Flexible Groups, Great Value

020 7263 3000

Orangutans of Borneo + Mulu National Park

Bat Exodus, Deer Cave
Orangutans, Borneo
Pygmy Elephant, Borneo
Rhinoceros Hornbill, Borneo
Kinabatangan River, Borneo
Proboscis Monkeys, Borneo
Crocodile, Borneo
Kuching Street Market
Bat Exodus
Incl flights, accommodation & transfers
From   £3949 £3649
13 days
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Holiday highlights

  • Explore the caves of Mulu National Park and witness the incredible bat exodus
  • Look for orangutans and proboscis monkeys on the Kinabatangan River
  • Explore Kuching, Borneo’s most interesting city
  • See the efforts to preserve orangutans in Sepilok and Semenggoh

Itinerary

View full itinerary +

  • Overnight flight to Kuching in Borneo, via Kuala Lumpur.

    Meals included: Meal included on the flight.

  • You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak state, founded in 1827. This charming riverside gem is Borneo’s best-preserved city, with Chinese, Indian, and British influences, and the Borneo Cultures Museum is one of Asia’s finest museums.

    Please note, there is a lot of walking on uneven paths on this holiday, and the weather is usually hot and humid, so a good level of fitness is required.

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • Take the optional Orangutans & Longhouse excursion to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, the best place in Sarawak to observe rehabilitated orangutans, which now live in the surrounding forest reserve. Explore the community gardens, home to a unique collection of rainforest plants, and then continue to Annah Rais Longhouse, where you have lunch. This traditional bamboo longhouse is located in a quiet Bidayuh village at the foothills of the Borneo highlands. One of the best remaining examples of this communal way of life, it features a covered veranda for gatherings and individual family rooms behind each door. Home to the Land Dayak (Bidayuh) heritage, the longhouse offers a glimpse into their culture and history as head-hunters, as illustrated by the skulls found here.

    Alternatively,  spend the day exploring Kuching with its vibrant local restaurants and street stalls, or visit sights such as Fort Margherita and the Borneo Cultures Museum.

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch is included on the Orangutans & Longhouse excursion. 

  • Join the optional Mangrove Cruise excursion and float along the Santubong and Salak Rivers, where you can look out for wildlife such as the rare Irrawaddy dolphin, often seen near fishing boats, otters, crocodiles, water monitor lizards, and mudskippers. The rivers also support a range of mangrove tree species, notably the black and red mangroves, locally known as bakau. Alternatively, enjoy another free day to explore Kuching at your own pace.

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Mulu. On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, set off for your first exploration of Mulu National Park. Go on a 4km (each way!) guided walk taking you through the rainforest on a mix of raised boardwalks and jungle paths. Lang Cave, is known for its delicate stalactite and stalagmite formations. Then continue to Deer Cave, one of the largest cave passages in the world. Inside, live huge colonies of bats sleeping in dark masses along the cave roof. After exploring the cave, find a spot outside to witness one of nature’s most impressive sights, the bat exodus. Weather permitting, each evening millions of bats stream out of the cave in swirling formations as they head into the forest to hunt. The spectacle lasts around an hour. Afterwards, retrace your steps along the 4 km path and return to your hotel for dinner.

    Meals included: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel.

  • After breakfast, visit more of Mulu’s fascinating cave systems. Board a traditional longboat along the Melinau River, stopping briefly at a small Penan market, where members of this indigenous community sell handmade crafts and forest produce. Continue upriver to explore Wind Cave, named after the cool breezes that flow through its narrow chambers; and Clearwater Cave, home to Southeast Asia’s longest underground river. Both caves feature impressive limestone formations, underground streams and dramatic caverns. Enjoy a packed lunch in the national park before returning to your hotel in the afternoon. The evening is free to relax or explore at your leisure. Perhaps return independently to Deer Cave for another chance to see the bat exodus.

    Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

  • Fly to Kota Kinabalu, where you are met and transferred to your centrally-located hotel. Often referred to as “KK”, Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah and is known for its vibrant culture and beautiful setting on the South China Sea, with Mount Kinabalu rising in the distance. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the city at your leisure. Don’t miss the amazing sunset over the sea from the waterfront. 

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel.

  • Fly to Sandakan in the morning, and have lunch at a local restaurant, before visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to observe orangutans in their natural setting. Established in 1964, the centre provides a home for rehabilitated orangutans, helping them develop the skills they need to survive before being reintroduced to their natural habitat. During scheduled feeding sessions, you can watch these primates up close as they emerge from the forest. The centre also offers informative programmes that shed light on the vital conservation work being done to protect this endangered species.

    Afterwards, transfer to your nearby hotel in the forest. In the evening, perhaps take the optional Rainforest Night Walk excursion to spot nocturnal creatures such as flying squirrels, snakes, slow lorises, civets, sleeping birds, owls, frogs, bearded pigs and even the elusive Bornean tarsier, one of Sabah’s most mysterious primates.

    Meals included: Breakfast and lunch. 

  • Start the day with a visit to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the world’s smallest bear species. Then, transfer to Sandakan and board a boat for a 90-minute journey along the Kinabatangan River, passing mangrove forests and traditional riverside villages. At 560km long, the Kinabatangan is the longest river in Sabah and the second longest in Malaysia.

    Arrive at the Kinabatangan Wetland Resort on a stretch of the river is more remote than other sections, meaning fewer boats and a more tranquil atmosphere, ideal for spotting wildlife in a peaceful, undisturbed setting.

    After lunch at your riverside lodge, head out on an afternoon wildlife cruise. With the help of your guide, look out for proboscis monkeys, orangutans, crocodiles, rhinoceros hornbills, and possibly even pygmy elephants. Aside from the Borneo big five, there is plenty of other wildlife to be spotted. After dinner, enjoy a guided night walk on the lodge's boardwalk to discover the jungle’s nocturnal creatures.

    Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

  • Take a morning nature river cruise, one of the best times to observe wildlife, as the forest begins to wake. Keep a lookout for orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and the colourful birdlife along the riverbanks. Afterwards, continue your journey upstream with a two-hour boat transfer to your next lodge in Sukau. This stretch of the river offers further opportunities to spot wildlife and is one of the best areas to see elephants in their natural habitat.

    Have lunch at the lodge, then head out on another nature river cruise for further opportunities to spot the region’s incredible wildlife. After dinner at the lodge, the evening is free to relax. For those keen to see more wildlife, perhaps take the optional Night River Cruise excurison, offering the chance to spot nocturnal animals such as owls, civets and other animals that are active after dark along the riverbank.

    Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

  • Rise early for a morning river safari, at the prime time for wildlife spotting. Return to the lodge for breakfast, with the rest of the morning free to relax or explore the boardwalk trail in the lodge. Lunch is also served at the lodge. In the afternoon, take another wildlife cruise or join the optional Gomantong Cave excursion. Gomantong is a stunning limestone cave, and locals climb the cave walls to collect bird nests made from swiftlets’ saliva. The surrounding primary forest is home to orangutans and other wildlife. At dusk, climb a long, steep staircase to try to witness the exodus of hundreds of thousands of bats and bat hawks hunting.

    Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

  • Enjoy breakfast and some free time at the lodge before beginning the journey back to Sandakan for your flight to back to the UK via Kuala Lumpur. 

    Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel, meals on the flight.

  • Your flight arrives in the UK.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Kuching

The Waterfront Hotel

Included
Pool, Waterfront Hotel

Standard Hotel: A 208-room modern hotel in the heart of Kuching, offering access to the city’s main attractions, all within walking distance, and with views over the Sarawak River. The hotel has a rooftop infinity pool, a gym, sky lounge, and a restaurant that serves both local Sarawakian specialities and international dishes.

Why stay here? The Waterfront Hotel Kuching combines modern facilities with a central location, making it ideal for exploring the city's cultural and historical sights.

Hotel facilities

  • WiFi in all areas
  • A rooftop infinity pool, a gym, a restaurant, a café and a sky lounge.

 

About the room
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, WiFi, a TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, a safety deposit box, and a hairdryer.

 

Room types available
Deluxe Room

Accommodation in Mulu National Park

Mulu Marriott

Included
Aerial View, Mulu Marriott

Standard Hotel: Located in the rainforest near the entrance to Gunung Mulu National Park, the Marriott offers a peaceful stay in one of Borneo’s most remote and scenic areas. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, spa and fitness centre, along with a restaurant and bar serving a mix of local and international dishes. Breakfast and dinner are included with your stay. The resort is ideally placed for your visits to Mulu’s famous national park and bat exodus. 

Why stay here? This hotel is the best hotel in Mulu, with a pool, a spa, and a good restaurant serving a mix of local and international dishes.

Hotel facilities

  • Free WiFi in public areas
  • There is an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and a gym.
  • There is a restaurant and bar with views of the river and forest

About the room
All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, a TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, a safety deposit box, and a hairdryer. Each room includes a private balcony with views of the rainforest or river.

Room types available
Deluxe Rainforest Room

Accommodation in Kota Kinabalu

Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Included
Exterior, Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Standard Hotel: A modern and comfortable hotel in central Kota Kinabalu. With a beautiful outdoor rooftop pool, a gym, and a spa, the hotel has convenient access to the city’s markets, restaurants, and is two blocks from the seafront. There are several dining options on site, including a rooftop grill with views of the city and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

Why stay here? This modern hotel has great facilities and very comfortable rooms. The rooftop pool is huge and attractive.

Hotel facilities

  • WiFi in all areas
  • A rooftop pool, spa and gym
  • Several restaurant options, including a rooftop grill and an international restaurant

About the room
The rooms are very comfortable with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, WiFi, a TV, tea/coffee making facilities, a safety deposit box, and a hairdryer.

Room types available

Guest Rooms

Accommodation in Sepilok

Sepilok Borneo Rainforest Resort

Included
Sepilok Borneo Rainforest Resort

Standard Lodge: Located next to the Sepilok Forest Reserve, this lodge offers simple accommodation close to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Facilities include a restaurant where breakfast is provided during your stay, a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi area, and forest boardwalks.

Why stay here? A convenient base for visiting the Sepilok wildlife centres. Llama Travel uses the jungle chalet.

Hotel facilities

  • Free WiFi in public areas
  • An outdoor swimming pool
  • A restaurant and a bar
  • Optional guided wildlife tours and forest walks

 

About the room
The rooms are spacious with en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, mosquito netting, tea/coffee-making facilities, and a private balcony.

 

Room types available

Jungle Chalet Room

Accommodation in Kinabatangan River (Lower)

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

Included
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

Standard Lodge: Located in the Lower Kinabatangan River Wetlands, this lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a remote and peaceful area, accessible only by boat. It is an excellent base for exploring the river and the surrounding forest. Facilities include a good restaurant where all meals are provided during your stay, as well as a lounge, boardwalks through the mangroves and forest, and an observation tower.

Why stay here? A beautiful lodge in a quiet area. There are a few other lodges in the area, so the remote location means you see fewer boats on the river than at other lodges, giving excellent wildlife viewing spotting opportunities. All meals are included during your stay.

Lodge facilities

  • Free WiFi in public areas
  • Dining area, lounge, observation tower and raised boardwalks
  • A restaurant and a garden terrace
  • Guided river cruises and jungle walks with local guides

 

About the room

The Deluxe Chalet rooms are set on stilts and connected by raised walkways. Each room is very spacious  has an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, mosquito netting, a ceiling fan, tea/coffee making facilities, and a private terrace.

 

Room types available

Deluxe Chalet rooms

Accommodation in Kinabatangan River (Upper)

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Included
Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Standard Lodge: Set on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, Sukau Rainforest Lodge is one of Malaysia’s best jungle lodges. Facilities include a riverside restaurant, two pools, a lounge area, and an educational centre. Guided river cruises are included.

Why stay here? An excellent lodge with two pools and a beautiful riverside restaurant with excellent food. Llama Travel uses the upgraded Borneo Villa rooms, which are spacious and very comfortable.

Lodge facilities

  • Free WiFi in common areas
  • There is a riverside restaurant, two pools and a wildlife-viewing deck
  • Guided river cruises and jungle walks with expert naturalists

About the room
Llama Travel uses the amazing Borneo Villa rooms which are spacious and have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, mosquito netting, tea/coffee making facilities, a safety deposit box, and a private balcony. Rooms are built using local materials and designed to blend with the natural surroundings.

Room types available
Borneo Villa rooms

Excursions

Excursions Package

Borneo Excursion Package Save £230

Take the Orangutans & Longhouse, Mangrove Cruise and Night River Cruise excursions together for a discounted price. ****To celebrate the launch of our holidays to Borneo, for bookings made before the 30th September 2025, we are including the package of 3 optional excursions for free****

Orangutans & Longhouse

£120
Pongo pygmaeus at Semenggoh

This excursion takes you into Sarawak’s forest and traditional villages to visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, home to rehabilitated orangutans, and the historic Annah Rais Longhouse, an example of communal Bidayuh living. A local lunch is also included.

Full Description:

Explore the wildlife and traditional village life near Kuching. Begin with a visit to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, situated about 45-minute drive from the city. This is a sanctuary where rehabilitated orangutans live in the semi-wild, free to roam the forest, but returning for regular feeding sessions. Watching these orangutans close up in a natural setting, especially mothers with their playful young, is an unforgettable experience.

After the feeding session, continue to Annah Rais Longhouse, a traditional bamboo longhouse located in a quiet Bidayuh village at the foothills of the Borneo Highlands, one of the few remaining traditional Bidayuh communal houses. Built mainly from bamboo and wood, the longhouse is home to around 80 families. With your guide, you walk through the public corridors, known as the ruai, gaining an insight into the Bidayuh people’s way of life, their traditional farming methods, and the use of bamboo in everyday construction and living. You may also see the baruk, or head house, where ancestral items and ceremonial objects are kept, a glimpse into their culture and history as head-hunters, as illustrated by the skulls found here. A local lunch is served in the longhouse before returning to Kuching, arriving back at your hotel in the mid-afternoon.

Mangrove Cruise

£60
Green Mangrove Tress At Santubong River

This morning tour explores the mangrove-lined rivers and coastal wetlands of Santubong, offering a chance to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins and experience Sarawak’s rich ecosystem.

Full Description:

Depart from your hotel in the morning and drive for around 45 minutes, then board a boat for a cruise through the mangroves of the Santubong and Salak Rivers. These silted mangrove waterways are home to an extraordinary variety of species, including otters, crocodiles, and mudskippers.

The main highlight is the chance to see the rare Irrawaddy dolphin. These dolphins are often seen near local fishing boats, attracted by the activity when nets are pulled in. Santubong is one of the best places in Borneo to observe them in the wild.

During the cruise, you pass dense mangrove forests with important tree species such as red and black mangroves, locally known as bakau or bako. These trees are vital to the local ecology and economy. After the cruise return to your hotel in time for lunch.

Please note: Wildlife sightings, including dolphins, are not guaranteed.

Rainforest Night Walk

£100
Blue Flycatcher

This evening excursion offers the chance to discover the sights and sounds of the Bornean rainforest after dark. With the help of an expert guide, explore the forest trails of the Rainforest Discovery Centre near Sandakan, home to the largest canopy walkway in Borneo, where many of the island’s most elusive and fascinating creatures come to life at night.

Full Description:

Explore the rainforest after dark, starting at the canopy walkway at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where many of the island’s most fascinating creatures come to life at night. With a guide and powerful torch, look for frogs, owls, civets, flying squirrels, snakes, and, if lucky, the rare Bornean tarsier or slow loris, nicknamed “ghost monkeys” by locals. These small, wide-eyed creatures are rarely seen and are a real highlight if spotted. Return to your hotel later in the evening. The walk is approximately 5km up and down in humid conditions, so a good level of fitness is required.

Night River Cruise

£50
File Eared Tree Frog

This evening excursion offers a peaceful and atmospheric way to experience the Kinabatangan River after dark. After dinner, board a boat for a gentle cruise down the river, looking for nocturnal wildlife, and enjoy the natural beauty of the river by night.

Full Description:

A night cruise offers a good chance to see wildlife that is rarely encountered during the day. Look for nocturnal creatures such as civets, bats, snakes, frogs, owls and sleeping birds. If you are very lucky, you may even see elephants feeding in one of the waterways off the main river. After the cruise, return to your lodge to rest and prepare for the next day’s activities. The cruise typically lasts around 90 minutes.

Gomantong Cave

£95
Gomantong Cave

This excursion takes you to Gomantong Cave, part of an impressive limestone cave system hidden within Gomantong Hill in the heart of Sabah’s primary rainforest. You walk along a raised boardwalk through the forest to reach the cave entrance. Inside, you can see swiftlets’ nests collected for bird’s nest soup, and the resident bat population. The cave is a natural ecosystem that supports a wide variety of wildlife. The surrounding forest is also a good place to look out for orangutans, red leaf monkeys, hornbills, and eagles, especially in the late afternoon. The visit lasts around one to two hours and is timed to coincide with the bat exodus near sunset, when thousands of bats leave the cave in swirling patterns.

Full Description:

Gomantong Cave is part of a limestone cave system located in Sabah’s primary rainforest. The area is known for its long history of bird’s nest harvesting. Licensed collectors climb tall wooden ladders to reach nests built by swiftlets high on the cave walls. These nests, made entirely from the birds’ saliva, are gathered for use in bird’s nest soup, which is considered a delicacy across parts of Asia.

The main chamber of the cave is home to a large population of bats, as well as a wide variety of insects, including cockroaches and beetles, which live off the thick layer of guano (accumulated excrement and remains of birds and bats) covering the cave floor. You walk along a raised boardwalk through primary lowland rainforest to reach the cave. The surrounding forest is rich in wildlife, with a good chance of spotting orangutans, red leaf monkeys, eagles and hornbills along the way.

After exploring the cave, you climb a long, steep staircase to reach a viewing area. From here, you may be able to witness the daily exodus of hundreds of thousands of bats leaving the cave at dusk. This natural event also attracts predators such as bat hawks, which can often be seen hunting overhead.

The visit lasts around one to two hours. You return to your hotel in the early evening.

Please note: The cave has a strong natural odour due to the wildlife, conditions can be slippery, and the path is uneven, so a good level of fitness is recommended. This excursion may not be suitable for everyone. You are provided with a helmet, a free mask and gloves, and sturdy footwear is recommended.

2026

Prices include

Return flights from the UK; any internal flights; accommodation (bed and breakfast except where indicated); transfers; service of guides and local reps, UK airport taxes.

Prices do not include

Any optional excursions, travel insurance, tips.

Holidays without international flights

The above prices include return international flights from the UK. If you wish to arrange your own flights, we will reduce our prices accordingly. The reduction depends on when you travel, please call us for details.

Departure Airport

Flights are scheduled to be from London. Other airports may be possible, although a supplement sometimes applies.

Holiday Information

All the practical information you need regarding your trip is found here. From how to prepare before you leave and travelling to your destination, to advice on travelling within your country of choice.

About Your Holiday

  • Prices listed are per person and based on two persons sharing a room and include all flights from the UK and within destination, service of guides and reps (please note that tips are not included), accommodation and all transfers and excursions listed in the itinerary. Where applicable, entrance fees, taxes and charges are included in our prices at the rates advised to us at the time of preparation. An adjustment will be made to your price if any of these change before your holiday. UK airport taxes are included.

  • All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

    For holidays not including any flights, financial protection is provided through IPP: https://www.llamatravel.com/ipp-protection

  • In many cases, the best way to describe our holidays is flexible tours, so you can choose where to visit by combining different extensions and excursions, and which hotels to stay in. In most cases, you will be with other Llama Travellers, but not necessarily the same people throughout. This allows you to get to know like-minded people, but not have to spend all your time with the same group. If we don't have anyone else taking a particular part of a holiday, we will normally operate this just for you.

    In some cases, we operate more traditional tours, with the same Llama Travel group travelling together for the majority of the holiday, which allows land travel from one location to another, and in this case we may have a minimum number of travellers required to operate the group.

    Excursions are usually taken together with other Llama Travel customers in groups of no more than 18 people. If we have more than 18 booked, we operate two groups. These will usually be in English, although in some places, especially on wildlife excursions, the excursions may be operated by one of our local partners, so you may be with people other than Llama Travel customers and the group may be a mix of English and other languages. In these cases, group sizes can sometimes be larger. If you would like to know the likely situation for your holiday, please ask us and we will be able to check. Transfers may be with more than 18 people.

    We get a wide range of people taking our holidays, with probably the largest group being couples aged in their forties to sixties, or even older. However, we also have a large number of customers in their twenties and thirties, especially for some of the more active holidays. What unites everyone is a sense of curiosity and a desire to discover new cultures, landscapes and wildlife. Although most of our customers travel with friends or family, we also have quite a few single travellers who are happy to mix and match as described above.

    Group Size
    Most holidays can operate with a minimum of 2 passengers, but some holidays have a higher minimum group size. If we have fewer than the minimum number of passengers, we will let you know two months before departure. In this case, we will refund you any monies paid or offer you an alternative option. It may be possible to operate the trip for fewer than 4 passengers for an additional cost.

    Holidays in Europe usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.
    Holidays in Namibia or South Africa usually have a minimum group size of 6 passengers.
    Holidays in Kenya usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.
    Holidays in Asia usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.
    Holidays in Costa Rica and Mexico usually have a minimum group size of 4 passengers.

Booking Conditions

How To Book

  • To book a holiday or discuss your requirements, please call us on 020 7263 3000. We can usually confirm availability immediately, but may need to check with a supplier first.

  • You can pay your deposit by bank transfer, cheque, standard UK debit card or non-premium UK personal Visa / MasterCard credit card. Balance payments can be made by bank transfer or cheque. We do not accept cards for balance payments. We are unable to accept cash.

Before You Go

  • To issue some tickets, we require passport details and ages when you book. If you subsequently change your passport, please let us know as soon as possible.

    Latin America

    Visas are not required in advance for British citizens for any Llama Travel Latin American destination. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the appropriate consulate.

    If you are flying via another country, especially the US, you need to comply with the appropriate immigration requirements. Please ask us for details.

    You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed if you are transiting in Europe.

    There is an entry fee to enter Chile for citizens of Australia, the US, Canada and some other countries which must be paid upon arrival. There is also an entry fee for US and Canadian citizens visiting Argentina, which must be paid in advance online. Citizens of Australia, the US and Canada require an eVisa for Brazil, which must be requested online in advance.

    If children are not travelling with both parents, some countries require a letter of consent to enter or depart. Please consult the appropriate consulate.

    For under 60s, Yellow Fever certificates are required to enter Ecuador if coming from a country where Yellow Fever is present, including Peru.

    If visiting Costa Rica after having been to a country where Yellow Fever is present, including Peru and Ecuador, a Yellow Fever certificate is required.

    To enter Colombia, you will require a Yellow Fever certificate if coming from certain countries with a transmission risk, including Brazil. A Yellow Fever certificate is also required if visiting Tayrona National Park, although this is not always requested.

    Yellow Fever certificates are also sometimes required for entry to other destinations if you have recently visited a country with an infected area.

    Africa

    British nationals can enter South Africa and Botswana for a visit of up to 90 days without a visa. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the appropriate consulate. You need a passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For South Africa, you need a passport with two blank pages. For Namibia, you need a passport with one blank page.

    British citizens require a visa to enter Namibia, for which there is a cost. This can be obtained either on arrival, or prior to arrival, which may be preferable to avoid delays upon arrival. To fill in the online form, you will need to go to https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/ and select Visa on Arrival, then create an account. Please do not choose Holiday Visa, as this is a different option.

    British nationals require a visa to enter Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls, which can be purchased upon entry. The Kaza Univisa allows you to cross the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and also allows for day trips to Botswana (cost is approximately US$50). On occasions, the Zimbabwe border staff may not issue a Kaza Univisa, and you may need to purchase a Zimbabwe visa (single or double entry), which has a slightly higher cost. Citizens from other countries should consult the specific embassy to check entry requirements.

    Currently, no visa is required to visit Namibia, but the Namibian government has announced that it will introduce a visa upon entry in April 2025.

    British nationals to Kenya require an electronic travel authorisation, which must be obtained online in advance. You can apply for this on the eTA website. For more information, see the website of the Kenya High Commission. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Kenya consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages

    If children are not travelling with both parents, some countries require a letter of consent to enter or depart. Please consult the appropriate consulate. In South Africa and Namibia, children under 18 must also carry an unabridged birth certificate.

    You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed if you are transiting in Europe.

    To issue some tickets, we require passport details and ages when you book. If you subsequently change your passport, please let us know as soon as possible.

    Asia & the Middle East

    To visit Jordan, you need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. You will need a visa to enter Jordan. The Jordan visa is included in the price of your holiday. On arrival in Amman our representatives will meet you prior to immigration and this will be provided to you free of charge. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Jordanian consulate.

    All visitors to Sri Lanka, including British nationals, require an electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which must be obtained online in advance, and for which there is a cost. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the ETA website. For more information, see the website of the Sri Lanka High Commission. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Sri Lanka consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages, valid for six months after your return to the UK.

    All visitors to India, including British nationals, require a visa, which can be obtained online in advance, and for which there is a cost. You can apply for single entry and transit visas on the e-visa website. For more information, see the website of the India High Commission. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Indian consulate. You need a passport with two blank pages, valid for six months after your return to the UK.

    Visitors from 13 countries, including the UK, can travel to Vietnam visa-free for stays up to 45 days. For stays longer than 45 days, a visa is required at a cost. This can be applied for online on the e-visa website. Stays longer than 90 days are not permitted. You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Vietnamese consulate.

    To visit Cambodia, a visa is required at a cost. This can be applied for online on the e-visa website. You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Cambodian consulate.

    To visit Laos, a visa is required at a cost. This can be applied for online on the e-visa website. You need a full 10-year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passports, please ask the Laotian consulate.

    If you are arranging a stopover in Singapore, you must complete an electronic SG Arrival Card up to three days before entry into Singapore.

    Europe

    You need a full 10 year passport valid for 6 months after your return to the UK. If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the minimum period needed.

     

  • In many destinations, you can arrange adventure activities, either through Llama Travel or through the local operator. If you are interested in taking any of these, please make sure you are covered by your travel insurance.

  • Some countries have strict regulations regarding the entry and exit of children under 18 when not travelling with both parents, or if the child has nationality of the country you are visiting. If you are travelling with children who are not entering or leaving the country with both parents, or if the child has nationality of the country you are visiting, please contact the consulate of the country you are visiting to check requirements.

    Countries in Africa have particularly strict requirements regarding children travelling, and in both South Africa and Namibia, children need to carry an unabridged birth certificate. Additionally, in Namibia, adults travelling with children where they are not the biological or legal guardians of those children, should be in possession of an affidavit statement from the child’s parents giving consent for their travel.

    Such requirements do change from time to time, and although we try to keep abreast of such changes and update this information, if you are travelling with children, we suggest you check current requirements carefully.

  • You will receive tickets approximately 10 days before departure, along with information on accommodation, transfers and excursions. Our agents in destination will give you final details for hotel and excursions when you arrive. Please check airline tickets carefully in case timings have changed after we issued your confirmation.

  • Cards are widely accepted in most hotel and restaurants, and cash machines are common in most destinations. However, when travelling to remote areas, it is advisable to take cash, as it is difficult to withdraw or change money. Travellers cheques are no longer widely used, so it may be inconvenient to take these.

    It is always recommended to inform your bank that you are travelling abroad and to which countries. This will allow them to authorise money withdrawals from your account when you are away. Some banks say that this is not necessary, however we would still recommend contact with your bank as in some cases people have had difficulty in withdrawing currency.

    More information on the situation regarding money, budgeting and tipping in specific countries is in the country information below.

  • Adequate travel insurance is essential. We do not sell or recommend any specific policy, but good medical insurance should cover medical evacuation and repatriation. If you are going to be taking part in any activity, please ensure your policy covers you for this, especially if this involves high-altitude trekking, such as the Inca Trail.

When Your Are Travelling

  • Most people who travel to the countries where Llama Travel operates experience no problems on holiday. However, as is the case anywhere in the world, crime can be a problem, especially in large cities. Tourists can appear attractive targets to criminals. To minimise the risk, use common sense. Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive looking jewellery or cameras. Avoid empty streets, especially on your own. Take a taxi after dark. By taking sensible precautions, you should have a trouble-free holiday.

    Each country has its own standards for health and safety, but these are often not as good as in the UK. We take this into account when selecting hotels and request that they comply with all local regulations, but cannot guarantee that these are equivalent to British standards. Please take reasonable precautions to protect yourselves whilst on holiday, e.g. by locating fire exit routes.

    Please also check the Foreign Office travel advice for the countries you are visiting at www.fco.gov.uk.

  • Attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) travellers around the world can be very different from those in the UK.

    In Latin America and Europe, attitudes can sometimes be more conservative than in the UK, but there are not usually problems.

    In some African countries, including Morocco, Zimbabwe and Kenya, same sex relationships are illegal and conservative attitudes prevail. However, hotels and lodges do not discriminate and same sex couples can share rooms. In much of Africa and the Middle East, public displays of affection may attract negative attention, especially with LGBT couples, although the majority of people are friendly to visitors, irrespective of gender and sexual orientation. In South Africa, the authorities have introduced legislation which bans any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

    In most of Asia, attitudes to same sex relationships can be conservative, but there are not usually any problems. In Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan, same sex relationships are illegal, but hotels do not discriminate and same sex couples can share rooms.

    The UK Foreign Office has information LGBT travel on their travel advice for individual countries, found at www.fco.gov.uk.

  • For all wildlife excursions, please always follow the instructions of your guide, both for the animals’ welfare and for your safety. Staff are experienced at dealing with wildlife, but by their nature, excursions involving exposure to wild animals will always carry some risk.

    If you take a safari in Africa, you will be with an experienced guide at all times, who is usually unarmed. Staff are experienced at dealing with wildlife, but by their nature, game drives have exposure to wild animals, and there will always be some risk in this, which you accept by going on holiday. Game drives run according to a schedule, although unexpected delays can occur, which the guide will deal with as quickly and safely as possible. Being in the wilderness means that the environment is unpredictable, so the unexpected can happen, and off-road vehicles can occasionally break down or get stuck in the uneven terrain.

    .

Health & Fitness

  • Please consult your GP or a travel clinic about health and vaccination requirements. Advice for travellers is available at NaTHNaC  

    When travelling, stomach illnesses are not uncommon due to changes in diet. We suggest you only drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you are unsure if salads and fruit have been washed in purified water, it is best to avoid them.

    If you suffer from a disability or condition and are worried whether this will affect the enjoyment of a holiday, please call us. We will do our best to help. We recommend that you bring any medicines you require from the UK.

    If you have any health problems on holiday, please speak to our local agents or hotel staff. They will arrange for a doctor or hospital if necessary. If you do experience any problems, please seek appropriate medical attention.

    Outside of major cities, medical facilities can be basic, meaning a lengthy transfer if hospital attention is required.

    Latin America

    Yellow fever and / or malaria precautions are recommended for visiting the jungle, Iguazu Falls and some parts of Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. For under 60s, Yellow Fever certificates are required to enter Ecuador if coming from a country where Yellow Fever is present, including Peru. If visiting Costa Rica after having been to a country where Yellow Fever is present, including Peru and Ecuador, a Yellow Fever certificate is required. Yellow Fever certificates are also sometimes required for entry to other destinations if you have recently visited a country with an infected area for entry to other countries. Children under 6 require proof of vaccination against polio to enter Brazil. Some GPs do not recommend yellow fever vaccinations for travellers over 60 years old. If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, please speak to your GP about zika. Please seek medical advice before you travel.

    Parts of South America are at high altitude. Most visitors do not suffer major problems. However, shortness of breath is common and we advise you to take things calmly during your first day at altitude. If you suffer from a heart or lung condition, or think that you may suffer due to the altitude, please consult your GP.

    Africa

    Malaria precautions are highly recommended when visiting the Kruger National Park in South Africa, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the north of Namibia, including Etosha, Botswana and Kenya. Yellow Fever vaccination is highly recommended for Kenya. Travellers entering many African countries, including South Africa and Kenya Africa, coming from a yellow fever zone must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Some GPs do not recommend yellow fever vaccinations for travellers over 60 years old.

    Asia

    Malaria tablets are not usually advised when visiting the areas that Llama Travel offers in Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia or Laos, although a low risk exists in south-east Asia, so general precautions are recommended. If you have visited a country with yellow fever recently, you will usually require a valid yellow fever certificate to enter. Please be aware that Shimla in the Himalayas in India is at a moderately high altitude, so we recommend you take things calmly during your first day at altitude. If you suffer from a heart of lung condition, or think you may suffer due to the altitude, please consult your GP.

  • For most of our holidays, age is not a concern. However, a reasonable level of fitness is required, as most holidays require some walking, sometimes on uneven ground. Even relatively mild activities can be strenuous at altitude. High altitude trekking is more strenuous than an equivalent length walk at low altitude.

Getting There

  • Depending on the route and the airline, if you would like to break your journey to or from your final destination, and add a stopover to your holiday, this may be possible. Please ask us for information.

  • If you are interested in arranging your own international flights, this is sometimes possible. Please ask us for details of this and any discount we can arrange for removing international flights. Please do not book your flights until we have reconfirmed all services with our suppliers and you have checked the confirmation invoice.

  • All people transiting in a third country need to make sure they comply with any immigration requirements for that country.

    This is especially the case when in transit in the US when flying to Latin America. In this case, you must comply with US immigration requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with these requirements before you travel. Failure to do so may result in you being denied boarding on your flight to the US and, at best, a last-minute and probably expensive re-routing avoiding the US. It is important, therefore, that you follow these procedures carefully.

    If your flight to Latin America involves a stop in the US, you will be subject to US immigration control upon entry to the US. If you qualify for the US Visa Waiver Program, you are able to avoid the need to apply for a visa, but still need to enter your details online on the US State Department website. If you do not qualify for the US Visa Waiver Program, you must apply in person at a US embassy for a US visa. Please make sure that you do this in good time.

    If you are a UK citizen and have a UK passport, you may qualify for visa-free travel. You will require a machine readable passport to qualify for the ESTA Visa Waiver Program (so you do not require a visa to enter the US). A machine readable passport has the holder's personal details (name, date of birth, nationality and passport number) contained in two lines of text at the bottom of the photo page. This appears as two lines of letters, numbers and chevrons (">>>>>") printed across the long edge of the photo page. It must be also include an integrated circuit chip capable of storing the biographic information from the data page, a digitized photograph and other biometric information.

    Please note, holders of passports indicating that the bearer is a British Subject, a British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen or British Protected Person do not qualify for travel without a visa. A passport which states that the holder has Right of Abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not quality for visa-free travel.

    If you have visited certain restricted countries, including Cuba, you may not qualify for visa-free travel.

    If you have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, or if you have a criminal record, you will need a visa.

    If you have any doubts about whether you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, please check with the US embassy. Full details can be found on the US embassy’s UK website at: http://london.usembassy.gov/vwp3.html

    Many European, Australian and New Zealand passport holders also qualify for the Visa Waiver Program as long as the passport is machine readable and complies with the relevant criteria. Please see the US embassy website for a list of countries which qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. It is important that you check the website of the US Embassy in the country of passport nationality for any further changes before you travel.

    Details of the ESTA Visa Waiver Program can be found on the US State Department website at

    https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

    In addition to the Visa Waiver Programme, the US Transportation Security Authority requires anybody flying through the United Sates to supply specific passenger information prior to their international flight.

  • Air fares vary from date to date and between airlines. Our holidays are scheduled to use the most advantageous air fare. You can choose which airline you prefer, we will let you know if a supplement is payable. Levels of onboard service and facilities, such as entertainment, vary by airline and route. Please ask us for details. Flights are sometimes operated by another airline in the appropriate airline alliance.

  • Air fares vary from date to date and between airlines. Our holidays are scheduled to use the most advantageous air fare. You can choose which airline you prefer, we will let you know if a supplement is payable. Levels of onboard service and facilities, such as entertainment, vary by airline and route. Please ask us for details. Flights are sometimes operated by another airline in the appropriate airline alliance.

  • Many airlines offer the option of flying from regional airports in the UK, avoiding the need to make your own way to London. Due to the timing of flights, in some cases this may involve an overnight stop in London or another intermediate airport. There is usually a supplement for regional departures. Please note that most of our flights depart from London.

  • You can upgrade to business class or premium economy on most airlines. Call us for prices for the route and airline you are interested in.

    Premium Economy

    Some airlines offer Premium Economy cabins, which provide more comfortable seats which recline further and have more legroom. There are better meals and a bar service.

    Other airlines offer standard economy class seats with extra legroom for an additional cost.

    Business Class

    Many airlines have long-haul business class cabins with seats that convert into full flat beds and often have a privacy screen.

    Business Class within Europe is often similar to economy class seating, but with better meals, and middle seats are often left empty.

  • Most scheduled airlines have a baggage allowance of 23kg per passenger for international flights, but internal flight allowances can be less. Exact limits can be found on airline webpages. Please bear this in mind when packing, as carrying excess baggage will normally incur an expensive additional cost payable at check in. Additionally, certain excursions have a limited baggage allowance. Where this is the case, we will advise you in advance. Llama Travel accepts no responsibility for the delay, loss or damage of luggage.

    There may be additional luggage restrictions for specific countries. In this case, details of this will be in the country information below.

  • Many airlines now charge a fee to select your seat prior to checking in for your flight, even when travelling in premium economy or business class. Alternatively, you may choose your preferred seat free of charge when online check-in opens 24 hours prior to departure or at the airport. Please ask us about the options available at time of booking.

    We all want a comfortable journey, particularly on long haul flights. If you would like a seat with some extra leg room or a larger recline please let us know. Airlines have introduced a range of “economy comfort” seats that may be purchased in advance. In some cases, these seats may only be purchased online directly with the airline once Llama Travel has issued your ticket approximately 30 days prior to departure.

    For internal flights, and for connecting flights in Europe, it is usually only possible to select seats when you check-in online or at the airport.

    It may not be possible to always use online check-in systems, especially when using a codeshare flight. On occasion, your preferred seat may be changed by the airline for operational reasons such as a change of aircraft or to facilitate a disabled passenger on the day you fly and as such, Llama Travel cannot guarantee specific seats.

Customer Comments

"Well done Llama! Small group meant we got to know each other well. Overall, a very good holiday!"

- Mr V

went to Argentina in May 2025

"Brilliantly organised holiday. Llama is a top-class travel agency who are obviously experts in their field. "

- Mr M

went to Peru in May 2025

"Brilliant trip, everything went smoothly!"

- Mrs G

went to Peru in May 2025

"We were impressed with Llama Travel and will recommend and use it again - Thank you!"

- Mrs M

went to Peru in May 2025

"Overall excellent, many thanks. Very impressed with Llama travel will recommend it to friends. Thank you!"

- Mr W

went to Peru in May 2025

"The tribute boat was excellent!"

- Mr C

went to Galapagos & Ecuador in May 2025

"The holiday was exceptional and we cannot fault Llama in organisation and presentation."

- Mr & Mrs C

went to Peru in May 2025

"Fabulous holiday and so well organised by Llama Travel, from beginning to end. "

- Mrs D

went to Vietnam in April 2025

"Llama Travel have been brilliant - thank you! "

- Mrs B

went to Zimbabwe in April 2025

"Our guide from Letaka was exceptional!"

- Ms & Mr S

went to Zimbabwe in April 2025

"All I have to add is a million thank you's - It was a dream come true!"

- Mrs C

went to Galapagos & Ecuador in April 2025

"We had an amazing holiday and thoroughly enjoyed everything Peru offered us. What a diverse, fascinating country!"

- Mrs & Mr N

went to Peru in April 2025

"A brilliant holiday! Thank you, Llama Travel, for the fabulous organisation. "

- Ms B

went to Vietnam in April 2025

"The holiday was amazing, and the guides, hotels, restaurants, and transport were all ' spot on'. Thank you!"

- Mrs H

went to Peru in April 2025

"We loved this trip - it was amazing! "

- Ms G

went to Vietnam in April 2025

"This is our 3rd holiday with Llama Travel, another great holiday! "

- Mrs & Mr Z

went to Costa Rica in April 2025

"Our guide was excellent and looked after us very well. We also had a great small group. "

- Mr G

went to South Africa in April 2025

"Great holiday, beyond expectations. I would use Llama Travel again. "

- Mr T

went to Vietnam in April 2025

"Superb holiday!"

- Mr R

went to Peru in April 2025

"Our guide in Cape Town was outstanding! "

- Mr J

went to South Africa in April 2025

See all customer comments

At A glance

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Find out more

Waterfront
Kuching
Market stall, KK.jpg
Kota Kinabalu
Bat Exodus, Deer Cave
Mulu National Park
Orangutan swinging on the rope
Sepilok
Kinabatangan River, Borneo
Kinabatangan River (Lower)
Pygmy elephants, Kinabatangan River
Kinabatangan River (Upper)

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