s annual Festival on the Niger at Segou together with musical highlights in Bamako and towns in neighbouring Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo and Benin. Segou is Mali’s second city on the shores of the Niger River and once a year during February it plays host to most of the country’s musical and cultural talent for the Festival on the Niger (see www.festivalsegou.org). For four-days both Malian and international music, dance, puppetry, storytelling and crafts fill the town making the event one of West Africa’s most important artistic expositions.

All costs include travel aboard Dragoman’s desert-adapted Mercedes-Benz vehicle, camping and hotel accommodation, all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman’s crew and local guides together with a complimentary 12-month subscription to Songlines world music magazine.

International flights are not included but may be arranged through Dragoman.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Over the last few months there have been significant developments in Peru surrounding the Inca Trail. New legislation designed to protect the environment of the region has made it extremely difficult to guarantee Inca Trail trekking permits. Dragoman Marketing Director Charlie Hopkinson say, ‘The permit process is now quite complicated meaning that it is often impossible, or at least uncertain, to know whether permits will be available for any given date. All tour operators are in the same boat though some are being more up-front than others. Some are not informing travellers of the uncertainty, in the hope that permits will eventually become available. If they do not, they simply organise an ad hoc alternative trek without the investment in research that we at Dragoman feel is a necessity.’

Dragoman has taken a fundamental decision, based in part on the ramifications of new legislation, but most importantly because of the feedback they have received from their travellers, to pioneer a ‘new’ Inca Trail using responsible tourism principles and in conjunction with the local Quecha Indian community. Feedback has highlighted the real environmental problems caused by so many people taking the Classic Inca Trail at any one time. Too many recent travellers have commented on how unbelievably commercial the Classic Inca Trail has become, with up to 2000 people trekking at any one time. A staggering 500 people a day may start the trail making a huge impact on the environment and archaeology along the way, not to mention the inevitably crowded campsites and facilities. This trail is no longer the unique experience that it once was, and the solitude sought by trekkers has virtually disappeared.
Instead of the Classic Inca Trail, Dragoman has pioneered a new Inca Trail & Quechua Community Trek to be incorporated on all journeys through Peru from July 2005. The new trail explores the Pumahuanca region on the opposite side of the Urubamba Valley from the Classic Inca Trail. Charlie Hopkinson, emphasises, ’The route still follows Inca trails through unspoilt Andean mountains, but without hordes of other trekkers and additionally it allows travellers to spend a couple of nights at a local Quechua Indian community project. There will be no crowded campsites or waiting for other groups each morning or indeed competition for the best view points. We are convinced that this is the way forward for future trekking in the area. We can still offer the Classic Inca Trail, as an alternative, if clients still want it.’

The first of Dragoman’s 4-week ‘Inca Heartland’ overland adventure tours from Quito in Ecuador to La Paz in Bolivia, to feature the new Inca Trail and Quecha Community Trek, departs Quito 23rd July and v/v from La Paz 3rd August. The tours cost from £795p/p plus kitty US$680 (~£378) including transport aboard Dragoman’s rugged, customised Mercedes Benz expedition vehicle, camping and hotel accommodation (70%/30%), all camp meals, and the expertise of Dragoman's knowledgeable two person crew.
International flights are not included but can be arranged through Dragoman.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Dragoman’s 4-week overland journey from Cairo to Tunis will be well within the next Solar Eclipse’s zone of totality when the moon’s shadow crosses the clear skies of the Libyan Desert 29th March 2006. The journey departs Cairo 23rd March for Tunis, and for those with more time (5½-weeks) continues through Europe to Dover.

The flexibility of an independent, self-contained camping safari with its own rugged expedition vehicle is certainly a benefit when eclipse chasing in the Sahara - imagine missing the main event through the vagaries of public transport or indeed a recalcitrant camel… Dragoman have chosen a site close to the midline of the eclipse path as its crosses the Libyan coast near Tobruk, site of fierce WWII battles, offering one of the best viewpoints for the four minutes of totality.
As well as fleeting solar spectacles, Libya has an enduring wealth of antiquity to explore, for so long off-limits due to the country’s political isolation. Highlights include the vast Roman and Greek cities of Sabratha, Leptis Magna, Apollonia and Cyrene. Later, Tripoli's souks are some of the most fascinating and hassle-free in the Arabic world with coppersmiths, goldsmiths, leatherworkers and weavers populating the many market alleyways. Elsewhere, a 3-day jeep safari into the Sahara includes important prehistoric rock engravings at Matchandoush and a visit to the desert oasis city of Ghadames reveals a unique trading heritage.

The tour costs £1,095p/p plus kitty $630(~£350) including accommodation (55%/45% camping/hotels), travel aboard Dragoman’s customised Mercedes Benz vehicle, all camp meals and the expertise of Dragoman’s professional two person crew. International flights are not included but are available through Dragoman.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Dragoman launch their new programme of West African music tours with ‘Rhythm & Sounds of West Africa’ a circular 6-week journey encompassing Mali’s annual 4-day Festival on the Niger at Segou together with musical highlights in neighbouring Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo and Benin, departing Bamako 1st February 2006.

Mali has produced some of Africa’s finest musicians and has a long tradition tribal music. Today the traditional has fused with the modern and Bamako’s venues are the focus for Mali’s musicians including such giants as Salif Keita and Ali Farka Toure, and indeed it may be possible to include one of these top gigs during Drago’s time in Bamako. Segou is Mali’s second city on the shores of the Niger River and once a year during February it plays host to most of the country’s musical and cultural talent for the Festival on the Niger (see www.festivalsegou.org). For four-days both Malian and international music, dance, puppetry, storytelling and crafts fill the town making the event one of West Africa’s most important artistic expositions. Across the frontier in Burkina Faso the vibrant musical nightlife of Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso is second to none in West Africa. Entering Ghana, the origins of the world famous Ashanti drums, biggest in West Africa, are explored with a visit to workshops where they are manufactured. Once used to communicate over large distances the drums have now been integrated into modern Ghanaian music. About 80ks outside Accra is Big Millie’s Backyard is a favourite with Dragoman travellers. Mille’s funky bar is adjacent to the local recording studio (think Bob Marley and his mates in a tin shed – very loud) and is surrounded by coconut palms right on the beach, serving the coast’s best and freshest lobster accompanied by cold beers. Drago’s journey continues through voodoo markets of Togo and Benin which, combined with relics of the countries’ slaving past, add cultural context to this area of West Africa before heading back into Mali and entering the remote and mystical Dogon tribal area. Later, in the evocative desert settlement of Timbuktu jamming Tuareg musicians are sought out before taking a three-day journey down the Niger to explore the river’s inland delta. The thriving river port of Mopti and the frenetic markets of Djenne, with its famous mud mosque, are final highlights concluding back in Bamako with one last chance to hit Rue Dafake and the live bands at Le Hogon.

The tour costs £995 plus kitty USD$448 (~£250) including transport aboard Dragoman’s rugged expedition vehicle, camping and hotel accommodation, all camp meals and expert guiding.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

Dragoman’s pioneering new 6½-week overland exploratory adventure from UK to Bamako takes exploration of Mauritania seriously instead of missing it out completely or just hugging the coastline in the style of some other operators. First departure leaves UK 12th November 2005.

Crossing into Africa via the overlooked Spanish enclave of Ceuta a thorough appreciation of Morocco’s cities of Fez, Rabat, Marrakech, the Roman city of Volubilis precedes the wild and beautiful landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains, the Valley of the Kasbahs and the spectacular Todra Gorge. After a relaxing sojourn amongst the seafood markets and restaurants of Essaouria Dragoman travel through the UN-monitored disputed territories of Western Sahara, before entering the desert kingdom of Mauritania at its second city Nouadibou. Once characterised by lakes and lush tropical forests, today Mauritania’s forests are an expanse of desert and its lakes are filled with sand dunes. Away from the country’s one tarmac arterial route, this is land of hard travelling and Dragoman’s 4wd Mercedes Benz 1622 vehicle with triple dif locks is certainly the right vehicle for the desert crossing. Heading south, into the heart of the Mauritanian Sahara, the Adrar Mountains, separate the dunefields of Majabat El Koubra and Aoucker deserts. This harsh landscape is host to four of North Africa’s most important cultural centres, the stone-built ksours (cities) of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata, dating from the 12th Century. Founded on tax revenue from the major trans-Saharan trade routes where caravans of up to 30,000 camels once passed carrying all manner of goods through - gold was exchanged for salt (weight for weight), ostrich feathers, dates, wheat and barley together with one of the most valuable cargoes, slaves. At least two of the remote ksours will be visited, the choice being dependent on driving conditions. Next stop is Nouakchott, usually only seen as a waymark on aircraft flyshow screens. Largest city in the Sahara it encompasses lively markets and bustling fishing beaches. From here Dragoman follow the ‘Highway of Hope’ south, detouring into the Sahal region of Tgant and the Oasis of Tidjikja, founded in 1680 by the ‘Idawall’ Moors and home to the country’s largest palm grove. Nearby is the significant year-round water hole of Guejta of Matmata where rock paintings record the enduring presence of Saharan crocodiles. Leaving Mauritania, entry is made into sub-Saharan Mali through rural floodplains of the mighty Niger River. Here travellers will experience seldom-visited areas, roads are rough and progress is slow but the pace allows for a real appreciation of the country. Arrival in Bamako sees journey’s end in Mali’s easy-to-navigate capital amongst colourful markets and friendly people.

The provisional cost for Dragoman’s exploratory journey is £995 plus US$ 200 kitty including camping and guesthouse accommodation, all camp meals, transport aboard Dragoman’s rugged expedition vehicle and expert guidance from their experienced overland crew. International flights are not included but may be arranged through the Dragoman.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com

The signing of a peace treaty ending Africa’s longest running civil war in turn heralds the final realisation of oil revenues that may prove a catalyst for Sudan’s re-emergence from pariah state into the world arena of trade and tourism. Independent overland adventure operator Dragoman have successfully operated tours through Sudan since January 2004 and currently offer a choice of two separate itineraries for those in search of a journey that is both challenging and rewarding in the extreme.

Ethiopian Highlands & Sudan – 25-nights from Addis Ababa to Khartoum or v/v
Next departure from Addis 5th October 2005. Cost £805 plus US$ 240 kitty

Exploring rough roads, aboard Dragoman's customised Mercedes-Benz vehicle, expect few western amenities and likely deviations to the planned itinerary, all of which reflect the ‘otherness’ of this region of Africa. Step into a world of ancient Christian and Muslim traditions against a backdrop of memorable sights and sounds – the confluence of the Niles, Blue Nile Falls and Gorge, Gondar, the Grave Dancing of the Whirling Dervishes, Lalibela Churches, Bahir Dar, Axum, Lake Tana and the Monasteries and the stunning Simien Mountains National Park.

The Nile and Egyptian Explorer – 4-weeks Cairo to Khartoum or v/v
Next departure from Khartoum 29th October 2005. Cost £895 plus US$210 kitty.

Sudan and Egypt are inextricably linked by history and by the Nile. Both countries have a shared history dating back to Ancient Egyptian times. Initially, the Egyptians used the Nubians as slaves, but latterly the Nubians, or Kushites as they were known, became the rulers of all Egypt and Sudan. The Kushites based their kingdom on the Nile in the Sudan, where they have left superb relics. There is no tourist infrastructure and many of the ruins such as Meroe, Jebel Barkul, Naqa and Musawwarat, lie hidden in the desert with very poor access. Unlike their Egyptian counterparts, these sites get very few visitors and that’s part of their attraction. Dragoman’s expedition will travel through very remote areas along the length of the Nile from Cairo to Khartoum and will explore the very best of Ancient Egypt and the Sudan.

For more details contact Charlie Hopkinson at DRAGOMAN

tel 01728 861 133
fax 01728 861 127

email: info@dragoman.co.uk
web: www.dragoman.com