Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Wildlife and Scenery

Example holiday

Wildlife and Scenery

We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.

The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.

Important travel information for visitors to Kenya is included at the back of this document.

All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.

All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.

Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Travel Butlers Team

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Wildlife and Scenery

Example Itinerary

TB-1826-1 / 38859

Example Cost

Holiday Title: Wildlife and Scenery

Holiday Destination: Holiday to Kenya for 10 nights

Passengers: 2 Adults

Example Cost for 2 Adults: * per person sharing.

*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.

ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in Section 6 of our booking conditions.

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Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Summary Of The Itinerary

Printable Version

Holiday Title: Wildlife and Scenery

Passengers: 2 Adults

Day 1

Once you have cleared Customs & Immigration at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and collected your luggage, you need to make your way to the Arrivals Hall, where you will be met by your safari driver-guide who will be holding a sign board with your name on it. You will then be driven to the Aberdare Country Club for lunch, followed by an afternoon transfer to The Ark in the Aberdares National Park, where the rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy.

Aberdare National Park

1 night at The Ark Lodge


Day 2

Depart after breakfast for the Buffalo Springs Game Reserve, arriving in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.


Day 3

Morning and afternoon game drives in Samburu/Buffalo Springs.


Day 4

After breakfast, you will head south to the Sweetwaters Game Sanctuary near Mount Kenya.


Day 5

Morning and afternoon game drives in the Sweetwaters Conservancy.


Day 6

Morning drive to Lake Nakuru, arriving in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive.


Day 7

Drive to Lake Naivasha (approx 75 km / 1 h 0 mins).


Day 8

Drive to Masai Mara National Reserve (Masai Mara).


Day 9

Morning and afternoon game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve.


Day 10

Morning and afternoon game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve.


Day 11
You will be driven back to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport, where you will then check in for your flight home.
 
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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The Ark Lodge

Aberdare National Park: 1 Night

Above the dense cloud forest of Aberdare National Park, The Ark is a unique tree lodge that overlooks a floodlit waterhole. Resembling and named after Noah's Ark, the lodge has 60 cabins with en-suite bathrooms and makes efficient use of limited space.

The lodge has several decks, each looking out over the large waterhole and from which numerous balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for game viewing.  

A ground level bunker with turrets offers excellent photographic opportunities.

Elephant, black rhino, buffalo, lion, and many others come to the water's edge and a gentle buzzer in your room ensures you don't miss a thing - like the elusive leopard snealing up for a quick drink.

Bird life is abundant, with over 250 species recorded. 

All the 'cabins' at The Ark have an en-suite shower and bathroom, and are situated on three levels.  Triple rooms can also be booked for families.

The sister property to The Ark is the Aberdare Country Club, which is a short distance away and is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Activities include a game walk on their 1,300 acres estate, golf, tennis, horseback riding, relaxing at the health club, taking a dip in the swimming pool, or simply enjoying the gorgeous gardens.

Example Details For The Ark Lodge

Nights: 1 Night
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Cabin
Includes: All meals, AMREF Flying Doctor cover and Park fees are included.

Location

The Ark Lodge Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Ashnil Samburu Camp

Samburu Eco-System: 2 Nights

Ashnil Samburu Camp is located in Buffalo Springs Game Reserve which takes its name from an oasis of crystal clear water at the western end of the reserve. It is separated from the Samburu National Reserve by Ewaso Nyiro River and is less hilly and dense yet equally very attractive.

The river attracts a plethra of wildlife, drawn by their thirst to visit for a drink. Game drives in the reserve or in the neighbouring Samburu Reserve offer the opportunity to see lion, cheetah and leopard, as well as elephant, hippo, and buffalo. Giraffe, waterbuck and zebra wander the open plains, alongside gerenuks - rather odd looking members of the gazelle family, who are easily distinguishable by their extremely long necks, and their ability to stand on their hind legs to reach high into bushes in order to skim the leaves off the branches with their rough tongue.

Back at camp, the main guest area, shaded by a canopy of acacia trees, consists of the reception, lounge area, dining area, bar and veranda deck with a view of the river. The open sitting restaurant overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro River and serves set buffets featuring international, oriental and traditional African cuisine.

After an amazing game drive you can take a dip in the swimming pool or simply relax by the pool which has a wonderful viewing deck of the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Evening entertainment at Samburu includes cultural talks and dances, giving you a special opportunity to gain an insight into the traditional lifestyle of the Samburu people.  There is also the opportunity to visit local Samburu villages and buy their unique handicrafts.

There are a total number of 30 luxury tents, including some triple tents. Each of the exclusive comfortable deluxe tents provides a perfect view of the Ewaso Nyiro River and beautiful surrounding landscape.

Every spacious tent consists of a dressing area, sitting area, luggage rack and en-suite facilities to provide a memorable stay close to nature.

Example Details For Ashnil Samburu Camp

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x En-Suite Tent
Includes: All meals, AMREF Flying Doctor cover and Park fees are included. Game drives are taken with your private driver-guide.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

Location

Ashnil Samburu Camp Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Sweetwaters Serena Tented Camp

Laikipia Plateau: 2 Nights

A sheltered oasis, clustered around a waterhole and set in the pristine calm of the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sweetwaters Serena Tented Camp offers a charming blend of under-canvas ambiance and safari luxury.

Host to all the members of the 'Big Five' (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard), the conservancy also boasts the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, hosts the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya, and shelters large numbers of rare and endangered species.

Thanks to Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s private status it is able to offer night game drives (additional cost). With the help of a filtered spot light, the drives can produce some unusual sightings of nocturnal animals, including aardvark, white-tailed mongoose, caracal cat and even perhaps, bat eared fox. Lion, often sleeping during the day are often sighted alert and active at night, and even on occasion, the more elusive leopard.

Guided bush walks (additional cost) also give visitors the opportunity to learn about game trails and spoor identification as well as the insects, birds and smaller mammals of Ol Pejeta.

Guests also have the unique opportunity to track and learn about the lions of Ol Pejeta and contribute towards their conservation by helping to gather vital research information needed to monitor the collared lions in the reserve (additional cost). In the event that the collared lions are inaccessible, other lion sightings are reported and the same identifying features such as whisker spots, ear tears and nose spotting recorded. It is a great way to learn about lions and all of the information gathered is passed on to the Ol Pejeta Ecological Monitoring Department.

Tucked inside the landscaped grounds and accessible via winding stone pathways, Sweetwaters Serena Camp’s accommodation includes 56 stylishly appointed tents spread across the Standard Wing and the deluxe Morani Wing. The 39 Standard Wing tents combine the traditional ambiance of a safari camp with the comforts of home and have offer views of the waterhole. Boasting views of Mount Kenya, the Morani Wing features 17 deluxe double, twin and triple tents.

The Rhino Room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the Water Hole Bar offers stunning views of the water, enabling you to gaze out at the abundant wildlife that surrounds you while you enjoy your drink. There is also a swimming pool.

Example Details For Sweetwaters Serena Tented Camp

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x En-Suite Tent
Includes: All meals, AMREF Flying Doctor cover and Ol Pejeta Conservancy fees are included. Game drives are taken with your private driver-guide.

Location

Sweetwaters Serena Tented Camp Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Flamingo Hill Luxury Tented Camp

Lake Nakuru National Park: 1 Night

Flamingo Hill Camp is situated on a private concession that adjoins the famous Lake Nakuru National Park, which lies within the Great Rift Valley of Kenya, approximately 30 minutes by air or 2 hours by road from Nairobi.

Nestled between the 'honeymoon hills', and set in beautifully landscaped grounds with natural foliage and a variety of indigenous African plants and flowers, Flamingo Hill Camp provides superb, tented accommodation. Some of the money earned from the camp is used for environmental restoration and endangered species.

Part of the ancient landscape known as the 'cradle of mankind', the Lake Nakuru National Park offers a wealth of history, unique wildlife, spectacular bird life and some of the most beautiful scenery in Africa. Numerous films and documentaries have featured the Park involving world wide renowned film-makers.

After a game drive within the Park, enjoy a pampering massage at the camp - a truly luxurious way to end your day in the bush, or watch the spectacular display of the sun going down over the lake as you enjoy a sundowner.

Small and exclusive, the accommodation comprises of 25 tents. The tents are furnished with the understated luxury and decorated in calming safari tones, natural woods, wrought iron and crisp cottons.

Each en-suite tent has been meticulously planned to maximise comfort, and has a 4 poster bed. There is also a private verandah overlooking the plains.

Example Details For Flamingo Hill Luxury Tented Camp

Nights: 1 Night
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x En-Suite Safari Tent
Includes: All meals, AMREF Flying Doctor cover and Park fees are included. Game drives are taken with your private driver-guide.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

Location

Flamingo Hill Luxury Tented Camp Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

Lake Naivasha: 1 Night

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in the Kenya section of Africa's Great Rift Valley, and is located north west of Nairobi with the town of Naivasha on its north eastern shore. At 1,890 meters (6,200 ft) above sea level, the lake is at the highest point in the Kenyan rift.

Lake Naivasha is home to a wide variety of wildlife including a sizeable population of hippos. Being a freshwater lake, it also has a healthy fish population including black bass, tilapia and crayfish which attract a variety of fish-eating birds such as Long-tailed and Great cormorants, along with fish eagles, pelicans, and various types of kingfishers.

Set in 150 acres of grassland studded with acacia bushes and trees, the Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge itself is home to resident giraffe, waterbuck and both vervet and Colobus monkeys, but it is also a night stop for the hippos when they leave the lake every night to come and trim the grass on the expansive lawns.

21 cottages are built in a crescent shape, and each has 4 rooms, 2 on the ground and 2 at the top, which totals to 84 rooms. While the upstairs guest rooms have a single kingsize bed and the downstairs ones have 2 queensize beds, both have one thing in common and that is an extraordinary amount of space. Inter-connecting rooms are also available.

The buffet dining room offers a range of Continental, Swahili and Mediterranean cuisines, often with a deliciously subtle fusion of all 3 disciplines. There is  alsoa large, outdoor patio with umbrella-shaded tables for those who wish to enjoy an open air meal during the day, or during the often warm and balmy evenings. The lounge area in the main public area building is split into upper and lower levels and the main bar is located between these.

The resort also has 2 swimming pools with a children’s section as well as a pool bar and an open sided snack restaurant.  There is also a health spa and a tennis court.

Example Details For Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

Nights: 1 Night
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x En-Suite Room
Includes: All meals, AMREF Flying Doctor cover, one hour boat trip and Park fees are included. Optional walk on Crescent Island (rates on request).

Location

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Ashnil Mara Camp

Masai Mara: 3 Nights

Ashnil Mara Camp is located in the Masai Mara National Reserve and close to the Mara River, which is world-famous for being the final dangerous hurdle for the thousands of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle who undertake the 'Great Migration' every year.

The Mara has been described as Kenya's finest wildlife reserve due to the abundant flora and fauna and the gentle rolling grasslands that ensure the animals are never out of sight. Everything about it is outstanding.

Daily game drives, either with your driver-guide if you are on a Full Board Package or with an Ashnil Mara guide if you are on a Game Package/fly-in safari, give guests the opportunity to not only spot wildlife but also learn interesting facts from the running commentary of information given by the experienced driver guides.

Guided nature walks are conducted by qualified naturalists and your guide on this exciting bush walk will take you around the property and help you to identify different species of flora and fauna.

The camp has 56 en-suite tents, all comfortably furnished and with a sun deck. Some of the rooms are triple rooms, and some are interconnecting, making this camp a good option for families.

The main guest areas also include a swimming pool, a lounge/bar area, a souvenir shop, and a restaurant overlooking the Mara River, although some evening meals will be taken outside in the bush, under the canopy of the African starry night.

There is also the opportunity to enjoy a 'hippo' breakfast - guests can be taken to the nearby hippo pool along the Mara River where you can then enjoy a sumptuous breakfast as the hippos quietly mind their own business!

Example Details For Ashnil Mara Camp

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x En-Suite Tent
Includes: All meals, AMREF Flying Doctor cover and Park fees are included. Game drives are taken with your private driver-guide.

Children under the age of 4 are not permitted on guided nature walks.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

Location

Ashnil Mara Camp Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Important Travel Information For Kenya

Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements

Latest Travel Updates

For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:

UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya

 

As of 4th January 2024 Kenya is now visa free but visitors need to apply and pay for an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in advance of travel - please follow this link to make your online application:

https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en

All passengers in transit through Kenya arriving and leaving by the same aircraft or transferring to another aircraft and who do not leave the precincts of airports in Kenya are exempt from this requirement.

Some other exemptions apply and can be found in full on the website of the Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority.

Travellers who currently hold a valid visa can continue to travel using their visa until its expiry.

Your passport should also be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Kenya. Make sure you have 2 blank pages in your passport on arrival.

Please note:  We do NOT advise getting the East Africa Tourist Visa if your trip also includes Rwanda and/or Uganda as this can cause problems at point of entry.

IMPORTANT:  Plastic bags are banned in Kenya. Arriving visitors are requested to avoid bring plastic bags into the country and being in possession of a plastic bag is an offence and offenders could be penalised.

Visitors are advised to avoid packing any plastic bags in their suitcases or in carry-on hand luggage before flying to Kenya. Items purchased at the airport before boarding the aircraft should be removed from plastic bags.

Travellers coming into Kenya with plastic duty-free shop bags will also be required to leave them at the airport. Please check hand luggage before disembarking and any plastic bags (including the transparent ziplock plastic bags that some airlines require passengers to use for keeping liquids, cosmetics, toiletries etc) should be left in the plane. This does not apply to people in transit.

All single use plastics, such as plastic water bottles and straws, are banned in all National Parks, forests, beaches and conservation areas.

PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Important Travel Information For Kenya

Continued

Medical

You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Kenya.

To help prevent diarrhoea, avoid tap water – drink only bottled water and use bottled water for tooth brushing, and avoid ice made with tap water – and only eat fruit or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled.

To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.

There is a risk of malaria in all areas of Kenya, except Nairobi and the highlands - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Dengue fever can also be transmitted via mosquito bites. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.

Kenya falls into the yellow fever region in Africa. There is only a low potential for exposure to yellow fever in Nairobi, Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi and Shimba Hills National Park, but in the rest of the country there is a higher risk. It is therefore advisable for all travellers aged 9 months and older to obtain a yellow fever vaccination no less than 10 days prior to travel, but depending on the rest of your travel plans and country of origin, it is not compulsory:

Travellers from the UK who are only travelling directly to and from Kenya are currently not required to produce a vaccination certificate upon their return to the UK but this can change with no notice so do please check with your doctor and take their advice

If you are arriving into Kenya from a country which has any risk of yellow fever transmission you will be required to provide a certificate of your vaccination upon entry into Kenya. Also, certain countries including South Africa and Tanzania will deny entry if you are arriving from Kenya without the vaccination. It is up to the traveller to check the full list of countries here to ensure that you comply with these guidelines: https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps

If your doctor advises that it is not safe for you to have the vaccination then you should obtain a medical waiver and travel with this instead.

Languages And Culture

English is the common commercial language, therefore it is spoken in the major towns and at all lodges and hotels. There are 52 tribes in Kenya, each with their own tribal language. The national language in Kenya is Swahili.

We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:

Showing anger is not acceptable – Kenyan people pride themselves on their emotional control and expect the same in others. Try to remain patient, polite and friendly, even if the situation is very frustrating. Pointing with your finger at someone is considered very rude and is deemed to be an obscene gesture.

The coastal areas are predominantly Muslim so it is important to dress conservatively out of respect for the Muslim culture. On the beaches and within the confines of hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity/topless sunbathing is not. Away from beach resorts (especially in Mombasa, during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas), women should avoid walking around in public areas displaying their legs and upper arms/shoulders - ‘short’ shorts, mini skirts, vests and tank tops may be frowned upon and viewed as a sign of disrespect. Long, loose hair is also seen as very provocative, so to avoid unwanted attention ladies may wish to tie their hair back or wear a headscarf.

Homosexuality is illegal in Kenya. Whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship.

It is against the law for civilians to wear full military style clothing/attire (ie made from camouflage material).

You should always ask permission before taking anyone’s photograph. Taking photographs of official buildings, including Embassies, can lead to detention. If in any doubt, don’t photograph or film around them. Photography is also prohibited at airports.

Smoking in all public places (except in designated areas) is prohibited. Offenders can face a fine or imprisonment.

You must carry a form of ID with you at all times. A copy of your passport is normally acceptable, but recently some police officers have been insisting on the original document.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Book With Confidence

Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world.  In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.

Flexibility and peace of mind before you travel

Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:

The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:

We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.

If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.

You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19  to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.

Support whilst you are away

We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.

If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need.  You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.  Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.

Financial protection for your Travel Butlers holiday

All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.

Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Finding suitable travel insurance that covers Covid-19

You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:

Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance. 

You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.