Most Inspirational Moment
the moment we saw seven griffons in the air, sitting on the top of a moutain
Thoughts on Group Leader
alvaro saiz is 'the best that can happen to you'
Advice for Potential Travellers
just one: go!
Reviews
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Reviews
A lovely holiday
last year I went tot de PIcos de Europa and thought this was the best holiday I ever had.
this year in september I returned and quess what; perfect can be even more perfect (as a matter of saying)
I’m from Holland , a journalist of nature and know my wishes
Madagascan Discoverer trip - September 2014
I was in a group of twelve on the 4 September 2014 trip, led by a very popular Malagasy guide (favourably referred to in many reviews) whose very long name was conveniently shortened to “Sol”. Weather at this time of year turned out to be mainly very good – not over-hot in the later stages of the trip. Unfortunately, our first few days in the rain forest were pretty damp – it rained non-stop. This did not prevent us seeing any of the wildlife but some of the initial photos inevitably reflected the difficulty of taking them. Occasionally, as in the Kirindi reserve, the lemurs are habituated to humans and, if you sit quietly, one troupe will come and mingle – especially if you give them some water. (Don’t touch their tails!) Others stick to the high trees and are often frustratingly difficult to photograph because so many branches and twigs get in the way. After the rain forest we flew back to Antananarivo (“Tana”) and, thereafter until the last day, all travel was by road. Apart from splitting the group into four 4WDs for the Tsingy excursion, all driving was in a smallish bus. The bus was reasonably comfortable and air-conditioned but we rarely felt the need for the A/C as long as the fan was on. There are a lot of long driving days but the roads on the circular part of the tour are all pretty good and, if you want to see the country properly, there is really no alternative. Sol made sure we had plenty of stops so the experience was fine for most of us – if not all. The road up to the Tsingy was a different matter and was in serious need of improvement. It will probably get this before too long – graders were already in evidence and tourists will wonder what the fuss was about within a couple of years. Ferry crossings were slow and inefficient but provided a good opportunity to chill out. The worst length of dirt road is probably between Tulear and the hotel north of Ifaty. This requires a lot of patience and will probably not be upgraded anytime soon. Hotels were, as indicated by previous reviews, surprisingly good and pretty clean for the most part. For those who cannot get away from their phones or tablets Wi-Fi is available at most of them – if only in Reception. Electricity is sometimes rationed (e.g. 7-10pm only) and room lighting usually leaves a lot to be desired. One “tented” camp was a bit basic but perfectly acceptable. Meals were good – although menus were not particularly varied. If you like Zebu steak and chips you will enjoy this trip a lot. That said some of the fish is excellent and I had one meal of lobster which was greatly enjoyed. Desserts are mainly fruit so it is difficult to over-indulge too much. As regards health issues I was lucky – being on antibiotics for a pre-holiday infection. I suspect this protected me because everybody else had tummy troubles during the first week, although nobody seemed much under the weather for more than a day or two. Few mosquitos were in evidence – even in the rain forest. I took great care to smother myself in DEET throughout the trip and only relaxed the regime when we returned to Tana at the end – when, inevitably, I suffered several bites. The Tsingy is a strange area of pinnacles and extremely sharp rocks. It is well worth seeing and the climbing element is worth experiencing (not for the faint-hearted but not onerous). We had no problems but it is probably worth making sure that your insurance covers helicopter evacuation (assuming a helicopter is actually available – which may not be the case). To my surprise the scenery on our later circular route did not vary very much – rolling brown/yellow hills with scrub and lots of little square houses. (I had been expecting mountains but we only saw them from a distance in the south). Others have commented on the “slash and burn” approach to agriculture and the deforestation evident, with all the wildlife under threat and confined to reserves. Whilst there is a lot of truth to these observations I felt that most of the scenery we saw had probably not changed much for many years. That said, the change will probably accelerate in the near future so now is a good time to go. Baobabs are nearly everywhere on the west coast and you will get baobabbed out! Tana has some interesting areas and the older buildings on the central escarpment (where the wealthy live) could almost be from an old European town. The lake in the centre of the city is a disgrace – being widely (and openly) used as a latrine and the smell is offputting. Baobab alley was good – although the locals tend to congregate there a lot (some with herds of Zebu) and there were comments to the effect that they spoiled the pictures! Sadly we didn’t get a decent sunset there. Others may be luckier. I think now is a very good time to see Madagascar. Tourism, whilst increasing, has not yet taken off and one does not get pestered to buy souvenirs to anything like the irritating extent one does in so many other countries. I think I would still recommend seeing Ethiopia first but this was a good and enjoyable trip and can safely be recommended.
Most Inspirational Moment
The day-long trek in Isola park (including a swim in a natural pool) was exactly the right length and gave us a morning in a shady canyon and a hot walk in the afternoon finished off with a nice swim. I wouldn't say this was inspirational but the scenery was occasionally spectacular and it was a very enjoyable day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sol was excellent - always smiling, always helpful, always well-organised. He well deserves the accolades he always gets!
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you want to take photos of lemurs in the tree tops you will obviously need an up-to-date camera with plenty of zoom capability. (I found 20x was sufficient for the most part but could have done with more.) The nocturnal walks also demand flash and anti-shake technology. A waterproof camera could well be useful in the rain forest. Walking around in the cities (especially Tana) is dangerous - not so much from attention by the locals but because there are a lot of cars and they all seem to be parked on the pavement/sidewalk so you have to venture into the road risking life and limb. Take care! There is no particular problem outside the cities. Depending on when you travel it is probably worth taking water-proofs and/or a folding umbrella. Mosquito nets are often provided - but not always when they are needed (like in Tana). It is still worth taking your own wedge net. The exchange rate means that changing the recommended £400 at the outset means you get a brick of notes. After you have contributed to the tips kitty you will need somewhere to carry this securely. There are very few places where reliable ATMs can be found (e.g. there is a good one in Tulear) so doing a large change at the airport on the first day is the best way. There are still surprisingly few places to buy souvenirs. You will find a few stalls around Baobab alley and at Kirindi but the only other good opportunities are at stops at shops after Andisirabe and in Tulear (where there is a shell market). More excursions are available than are advertised. On the last day (north of Ifaty) you will need something to do unless you like mooching around. In season, whale watching is possible (we were unlucky) but there are also snorkelling trips, wind-surfing and visits to the "Spiny Forest". Bear in mind that transport has to be organised for these. Cost for the day is unlikely to exceed £30. Save your plastic water bottles for the local kids during the driving days - but throw them to people rather than attempting to give them to specific kids. We nearly had an accident when a kid decided to run alongside the bus in order to get hold of a proffered bottle and nearly fell under the bus wheels. The morning gorge walk on Day 10 started early and was surprisingly cold before the sun came up. we didn't take Sol's warnings seriously and regretted it. Take a pullover and gloves.
Sicilian Volcanoes
Very good trip…great location, impressive volcanoes, good group, friendly and helpful guide, amazing photos. Only complaint was not having enough time on Stomboli to fit in. trek and a boat trip (there are lava flows to the sea at the moment so the night time boat trip is a must). Would have rather had one less day on Lipari and one extra day on Stromboli
Most Inspirational Moment
Trekking to the crater rim of Mt Etna
Thoughts on Group Leader
Friendly, helpful, knowledgable....very good.
Walking the great wall of china
This was the last big trek that we were going to do as our age is catching up with us, we found the walk quite hard for us and we were the last all the time. Our team leader Jerry, once he found we were struggling he made a point of ensuring that we were okay and any difficult parts he was always there to assist us. the group we had were absolutely brilliant and the social side of the group was wonderful. regarding the trek it was hard but well worth the considerable effort to complete it. We had a good insight to the local community and the accommodation was good as you were in the local culture and although not the best standard it was adequate. all in all it was a great holiday, expertly organised and great value for money.
Most Inspirational Moment
The longest day of the trek, It was a really a clear sunny day and the scenery was absolutely stunning
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader Jerry Wei was a great leader with a good knowledge of the wall and his social skills with the group were brilliant
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go for it regardless of age. We are in mid 60's and mid 70's and whilst we struggled quite a lot, we are so glad we achieved something we have thought about for some years and never imagined it would happen, but it did, thanks to Exodus and Jerry our guide. Thank you.
Classic Kenyan Safari - A fantastic trip
A 7 day trip with lots of early starts, but that aside it was well worth it, scenery was amazing, and a lot of animals were seen, including cheetahs and a leopard. Considering it was my first safari I was really lucky in what was seen. The guides were great and really knew their stuff, and I also had the other vital ingrediant to a great holiday in that I was with some really fun people.
Most Inspirational Moment
I would have to say one of the most imspirational moments was watching the sunrise on the Masai Maara, just breath taking watching a new day dawn.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader was great, knew his stuff was a lot of fun, and drove like a demon when needed.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't bother with taking Stirling, just stick to dollars and convert it to shilling there. Always haggle and start really low as they over price (waaaaay over) and try to keep a good idea of the conversion from shilling to pounds/dollars in your head. Otherwise lots of sunscreen and a decent camera and binoculars.
Cycle Cilento & the Amalfi Coast
Great cycling with excellent food. Varied scenery and interesting history . Can be challenging on the long uphills and traffic congested coastal part but the views are amazing. Tasting real Italian foods. Sitting in old town squares enjoying the local wine.
Meeting like minded cyclists from around the world.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling up to the mediaeval village of Pisciotta before spending the night at the agriturismo, a small farm where we watched pasta being hand made for our evening meal. Seeing the magnificent ruins at Paestum. Cycling along the Amalfi coast with all the buses! Seeing the views. Tasting the best Buffalo Mozzarella ever.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Paolo very good at leading a mixed group of abilities, keeping us together . Informative about the history and places were we went to see. Mixed well with the group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If not used to long hills get some in before you go. As in the heat they are much harder. Enjoy!
Miss S Jones
A fantastic weeks walking – tough- but the views were worth it!
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing eagles and vultures soaring above us, and did I mention the views? Stunning. Lake District limestone walking with sunshine! Oh and the lunches - fantastic.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had a fantastic group leader - local and extremely knowledgeable. I trusted his knowledge and guidance completely, and felt totally at ease in his group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Sturdy boots and a good head for heights.
The Zambezi Valley.
An amazing experience.You get really close to nature!
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing so many elephants up close.Watching some of the most amazing sunsets and sunrises.
Thoughts on Group Leader
CB was excellent.His hard work,calm manner and unending patience made the trip extra special.The way he and Achmel(?)produced such excellent food on a tiny heap of wood or charcoal was amazing.Thank you so much to them.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take some gloves as the canoeing can be hard at times when you are up against the strong wind.
Cycling Morocco's great south
Brilliant cycle holiday and 100% recommended. This holiday is very much about cycling through beautiful Moroccan landscapes and eating some very tasty Tagines.
Be-warned there really are only two directions to cycle on this trip and that’s UP and DOWN!.. the climbs are difficult and challenging even when not listed as so in the trip notes (however there is always the option of getting in a support vehicle if you want to). The descents are AMAZING.. think we clocked up around 60km per hour plus at times. There is very little flat on the whole trip… but every hill was worth it!
Most Inspirational Moment
Not Inspirational but on day 6 when you have cycled your final BIG hill (not the last hill) there is a long flat road at the top of the mountain, followed by an incredible long descent. This was a great chance to really see and appreciate where you are and what you are doing - really fantastic last cycle day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Female travelers should know that you need to wear long shorts and have your shoulders covered at all times. This isn't in the trip notes but worth knowing when deciding what to pack.
Namibia - 4WD Desert Explorer
This trip was everything I expected and more.this was my third trip to Namibia but this time because of the wild camping I saw far more and really appreciated the beauty of the desert and of Namibia as a whole.
Most Inspirational Moment
The couple of days we spent in the desert.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Frank Austin was excellent, he taught us so much about the history of the areas we went through,about the problems of the endangered species and of the people, I do not think we could have had better.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a travel wash basin and sink plugs with you because most camp sites do not have them.