Frequently Asked Questions
WHY IS LEGEND TREKS A NON-PROFIT CORPORATION?
As we began to grasp the vision of Legend Treks, we began to understand that our goals involved providing educational opportunities for our fellow trekkers who are curious individuals, wanting to explore new places and learn about different cultures. We also found from the very beginning, that we wanted to offer our fellow trekkers tangible, worthwhile, opportunities to leave a positive footprint in the countries we visit. Don't forget! Legend Treks is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation. All payments and donations to Legend Treks are tax deductible!
WHY DOES LEGEND TREKS TRAVEL TO ONLY THREE COUNTRIES?
Legend Treks was never intended to compete with the giants in the travel industry. Instead of offering treks to many countries, we chose to work towards becoming experts in three of the most fascinating countries on Earth: Mali, Morocco, and Peru. We have discovered, through our own travels and experiences, that these three countries have enough mysteries, legends, and potential for adventures to keep trekkers interested for years to come. We, also, know these countries have unlimited opportunities and challenges for community service.
IF I AM INTERESTED IN ONE OR MORE OF LEGEND TREKS' COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECTS, BUT AM NOT ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN A TREK, CAN I SUPPORT THE TRAILSIDE COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (TCAP) WITH A DONATION?
We certainly encourage the supporters of Legend Treks to support the TCAP projects in any way that fits their personal situation. That support can involve joining one of our treks and/or donating funds directly to Legend Treks and identifying a specific project on providing non-specific donations to TCAP. All funds provided to Legend Treks, including payments for treks, are tax deductible donations. The most convenient and secure method of making a donation/payment is to use the Pay Pal option found on our web site. It is very secure and will provide you an immediate receipt by e-mail.
ARE TREKKERS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN PROJECTS?
Trekkers are never required to participate in TCAP projects. However, there will be opportunities to interact in some way if the trekker desires. If a trek group desires an itinerary that happens to go no where near the location of a project, there is no attempt by Legend Treks to reorient the itinerary. There will be some groups who will desire direct participation in a project. This will most often occur on treks which focus, to some degree, on Sight Savers projects which conduct basic vision assessments and/or more complex medical procedures.
WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY LANGUAGES IN MALI, MOROCCO AND PERU, AND, IS THERE A REQUIREMENT FOR TREKKERS TO SPEAK ANY LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH?
The primary language in Malian cities is French, but when you leave the cities, you will find there are numerous languages spoken. For example, when you are in Dogon Country (Pays Dogon) the dominant language will be Dogon. In Morocco, a similar situation exists. The language of business is French, but throughout the country you will encounter persons also speaking Arabic and Berber, the indigenous language. In Peru the most common language is Spanish. In areas that were conquered by the Incas, you will frequently hear the Inca language, Quechua. In all three of the countries you will find that most persons in close contact with tourists will speak English. On all treks you will be accompanied by group leaders and local guides who speak English.
WILL I NEED TO CARRY LARGE QUANTITIES OF THE LOCAL CURRENCY OR WILL BANKS AND ATM'S BE AVAILABLE FOR CURRENCY EXCHANGE?
In the major cities of each country you will find banks and ATM'S. You will encounter "money changers" on the street, but it is always safer to use a bank or an ATM. In fact, ATM'S will often provide the best rate when withdrawing local currency. All of the major hotels accept VISA and Master card. It seems most businesses do not like American Express.
HOW MUCH LUGGAGE SHOULD I PLAN TO BRING ON A TREK?
In all cases, lighter is better. Legend Treks strongly encourages you to bring only a backpack and a duffle-type bag that you wouldn't have trouble hand carrying for as long as two blocks. You will find that this "soft" luggage is also easier to pack on board the trains and vehicles we use for transportation.
DO I NEED A VISA TO ENTER MALI, PERU, OR MOROCCO?
U.S. citizens traveling to Morocco and Peru only need a U.S. passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure from the U.S. U.S. Citizens do need a visa for entry into Mali. The visa costs $131. and can be obtained from the Mali Embassy in Washington, D.C. or the Mali consulate in New York City (phone: 202-332-2249).
IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH CRIME IN MALI, PERU OR MOROCCO?
Legend Treks is happy to report that you will find these countries are stable politically and the most prevalent crime is "petty crime", i.e., pick pockets. The regions visited by Legend Treks are mostly rural, and you will quickly discover that Americans are very popular with the common folk. In fact, the friendship treaty between Morocco and the U.S. is the longest standing U.S. treaty.
WHAT TYPE OF CLOTHING SHOULD I BRING ON THE TREKS?
The most important terms are "casual" and "layered". During all of the treks you will often experience extreme changes in temperature during a 24 - hour period. As the sun rises in the sky, the temperatures will rise and the heavier layers you needed during the evening will gradually be shed. We will be physically active and, as you sweat, it is better to have cotton clothing against your skin, in order to transfer body moisture quickly away from your skin. During the evening you will appreciate a light cap or hat for warmth and during the day for protection from the sun. Sun block is also a necessity during the day. After full payment is received for a trek, Legend Treks, will provide each trekker with an updated itinerary, including a clothing and equipment list.
DO PUBLISHED TREK PRICES INCLUDE INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE?
The trek prices found on the web site do not include international airfare. Most trekkers prefer to search for their own tickets since there are so may sources offering reduced fare tickets. However, if the trekker requests, Legend Treks will arrange international airfares. Treks requiring domestic air travel will have all arrangements made by Legend Treks or its local contractor.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE/WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Legend Treks highly recommends travel insurance to the point that we think you'd be foolish not to get it. There are always uncertainties when it comes to travel, in general, and international travel in particular. Just as you cannot guarantee that you will not get sick the day before your trip and are unable to go, no airline or travel company can guarantee that you will get to where you need to be, without any problems or delays. The payments Legend Treks receives from our clients are often forwarded to ground agents in the destination country and usually, under the host country laws, cannot be repatriated to the U.S. Once a trek begins (Day 1) no refunds are possible for unused portions if you are unable to continue on the itinerary due to sickness or other personal reasons. That is one way travel insurance keeps you covered, along with many other possible scenarios. Please review the legal disclosure on our web site.
IS THERE A SINGLE SUPPLEMENT CHARGE ON TREKS?
All treks are based on double occupancy, in order to keep the trek prices as low as possible. If a trekker does not desire to share accommodations, a "single supplement" will be quoted for each individual trek.
DO TREKS INCLUDE LARGE GROUP TOURS?
Legend Trek tours (city tours, etc.) are private - just the Legend Treks group and its guide. The tour goes at your pace, letting your interests determine what you see and how much time you spend seeing it. No crowds of strangers being herded through streets with a guide yelling over their heads. It is our goal that you get the most out of each guided tour, and when your tour is done, you will have free time to explore on your own.
