YOSEMITE PHOTO TOUR - JOHN GRAVETT
Visit the gold mining towns of Mariposa and
Groveland
Spend six days exploring the Yosemite National Park
Take amazing photographs of El Capitan and the Half Dome
Wine tasting and a cheese picnic in Napa Valley
Sightseeing in San Francisco - enter through the Golden Gate
2013/14
HOLIDAY CODE: YOPT
USA, Photo Special, 10 Days
9 nights hotels and lodges, 8 days photo workshop with some
EASY hiking, Join in Fresno depart San Francisco, MEAL PLAN:
All breakfasts and 8 lunches included
Max group size: 10
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YOSEMITE PHOTO TOUR - JOHN GRAVETT
Introduction
Arriving into Fresno, south-east of San Francisco, we start our photographic tour in Mariposa. This historic gold mining town sits on the western edge of
the Yosemite National Park, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Originally named 'Las Mariposas' (butterflies), due to the large number of
butterflies in the area, Mariposa was the southernmost gold mine town during the Gold Rush (1848-1855). The town is also well known for it's world
famous giant sequoia trees. Often referred to as California redwood, these evergreen trees are the largest in the world by volume. After our visit to
Mariposa, we spend 6 days exploring the Yosemite National Park, made famous in part through the black and white photographs of Ansel Adams.
Yosemite is one of the most revered rock-climbing areas in the world, with its spectacular rock formations of Half Dome, El Capitan and others. The
valley also has a number of very impressive waterfalls and amazing forest and meadow scenery that comes into its own when covered in snow during
the winter months. The Firefalls are a key part of the trip, when the winter sunset catches the Yosemite Falls and provides the fantastic images. This will
be the highlight of the trip and the falls can only be seen in this light at the end of February. As well as Yosemite Falls, we also visit Bridal Falls and both
are amongst the most photographed features of the park. Hiking alongside the Merced River to Mirror Lake, we will be close to the base of the sheer
700 metre-high face of Half Dome. Another photographic highlight, will be provided by our visit to the old Gold mining town of Groveland, originally
named Savage's Diggings, after James Savage discovered gold there in 1848. We then leave the Yosemite National Park and drive west towards San
Francisco, stopping in Napa Valley along the way. This is the main wine-growing region of the USA and one of the major wine regions of the world.
Napa is home to more than two hundred wineries and we will sample the delights of their produce on our wine tasting visit. We arrive into San Francisco
via the Golden Gate Bridge, offering us the best view of San Francisco Bay. The following day will be spent amongst the photographic highlights of this
great city, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf.
Holiday Summary and Grading
This is a touring and sightseeing holiday with a professional
photographer, John Gravett, and a North American driver/guide. There
will be plenty of opportunity to undertake short walks in search of the best
viewpoints at each of the places we visit. With the exception of Day 6,
there are no really long walks or unduly difficult underfoot conditions. On
Day 6, snow conditions permitting, we take the very worthwhile 4-hour
hike to Vernal Falls, with lots of stops along the way to take photographs.
There will be some travelling in a private minibus as we travel to
Yosemite and back south to San Francisco. Accommodation throughout
is in comfortable hotels and lodges.
Land Only Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Fresno
On arrival at Fresno Airport, we will be met by our local guide who will be
holding a KE sign. We then transfer to the group hotel in Fresno, located
10 minutes from the airport. Welcome to sunny California! Your
adventure begins in the historically gold-rich region on the Western slope
of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Fresno, Spanish for Ash Tree, is
the gateway to the Yosemite National Park and its surrounding
wilderness areas. KE Land Only package services begin with the
overnight stay (no meals).
Mariposa. Marisposa is situated on the western edge of the Yosemite
National Park, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We will put
on our hiking boots to wander amongst some of the world's most
magnificent and giant trees. Depending on snow levels, we may have to
make the trek on snow shoes! Known as Californian redwood or sequoia,
these are massive - the world's largest tree by volume, averaging 50-85
meters in height and 6-8 in diameter at maturity. The western Sierra
Nevada Mountains is only the natural home for this behemoth organism,
which requires a specific climate of dry summers and snowy winters and
a particular elevation range. There are 68 Sequoia groves in total, the
Mariposa grove being the largest grove within the borders of Yosemite
National Park. Test your skills trying to photograph the Grizzly Giant, the
grove’s oldest and largest tree, at 963 cubic meters! The oldest of the
giant Sequoias may exceed 3000 years in age! In 1870, John Muir, the
champion of the National Parks system and saviour of the mighty
Sequoia, wrote, as part of his effort to save these gentle giants from
extinction.... ‘Do behold the King Sequoia! Behold! Behold! Seems all I
can say. Some time ago I left all for Sequoia and have been and am at
his feet, fasting and praying for light, for is he not the greatest light in the
woods, in the world? Where are such columns of sunshine, tangible,
accessible, terrestrialized?’.... Overnight in Mariposa downtown. Driving
time: 3hrs (B,L)
Day 2: Mariposa and the Giant Sequoia
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the small, historic gold town of
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YOSEMITE PHOTO TOUR - JOHN GRAVETT
Day 3: Yosemite National Park
Today we drive to the Yosemite National Park, entering this sacred
territory from the west. Bordered by 1000 meter high, sheer, granite
walls, the valley is the heart of Yosemite National Park. Established in
1906, this 761,268 acre (3,080.74 km2) park boasts 3.7 million visitors
per year, including hikers, bikers, climbers, and backcountry trekkers.
Yosemite Valley is also home to El Capitan, one of the most revered
climbing walls in the world. Towering 1000 meters above the valley floor,
the solid granite cliff takes two to three days to climb, even for the most
experienced climbers. Shoot photos of climbers and watch for wildlife.
Drive to El Portal for 2 nights stay. Overnight at the Yosemite View
Lodge. Driving time: 2hrs. (B,L)
Day 4: Interpretive Trails and the Merced River
After breakfast, we go back into the park and explore the valley by
walking some of the interpretive trails alongside the Merced River. The
Merced River is a 145 mile long tributary of the San Joaquin River,
flowing from the Sierra Nevada into the Central Valley. Passing through
forest and open areas, we will have the opportunity to photograph the
Yosemite landscape, whilst also looking out for deer, bobcat and gray
fox. Overnight at the Yosemite View Lodge. Drive time: 1.5hrs. (B,L)
Day 5: Tunnel View, Bridal Falls and Yosemite Falls
Today our highlights are Tunnel View, Bridal Falls and Yosemite Falls, all
great locations for taking pictures. About 1 million years ago, the Sierra
Nevada Mountains were covered by a 1300 meter thick glacier that
carved the valley, creating a perfect venue for waterfalls. From Tunnel
View, we get a quintessential view up the valley with Half Dome looming
in the background, a perfect dome, formed by glacial movement then cut
almost perfectly in half. The majestic peak is the cornerstone of the park
and the subject of millions of photos. Bridalveil Fall is one fo the most
prominent waterfalls in the Yosemite Valley, seen yearly by millions of
visitors. The waterfall is 188m in height and flows year round. Yosemite
Falls is the highest measured waterfall in North America and is a major
attraction of the National Park. It is 739m from the top of the upper fall to
the base of the lower fall, which qualifies it as the 6th highest waterfall in
the world (though with the recent discovery of Gocta Cataracts, in Peru, it
appears on some lists as the 7th). The Ahwahneechee people, native
inhabitants of the Yosemite Valley, called the waterfall "Cholock" ("the
fall") and believed that the plunge pool at its base was inhabited by the
spirits of several witches, called the Poloti. An Ahwaneechee folktale
describes a woman going to fetch a pail of water from the pool, and
drawing it out full of snakes. Later that night, after the woman had
trespassed into their territory, the spirits caused the woman's house to be
sucked into the pool by a powerful wind, taking the woman and her
newborn baby with it! We have an afternoon hike to the lower Yosemite
Falls and, for those who are feeling fit and courageous, there is the option
of ascending to the crest of the Yosemite Falls (700 metres of elevation
gain). Overnight at the Lodge at the Falls 2. (B,L)
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Day 6: Vernal Fire Falls
The adventure du jour brings us to the base of Vernal Falls, one of the
more popular day hikes in Yosemite. The 98 meter fall is known to
drench visitors with its cloud of mist. Shoot from the bridge or attempt to
climb the trail that follows the adjacent cliff. Evening photo session of
Yosemite Falls known on winter evenings as Fire Falls, named for an
effect that occurs when the sunlight shines through the freezing mist.
Hike the Vernal Fall (300m-4 hours) (B,L)
Day 7: Mirror Lake and Groveland
This morning we’ll try our luck at shooting the famous frazil ice. During
some mornings in Yosemite Valley, when streamflow is relatively high but
temperatures are below freezing, some creeks may seem to be full of
slush rather than full of water. This is frazil ice, which forms when mist
(for example, from a waterfall) freezes, then floats down the creek. Later
in the day we explore the most photogenic spot along the Merced River,
taking a 2 mile hike up to Mirror Lake. Mirror Lake is in fact a big pool in
the Tenaya Creek and is about as close as you can get to the base of the
half dome, whose crown you can see reflected in the lake’s waters from
some locations. Mirror lake is also one of Yosemite’s most popular
swimming holes during the summer months. At the end of the day, we
drive to the historic gold mining town of Groveland and spend the night in
a charming historic hotel. Groveland, on highway 120, is just 26 miles
from the Yosemite National Park entrance. The Gold Rush brought the
initial flood of Citizens to Groveland, which was originally referred to as
‘Savage Diggings’ after Sir James Savage discovered gold here in 1848.
(B,L)
Day 8: Napa Valley and San Francisco
Pull out your tie-dye bell-bottoms and put flowers in your hair, we are on
our way to San Francisco! But, not before we make a more sophisticated
stop in the California wine country. Napa Valley is considered one of the
premier wine regions in the world and records of commercial wine
production date back to the nineteenth century. Here, weather permitting,
we will have a wine and cheese picnic in one of the vineyards. Our drive
to San Francisco brings us into the city via the Golden Gate, for one of
the best view of San Francisco Bay. Overnight at a San Francisco hotel.
Drive time: 5 hours. (B,L)
Day 9: Sightseeing in San Francisco
Today we have some free time in San Francisco. The guide will drive the
group to some of the key photographic attractions: the Golden Gate, the
North American strait that connects San Francisco to the Pacific Ocean;
Fisherman's Wharf, which encompasses the northern waterfront area of
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YOSEMITE PHOTO TOUR - JOHN GRAVETT
San Francisco; and the Coit Tower, also known as the Lillian Coit
Memorial Tower. At 64m (210ft), this art deco tower is made of unpainted
concrete and has fresco murals by 27 different on-site artists . Overnight
at our San Francisco hotel. (B,L)
Day 10: Depart San Francisco
KE Land Only package services end with breakfast at the hotel.
Depending on your flight time, there may be time for independent
sightseeing in San Francisco. The best way to see San Francisco is on
foot or by Cable Car. Hop on a Cable Car and climb the steep hills of the
city. Jump off and get a few shots of Lombard St, the “crookedest street".
The hotel offer lockers for luggages, for if you choose to visit the city.
Airport transfers can be booked through the hotel. (B)
Important: The above day-to-day holiday schedule should be
taken only as a general guide. Although we update our itineraries
on a regular basis, to take into account such things as changes to
trekking routes and changes in the routing or availability of local
transport, it is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays
will run exactly according to the proposed itinerary. A variety of
factors, including adverse weather conditions, political instability,
or difficulties with transportation, can lead to enforced changes.
We recommend you download and print a final copy of the up to
date holiday dossier from our website a couple of days prior to
travel in case there have been changes that may affect your
plans. If during your holiday the itinerary is effected by immediate
or local circumstances, the leader will make any changes that are
necessary.
Holiday Details
Group size and Holiday Status
For each of our group adventures, there is a minimum number of
participants required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum
number is reached, the trip status will normally change from 'Available' to
'Guaranteed to Run'. You can check the trip status by accessing our
website at www.keadventure.com. Other than in exceptional
circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this
guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your
international flight booking and other travel arrangements.
will be timed to meet the United Airlines flight, arriving into Fresno at
approx 17:12. For those who are unable to take advantage of this
transfer, taxis are available at an approximate cost of $20.
No airport transfers are provided at the end of the holiday but the Hotel
that we use in San Fransico provides a private shuttle, which you can pay
for directly at the Hotel.
Services Included
John Gravett as your photography coach
An English speaking driver/guide
A single-timed Airport Transfer on Day 1
9 nights Hotel and Lodge Accommodation
All land transport involved in the itinerary - 15 seat van
Meals as described in the Meal Plan
Entrance fees for parks and other sights.
Services Not Included
Travel Insurance
Some meals as described in the Meal Plan
Activities or Guide on Day 10
Wine tasting in Napa Valley ($5 to $25)
Airport transfer on Day 10 (can be arranged directly from the group
hotel)
Meal Plan
Breakfasts are provided as well as picnic lunches on Days 2 to 9.
Food
There is a wide selection of food in the USA. In the cities you have
unlimited fresh veggies, fruits, meats and fish. Once you travel in rural
areas, the selection is sometimes more limited. The breakfasts are a mix
of continental breakfasts and warm breakfasts with eggs / buffets.
Lunches will sometimes be in the form of a picnic lunch: sandwiches
(bread, cheese, cold cuts) and snacks. There will also be snacks for mid
morning and mid-afternoon breaks, such as nuts, pretzels, fruit. Dinner is
not included in the tour price but your tour leader will recommend places
for you to eat.
Spending Money
Nine dinners are not included in the holiday price. We will find an
appropriate restaurant or other eatery for dinner on most nights and you
will pay directly for your choice of evening meal. On average, dinners will
Joining Arrangements and Transfers
A single group transfer will be provided on arrival at Fresno Airport. This
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YOSEMITE PHOTO TOUR - JOHN GRAVETT
cost around $30. We estimate that approximately $270 will be sufficient
to pay for these non-included meals. You will need to allow for tips for the
local guide, together with miscellaneous items such as bar bills,
souvenirs etc. Approximately $450 should be sufficient to cover all needs
whilst in North America. If you intend to buy expensive souvenirs, you
should budget accordingly (credit cards can be useful in this respect).
Your money should be carried in the form of currency (US Dollars).
Guidance on Tipping
If you feel that your guide has looked after you well, you might want to
give them a tip to say thank you. We suggest that $40 to $50 per person
should be sufficient.
Group Leader and Support Staff
most common language in the country, and is spoken by over 12% of the
population. The United States holds the world's fifth largest
Spanish-speaking population, outnumbered only by Mexico, Spain,
Argentina, and Colombia.
Climate
As this is a winter holiday, you need to be prepared for the cold
conditions. Whilst in The Yosemite National Park, daytime temperatures
will range from 2 to 9 degrees Celsius. It is likely to be a lot warmer in
San Francisco, with daytime temperatures of 9 to 15 degrees Celsius.
The temperatures during the night can drop fairly significantly.
Electric Supply and Plug
1 English speaking driver/guide.
110-120 Volts, 60 HzPrimary Socket Type: North American Grounded.
Type A or type B plugs can be used.
Equipment
Visa Requirements
We provide an Equipment List for each of our holidays. These highlight
any specialised equipment you will require and also act as a packing
check list. You can find the Equipment List at the end of the dossier.
Citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Italy,
Switzerland etc. do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in the
United States of America. You do, however need an onward airticket and
a machine-readable passport. A British passport is machine readable
when there are two lines of letters, numbers and chevrons (>>>>>)
printed across the long edge of the personal information page (the page
with photograph and personal details).
Baggage Allowance
Your baggage will be carried in the support vehicle. There is no weight
restriction other than that imposed by your international carrier. However,
we do ask you to restrict your luggage to one main bag (Your KE trek
bag) and camera-specific day pack that is small enough to travel with as
hand baggage.
KE Trek Bag
All KE clients will receive a FREE KE trek bag. These have been
specially made to stand up to the rigours of adventure travel. Your KE
bag will be posted to you when your trip is guaranteed to run or on receipt
of your booking if the trip is already guaranteed. If you have travelled with
us before, already have a KE trek bag and would prefer a KE T-shirt or
baseball cap, please be sure to tick the appropriate box when you are
making your booking.
Accommodation
During this trip the group will spend 9 nights at a mix of 3-star hotels and
lodges. All accommodation is allocated on a twin-sharing basis. If you are
travelling by yourself you will be paired up with another single client of the
same sex. It is possible to pre-arrange single rooms at a supplementary
price and subject to availability at the time of booking. Please refer to the
dates and prices page of the trip on our website for the single supplement
price.
A Typical Day
This is a photographic holiday and John Gravett will be keen to make
best use of early morning and evening light. For this reason, most travel
will be done during the daytime. Meal times may be adjusted to take
account of this.
General Information
Language
The United States does not have an official language; however, the
majority of the population speaks English as a native language (some
82%). The variety of English spoken in the United States is known as
American English; together with Canadian English it makes up the group
of dialects known as North American English. Spanish is the second
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From January 12th 2009 travellers to the US, exempt from US visa
requirements (US Visa Waiver Programme), in addition to having a
machine-readable passport must also use the new US Electronic System
for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). This is an online electronic travel
authorisation and this process must be completed before boarding a US
bound aircraft. Please visit the ESTA website for further details.
If you are travelling to the US from a country that is not part of the US
Visa Waiver Programme please contact your nearest US Consulate for
full details regarding the visa application process.
Vaccinations
You should attend your own doctor and dentist for a check-up. Your
doctor will have access to the most up to date information on the required
vaccinations for the country you are visiting. For the USA and Canada, in
general, you do not require any vaccinations other than standard travel
jabs (Polio, Tetanus, and Hepatitus A etc). A very good online resource is
the NHS travel website at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
First Aid
A medical kit will accompany each group. You should also bring your own
personal first aid kit, which should include the items listed in the
equipment list at the end of this dossier.
Preparing For Your Holiday
There is only a small amount of walking involved in this photographic
tour, with the longest day being approx 4 hours. Short walks will be
necessary in order to get to the good view points but we will be stopping
along the way to take pictures. For the walking element, you will need to
bring a day sack that is sufficient for carrying your camera equipment.
Due to the temperatures, it would be advisable to keep any spare
batteries in an insulated case.
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YOSEMITE PHOTO TOUR - JOHN GRAVETT
PAGE 6
Know Before You Go!
As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign &
Commonwealth Offices Know before you go! campaign to enable British
citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas, and we recommend that
all KE travellers take a look at the FCO Travel Advice for their chosen
destination on the official FCO website: www.fco.gov.uk. North
Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website:
www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.
KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect
of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not
consider reasonably safe. Should the FCO advise against travel for any
reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss alternatives.
We receive regular updates direct from the FCO and are in constant
touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about
government travel advice, please call our office.
Reference Books and Maps
Books
Compass American Guides: Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks.
Insight Guide. US National Parks (West).
National Parks of the United States (National Geographic).
Lonely Planet. USA.
The Rough Guide to Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon
Maps
Yosemite SW, Yosemite Valley & Wawona Trails
Illustrated National Parks. Outdoor Recreation Map (2
Aug 2012)
National Geographic's Trails Illustrated Maps are the
most detailed and up-to-date topographic recreation
maps available for US National Parks, National Forests
and other popular outdoor recreation areas. A necessity
for exploring the outdoors, each map is printed on
waterproof, tear-resistant material. They also contain key
safety and contact information, GPS and compass
coordinates, Leave No Trace ethical guidelines and
hundreds of points-of-interest, including scenic
viewpoints, campgrounds, boat launches, swimming
areas, marine sanctuaries and wildlife refuges. Flat Size
mm: 813 x 559 .Scale: 1:40,000
Click here to order Books and Maps on our website
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YOSEMITE PHOTO TOUR - JOHN GRAVETT
PAGE 7
Flight Information
On our website we display a UK Flight inclusive package price and Land only package price for the majority of our holidays. For some destinations we
have chosen to sell the holiday on a Land Only package basis only (for example, these are mainly trips to the Alps and Morocco where you can take
advantage of booking your own flights direct with low cost carriers).
Booking Your Own Flights from the UK
The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary joining in Fresno. Clients making their own flight arrangements should arrange to fly in to Fresno
Airport and to fly out of San Fransico Airport at the end of the holiday. Please refer to 'Joining Arangements and Transfers' in the trip dossier for further
details.
Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the trip is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'.
Booking a Flight Inclusive Package from the UK
The FLIGHT INCLUSIVE dates and prices are based on UK flights from London (Heathrow) to Fresno Airport, with United Airlines. Outbound flights will
depart from the UK in the morning and arrive in Fresno in the evening of the same day (Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary). Return flights will depart from
San Fransico Airport in the evening of the last day of the Land Only itinerary and arrive in the UK in the afternoon of the following day. Regional
departures and/or alternative carriers are available on request.
Please be aware that there are often only a limited number of seats available at the advertised price. To avoid paying flight supplements, we
recommend that you book as early as possible, especially during peak times. If we are unable to secure seats at the price shown, or you have
requested regional departures, we will contact you with an alternative quote. Please note that you may be asked to pay for your flights in advance of
your final holiday balance. Note that if you book a package including flights with KE you will benefit from full financial protection.
Flight Options for the US
You can book your flights through a travel agent, directly with an airline, or online using a variety of travel search engines and consolidator sites.
For help and advice with booking your flights, we recommend you consult our friends at Exito Travel, airfare specialists since 1994. The air team at Exito
are familiar with our destinations and know the airports, best airlines and potential pitfalls. If there is ever a flight change, cancellation or air-related issue
before or during your travels, it's nice to know you have someone on the Exito air team looking after you. Isaac Hilpman deftly manages the flight
requests for many of our U.S. travelers. Please contact Isaac at: [email protected] &/or via phone at: 800.655.4053 ext. 8507. If Isaac is
traveling or unavailable, any of Exito's air agents can assist.
Alternatively we can recommend Luxury Adventure Trips, particularly if you are in the north west of the USA as they are based in Seattle. Contact
Susan Kelly, Luxury Adventure Trips toll free on 866-318-5396 or on Seattle 206-361-7334 or by email at [email protected].
Online Options for US and Other Worldwide Clients
There are many websites offering deals on air tickets which can be booked directly online. In addition many airlines operate their own online booking
facilities. If you are considering buying flights online, we recommend kayak.com. While Kayak.com does not sell flights, it quickly searches several
hundred websites to find the best deals available.
General Flight Information
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YOSEMITE PHOTO TOUR - JOHN GRAVETT
PAGE 8
Why Choose KE Adventure Travel?
Experience
KE has 29 years experience of adventure travel worldwide. All of our holidays are accompanied by an experienced leader, some of whom have worked
with KE groups for many years. Many are professional guides and instructors with an unrivalled knowledge of the areas in which they work. In some
parts of the world, we recruit local guides with appropriate training and experience. In addition to having the technical skills to ensure your safety, KE
expects its leaders to be active members of the group. A leader should be fun to travel with and ready to share with you their enthusiasm for adventure
travel and their knowledge of the area. Alongside the group leader, there will be a local support crew, which could be just a driver, or a complete team of
guides, drivers, porters, mule-herders and cooks. The hard work of our support crews, along with the fascinating insight they can offer into their local
culture, is integral to providing you with the very best adventure travel experience.
The team of KE office staff is amongst the most experienced in the business, with the proven ability to set up and operate a worldwide programme of
adventures. Every one has adventure travel at heart and joins at least one trip a year. It is this depth of experience that makes KE stand out from other
adventure travel operators. When you contact KE, by phone or e-mail, or visit our office, you will find the help and advice you need, from someone who
has actually done the trip and can give you the benefit of their first-hand experience.
KE can guarantee the very best in trek support, excellent food, a good standard of hotel and camp accommodation, plus the back up of one of the most
respected companies in the business. Client satisfaction is at the top of our agenda and almost 50% of our bookings each year come from repeat
business. If you are looking for adventure then look no further than KE.
Responsible Tourism and Awards
Responsible Tourism has always fitted naturally with KEs travel ethic. It is important to us that our clients are not the only beneficiaries
of the travel experience, but that we share a two-way relationship with the areas that we visit. We make sure that our local staff are well
treated and well paid, we respect indigenous cultures, take care to protect the environment and make the most of every opportunity to
make a positive contribution wherever we travel.
In addition to holding an AITO 5-star Responsible Tourism rating, we are recipients of AITOs Achievement in Responsible Tourism
Award in recognition of the work carried out over the past 20 years, giving back to the communities and areas we visit. We have been
awarded Highly Commended status in the Best Tour Operator category of the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, and were
named Best Trekking Operator on Earth by National Geographic Magazine, whose criteria included commitment to responsible tourism.
We continue to travel responsibly, and more information on our policy, practice, and specific projects can be found at keadventure.com,
and on the website of our partner charity the Juniper Trust: junipertrust.co.uk. KEs Mountain Code is issued to our staff, trek leaders and
overseas agents, and we recommend it to our clients, too!
The KE Mountain Code
Protect the environment its flora, fauna and landscapes
Respect local cultures traditions, religions and built heritage
Benefit local communities both economically and socially
Conserve natural resources from office to destination
Minimise pollution through noise, waste disposal and congestion
Carbon Offsetting
www.climatecare.org
After asking you for your opinion on Carbon Offset schemes KE have decided to lend our support
to Climate Care and provide you with a simple and effective way of balancing the CO2 emissions
from your flight. Although we believe that travel has huge global benefits, we all have a
responsibility to try to limit our impact on the environment. Climate Care works to reduce an
equivalent amount of CO2 on your behalf through a range of projects in renewable energy, energy
efficiency and rainforest restoration which not only fight climate change but bring benefits to
communities round the world.
Your Complete Financial Protection
KE Adventure Travel is a fully licensed and bonded tour operator. We are a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), bonded
with the CAA (ATOL 2808) and ABTA licensed (W4341). You can book your trip with KE Adventure Travel in complete confidence that all monies you
pay for a trip are fully protected.
www.keadventure.com
UK: +44(0)17687 73966
US (toll-free):1-888-630-4415
PAGE 9
YOSEMITE PHOTO TOUR - JOHN GRAVETT
Booking Your Holiday
Reserving Your Place
Having read this dossier, if you require further information, please don't hesitate to contact our office staff. The next step is to check the availability of
places on your trip either by checking the trip status on the KE website, or by e-mailing or telephoning us. We can usually hold you a place for 7 days
while you make a final decision.
Holiday Status
For each of our group holidays, there is a minimum number of participants required to enable the trip to go ahead. Once the minimum number is
reached, the trip status will normally change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to Run' on the website. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not
cancel a trip once it has achieved guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel
arrangements.
Making a Booking
The easiest way to make your booking and our preferred method, is online through the KE website. You will need to pay a deposit at the time of
booking. This is normally £200 but for some holidays with special permit fees or internal flights, this may be more. The amount of deposit required for an
individual holiday is given on the dates and prices page of the holiday. It is also possible to reserve your place over the telephone, by mail, or email.
(Note that you will also need to complete a booking form to confirm your place). We cannot confirm any booking until we receive your fully completed
booking form. Any unreasonable delay in submitting your booking form may jeopardise your place on your chosen holiday.
Adventure Travel Insurance
Important notice.
It is a condition of joining any of our trips that you are insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs,
air ambulance and helicopter rescue services). We also strongly recommend that you take out holiday cancellation insurance, as all
deposits paid are non-refundable. Please ensure that your insurer is aware of your KE Adventure itinerary and can agree to cover the
activities being undertaken. You will then need to advise us of your policy details and complete an Insurance Declaration Form.
CAMPBELL IRVINE DIRECT travel insurance is available to EU residents
and will cover the majority of KE Adventure holidays. It has been designed to
provide cover for activities normally excluded by other insurers such as
trekking, mountain biking and climbing. Please note that certain activities
may attract a higher premium. In addition cover cannot be provided by
Campbell Irvine Direct for KE climbing trips above 6000m. Please click on
the logo for a quote.
TRAVELEX is a USA based insurer offering travel insurance which can be
used by anyone regardless of nationality or country of residence, including
UK and European residents. KE recommends the "Travelex Select "
package for our holidays. If your holiday involves using mountaineering
equipment (ropes, harness or crampons), you should add the "Adventure
Plus" option to the Travelex Select cover. This policy will also cover KE
climbing trips above 6000m. Please click on the logo for a quote.
We hope that this dossier has answered most of your questions.
Please feel free to contact us and speak to one of our experts.
KE Adventure Travel, 32 Lake Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DQ, UK
www.keadventure.com
UK: +44(0)17687 73966
US (toll-free):1-888-630-4415
YOSEMITE PHOTO TOUR - JOHN GRAVETT
PAGE 10
Equipment
The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.
You must bring the following items:
Lightweight waterproof hiking boots
Reasonably robust walking / travel shoes
Gaiters
Socks
Trekking trousers / pants
Lightweight waterproof overtrousers / rain pants
Underwear
Baselayer shirts (2 short sleeve, 2 long sleeve)
Thermal long-johns
Waterproof jacket
Warm jacket (down)
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
T-shirts and/or casual shirts
Lightweight gloves
Warm gloves
Warm hat
Sunhat
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Water bottles 1 litre / 1 quart
Eyewear – Sunglasses
Small daypack
Washbag and toiletries
Small padlock (to lock trek bag)
Basic First Aid Kitincluding: A broad spectrum antibiotic, antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters
(band-aids) and blister treatment, glucose tablets.
The following items are optional:
Travel clothes
Trekking poles
Antibacterial hand wash
Camera Equipment checklist:
Camera body(s)
Lenses (wide-angle, telephoto, macro)
Filters
Flash unit
Media (film or memory cards)
Tripod
Cable release
Batteries
This document was last updated 16th September 2013
www.keadventure.com
UK: +44(0)17687 73966
US (toll-free):1-888-630-4415