Land Tour
11 days
$AUD 1,473 per day
Departure: Rwanda
Arrival: Rwanda
Adventure
Private / Tailor made
This tour is one of our most inspiring and memorable tours, not just for its incredibly unique wildlife experiences but because of Rwanda's story from ruin to being one of the world’s safest countries and most progressive leaders in East Africa.
At the forefront of this incredible re-emergence are the women of Rwanda. Rich in colour, history, resilience, skill and community building, they are a true success story of rebuilding Remarkable Rwanda and have the largest representation in parliament in the world at 65%.
On this tour you will see the rare and magnificent Mountain Gorillas including a behind-the-scenes interaction with Dian Fossey's Gorilla Doctors. Encounter other primates, safari animals and stunning vistas, as we get you in touch with the daily lives of Rwandans with immersive authentic experiences taking you into their daily lives, micro-entrepreneurial businesses, skills and rich culture both ancient and recent to show you the heart of this inspiring country and their incredible story in the land of a thousand hills.]]>
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person plus the cost of your Gorilla Permit is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.]]>
Welcome to Kigali, Rwanda!
Upon arrival at Kigali Airport, (arrive before 10 am), you will be met by our representative and your driver guide. Transfer to Question Coffee Cafe by 8 am for the tour briefing with the rest of the group.
The briefing will go through introductions to your expert guide and driver, break the ice and learn about your companions for the tour, and provide a cultural orientation and basic language skills. Then we will go over the day’s schedule and activities all over a wonderful high-grade Arabica coffee grown by women’s coops in Rwanda, before beginning our first activity a Coffee MasterClass.
Rwanda has some of the world’s best coffee with perfect growing conditions and bourbon Arabica coffee beans are grown all around the country. The MasterClass will provide a crop-to-cup experience providing you with extra knowledge about your favourite cup of coffee. Areas covered are:
After this aromatic class, you will head to Hotel Des Mille Collines for lunch before heading to the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a moving and education tour.
The 1993 genocide was a tragedy of unbelievable heartbreak. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is one of several key genocide memorials set up around the country to educate people and memorialise their deaths in order to never forget and never repeat this chapter of their history. The memorial is extremely educational and explains conditions and history that led to the event. It is transparent, challenging, moving and ultimately inspiring as you see the incredible reconciliation and rebuilding that has gone on since. It’s something you will never forget.
After the memorial, you will check in to The Retreat Boutique, an upscale hotel with a focus on luxury and relaxation. (B,L,D)
Overnight The Retreat Boutique or similar.
Travel time and distances: Kigali Airport – Question Coffee Master Class Experience (approx. 5km) 15 minutes, Question Coffee – Hotel Des Mille Collines (approx. 8km) 14 minutes, Hotel Des Mille Collines – Kigali Genocide Memorial (approx. 3.4km) 7 minutes, Kigali Genocide Memorial – The Retreat (approx. 4km) 9 minutes.
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After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel reception at 7:00 am for a morning briefing before you leave Kigali for the far east of the country which is where Akagera National Park is located. Akagera is Africa’s 2nd oldest national park and has been regenerated back to a big 5 safari park post the 1993 genocide. It takes around a 2.5 drive going through local towns and villages. The east part of Rwanda is less hilly and opens up to Savanna once you reach Akagera.
You will arrive at the park around mid-morning for registration and then proceed for the southern sector game drive. This circuit is particularly known for its Giraffes, Zebras, Baboons, Waterbuck, and Buffalo. After this morning session, you will return to the lodge for lunch and check in.
That afternoon, around 3.00pm, you continue on a game drive of the southern sector before heading toward Lake Ihema for a special boat safari from 4.30pm.
The evening boat safari is an opportunity to get up close from a whole new perspective and see hippos, crocodiles, and many of the 423-bird species of Akagera, all whilst watching the sunset over this magical first day.
It’s only 10 minutes from the boat safari launch to your accommodation at Ruzizi Tented Lodge. This lodge is owned by the park so your contribution gs towards further conservation and regeneration of this wondrous region. The camp is right on Lake Ihema and the Hippos often visit in the morning. Don’t worry the tents are on raised platforms and Hippo’s can’t jump. (B,L,D)
Overnight stay Ruzizi Tented Lodge or similar
Travel times and distances: The Retreat – Akagera NP reception (approx. 116km) 2 hours 30 minutes. Lake Ihema Boat Safari (1 hour duration)
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After breakfast, you will start your day with a nature walk around the park. The “Walk the Line Experience” is an immersive journey into the heart of nature at Akagera National Park. This unique adventure involves 2-hour guided nature walk led by a community volunteer as you follow the park’s perimeter fence. On this walk, you will see many of the park’s remarkable wildlife up close.
After the nature walk, you will be driven to Karenge Bush Camp for lunch and check-in.
Later In the afternoon, we will proceed onto an afternoon game drive in the northern circuit to search for animals you may have missed out on in the previous game drive. This afternoon you will visit the Savannah region of Akagera’s northern sector, where you’ll want to keep your eyes open for some of the park’s top predators, as well as Giraffes and Elephants.
You will finish the day with dinner at Karenge Bush Camp in the evening. (B,L,D)
2 nights at Karenge Bush Camp or similar
Travel time and distances: Ruzizi Tented Lodge – Walk the Line Experience (approx. 5km) 10 minutes
Walking/Trekking Time: approximately 2 hours (7km)
Difficulty: Moderate
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After breakfast, you will embark on a full-day game drive, traversing from the southern reaches of Akagera National Park to its northern sector.
Along the way, we will make a stop at Hippo’s Beach viewpoint, where you can enjoy your packed lunch while observing hippos sunbathing on the beach.
In the afternoon we will continue our journey to the northern sector of the park. Here, the landscape opens up into expansive savannahs, keep an eye out for big game here like lions and rhinoceros. Lions were introduced to the park about seven years ago, and their population is thriving. Additionally, the park recently welcomed rhinos recently, making it an exciting opportunity to spot these magnificent creatures.
The vast savannah terrain is punctuated by numerous lakes, providing additional opportunities to observe a variety of bird species and the presence of hippos. As the day comes to a close, we make our way back to our camp for dinner and an overnight stay. (B,L,D)
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After an early breakfast, we will head to a new area in the northeastern area of Akagera National Park.
During this 2-3 hour drive, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of rural Rwandan landscapes,
where you can immerse yourself in the authentic local life and picturesque farmlands of the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills.’ This route is relatively untouched by tourism, offering a unique and unspoiled experience. You will have a stopover for lunch at Sooko which is an initiative by local driver guides they pooled their money together to open this conveniently located stop over with meals, rest rooms, and even showers.
After lunch at Sooko, transfer a further hour ascending the mountains before arriving in the township of Musanze at the foothills of the Volcans National Park. On arrival, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Fund.
This new campus serves as an initiative to foster a lasting connection between a passion for Wildlife Conservation and the revered legacy of Dian Fossey. This state-of-the-art centre has provided a permanent home for the Dian Fossey Fund, facilitating the expansion of education and research in Mountain Gorilla Conservation. Its impact promises to be enduring, benefiting both the communities of Volcans National Park and the future of Mountain Gorillas.
After your visit, head to your nearby lodge to check in. At 5:30pm, we have arranged at the lodge for a special presentation by the Gorilla Doctors. This offers valuable insight into the dedicated work of veterinarians and their assistants responsible for the health of Mountain Gorillas, especially in light of their small population. Their relentless efforts have been instrumental in the remarkable growth of gorilla numbers since 1986. (B,L,D)
2 nights Ingagi Park View Lodge (Luxury Cottage) or similar
Travel time and distances: Karenge Bush Camp – Ingagi Park View Lodge (approx. 191km) 5 hours, Ingagi Park View Lodge – Ellen DeGeneres Campus (600m) 1 minute.
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Today you have a unique and privileged experience of tracking, and hopefully meeting, the rare Mountain Gorilla. There are only around 880 of these magnificent creatures left in the world with around a third of those in the Volcans National Park, Rwanda.
After an early breakfast, you leave the lodge at 6:30 am and drive the 30 minutes to the Volcans National Park Headquarters.
At the park headquarters, there will be a cup of tea or coffee available and traditional dancers to welcome you. The park rangers will organise trekkers into groups of like fitness and assign you a trek leader. The leaders will brief you on the trek details and gorilla behaviour before we make a short drive to the trek starting point in the farmlands at the foothills of the Volcans.
The trek ventures up the mountain and through thick forest. It can last anywhere between 2-6 hours depending on which group you are with and how nomadic the gorilla group is. If you wish, there is the option to hire a porter to help you carry your backpack or bag and can give you a hand during hiking.
Once you happen upon your gorilla group all tiredness will go away and you get to spend an hour with a troop of these fabled creatures. You will marvel at their interactions, displays, playing, eating and sleeping. There is so much to recognise in our own human behaviour. The encounter is considered one of the great wild animal encounters on the planet.
After that, it’s time to leave the mountain gorillas to live their life and head back down the mountain. There are plenty of stunning views to enjoy on the way down where your driver and guide will be waiting to hear all about your exciting adventure before driving back to your accommodation for lunch.
After lunch, the next activity will be to go on the Mukungwa River Can.
The Mukungwa River takes you around the farms, fields and communities at the base of the Volcans National Park. Your guides are well trained and the water is a gentle flow. You will see bird life, handmade bridges, views of the hills and mountains and children who are very happy to see you. The duration of the trip is around 2-3 hours.
After a big day of activities, it’s time to come back to the lodge for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Travel time and distances: Amarembo Gorilla View Lodge – start of Gorilla Tracking (approx. 13km) 21. Amarembo Gorilla View Lodge – Mukungwa River Can (approx. 30km) 45 minutes.
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After breakfast, you will head to the Muhanga districts to experience the lives of a typical rural Rwandan farmer and then stay overnight in a mud hut to get a real sense of living as a local. Whilst Rwanda is a small country it is densely populated and most of its citizens earn a livelihood and living from owning and working small plots of land.
On arrival, you will partake in your authentic rural activity of choice (chosen on day 1 during the briefing):
In the afternoon, your Azizi Life Musical Adventure kicks off with a captivating performance by a talented troupe of traditional artists and storytellers as the sun sets.
Whether you’re naturally rhythmic or not, our experienced instructors ensure that everyone can relish the experience of mastering the art of traditional drumming and dancing.
Following that, it’s your moment to shine as you don a traditional costume and delve into the world of Rwandan dance. You’re in for a joyful time as the dancers guide you through the fundamental dance steps while sharing intriguing insights into the history of Rwandan dance.
Accommodation will be a local homestay. Home Stay hostesses live in homes made of mud brick, which usually have one larger front room for receiving visitors and a few smaller bedrooms for the family. In the enclosed area behind the house, there is an outdoor kitchen, an enclosed pit latrine and bathing outhouse, animal stalls and a family workspace. Most host families have about four children at home. In Rwandan culture, guests are considered a blessing! (B,L,D)
Overnight homestay or farm hut
Travel time & Distances: Amarembo Gorilla View Lodge – Muhanga District (approx. 133km) 2 hr and 49 minutes
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As the new day dawns, you will share a wonderful breakfast with your host family and say farewell before heading to our next destination for lunch and to spend a relaxing afternoon at Kivu Lodge.
This idyllic lakeside haven is a blend of modern comfort and rustic charm. Whether you’re savouring delicious Rwandan cuisine, taking a refreshing dip in the inviting pool, or simply relaxing on the terrace while gazing at the serene waters of Lake Kivu, every moment at Kivu Lodge is designed to provide a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. Surrounded by the region’s rolling hills and the majestic Virunga Mountains, this lodge offers a peaceful escape from everyday life.
Lake Kivu shares a border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It stretches 89 kilometres in length, 48 kilometres in width, and reaches a depth of 240 meters. Along its shores, you’ll find charming small towns and bustling cities, all set against the backdrop of the region’s iconic rolling hills and towering volcans.
The real magic begins at the end of the day. Each evening, a mesmerizing Rwandan tradition unfolds along the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu. As the sun gracefully dips below the horizon, local fishermen fill the air with songs and whistles, embarking on their journey to the heart of the lake. This captivating experience provides a unique opportunity to witness the age-old fishing techniques of Lake Kivu, as skilled fishermen navigate the waters in their traditional boats equipped with hooks and nets. Adventurous participants can even try their hand at this authentic fishing method, immersing themselves in the local way of life.
After the Singing Fishermen Experience, you will return to the lodge for dinner (B,L,D)
Overnight at Kivu Lodge or similar
Travel time & distances: Muhanga – Kivu Lodge (approx. 108km) 3 hours, Singing Fishermen Experience on Lake Kivu (2 hours)
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After a relaxing breakfast, you will have a lazy start to the day with a 10 am checkout. We will then depart along the bumpy but scenic road from Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest National Park, Africa’s largest temperate Rainforest.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of terraced farmlands, vibrant green tea plantations, and dense forests that carpet the hillsides. Keep your eyes open as there are often cheeky monkeys sitting on the side of the road along the way.
Upon reaching Nyungwe National Park, you’ll have a packed lunch before exploring the renowned Canopy Walkway, a suspended bridge that takes you on an exhilarating journey high above the forest floor. The 160-meter-long walkway offers an up-close encounter with the forest’s treetop canopy, providing stunning vistas and potential wildlife sightings. (B,L, D)
2 nights Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel or similar
Travel time and distances: Kivu Lodge – Nyungwe NP (approx. 93km) 2 hours 12 minutes, Canopy Walkway – Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel (approx. 54km) 1 hour.
Walking/Trekking Time: Canopy Walkway (2 hours)
Difficulty: Easy
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This morning will be an early start, waking up at 5.00 am and eating our packed breakfast on the way to the starting point of your Chimpanzee Trek.
On arrival, the park rangers will give you a briefing on the trek rules and Chimpanzee behaviours, then you head off with walking sticks in hand into the jungle. With approximately 500 chimpanzees in this Rwandan region, it plays a crucial role in conserving this rapidly declining species. Depending on the trackers’ information, you may encounter larger troops of around 60 or more intimate groups of 20-30. Regardless, chimpanzees are typically more active than mountain gorillas, showcasing their remarkable intelligence, confidence, and characteristics, thanks to their 98.7% genetic similarity to humans.
After the experience, return to your accommodation for lunch and a freshen-up.
In the afternoon, we proceed to the nearby lake shores for the Nkombo Island Boat tour excursion.
Nkombo Island is nestled on Lake Kivu, between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. It stands as one of Rwanda’s well-kept secrets, with an expansive area of 22 square kilometres, it is the largest island in Rwanda and home to nearly 20,000 inhabitants and serves as a natural bird sanctuary, enveloped by Ishwa and Bweramata Islands on the Rwandan side of Lake Kivu.
Once we arrive at the island, you’ll do a steep climb to a community that speaks a mix of Rwandan and Congolese languages. You’re sure to receive a warm welcome with traditional dances and an opportunity to admire their traditional crafted baskets.
Afterwards, you’ll return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Travel time and distances: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel – Chimpanzee Trek trailhead (approx. 22km) 1 hr, Lake Kivu Boat Excursion – Nkombo Island experience 3 hours.
Walking/Trekking Time: approximately 3 hours
Difficulty: Hard
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It’s the final day of the tour and after check out we will make our way to Gitarama, the Kings Palace Museum. Located in Nyanza, south of Kigali City, King’s Palace Museum Rwanda was the original residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa.
Arriving around lunch, you will eat at the café before exploring the museum, which has been restored to its 19th-century state and offers insight into Rwandan traditions. After a recent reintroduction, the property is now home to long-horned traditional cows, which are an integral part of the Rwandan culture. On the neighbouring hill of Mwima, you can visit the burial grounds of King Mutara III and his wife, Queen Rosalie Gicanda.
After the Palace, we will head back to Kigali to have dinner at Kigali’s Repub Lounge and from there we transfer you to Kigali Airport (or your overnight accommodation) and wish you a safe onward journey with memories that move you long after you return home. (B,L,D)
Travel time & distances: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel – Kings Palace Museum (approx. 146km) 3.5 hrs, Kings Palace Museum – Kigali (approx. 100km) 2.5 hours.
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Schedule of Professional Service Fees
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Planning Fee |
$125 per itinerary. Creating unique travel itineraries is our specialty. For detailed quotations providing tailored recommendations for custom designed tours, a non-refundable planning fee applies. Should you proceed with booking, this fee is credited towards your trip.
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Service Fees |
$40 Domestic/Trans-Tasman airfare per person or as discounted
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$150.00 International airfare per person or as discounted
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$50.00 Domestic/Trans-Tasman business class airfare per person or as discounted
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$200.00 International business class airfare per person or as discounted |
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NIL Domestic/Trans-Tasman package, tour, or cruise per booking
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NIL International package, tour, or cruise per booking |
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$ Other Services dependent on service explained to you |
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$200 to $500 Itinerary planning per booking (credited towards reservation once booked) |
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Deposit & Balance |
For all bookings, the initial deposit is 20% and the balance of payment is due 60 days before departure. If Travel Provider terms and conditions vary, we may request an additional deposit from you, after the initial deposit is paid, plus the balance payment date may also vary. After you have paid your initial deposit, you will have five days cooling off period to accept these Booking & Advisory Terms and Conditions, during which time your deposit is refundable. After 5 days has passed, or you have accepted the Terms and Conditions, the deposit will automatically become non-refundable. Note, some Travel Products must be paid in full at time of booking. Service Fees must also be paid at time of booking and are non-refundable. After you pay the balance of payment this will become fully non-refundable 60 days before travel, or earlier, if specified by the supplier. |
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Amendment Fees |
Changes to Domestic/Trans-Tasman bookings will incur a fee of $50 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
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Changes to International bookings (excluding Trans-Tasman bookings) will incur a fee of $50 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
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Cancellation Fees |
Cancellations to Domestic/Trans-Tasman bookings will incur a fee of $75 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
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Cancellations to International bookings (excluding Trans-Tasman bookings) will incur a fee of $150 per passenger per booking in addition to Provider and credit card fees.
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Credit Card Fees |
Visa - an additional 2.0% applies
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Mastercard - an additional 2.0% applies
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American Express - an additional 2.0% applies
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(All fees exclude GST, where applicable).
Privacy Notice
Darebin Travel collects your personal information to enable us to respond to your queries and provide you with the Booking & Advisory Services, including assisting in arrangements with Providers (such as hotels and flights).
We will also use your personal information to personalise the service we provide you, including your experience on our, and other, websites, and to provide you with information about our, and our partners’, business, products and services. Your personal information may be shared between entities within Darebin Travel and with DeluxeLife Pty Ltd (ACN: 647 484 115), disclosed to suppliers, Providers, our cloud infrastructure, our contractors and to others where authorised or required by law. Some of these entities may be located overseas.
ANNEXURE – TRAVEL TIPS FOR TRAVEL PRODUCTS
These tips set out below are NOT legally binding terms and conditions.
Passports, Visas and Health Requirements
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the required documents, including visas and passports, before travelling to a destination. For more information please log on to www.dfat.gov.au and www.smarttraveller.gov.au. Please check with the respective Embassy or Consulate of each country that you are travelling to, as many destinations require visas for both Australians and non-Australian passport holders. For more information, log on to www.visalink.com.au. You need to ensure that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport from the date of your departure return.
For International travellers booked on flights to the USA, including Hawaii, it is now mandatory, under the Visa Waiver Program to receive an electronic authorisation known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) no less than 72 hours before travel to the USA. This can be obtained from the following website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ .
For international travellers booked on flights to Canada, you either need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport. An eTA can be obtained from the following website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of any health requirements for your travel destinations. Vaccinations are strongly recommended for certain destinations. You need to contact your local doctor who will advise you of these requirements. Please note that vaccinations may be recommended before your travel departure date.
Travel Advice
We recommend that you contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or visit their website at www.dfat.gov.au for general travel advice, as well as specific advice (including safety alert levels) relating to the destination you wish to visit.
Ticketing
For international and domestic departure, e-tickets will be issued upon payment and completion of the booking process. All other travel documentation, such as hotel booking confirmations, will be emailed to the email address you provided as an e-document. Should the Provider issue paper vouchers, these will be posted to the address you provided.
Baggage Allowance
Baggage allowance varies from airline to airline and in many cases the airfare you have paid may not include the cost to cover checked baggage. Please check with your Travel Advisor and/or the airline providing your flights for the allowances.
Frequent Flyers & Special Requests
For more information on whether your airfare is eligible for Frequent Flyer rewards, please contact the airline directly. When booking online, please ensure that you have entered your correct number. For bookings made by telephone via our Customer Service Team, please advise of your Frequent Flyer details and these will be added to your reservation. We do not take any responsibility should an airline not register your trip. You should retain copies of your air ticket and boarding pass.
Special requests will be passed on to the Providers but cannot be guaranteed.