Dragoman

Dragoman is one of the world's leading providers of overland journeys. Renowned for excellent trips and also for a responsible attitude to the environment and local communities. Dragoman believes trips should benefit the local people and their environment and that the local culture and communities should be an integral part of their trips.

Overland Travel

The secure way to explore an unfamiliar world. Operating it's own fully equipped expedition vehicles with western crew Dragoman provides a secure hassle free way to travel. Using comfortable well maintained, safely driven expedition vehicles you get from A to B with a minimum of fuss. No problems lugging a backpack around unfamiliar cities or staggering through the mass of humanity that throngs the platforms of Indian or Andean railway stations. Thanks to these vehicles Dragoman trips provide the freedom and flexibility to go places others using local transport cannot reach and to get truly off the beaten track. This provides opportunities to see a different way of life and meet the local people in their own environment away from other tourists.

Dragoman uses local guides at many local sites of interest but will not use local drivers, whose training, style of driving and safety standards may be very different from our own. Dragoman vehicles are fully lockable and have safes for added security so unlike other travelers to these areas, Dragoman participants have few worries about the security of their belongings.

Fellow Travelers and Lifestyle

Most Dragoman travelers are aged in their twenties or thirties, but there are often a number of older participants. Groups are international and come from all walks of life. The mix of sexes is usually even. Some come as couples but most are individuals. Some are seasoned travelers but many are just starting out. What everyone shares is a love of adventure and discovery. Traveling in a group and sharing amazing experiences, most people will build friendships that last for years. You may find yourself far from western comforts in areas with minimal infrastructure so it's important participants are tolerant and able to compromise.

Camping and Hotels

Dragoman uses a variety of accommodation. Some trips may be all camping, others will have a few nights hotel accommodation, and some may be virtually all hotels and hostels (based on sharing).

Camping gets you off the beaten track and may be in the wilderness or the relative comfort of local campsites. You could wake up to a stunning sunrise over the Sahara Desert or the sounds of children in an Andean village. You'll never forget the evenings around the camp fire or the many laughs and companionship of your fellow travelers.

Food

When camping the group prepares meals together but while staying in hotels travelers eat at local restaurants. This situation provides the best of both worlds, trying the local cuisine and yet having the facilities and flexibility to hygienically prepare food whenever necessary. Participants share the cooking and camp duties with shopping in local markets being a regular part of most trips. On all East and Southern Africa trips there is also a local cook on board to assist.

Community Projects

Many Dragoman trips feature visits to community tourism projects. These are local initiatives such as village or tribal visits. They involve numerous activities such as learning about traditional farming, local medicine and customs, hiking or perhaps helping out in a school. They help local people benefit from tourism. They also give you the opportunity to meet local people and experience their everyday life.

Vehicles

Dragoman vehicles are purpose built to be the best in the business. By using only Mercedes vehicles their reliability and robust mechanical construction is second to none. The passenger compartment is purpose built. Forget all your preconceptions about minibuses, army trucks and jeeps, the design of the passenger compartment on these vehicles has been refined over the years so that it is perfectly suited to the job in hand. Security is inherent in the design, both on the road and at rest. All Dragoman vehicles are fully lockable and each has at least one safe.

Open communication while traveling is important; the 'through bus body' allows crew and group members to travel together with no division between them. You have constant communication with your crew which is vital for a good traveling atmosphere and an informative journey.

More Inclusions

Dragoman offers comprehensive itineraries with many more inclusions than most overland operators. Everything that the group usually does as a whole is included in the price and kitty and listed in the 'Included Highlights'. Kitties are overestimated to prevent them from running out, which more often than not, results in a refund at the end of the trip. The kitty is a group fund which will pay for most expenses over which Dragoman has no direct control such as camping and hotel fees, meals while camping, National Park entrance fees, activities outlined in the 'Included highlights' and the occasional group meal in a local restaurant.

What is Adventure Travel?

The Dragoman programs are 'adventure journeys', off the beaten track, often in areas without western infrastructure. As many of these areas do not adhere to western safety standards and may have political or economic instability, there may be some risk. Do not book an overland trip unless you are prepared to accept these risks, though the risks vary from trip to trip.

Routes and Itineraries

Every overland trip is different. Although Dragoman intends to follow the published routes, they often change itineraries for a variety of reasons. Night stops may vary, long diversions occur, and missed areas or activities are possible. However, extra things may be added. Operational uncertainties make it impossible to run structured itineraries. Therefore in booking a trip you must accept that the itinerary may vary from that described.