General Information

About us: Wild and Exotic was founded in the millenium year with the initial ambition of offering outstanding riding safaris in southern and eastern Africa but soon added a bespoke travel service within all counties where we provide riding holidays. Within 18 months of foundation we ventured into South America to set up our very own unique trans Andes ride from Argentina to Chile in Patagonia, an adventure that has been repeated and refined every year since. Countries as diverse as Mongolia, India, Jordan and Iceland have since been added to bring the current number of counties in which we offer travel to 33. We have also expanded and developed our field sports holidays, concentrating in providing the best fly-fishing anywhere in the world for a selection of species, including Atlantic salmon, golden dorado, sea trout, tiger fish, sailfish and a host of other salt water species. Our riding safaris continue to flourish and in 2012 we are adding our own unique Uruguay itinerary following a research trip earlier in 2011. Wild and Exotic are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (our ATOL number is 6445) and have contracts with several of the world's premier airlines. We can arrange and advise on all aspects of your holiday, including all flights, transfers, insurance, activities and accommodation.

Booking procedure: In our opinion the single most important aspect of your holiday is meeting your expectations by matching your requirements with the holiday of your dreams. For that reason there is no provision for online bookings on this website. Potential clients are encouraged to email and/or telephone their requirements in order that your complete satisfaction is achieved and the numerous testaments from past clients bear witness to the success of this policy. Once your holiday arrangements have been confirmed we will issue a deposit invoice, our terms and conditions, itinerary and a booking form for you to complete and return. We will also supply you with important pre-departure information on the country (ies) that you will be visiting and a recommended clothing list so that you have sufficient time to prepare properly for your trip. We will issue an invoice for the outstanding balance approximately 10 weeks prior to departure. You will be sent the final documents relating to your holiday including a finalised itinerary listing the contact details of where you will be staying approximately one month prior to departure, together with all necessary hotel vouchers, booking references and airline tickets or e ticket itineraries. 

Financial security: Wild and Exotic hold an Air Travel Organiser's License issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL license number is 6445. All holidays which include a flight booked with Wild and Exotic are ATOL protected through our substantial bond with the Civil Aviation Authority. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not left stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. Holidays that do not include flights arranged by the company are protected by a client trust account.

Health: Wild & Exotic Ltd strongly advise that clients consult closely with their doctors well in advance of departure date fo any foreign itinerary regarding the necessary inoculations or precautions that it is advisable to take. Malarial protection is strongly recommended if visiting India or Africa, however some of our rides within these continents take place in areas where the risk of malaria is minimal or non-existent. If you have any medical problems which may affect your travel arrangements, you must advise us in writing when completing your booking form, providing full details of all relevant information. Information on health requirements for travellers is available from Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Telephone 0906 822 4100 or visit their website at http://www.masta.org/ The NHS (Scotland) also has an excellent website offering advice at http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/   Wild & Exotic Ltd cannot accept liability for any disease, virus infection or other illness contracted participating in or travelling to an itinerary organised by them.

Insurance: Insurance is required for all Wild and Exotic itineraries, and you will be asked to confirm the details and suitability of your policy when booking your holiday. If you do not have the appropriate insurance in place we can assist with obtaining suitable cover. We have arranged travel insurance with specialist Insurance Brokers Campbell Irvine, underwritten by the UK's largest travel insurer, AXA Insurance (UK) plc.Registered in England. No. 78950. Registered Office, 5 Old Broad, London EC2N 1AD. A member of the AXA Group of Companies. AXA Insurance UK plc. Registration No 202312. Both Campbell Irvine Ltd and Axa Insurance are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This can be checked on the FSA's register by visiting the FSA's website at www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting them on 0845 606 1234. Wild and Exotic has applied to be an Introducer Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd with effect from 1st January 2009. Please see our insurance section for more information and to apply for insurance online.

Passports and visas: Full passport are required for all Wild and Exotic holidays, valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your return. If you are a British Citizen you do not require a visa for any of the holidays featured on this website with the exception of India, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Mongolia, Mozambique, Mongolia, Russia and Tanzania. Non-British clients of Wild and Exotic must check with their relevant consulate or embassy as to the visa requirements for citizens of their country. Wild & Exotic Ltd will, when istructed, assis with visa applications but cannot be held responsible in any way in the event of a visa application being rejected. We strongly recommend that visas are applied for at the time of booking, and well in advance of your departure date. Wild and Exotic cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any flight or into any country due to failure on your part to carry the correct passport, visa or other documents required by the airline or other relevant authority. 

Safety: Please note that Wild and Exotic clients must wear protective headgear rated to a minimum of EN1384 at all times when riding horses. See The British Horse Society website: http://www.bhs.org.uk/Riding/Riding_Safely/Safety_Equipment/Hat_Standards.aspx As Wild and Exotic cannot guarantee that our suppliers will have hats conforming to the requisite standards, or that they will necessarily be a good fit, we strongly recommend that you take and use your own protective headgear on any holiday that will involve horse riding as an activity. Whilst riding, fishing, walking, or on safari, or engaging in any other organised activity on holiday, you must follow the instructions of your guide at all times. It is a condition of your booking that you accept your guide is entitled to require you to behave in a manner that safeguards your personal welfare and safety, and the welfare and safety of others. The client's attention is drawn to the fact that due to some of the exotic destinations and activities offered by Wild & Exotic Ltd he or she may be exposed to hazards and dangers not normally expected on a standard holiday. The client acknowledges these facts and confirms that he or she has chosen to proceed notwithstanding these potential risks.

Prices: Prices quoted by Wild and Exotic may vary slightly from time to time due to fluctuations in exchange rates. Prices listed on this website are normally based on two people sharing accommodation, and include full board and accommodation unless otherwise stated, but not flights, transfers or alcoholic beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why book with Wild and Exotic?
As a small and specialist company we pride ourselves on attention to detail, both in the research of the products and destinations that we represent and the organisation of your itinerary. You will be provided with detailed advice prior to travel, and we can organise every aspect of your holiday at a competitive cost. We will always endeavour to match or better any price you have been quoted by a competitor, and you will sometimes pay less for your holiday by booking through Wild and Exotic than going direct. As we are well known to all our suppliers we are sometimes able to negotiate substantial discounts off certain charges (for example the single supplement charge) that can result in you paying considerably less for your holiday.

Am I able to travel alone?
The answer is a resounding Yes, however some of the rides and activities featured are better suited to the single traveller than others, and this may depend on the specific bookings already taken for a featured ride or activity. Please check with us for advice.

Can my partner, who has no interest in riding / fishing come with me on holiday and enjoy the experience?
This is where our attention to detail really kicks in. Several of our riding and fishing operators go the extra mile to ensure that non riding/fishing partners still have a great time, to the extent of providing extra guides and activities to keep them entertained whilst you are busy riding or catching fish. We have arranged many itineraries where non riders and riders stay under the same roof each night, and possibly meet up for lunch during the day, but enjoy completely separate experiences only a few miles apart.

Can you arrange bespoke itineraries for groups?
We normally run 3 or 4 exclusive rides each year for the benefit of Wild and Exotic customers only, including our flagship ride from Argentina to Chile through the Andes Mountains in Patagonia. We also arrange several exclusive group rides and fishing itineraries each year for families and friends. Provided these are for more than 8 guests there will always be a discount applied, usually this is one free place on the trip.

How will I survive in a foreign country without speaking the language?
Whether traveling as part of a group or alone, you will be met and assisted by an English speaking guide for all transfers, be they by road, rail or air or boat. The managers and owners of the accommodations we recommend speak English, as do the guides we use for riding, fishing or walking holidays. Furthermore you will have the contact telephone details of our English speaking representatives in every country that you visit should you require emergency assistance at anytime of day or night.

What level of riding experience is required for your holidays?
We cater for all levels of experience, please visit our riding safaris overview page for greater detail on all aspects of our riding holidays, including the standard and type of horses that we use, and the different levels of accommodation.

Will I have to spend nights in a tent?
Only if you choose one of the wilderness adventures where we ride so far away from civilization that camping is the only option. We offer many riding holidays from the base of supremely comfortable lodges, estancias and haciendas. Please visit our riding safaris overview page for greater detail on all aspects of our riding holidays.