Choosing an adventure holiday by region
Seasonal closures and health points
In Rajasthan, the core zones of Ranthambore and Sariska close to visitors from 1 July to 30 September each year for the monsoon, though some buffer zones stay open. Core-zone tiger safaris are therefore limited to October to June.
The FCDO warns that severe air pollution is a major health hazard in India, especially from October to February. Children, older travellers and anyone pregnant or with a heart or breathing condition should speak to a doctor before travelling.
What adds to the cost
A gorilla tracking permit for Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park costs US$1,500 per person, and only 96 are issued each day, so book early. Check on the deal page whether permits are already included in the price. Budget separately for travel insurance that covers trekking and medical evacuation, visas, vaccinations and tips.
Visas when you combine countries
British citizens get a free 30-day visa on arrival in Rwanda. If a trip crosses borders in East Africa, the US$100 East Africa Tourist Visa, applied for online, allows multiple entries into Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda over 90 days. For Thailand, Vietnam, India, the USA and every other country on these routes, read the FCDO entry requirements and our destination guides above; rules change, so check before you book.
Adventure holidays FAQs
How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?
Reasonably fit. In Volcanoes National Park the walk to a gorilla family takes from 30 minutes to four hours or more, at 2,500 to 4,000 metres. Families are allocated on the morning according to fitness, porters can carry your bag and camera, and the minimum age is 15.
Do I need vaccinations?
Uganda requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter, and Rwanda asks for one if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk. The FCDO advises checking vaccine guidance on TravelHealthPro at least eight weeks before your trip.
Can I add a beach stay at the end?
Many routes in this category already combine touring with a beach: Krabi and Phuket in Thailand, Zanzibar or Mauritius after a Kenya safari, and the Maldives. For other routes, ask us about adding beach nights at the end before you book.
Are adventure holidays with flights ATOL protected?
ATOL covers package trips that include a flight: if the company fails, it keeps you in your accommodation where possible and arranges flights home. You should receive an ATOL Certificate. It is not travel insurance. Our ATOL protection page has the detail.
