The activities of High IQ societies tend to be concentrated predominantly in more advanced/established economies (with a few exceptions of course). Few members live in (and hence few activities take place in) much of the world outside the OECD, leaving much of Africa, Asia and Latin America (all of which have some fascinating, safe and affordable destinations) a bit “overlooked”.
Far and Bright was founded by a bunch of adventurous Mensa members seeking to rectify this gap and offer opportunities for bright people to also have fun get-together breakaways in more unknown and exotic localities, while at the same time presenting opportunities for bright students of destination countries to be introduced to the concept of High IQ societies.
We look for countries that are firstly on the safe side, have fascinating things to do and see, relatively affordable when done in a group, but otherwise practically inaccessible to most people on their own due to either language barriers, lack of information, cost of solo travel, being too off the beaten track, etc.
It is also planned where possible to be a nice warm breakaway from the freezing Northern hemisphere winter while also not clashing with major alternative events such as EMAG, American Mensa AG, AMG, etc.
Tours are arranged on a friendly basis, and about 7-10 days in duration (sometimes with add-on options).
Our next adventure together, is the forgotten twin-island country of São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), to take place from 11 January 2025 to 22 January 2025, with early exit and extension options.
STP is Africa’s 2nd smallest country and former Portuguese cacao-producing colony that receives fewer visitors than even North Korea, but still has so much to offer!
Magical, secretive, breathtaking twin islands running across the Equator, offering beaches, forest, flora, mountains, waterfalls, great seafood, diving, whales, chocolate, sunshine and smiles (while it snows in Europe).
Reached by an easy connection on TAP via Portugal, we will spend 10 days exploring the two islands, with an early exit option after one week, for those tight on time.
Highlights incude:
Estimated cost (excluding international flights – starting from about €1 000 if booked early – and meals, which you can order (or skip or buy from supermarket) according to preference):
São Tomé: €1 070 per person sharing (with single supplement of €370)
São Tomé and Príncipe: €1 700 per person sharing (with single supplement of €430)
This cost includes:
1st non-refundable deposit:
Amount: €350 (São Tomé)/€480 (São Tomé and Príncipe)
Payable when registering
2nd non-refundable deposit:
Amount: €300 (São Tomé)/€450 (São Tomé and Príncipe)
Payable by 30 November
Accommodation:
Conditionally refundable deposits will be charged to secure hotel rooms, with final accommodation bills (less deposits) to be settled directly to the relevant establishments.
Please click on the button to book your spot on the trip and also join the WhatsApp and Facebook groups where announcements will be made:
This trip is only for travelers that qualify for membership of High-IQ societies and their guests. If you do not have an up to date membership of a society, please contact the orga team for a little test.
Madagascar, vanilla island
South Africa, land of wonders
Mongolia, charming open spaces, horseback rides, great food
Bolivia/Peru/Ecuador, heart of South America
Saudi Arabia (modernizing at the speed of light)/Oman
Gambia + Senegal, massive rivers, estuaries
Republic of Georgia, great food, culture and nature
Bhutan, magical mountain kingdom
Further suggestions welcomed, including offers to lead a trip