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Sambulenni Horse Safari
Namibia
Namibia
A one-hour drive from Windhoek, located in a richly varied landscape with one of the best stocked private game reserves in Namibia, you will ride on endless trails covering an area of 100,000 acres. For many years a German colony, Namibia is now independent, politically stable and reputed as the safest country in Southern Africa. For riding enthusiasts in particular the country is irresistible!
Overnights are at the luxurious Okapuka Lodge, in comfortable thatched bungalows with wonderful views of the Okapuka river bed or in one of the rooms near the stables. The restaurant offers just the right mixture of a tranquil relaxed atmosphere with friendly, high quality service. Just what you'll need after a long day in the saddle. The restaurant is reputed to be one of the best in Namibia and has an extensive à la carte menu which combines fresh, local produce with African and European cuisine.
The riding trails are designed to provide you with as much variation and choice as possible. Some trails explore the mountains, others follow mainly ancient game trails on savannah plains. Imagine riding amongst herds of giraffe or wildebeest, or watching rhino from a safe distance! Whether you watch the sun going down on the wild hartebeest grazing on the lush grass from your dinner table or ride amongst a herd of giraffe we guarantee you an unforgettable holiday.
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Meeting:
Okapuka
Airport:
Windhoek Hosea Kutako
Transfer:
Windhoek Hosea Kutako or Windhoek Eros
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Rates and Dates for 2009 | 2010
Rates include:
Accommodations, all meals, 7 riding days
| A | 2009 | 8 day trip, AP - Stable room | 8d / 7n | $2350 |
| Single supplement | $350 |
| Riders over 200 lbs supplement +25% | $0 |
| Second Week discount | ($300) |
| Endurance Ride supplement (5 nights at Stables, 2 nights at race) | $650 |
| Keeping room at Stables during 2 nights endurance | $275 |
| Private guide for 1 or 2 riders | $735 |
| Day use room (Air Namibia late departure) | $95 |
| Groups of 6+ (50% off for 6th rider) | $0 |
| A | 2009 | 8 day trip, AP at Lodge | 8d / 7n | $2650 |
| Second Week discount | ($450) |
| Riders over 200 lbs supplement +25% | $0 |
| Endurance Ride supplement (5 nights Lodge, 2 nights at race) | $650 |
| Keeping room at Lodge during 2 nights endurance | $350 |
| Groups of 6+ (50% off for 6th rider) | $0 |
| Private guide for 1 or 2 riders | $735 |
| Day use room (Air Namibia late departure) | $105 |
| Single supplement | $395 |
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from Windhoek per car return
This is a "Group Rate"
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$200
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arrival days are Tuesday, Friday or Sunday
Rates do not include:
Gratuities, game drives.
Sample 1 week Itinerary
Day 1 We meet you at Windhoek airport and transport you to the ranch (75 minutes by car). Once you're unpacked and refreshed (possibly with a fine lunch depending on your arrival time) it's time to meet the horses and the rest of our staff. This is followed by a short ride to allow your horse to get to know you and, perhaps, you to get to know your horse! After the ride, over a refreshing drink and an evening barbecue, we explain the itinerary for the week and give you a briefing on riding in the African bush.
Hours ridden: 1-2
Meals: Lunch and a Braai (barbecue) at the Lion Bar
Day 2 Breakfast at 07.00 comprising tea, coffee, fruit juice, fruit, cereal, bread, eggs and bacon. At 08.00 we saddle up and depart for a savannah ride along ancient game trails. During this ride you encounter much of Namibia's abundant wildlife. We return to Okapuka Ranch for a shower, drinks and a relaxing lunch. After lunch and a siesta by the pool we saddle up for our afternoon ride. We arrive back at around 17.00 for a drink at the bar. Dinner is served whenever you are ready.
Hours ridden: 5
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and a 3 course gourmet dinner at the Okapuka Park Restaurant
Day 3 After breakfast we saddle up and depart for a mountain trail ride. We start along the Okapuka riverbed then cross the mountains into Leopard Valley. The valley is protected by the natural mountainous surroundings and, until recently, has been largely unexplored. Our trail takes us through spectacular scenery to Leopard Dam. We stop for a well-earned picnic lunch at a shaded natural spring where those of you who are hardy enough to try the cool water, can take a dip.
After a 2-hour stop we continue our trek, and having passed Crocodile dam, eventually arrive back at Okapuka Ranch (16.00). Then it's time for a shower and a drink before you watch the lions feeding. Dinner is served whenever you are ready.
Hours ridden: 5
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and a 3 course gourmet dinner
Day 4 Today, after breakfast, we saddle up and depart for a short ride to the baboon infested "little Okapuka" Hill. Having ascended the hill we are rewarded with a spectacular 360° panoramic view of the surrounding hills, river-beds and savannah-lands. We ride down through ancient riverbeds in search of majestic kudu and gemsbok.
If available: After a short siesta we ride out towards Dune Camp where we arrive at around 17.00, to be greeted with a well deserved cold drink, a dip in the small swimming pool, followed by a hot shower in en-suite private tented bathrooms. The evening meal consists of a hearty braai with local beer or wine. Recollections of the day's experiences are exchanged around the fire until the seduction of the soft double bed with fresh linen is no longer resistible. Lights out!
Hours ridden: 6
Accommodation: Fly Camp in the mountains if available or back at the lodge
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and a tented camp braai
Day 5 Continental breakfast and around 09.00, having saddled up, we depart once again for a savannah ride. This area is well known for its Burchell's zebra and gemsbok. We return to our base camp at Okapuka Ranch for lunch. After a well-earned siesta we depart in search of white rhinos and white tailed wildebeest, the comics of the savannah. We climb the Hochland trail to watch the magnificent African sunset over the adjacent mountains savoring the majesty of Africa with sundowners. This is followed by a brisk ride in the sunset's afterglow back to Okapuka Ranch where we arrive, hopefully, before dark. Dinner is served whenever you are ready.
Hours ridden: 4
Meals: Continental Breakfast, lunch and a 3-course gourmet dinner.
Day 6 We saddle up at 08.30 hrs for a challenging ride. We start along the Okapuka riverbed towards Crocodile Dam. But instead of dropping down into Leopard Valley we continue to ride higher and higher. Today our goal is the top of the highest mountain on the Okapuka estate. Some of the terrain is so steep that we will have to dismount and lead our horses. However, once you have reached the top the reward is a view of a lifetime; both the cities of Windhoek and Okahandja (30 and 45 km away) lie at your feet. After we have caught our breath, both from the exercise as well as the breathtaking view, we will descend towards Okapuka Park Restaurant for a well-deserved late lunch at around 14.00 hrs. The rest of the afternoon is spend relaxing. And dinner is served whenever you are ready. Hours ridden: 5 to 6
Meals: Breakfast, late lunch and a 3-course gourmet dinner.
Day 7 Breakfast is taken at a leisurely pace and those of you who wish to take advantage of the helicopter tour can do so (weather permitting). The flight is not included in the package price. Those of you who whish can join us for a last ride. Lunch is taken at Okapuka Ranch. Those who prefer to visit the famous wood carving market at Okahandja to purchase those promised presents can do so (not included in the price). In the late afternoon and early evening there is a lion feed. Dinner, as usual, is served at Okapuka Park Restaurant.
Hours ridden: 2-4(optional)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and a farewell braai at the Lion Bar
Day 8 Breakfast is served until 10.30. After entering your comments in our Guest Book, you can say goodbye to your horse and the rest of our staff and continue your journey within Namibia or begin your return journey home.
Subject to change
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Meeting:
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Okapuka
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Airport:
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Windhoek Hosea Kutako
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Transfer:
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Windhoek Hosea Kutako or Windhoek Eros
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Level:
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Low Demanding
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All gaits, walk, trot, canter - 4-5 hrs. Some canter /gallop are more than 2 km
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Participants:
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Min
1 participants
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Max
6 participants
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Riders should be experienced and secure in all gaits. Weight Limit: Riders should weigh no more than 95 kilos/210 pounds.
Our horses are schooled in all aspects of trail riding and we've chosen them for their stamina, endurance, well being and amiable character.
The tack is new and hand-made and specially designed for long hours in the saddle. It is based on both the South African and Australian stock saddles. The horses are ridden in snaffle bridles on a loose rein.
Game drives are available at an extra charge.
Endurance Rides:
A number of the Arabians are competing successfully in endurance in Namibia. The opportunity exists for you to compete in an endurance ride. You will be accompanied throughout the ride by an experienced endurance rider who will set the pace. Your stay will be a combination of game watching from horseback, training and the actual endurance ride. Two horses are assigned to you - one for the endurance ride and the other for safari rides. These rides are open to guests – but the distance entered will be at the discretion of the guide.
The trails are designed to provide you with as much variation and choice as possible. Our goal is to ensure that you ride in some of the most spectacular landscape this planet has to offer and come into very close contact with the game. You can ride more or less anywhere with few restrictions. Most of the trails follow natural paths created over hundreds of years by the local wildlife. As such, a trip to this enchanting country is a unique experience for adventurous visitors. The facilities, horses and equipment are of the highest quality. To guarantee a personal experience we deliberately restrict riders to groups of between 4-6 led by an experienced guide. To add to the pleasure of your visit we also offer you luxurious accommodation, à la carte cuisine and the finest beers and wines of Africa.
Passport and Visa Requirements: Passport valid for a minimum of six months after the date of departure from Namibia required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above fo. more
Most of Namibia enjoys a minimum of 300 days of sunshine a year, but generally, the winter climate is the most pleasant. Namibia has a dry climate. Most days are pleasantly warm (the average temperature is between 20 to 34 C), while the nights are generally cool (in winter temperatures can fall to 0 C.)
There are two relatively short rainy seasons, the shorter occurs between October and December, while the main stormy period occurs between January and April. The storms are brief and spectacular. Forked lightening illuminates the dark thunderclouds while the rain refreshes the air and soaks down the dust.
These charts show the monthly rainfall (in mm) and the monthly minimum and maximum temperatures in Windhoek .
Okapuka enjoys low humidity and gentle breezes, which make for a pleasant and comfortable climate in which to ride. The area averages between 200 to 400 mm of rain per year, all of which falls in the summer.
Provided when riding:
saddle bag, water bottle and waterproof poncho.
Winters are usually mild to warm which calls for light clothing in the middle of the day and a sweater or jacket for evenings and early mornings when it can be quite cold. When riding, it is better to wear riding or walking shoes with chaps because some of the trails involve challenging gradients, which often require leading your horse. Cotton jodhpurs are better than synthetic products.
A light safari jacket with many pockets is ideal for carrying your compact binoculars, penknife, sun-hat, sunglasses, sun block, moisturizer, lip balm with spf, etc. Points for electric shavers (electric current 250VAC) are available. You are advised to bring battery-operated or conventional razors if you choose to stay in the tented camps.)
| … this list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
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| Flight tickets |
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| Passport |
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| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Jodhpurs or cotton slacks |
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| Footwear that is comfortable for both riding and walking in (long boots are impractical) |
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| Mini chaps |
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| Hard riding hat, preferably light weight with good ventilation |
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| Riding gloves |
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| Wide brimmed hat |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Light weight clothing in neutral colours to blend in with bush |
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| Jerseys and/or jackets are needed during the cooler winter months |
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| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
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| Jeans |
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| Shorts |
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| Underwear and socks |
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| Sleepwear |
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| Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
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| Swimsuit |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
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| Insect protection |
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| Personal medications |
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| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
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| Camera and enough extra batteries |
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| Small flashlight |
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| Sun glasses with strap |
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| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
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| Binoculars |
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Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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jesus burgos
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4/6/2008
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suzanne bury
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3/25/2007
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..view other reports for different trips
Note: this is a luxurious private game lodge with wild game from giraffe to lions; there are accommodations for 40 people, but the riding groups are limited to 6 riders
Set along the edge of the park are 16 thatched-roof rooms, specially designed to ensure comfort and luxury, while remaining blending in with the surrounding bush. Equipped with en-suite bathroom/toilet, telephone, coffee making facilities, mini-bar fridge, safe and open terrace, the rooms’ walls are adorned with wall-paintings by the well-renowned artist Von Aschenborn and tastefully laid out carpets made from wool of the local Karakul sheep.
Another four rooms are situated directly in front of the stables. These rooms are spacious, have queen-size beds and an en-suite shower/toilet with washbasin, but do not have the thatched roof.
The restaurant offers a variety of specialities: unusual local game dishes, creative starters and naughty desserts. Sampling the cuisine, one will find the cozy, candle lit atmosphere centering around the open fire place, while at the same time gazing across the green grass of the park, relishing the dreamlike view of antelope herds grazing.
Meals: All your meals are taken at the Okapuka Park Restaurant, which is one of the best in Namibia and has an extensive a la carte menu which combines fresh local produce with African and European cuisine. It goes without saying that the chef specializes in game dishes. Special diets can be catered for with prior notice. While enjoying your meal you will often be delighted by herds of antelope that meander in from the dry plains to graze on the lush irrigated grass lawn in from of the restaurant.
Breakfast consist of fresh fruit, dairy products, coffee, tea, fruit juices, toast, bacon, eggs, etc.
Drinks: The restaurant’s wine list is extensive, boasting vintage Cape wines from South Africa. The well stocked bar offers more or less any cocktails, alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks you may desire. All drinks are charged to your room.
This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.
Riders should be experienced and secure in all gaits. Weight Limit: Riders should weigh no more than 95 kilos/210 pounds.
Our horses are schooled in all aspects of trail riding and we've chosen them for their stamina, endurance, well being and amiable character.
The tack is new and hand-made and specially designed for long hours in the saddle. It is based on both the South African and Australian stock saddles. The horses are ridden in snaffle bridles on a loose rein.
Game drives are available at an extra charge.
Endurance Rides:
A number of the Arabians are competing successfully in endurance in Namibia. The opportunity exists for you to compete in an endurance ride. You will be accompanied throughout the ride by an experienced endurance rider who will set the pace. Your stay will be a combination of game watching from horseback, training and the actual endurance ride. Two horses are assigned to you - one for the endurance ride and the other for safari rides. These rides are open to guests – but the distance entered will be at the discretion of the guide.
The trails are designed to provide you with as much variation and choice as possible. Our goal is to ensure that you ride in some of the most spectacular landscape this planet has to offer and come into very close contact with the game. You can ride more or less anywhere with few restrictions. Most of the trails follow natural paths created over hundreds of years by the local wildlife. As such, a trip to this enchanting country is a unique experience for adventurous visitors. The facilities, horses and equipment are of the highest quality. To guarantee a personal experience we deliberately restrict riders to groups of between 4-6 led by an experienced guide. To add to the pleasure of your visit we also offer you luxurious accommodation, à la carte cuisine and the finest beers and wines of Africa.
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Tack:
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South African stock Saddle
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Horses:
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Purebred Arabians
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Pace:
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All gaits, walk, trot, canter - 4-5 hrs. Some canter /gallop are more than 2 km
| Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5 to 4 out of 5)
Good Intermediate
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Age:
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Min 16 |
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Weight:
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Max 200 lbs
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Riders:
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Min 1 |
Max 6
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Riders should be experienced and secure in all gaits. Weight Limit: Riders should weigh no more than 95 kilos/210 pounds.
Our horses are schooled in all aspects of trail riding and we've chosen them for their stamina, endurance, well being and amiable character.
The tack is new and hand-made and specially designed for long hours in the saddle. It is based on both the South African and Australian stock saddles. The horses are ridden in snaffle bridles on a loose rein.
Game drives are available at an extra charge.
Endurance Rides:
A number of the Arabians are competing successfully in endurance in Namibia. The opportunity exists for you to compete in an endurance ride. You will be accompanied throughout the ride by an experienced endurance rider who will set the pace. Your stay will be a combination of game watching from horseback, training and the actual endurance ride. Two horses are assigned to you - one for the endurance ride and the other for safari rides. These rides are open to guests – but the distance entered will be at the discretion of the guide.
The trails are designed to provide you with as much variation and choice as possible. Our goal is to ensure that you ride in some of the most spectacular landscape this planet has to offer and come into very close contact with the game. You can ride more or less anywhere with few restrictions. Most of the trails follow natural paths created over hundreds of years by the local wildlife. As such, a trip to this enchanting country is a unique experience for adventurous visitors. The facilities, horses and equipment are of the highest quality. To guarantee a personal experience we deliberately restrict riders to groups of between 4-6 led by an experienced guide. To add to the pleasure of your visit we also offer you luxurious accommodation, à la carte cuisine and the finest beers and wines of Africa.
Passports
Passport valid for a minimum of six months after the date of departure from Namibia required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who do require a visa.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the consulate or high commission for visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business and Transit: US$50.
Validity
Valid up to three months from date of issue for stays of up to three months from date of entry. Extensions for a further three months are available from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at high commission); see Contact Addresses.
Working Days Required
Three to four.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No/1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
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