Through our network of experienced and dedicated local partners, you will always be in good hands whatever your destination. We are totally committed to conservation - keeping all places cleaner than we find them, which we also ask of you. Our philosophy is based on sustainability, and the long-term assurance that whatever activity we conduct in any specific natural area, must contribute to the conservation as well as the well being of the inhabitants of that area. Our approach will ensure that future generations will be able to visit those same areas and enjoy the same experience. As a member of the Travel Trust Association you will enjoy total financial protection.

Wildlife Conservation Tiger Conservation in Kanha

Kanha National Park is one of the first nine, Tiger Reserve constituted in India when "Project Tiger" was initially launched way back in 1973.

There present Park area encompasses two important valleys the Banjar and the Halon. In 1935, these valley forests were declared Sanctuaries Subsequently, the Banjar valley alone retained that Sanctuaries status till the up gradation as a National park in 1955. The initial area of the National Park was 253 sq. km. km, which with subsequent extensions in 1964and 1970 assumed a size of 446 sq. km.  With the launched of Project Tiger in 1973, the Halon valley area was eventually integrated with the Park, thereby increasing the total area to the present size of 940 sq. km.. Kanha tiger Reserve is constituted on a " core-buffer " strategy. The entire National Park area of 940 sq. km. km. is visualised as a "core zone", free from biotic. Disturbances of any sort. A Buffer zone of 1005 sq. km. km. surrounding the core is treated as a multiple use area. The buffer zone comprises almost 40 percent forest area and the rest is constituted by revenue land this zone has been notified by the state Government as a separate division and is under the unified controls of the management.  The Reserve is a part of the Gonndwana tract inhabited traditionally and chiefly by the Gong and Baiga tribes. The villagers had free access to cut and burn the forest at will. The system of shifting cultivation, locally called "Bewar" prevailed almost unhindered until 1870 on the hill slopes. Unrestricted grazing was permitted up to 1915, when grazing rules were introduced.

Wildlife Conservation in Bandhavgarh

The Bandhavgarh Fort, in the centre of the Reserve, atop the Bandhavgarh hill, was the seat of the rulers of erstwhile Rewa State until they shifted to Rewa town in 1617 A.D. The area of the Reserve, with its surrounding forests were the favourite hunting grounds of the erstwhile rulers and were zealously protected as such. After independence and the abolition of the princely States, the process of degradation of forests accelerated due to lax control. Maharaja Martand Singh of Rewa was deeplu moved by the destruction of forests. On his proposal, an area of 105 sq. km. was declared a National Park in 1965. the area of the Park was increased to 448.84 sq. km.in 1982. The area of the 105sq.km.old National Park was finally notified in 1968. the remaining part of the National Park i.e. 343.842sq.km. is yet to be finally notified. Considering the importance and potentiality of the National Park, it was included int the Project Tiger Network in 1993. The adjoining Panpatha sanctuary, which was crated in 1993 with an area of 245.847sq.km.was also declared a part of the Reserve.

Wildlife Conservation in Ranthambhore

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve was among the first nine Tiger Reserves declared in 1973 at the launch of Project Tiger in India. It comprised the former Sawai Madhopur Wildlife Sanctuary of 392.5 sq.km. Reserved Forest (constituted in 1955). Ranthambhore National Park with an area of 274.5 sq.km was constituted from within the Tiger Reserve in 1980. In the then Tiger Reserve, the National Park area was being managed as the core and the rest as buffer until in 1992, Keladevi Sanctuary having area of 674 sq.km of Protected Forest (constituted in 1983),Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary with an area of 127 sq.km. (Constituted in 1983),Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary with an area of 127 sq. km .(constituted in 1984), Kualji Close Area of 7.58 sq. km. And some other forest areas were added to the Reserve.  Archaeological Richness Ranthambhore fort and temples of medieval period.

AFRICAN OVERLAND ADVENTURE SAFARIS

WHAT IS OVERLANDING?

So you want to see Africa and all the wonderful things the continent has to offer, but the bank balance doesn’t quite stretch to that luxury safari! Solution – Overlanding. You get to experience this beautiful continent in a in a much more affordable (and fun) way. But, what is it, exactly, and how does it differ from a regular safari? Every year hundreds of overland trucks cross Africa between Kenya and Cape (or vice versa) on what has become one of the most popular and well established overland routes in the world. Overland trucks are large, modified vehicles that seat 20 - 30 travellers and carry all the equipment necessary for camping and cooking on a trip that can last from one to eight weeks. By using these vehicles, which are capable of travelling long distances and by camping, costs are considerably cheaper than a luxury safari that utilises flights and luxury lodges. The wildlife experiences you will have in the game parks and reserves are no different than those you’d have on a luxury safari. (In fact, with 20 pairs of eyes peeled for a glimpse of the rare wild dog, you may have a far more rewarding wildlife experience from the back of an overland truck than on a regular smaller safari.) Then there is the added excitement of sleeping under the African sky with the far off roar of the lion. The beauty is that you can share all these travelling experiences with like-minded travellers, many of whom will leave as friends. Camping under the stars, cooking and washing up together, hiking, diving, abseiling, white-water rafting and sharing the odd cold beer or ten - it may not be a luxury holiday, but it’s undoubtedly a lot of fun.

IS OVERLANDING FOR ME?

If you’re the adventurous type who’d rather spend a night roughing it in a rain forest than luxuriating in a boutique hotel, then overlanding is for you. With overlanding you experience Africa first-hand - buying and cooking food from markets then sharing a drink with villagers in a local bar. It’s perfect for people travelling as a group of friends, a couple or alone. Most things are done as a group and chores are shared, so everyone works and plays together. If you’re a first-time traveller, joining an overland tour still gives you that sense of adventure, but a Trip Leader, Driver and Safari Cook and the companionship of the group, means you’ll always have backup. Finally thanks to the purpose built trucks, most trips get well away from the usual safari circuits and you get to see Africa away from the armies of pop-up minibuses seen in the more popular game parks. If you’re looking for a trip which goes beyond a mere holiday and gives you the opportunity to make a lot of new friends and see a lot of new places in a relatively short period of time, then overlanding is for you!

WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

Each truck carries everything needed to be completely self-sufficient. It has a fully equipped kitchen, including food, cutlery, pots and pans and a gas stove. All the day to day chores such as cleaning, washing-up, checking security and helping the Safari Cook shop and prepare meals are shared amongst all the passengers. But, there’s still plenty of time for relaxation and sightseeing and itineraries build in chill out time, wildlife spotting and the various activities on offer. Along the way there are also opportunities to upgrade to a room for the night or eat out in a local restaurant as a treat.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN I EXPECT?

Where once overland groups would camp in the bush each night, today there are a wide range of great campsites catering for overlanders and the vehicles - with activities, bars, restaurants and good facilities. On the Kenya to Cape route (or vice versa), it is now possible to stay in a secure campsite every night and there are few nights when a shower or a beer are not available - whether they be hot or cold, respectively, is another matter! Sometimes conditions can be challenging and if it’s raining you’ve still got to put up your tent. Africa is a vast continent so some of the drives can be long and there are a few patches of bumpy roads. There may be a few hiccups in the itinerary when a bridge is washed away or there’s a mechanical emergency. But, none of these will spoil your trip if you approach them with the right attitude and a sense of humour.

WHERE WILL MY TOUR GO?

The classic Kenya to the Cape route (in either direction) has become an alluring expedition for many travellers and it’s the most accessible part of Africa. Beginning in Nairobi (or Cape Town), this overland route crosses the mighty continent diagonally through some remarkable scenery until you reach the coast of South Africa, via Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Highlights include enjoying an audience with a gentle ape in Uganda’s misty mountains, watching the Zambezi River tumble over the Victoria Falls, viewing the shimmering sand dunes and deserts of the ancient Namib, spotting the Big Five on the endless plains in the national parks and game reserves, and meeting a variety of diverse cultures from red-robed Masai warriors to the warm-hearted people of Malawi. From Lake Victoria to Table Bay, there are game parks, beaches, deserts and wetlands waiting to be explored and the best and most affordable way to get to them is by overlanding.

ACCOMMODATION ON TOUR

Accommodation whilst on tour is camping. Occasionally where possible you will have the option to upgrade to a dorm bed or single/double room. Most nights are spent at campsites. Bear in mind many of the campsites in Africa are very basic and have a great rustic “under African skies” feel. The campsites have ablution blocks with hot or cold showers (sometimes cold only). Some have flush toilets, some don't. Some of them have electric points, some not, so you won't always have lights lighting up the campsites and facilities to charge your camera’s batteries. We camp at our own campsite in the Masai Mara - Acacia Camp. Some nights you will bush camp. This means you are camping without ablution facilities and not at a campsite. This occurs when in the Okavango Delta on the optional Okavango Delta Mokoro Excursion, in the Serengeti National Park, and at Lake Nakuru National Park. The tents we use are two man dome tents, with mosquito nets over the door and window areas, a sewn in ground sheet and a separate flysheet. You share a tent with a fellow traveller. You need to provide your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat and a small pillow is always great for extra comfort!

TRANSPORT ON TOUR

Transport is in an overland truck. Our trucks seat between 28 - 30 passengers. They have either all forward facing seats or a combination of forward and backward facing seats with little tables between. A few of our trucks have a few side facing seats right in the front of the truck, but the rest of the truck has forward facing seats. Keep in mind bench seating often faces inwards, so you can communicate with your fellow travellers, but it’s not advantageous for game viewing and photography. Our trucks have soft cushioned seats - remember you want a truck that has comfortable cushioned seats, as you do spend a lot of time in the truck between points (driving time can be up to 8 hours on long days).

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

In all of the countries we support numerous local communities, operators, guides and campsites that directly benefit the local people in each place. In addition to these, we actively support the specifically chosen projects below. If these interest you, they can be visited before or after your trip and your involvement can be to what ever degree you wish.

Why choose to travel with Footprint Adventures?

Total Flexibility - On many of our trips you can choose to join a small international group or have a private departure.

Local Guides - All our tours are guided by local experts, ensuring of the best possible knowledge available to you, after all this is their own backyard.

Local Contents - All arrangements for your stay and transportation are made by locals, insuring maximum benefits to the local communities and at the same time keeping costs at a reasonable level with no compromise in standards. Our clients can therefore feel assured that a percentage of the tour fee goes directly to the local communities.

Small Groups - On our treks and safaris we travel in small groups making the trip much more enjoyable and avoiding negative impact on the environment and local communities.

Total Financial Security Footprint Adventures are full members of the Travel Trust Association with a membership number of R704x. The Travel Trust Association regulations require member travel agents to hold all received monies in a special client account. This account is totally separate from the business bank accounts of the member and is controlled by an Travel Trust trustee.

Porters and Tourism Concern Footprint Adventures support Tourism Concern in their campaign to improve working conditions for porters employed by the tourist industries around the world. Guides and head porters are responsible for their porters and they will have available specific emergency funds to pay for porters to be evacuated and treated in case of sickness or accident. Porters will be paid a stable and fair basic wage. Provisions are made for porters’ food and accommodation so that they do not have to provide for this out of their wages. Equipment appropriate to each stage of each particular trek will be provided to porters, including, for example; sleeping tents, protective clothing, carrying equipment and kerosene for their own use. A maximum load has been set and porters will not be asked to carry more than this under normal circumstances.

Environmental Guidelines By following these simple guidelines, you can help to reduce the impact on the environment, minimize the possibility of animal suffering and stress, and encourage respect and appreciation of other cultures and traditions.

Campsite - Remember another party will be using the same campsite after you have left. Leave the site cleaner than you found it.

Don’t Fuel the Fire - Always discard matches and cigarettes with great care but also keep the use of wood for fuel to a minimum. When possible, take kerosene or an alternative fuel source for cooking and heating purposes.

Remove litter - Burn or bury paper and carry out all non-degradable litter.

Keep local water clean - Avoid using pollutants such as detergents in streams or springs. If no toilet facilities are available, make sure you are at least 30 meters away from water sources, and bury or cover waste.

Plants should be left to flourish - Taking cuttings, seeds and roots is illegal in many parts of the world. Also remember the trade in many wildlife products is strictly illegal.

Help your guides and porters to follow conservation measures.

When taking photographs - Respect privacy - ask permission and use restraint.

Respect Holy places - Preserve what you have come to see, never touch or remove religious objects. Shoes should be removed when visiting temples.

Giving to children encourages begging - A donation to a project, health centre or school is a more constructive way to help.

You will be accepted and welcomed if you follow local customs. 

Clothes - Loose lightweight clothes are preferable to revealing shorts, skimpy tops and tight fitting action wear. 

Visitors who value local traditions, encourage local pride and maintain local cultures. Please help local people gain a realistic view of life in Western Countries.

Respect Animals - In National Parks and Wilderness areas the animals are wild. Harassment can cause stress, keep your distance if you are in a safari vehicle or other forms of transport. In some situations it is possible to get really close, this makes for great pictures but Mountain Gorillas, for example, can catch human diseases which can be fatal.

Stay on Track - Unsupervised off road driving can cause irreparable damage to the soil and vegetation, all for the sake of that once in a lifetime shot. In many areas, trekking and climbing are popular leisure activities. By carefully keeping to marked paths and routes, human impact can be kept to a minimum.