We are asked a lot of questions regarding our tours, below are some of the most common questions (click on the question to view the answer), if your question does not appear below please do not hesitate to contact us on +44 (0)191 206 4038.
How do I book?
Give us a call so we can check availability. Our advice is to book as early as possible. Alternatively you may contact us by e-mail, info@sudan-undiscovered.com.
If you are booking eight weeks or more before departure we will ask for a non-refundable deposit of £100 per person, of the tour cost. Booking within this period, full payment will be required. Any balance payment will also be due at this time.
Can I Hold an Option?
Generally we can advise you of availability right away and will be pleased to hold an option for up to 5 days.
Is a booking form required?
We will always require a signed booking form, which can be downloaded from our website. It is important that you read and understand our terms and conditions. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any queries.
Do you accept Credt/Debit Cards?
We are happy to accept payment by Visa, Mastercard or Switch.
We do not apply a surcharge.
Are your small group tours guaranteed departures?
Unlike some operators we do not hide the fact that our trips operate on the basis of a minimum of four booked clients. However, as we are a small operator, dedicated to working with just a handful of selected destinations, we believe in running the tour whenever possible. As some of the destinations we feature currently receive little tourism business, we will work very hard to accommodate smaller group sizes. Our overseas colleagues count heavily on the custom.
Is it a safe country?
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of writing (August 2005) the Foreign Office does advise against all but ‘essential’ travel to Sudan. The advice follows the death of the newly elected Vice-President, John Garang, at the end of July.
However, we are in constant contact with our local representatives in the areas covered by our tours, who have advised us that there has been no security situation involving foreign nationals.
Our partner in Sudan is highly experienced and has been working in the country for more than 20 years. Safety of our clients and their staff is key. Although it is essential to be aware of the risks involved in any overseas travel of this nature, it is nonetheless important to consider the vastness of the country and that on-going problems in Sudan are relatively localised to areas that our tours do not pass through.
Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.
Finally, it should be noted that despite a peace agreement being observed by the various groups involved in Sudan’s previous civil war, the current FCO warning might affect your travel insurance and any subsequent claim. It is important that clients check with their insurance company to see if any restrictions are in place. The position can vary from one insurer to the next. However, most companies such as Norwich Union and American Express will continue to provide full cover, with the exception of any claim, resulting from an act of war or terrorism, or any other incident that was given prior warning by the Foreign Office.
Can credit cards be used in Sudan?
Due to US sanctions in force at the time of writing this has meant credit cards are virtually useless in Sudan. There are currently no international ATM’s.
As many of your costs will be pre-paid as part of the tour, we recommend taking US dollars cash, to cover other expenses. Travellers Cheques can be cashed in some banks, but commission can be as high as 30%.
Why dont you sell international flights?
We know from past experience working in the flight market, how competitive the business is. Most airlines are no longer giving smaller travel agents and tour operators their best deals. Increasingly the best fares are to be found on the airlines own websites. There are some exceptions. Some operators will offer ‘group flights’ at competitive rates, usually based on a minimum of 10 clients travelling together on each leg of the trip. Many will feel that this is somewhat restrictive, as not all clients may want to travel from London for example. Some may not want to return the same date, or by the same route.
Therefore, we recommend that you contact a specialist such as Trailfinders, who will always offer the widest range of options, at the most competitive fares. They can also look at interesting multi-stop or round-the-world fares, as part of a wider itinerary. Of course, we can hold an option on one of our tours, to give you an opportunity to ‘shop around’ for the best deal.
Please feel free to give us a call for further information and suggestions about routes.
Can I book pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, give us a call for rates. Khartoum has a good range of accommodation.
What is the standard of accommodation going to be like?
We can honestly say that great effort has gone into finding good quality accommodation. However, as tourism facilities are limited, outside of Khartoum, accommodation can be fairly basic, with intermittent supplies of electricity and running water. However, many travellers will feel that the wonderful natural surroundings and tranquillity that Sudan offers will always make up for any lack of 5-star comforts. Private bathrooms, with hot water, are certainly the norm in Khartoum, but when travelling outside of the capital, shared bathrooms, without hot water may be the only option available.
Will you be expanding your choice of destinations?
We would welcome suggestions for any other ‘undiscovered destinations’ you think may be of interest to fellow travellers. We are happy to do the research, when we think the destination is not widely marketed by other operators. Should we go onto to offer a successful programme, we will be happy to offer you and one travelling companion a 30% discount on any of our tours, to any of our destinations. Give Jim a call on 0191 206 4038 with your suggestions and tell us why you think it will be a success!
Do you offer repeat client discounts?
We intend to expand our range of destinations. See our company website, www.undiscovered-destinations.com for our present range of destinations. We will be happy to apply a discount of 5% if you would like to travel on one of these tours following your trip to Sudan.
Can you recommend a guide book?
We highly recommend the Bradt Guide to Sudan, as far was we know the only English language guide currently available for country.
