Zegrahm Expeditions Review

When you know the history behind Zegrahm Expeditions’ unusual name, you understand what makes this small-group tour company so different. After meeting out in the field while leading expedition trips, six friends decided to form their own adventure-travel company, taking the first letter from each of their first and last names’ to form the company moniker. And so, out of the spirit of adventure and a plan sketched out on a cocktail napkin, Zegrahm Expeditions was born.

Now, the company leads small-group tours on every continent, with a focus on small ship cruises, cultural journeys, and wildlife adventures.

Zegrahm Expeditions Review: Itineraries

On a Zegrahm Expeditions tour, you won’t be sent down the heavily touristed path—itineraries focus on unique destinations, and often include stops that would be too hard for a typical traveler to get to on their own. Zegrahm Expeditions doesn’t repeat itineraries, so each adventure is guaranteed to be a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Locations are thoroughly scouted ahead of time, and local experts consulted to find the best secret spots to visit. The trips are built to have enough flexibility that itineraries can change daily, so groups can adapt plans to take advantage of a prime weather condition or rare animal sighting.

Zegrahm Expeditions Review: Guides

Zegrahm Expeditions hires knowledgeable guides with expertise in a wide variety of fields. The typical leader-to-passenger ration is 1:10, giving guests access to experts—there will always be someone nearby on a Zegrahm trip to answer any question you might have.

Depending on your destination, passionate guides in areas like ornithology, marine biology, anthropology, history, geology, and others will be traveling with you.

Having attended a Zegrahm Expeditions trip, I can attest that it’s clear the guides love their jobs—most of the guides have been working with the company for many years.

In addition to leading tours, driving zodiacs, and telling stories at meals, guides will hold fun and educational lectures throughout the trip, giving guests plenty of opportunities to learn and ask questions.

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Zegrahm Expeditions Review: Food

Food offerings are plentiful and incorporate the local cuisine of the destination. Special diets, such as vegetarian, are thoughtfully accommodated, with plenty of options available. 

Zegrahm Expeditions Review: Solo Travelers

Solo travelers are well-catered to, and many solo travelers choose Zegrahm Expeditions trips. The single supplement has been eliminated on some voyages.

Zegrahm Expeditions Review: Inclusions

Zegrahm Expedition trips are nearly all-inclusive. Trip costs include all gratuities (including porters, drivers, guides, crew, etc.), so you don’t have to worry about tipping while traveling. Medical expense and emergency evacuation insurance are built in. Trips also include a gift certificate to the Zegrahm’s online shop so you can buy recommended expedition gear before you go.

Trip costs also include: accommodations, activities, all meals (including beer and wine, and on some journeys, all drinks), and all entrance fees/taxes/landing/port charges and arrival/departure transfers.

Zegrahm Expeditions Review: Was it Worth the Money?

In my opinion, Zegrahm Expeditions tours are worth the money. The itineraries are unique, special, and hard to execute as an independent traveler. Group sizes are small, and the ratio of guides-to-guests is very low. The expertise of the guides adds a lot of value.

Zegrahm tours include many add-ons that other companies don’t offer (such as medical insurance and gratuities) that would otherwise add up at the end of your trip.

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Caroline Morse Teel was hosted by Zegrahm Expeditions on their Ultimate Seychelles with Aldabra Atoll tour. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from the voyage and around the world.