Australia: Desert Eco Survey

On arrival into Brisbane, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Semi-tropical Brisbane is the capital of Queensland; the city is often considered the gateway to leisure, sun and surf in Australia. Settle in to your hotel. Later this evening, join your fellow adventurers for a welcome cocktail. The evening is at leisure for you to discover Brisbane’s culinary offerings on your own.

Early this morning, meet your A&K chauffeur and transfer by private vehicle to Brisbane’s airport. Fly by chartered aircraft to Bedourie. Meet the rest of your expedition crew upon arrival. After lunch, continue overland to your camel camp, where you meet the rest of the ecology team and your hardy camel, who carries your equipment and pack through this desolate desert landscape. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for you to relax or to jump in and join ecologists conducting fieldwork.

Over the next few days, embark on a trekking and surveying journey through the fascinating, ecologically rich Simpson Desert, with its red sands that form the world’s largest parallel sand dunes. Each day, lead your pack camel an average of six miles alongside your expert expedition leader and the team of ecologists. Roll up your sleeves and assist the ecologists gathering data on the desert fauna and flora while learning about its unique ecosystem. Each evening, watch a spectacular sunset in this remote region and sleep under the brilliant stars of the pure Australian Outback.

Head back to your temporary camp base with your camels, marveling at the striking contrast of vibrant red dunes against a deep blue sky. Tonight, join your fellow adventurers for an al fresco dinner on the dunes as you reflect on your expedition and debrief about the results of the survey work.

Early this morning, transfer by four-wheel-drive vehicle to Bedourie and board your chartered plane for the flight back to Brisbane. On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel by an A&K representative. The rest of your day is at leisure.

This morning, transfer to the Brisbane International Airport for your return flight home.

The price of your land program INCLUDES:

ACCOMMODATIONS:
All accommodations as indicated in the itinerary.

MEALS AND BEVERAGES:
Meals as specified in the itinerary;
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.

TRANSFERS:
Arrival and departure transfers (regardless of arrival and departure days).

BAGGAGE HANDLING:
Porterage of 2 piece(s) of baggage per person.

SIGHTSEEING/ACTIVITIES:
All sightseeing excursions as detailed in your itinerary. Entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing and National Parks.

CREW:
The crew is made up of cameleers and ecologists. Every expedition has a crew of 4 to 7 cameleers (including the expedition leader) in addition to 3 to 4 ecologists / scientists. The cameleers are all Australian and come from all backgrounds with many having qualifications in areas of environmental science. The ecologists may come from one of the participating universities or institutions. They are all leaders in their chosen fields and have a "hands on" approach which fits with the participation based ethos of the trek.

TAXES/SERVICE CHARGES:
Hotel taxes and service charges for all services specified in the itinerary.

AIR TRANSPORTATION:
Airfares are not included in the land program price. ABERCROMBIE & KENT USA, LLC has special agreements with many carriers and can offer quotations from any gateway. Please ask your Tour Consultant about our special fares.

All international and domestic air quotes are subject to change and can carry penalties and surcharges until final payment has been received by A&K. Flight confirmation is based on availability. PLEASE NOTE THAT CERTAIN AIRFARES ARE SUBJECT TO A SERVICE FEE. Air reservations cannot be confirmed until a passport copy has been received by A&K.

INTERNAL AIR:
Brisbane / Bedourie / Brisbane is included in your program price.

ACTIVE ELEMENT:
Extreme Adventure programs have active elements incorporated into the itinerary. To enjoy the program as intended, a minimum level of fitness is required. A&K will require notice if any participant has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to him or herself, or other members of the program.

This program is categorized as MODERATE - takes place in remote locations or offer activities such as trekking 6.5 miles each day and desert camping. Participants should be in good physical condition and able to "rough it" to enjoy this adventure.

A&K reserves the right to decline to accept anyone that it considers unsuitable due to fitness level. A&K also reserves the right to remove from the program, at participant's own expense, anyone whose condition is such that it could create hazard to him or herself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of the other members. SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED ANY CLARIFICATION ABOUT A SPECIFIC PROGRAM PLEASE ASK FOR DETAILS.

SPECIAL REQUESTS:
Special requests should be advised at time of booking, such as adjacent or connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking or non-smoking rooms and special dietary requests. Please note that every effort will be made to secure a special request; however it cannot be guaranteed.

OTHER:
Please read the Field Notes for a list of clothing and gear recommended for this Extreme Adventure.

Explorer Pack containing: Trek Bag to be used on the trek*, Detailed Trek Notes including notes on Simpson Desert ecology, cutlery & eating utensils, cotton carry bag and a Water Bottle.

The Explorer Pack will be presented to trekkers at their Brisbane accommodation. At the treks conclusion, the Explorer Pack and the contents remain the property of the trekker.

*Everything that you need on the trek needs to fit into this bag.

The price of your program DOES NOT INCLUDE:

PERSONAL EXPENSES:
A&K's Passenger Travel Protection plan; international or internal airfares unless otherwise noted; cost of obtaining passports or entry visas; airport departure taxes unless otherwise noted; excess baggage charges; gratuities to your A&K guide, local guide(s) and driver(s), meals, beverages and sightseeing not included in the itinerary; room service charges unless indicated in the itinerary; personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges and optional activities (which are subject to availability).

INSURANCE:
A&K's Passenger Travel Protection Plan which provides cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or damaged luggage, is strongly recommended. Due to the remote location of A&K's Extreme Adventure programs, A&K requires proof of a minimum of $50,000 per person in Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation insurance. This minimum amount is included in A&K's Travel Protection Plan. Upgrades can be purchased for higher coverage. If you do not purchase the A&K Protection Plan, we will require proof of alternate coverage.

Additional expenses incurred due to delay or loss of luggage or a change, delay or cancellation of any flight will be the responsibility of the passenger. If this occurs, ABERCROMBIE & KENT USA, LLC's correspondent company will do all possible to assist passengers in boarding or finding alternative arrangements. It must be stressed that this is done as a courtesy to clients and ABERCROMBIE & KENT USA, LLC cannot be held responsible for denied boarding, nor for the additional costs thus incurred, nor for monies not recovered for missed land arrangements due to airline delays.

BOOKING CONDITIONS:

CANCELLATION:
Main Program:
In the event of written cancellation, the following forfeiture of program price will be assessed based on the number of days prior to the program departure the cancellation was received.
90 days or more….. 10% of the program price
89-45 days….. 50% of the program price
44 days or less….. 100% of the program price

Internal Air:
100% cancellation charge if cancellation is received 90 days or less prior to departure.

INSURANCE
A&K's Passenger Travel Protection Plan which provides cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or damaged luggage, is strongly recommended.

PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS:
Quoted program prices include planning, handling and operational charges, and are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of July 2011. A&K reserves the right to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. A&K is under no obligation to give a breakdown of costs involved with any Extreme Adventure tailor-made program.

Additional expenses incurred due to change, delay or cancellation of any flights, or any delays or events beyond A&K's control, will be the responsibility of the client. Flights are occasionally subject to overbooking or cancellation. If this occurs, Abercrombie & Kent's correspondent companies will do all possible to assist clients in boarding or finding alternate arrangements. IT MUST BE STRESSED THAT THIS IS DONE AS A COURTESY TO CLIENTS, AND ABERCROMBIE & KENT CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR DENIED BOARDING, NOR FOR THE

PHOTOGRAPHY DURING TRAVEL:
Abercrombie & Kent reserves the right to take photographs during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them for promotional purposes. By booking an Extreme Adventure program with A&K, program members agree to all their images being used in such photographs. Program members who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to their A &K guide at the beginning of their program.

OPTIONAL EXPENSES
Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services or other optional additions to your established itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally.

GRATUITIES
Gratuities are not included in your tour price. Please refer to your final pre-tour materials for tipping guidelines.

LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT'S RESPONSIBILITY:
Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents and assigns (collectively A&K), does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your program. It purchases transportation (by aircraft, coach, train, vessel or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant, ground handling and other services from various independent suppliers (including from time to time other affiliated Abercrombie & Kent companies). All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result A&K is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such person or entity or of any third person.

In addition and without limitation, A&K is not responsible for any injury, financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure, illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time.

There are many inherent risks in adventure travel of the type involved here, which can lead to illness, injury, or even death. These risks are increased by the fact that these programs take place in remote locations, far from medical facilities. Passenger assumes all such risks associated with participating in this program.

Travel Advisories and Warnings: It is the responsibility of The Traveller to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U. S. State Department's travel website at www.travel.state.gov/ or by phone at 1-888-407- 4747. In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location(s) of the program, should The Traveler still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, The Traveler assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.

Arbitration Agreement: Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions, to the Limits on Abercrombie & Kent's Responsibility clause, to the brochure, to any information relating in any way to the program, to the program itself, or to any products or services related to the program, shall be settled solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in Chicago, Illinois in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, except that (a) in lieu of a personal appearance at arbitration, the arbitration may be conducted by telephonic means, (b) arbitration is the exclusive forum for dispute resolution (no court actions), and (c) except as otherwise provided by statute, each party shall bear its own costs and expenses and an equal share of the arbitrator and administrative fees.

Travellers Representations: The traveller represents that neither he nor she nor anyone traveling with him or her has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to him or herself or other members of the program. A&K reserves the right to decline to accept anyone on a program and to remove from the program, at his or her sole expense, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers on the program.

ANY PAYMENT TO ABERCROMBIE & KENT CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN AND IN MORE SPECIFIC PRE-DEPARTURE PASSENGER DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING THE PERSONAL INFORMATION FORM.

Abercrombie & Kent accepts all major credit cards.

© 2011 Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. ABERCROMBIE & KENT, A&K, ADVENTURE CREW, DESIGN YOUR DAY, GUARDIAN ANGEL, INSPIRING EXPERIENCES, MARCO POLO CLUB, PRIVATE JOURNEYS, SIGNATURE SERIES, SIMPLY THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL, TRAVELLING BELL BOY and the ampersand design are service marks owned by Abercrombie & Kent Group of Companies. S.A. The service marks and trademarks of airlines appearing in this brochure or on abercrombiekent.com are owned by the respective companies mentioned.

Complimentary Passenger Travel Protection Insurance

Complimentary Passenger Travel Protection Insurance on Select Egypt Journeys

Reserve select 2011 and 2012 Egypt journeys and receive complimentary Passenger Travel Protection insurance, a value of up to $500. Call for details. Egypt journeys include:

• Egypt Unveiled
  November 3, 17, December 1, 2011 and all January - May 2012 departures
• Jordan and Egypt: Sands of Time
  October 7, 2011 and all January - April 2012 departures
• Images of Egypt & Kenya
  February 28, 2012
• Pharaohs and Pyramids
  All January - March 2012 departures
• Splendors of the Nile
  March 19, 2012

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