Essential Trip Information

• This trip requires you to drive to Arkaba Homestead yourself, with the trip starting at 8am on day 1. Please let us know if you would like to book additional nights at Arkaba prior to the start of your trip. If you prefer your trip to start and end in Adelaide please have a look at the 5-day version that includes transfers from and to Adelaide (trip code PWXF).
• This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Good footwear, clothing for all types of weather, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. Training for this tour is important. To ensure that you are physically able to enjoy yourself you should be able to comfortably walk 15km on unpaved terrain by the start of the tour. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.

On the Arkaba Walk you’ll enjoy three full-days of guided walking with approximately 12 to 15 kilometres (or six to seven hours) each day. Please read the daily itinerary for more information. It’s not a race to the finish, rather an experience that encourages you to take your time, soak in the outback and listen to stories passionately shared by our field guides.

There are two sections that some will find more challenging: A steep descent from the lip of Wilpena Pound at the end of Day 1, and a steep ascent to the summit of the Red Range at the end of Day 2. The reward more than makes up for these short, sharp sections with incredible photo opportunities.

One of the best aspects of our Arkaba Walks is that the style is exploratory, you don’t follow a fixed trail and we have the flexibility to change up the route according to the fitness levels and interests of your collective group.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

ALL general enquiry must be directed to our reservations team. In case of a GENUINE CRISIS OR EMERGENCY, or concerns about a missed pick-up on the day of departure ONLY (if applicable), you can reach our local office on the numbers listed below:

GENUINE EMERGENCY ONLY: 1300 997 321

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

WALKING & TREKKING
This is a hiking trip. Please come physically prepared and with the right hiking gear in order to complete the hikes safely and comfortably. Please read the trip notes carefully and take note of the packing list.

START & END TIMES
The trip begins at 8am at Arkaba Homestead with an immediate departure onto the Arkaba Walk, and finishes on the last day after breakfast with check-out before 11am.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Sleeping accommodation is based on twin share (single beds) and single travellers may be required to share accommodation with another single walker of the same gender. For guests who prefer not to share a room, the single occupancy rate applies, subject to availability.

OPERATIONS
This trip is operated by our trusted partner Wild Bush Luxury.

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

HYDRATION
Daytime temperatures across Australia be extreme (especially from September to March) with temperatures over 40ºC (104ºF). Even for travellers familiar with these temperatures, it’s easy to become dehydrated. The key point to remember is not to wait until you’re thirsty, but to drink water regularly. Adding an electrolyte solution can aid in replenishing the salts/electrolytes lost when travelling at this time of year. You will be required to carry at least 1L of water per hour of walking.

As we operate in remote areas, guests will need to bring all of their own personal medications on tour. Whilst our guides are qualified in remote area or wilderness first aid and carry satellite phones, we do not carry epi-pens, Ventolin or other emergency medications. If a person requires urgent medical attention whilst on tour, it may take several hours or more for emergency services to attend the scene and take you to a medical facility. Under certain circumstances, your tour consultant may request a medical certificate of fitness before you are cleared to participate in the tour. If pre-existing medical issues that will affect your ability to complete the tour or have an impact on other guests' experiences are not disclosed prior to the departure, we reserve the right to remove you from the tour.

Arkaba has adopted a ‘buy local’ principle and our head chef uses the very best of South Australia’s produce to craft the food program with a few native elements to add a unique intrigue and interest. Our meals are a communal affair, shared at a large table with other guests and often hosted by one of our guides. Throughout your stay, you will dine at a few different locations – sometimes indoors, sometimes outdoors.

Along the walk you’ll enjoy cooked breakfasts, a picnic lunch and a three-course dinner.

We have sourced a selection of South Australia red, white and sparkling wines as well as local beers and spirits. We have an open bar policy meaning that you can help yourself to a drink at any time of day that you please. At dinner, our chef will pair wines to match the meals.

With enough notice we can accommodate most dietary requirements. As we are a remote location we don’t have access to purchase last minute ingredients. Please give your dietary requirements to our reservations team at time of booking.

SWAG CAMPING
Sleeping out under the stars at our two Signature Swag Camps will be one of the highlights of your trip. One of five timber swag decks will be your room for the night. Each are slightly elevated with a half metre corrugated iron screen around three sides to give privacy, the fourth side is left open to the views over the countryside, while above you is the night sky and a canopy of stars. Your bed itself is a ‘swag’ – the bedding of choice for generations of Australian pioneers, a canvas envelope that is comfortable and waterproof, protecting you from the elements. Inside each swag will be an all seasons sleeping bag with liner. Each deck has a sheltered area where your swag beds will be placed in the event of wind or rain. facilities at the camps are shared. In tune with our sustainability principles, each camp has two waterless composting toilets that require no use of chemicals and have no polluting discharge. You will enjoy ‘bush showers’ – essentially buckets that our camp assistants will fill by hand with water warmed over the fire and equipped with taps to regulate the flow. Strategically located to enjoy the best of the views, whilst remaining discreet, these showers will be a feature of your trip.

ARKABA HOMESTEAD
Back at the Arkaba Homestead you will be in one of five ensuite Guestrooms

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• For the two nights signature swag bush camping - canvas swag protector, mattress and pillow provided
• 65L duffle bag, to pack your overnight personal items each day
• 30L day pack, with 2L hydration reservoir and room for personal items
• Sock guard gaiters
• Walking poles
• Essential toiletries, including body, hand wash, shampoo and conditioner
• Head torch
• Stainless steel water bottles
• Bath towel
• Fly nets

We undertake robust cleaning practices after each walk. If you’re not comfortable using shared equipment, you are welcome to bring your own items ie water bottle, back pack, walking poles & gaiters.

POWER AND PHONES

Mobile service coverage is not available at Arkaba Conservancy. Guides have phones that can be used if necessary. There is no power at the bush camps so please make sure cameras are fully charged and spare batteries packed if necessary. We recommend bringing your own solar power bank.

YOUR GUIDE WILL CARRY

• Satellite phone and navigation aid for emergency use
• Hand-held UHF radio for communication
• First aid kit
• Species Guides, for flora & fauna identification

WHAT TO BRING

• Well worn-in walking boots with good ankle support and good tread (sandshoes and trainers are not recommended for walking)
• Lightweight shoes/sandals for wear at the bush camps (when not walking) and at Arkaba Homestead
• Smart casual attire for your evenings at Arkaba Homestead
• Long pants (ideally from a quick dry material – not heavy denim)
• Shorts
• Light wicking shirts (with SPF recommended) or light cotton shirts, preferably long sleeve
• Socks and underwear
• Warm clothing, including beanie or woolly hat, gloves, thermals, scarf and fleece
• Waterproof windcheater
• Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Small personal aid kit including blister protection
• Camera and spare batteries
• Power bank – solar powered
• Binoculars optional for wildlife and bird viewing
• Swimming costume to use Arkaba Homestead’s outdoor pool
• Personal medications

Mobile service coverage is very patchy and depending on your carrier may not be available. Guides have phones that can be used if necessary.

The Flinders Ranges generally enjoys dry and sunny days. Over summer, the days can be very warm, reaching up to 32°C, with exciting thunderstorms during early evenings. During winter, although the days are cooler they can be clear & beautiful, rapidly cooling down in the late evening and early morning hours to 0°C. The seasons of life in the outback are winter and spring, when the red dirt is transformed into a carpet of green and pockets of wildflowers appear.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. We also recommend saving the phone number for emergency consular assistance for your government’s consulate in the destination/s you’ll be travelling. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip.

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region, please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance, your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number, rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements. For example, some mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality. Travellers from the European Union, Switzerland or the USA who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

AUSTRALIANS TRAVELLING DOMESTICALLY
Travel insurance will help ensure you’re protected in case of any unforeseen changes to your journey – such as flight cancellations or illness. For this reason, we recommend you purchase comprehensive domestic travel insurance for your trip. This may not be something you would have typically done in the past when travelling domestically in Australia, but it does offer you a number of benefits. While Australians and Australian Permanent Residents travelling within Australia are not required to be covered for hospital care due to being covered by Medicare, a comprehensive domestic travel insurance policy should cover you for expenses incurred. Domestic travel insurance plans may also include personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects, and other benefits. It is also advisable that domestic travellers have current ambulance cover in the case of emergency evacuation or incidents requiring ambulance transportation. Please be sure to carefully check the policy’s inclusions with your preferred insurer.

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip leaders and local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel.

Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting:
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
As an Australian-owned business with a vision to change the way people see the world, Intrepid is committed to reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. While Intrepid might have done a lot to empower communities, businesses and our partners around the world over the years, there’s still a lot for us to do here at home. We are working towards a better, more inclusive and fairer Australia. You can find more information about our Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/reconciliation