Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There are a few inspirational moments. Firsly finding that we had a great mixed group to share our holiday with. Some couples, singletons, siblings and lifetime friends, many who had been on previous trips and had advice and experiences to share from those. In particular two wonderful 70 old ladies who often headed up the group on our way up the hills gave me hope for another 15 years of these type of holidays. Along with the wildlife which was exquisite and varied I found the vegetation to be awe inspiring. I loved the Wilson Botanical gardens and the rides through the mountains as we descended from that area. Seeing the various different plantations from pineapple to coffee and bananas was fascinating. And finally our beautiful afternoons by the the beach first the Pacific at Agua Dulce and then the Carribean for our impromptu swim, which Roberto realised was a necessary addition to the itinery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto is an excellent locally based leader , who is fluent in English, with the skills to manage and rearrange the itinery to suit the group requirements and the ensuing pandemic that we sadly were having to contend with. He was prepared to manage finances for various meals to enable us to get the best out of our time in the country, a truly experienced and skilled leader. He patiently repeated his instructions when asked, and pulled us into line when needed. His knowledge of the country and the wildlife was exceptional and he sets the standard very high for all our future trips. His helper Jeyson was also a delightful young man, who is a valuable addition to the team. With Luis and his exceptional driving they are a formidable group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As we were new to this style of trip, we hadn't thought through how it would work, it did perfectly but here are the things we learnt. Moving accommodation every night was an organisational challenge and being very prepared for this in your packing would help. 'Packing cubes is a recommendation I will take home from another guest'!! We set up early a group whatapp which enabled us to share photos and co-ordinate meeting in a timely manner this was essential. We had a fair degree of bus time and these journeys were made much more fun by having an inclusive group vibe, where everyone was helpful regarding possessions and spotting bathroom opportunities. Each person, couple is looking to get something slightly different out of the experience if everyone in the group is mindful of that it works brilliantly, as it did for us.

Most Inspirational Moment

So much culture! Impromtu detours courtesy of Sam which was so interesting and which if we were travelling solo we would of missed. For example the Hindu festival at a temple with elephants, magical. The tuktuk rides! The walk around the rural village.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant could not have wished for better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with the flow!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Penguins! Both the walk along Boulders Beach in Simonstown, and the kayaking the following day were fabulous, and despite all the uncertainty and concerns over Covid-19, seeing the penguins instantly made everything better! I also really enjoyed the wine tasting in the Stellenbosch area - Stellenbosch itself is one of the most beautiful towns I have ever seen, and the visits to the vineyards were great fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Adonia and Ernest were great - nothing was too much trouble, and when our itinerary had to change they found other places for us to go. They were also amazingly helpful and reassuring when we were informed we would have to leave early due to Covid-19 - and despite that, we all still enjoyed the holiday very much!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If travelling in March, I would advise taking a windbreaker as it is surprisingly windy in Cape Town and surrounding area! It can also get quite cool at nights, so take a jumper or jacket too. Walking shoes/boots are a must for Table Mountain, and I'd recommend maybe sandals or shoes you don't mind getting wet for the kayaking!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing hundreds of penguins at Boulders Beach was my top highlight but there were so many other great moments too. The wine tasting day was lots of fun and made me try wines I wouldn't normally feel brave enough to drink as I always stick to white at home. The evening dinners together were always great too. I got to enjoy delicious wine and food whilst learning more and more about my fellow travellers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adonia and Ernest were absolute legends. From the first day to our last, they were always smiley, full of interesting information about South Africa and genuinely felt like part of the group. I'm sure I can speak for the rest of the group when I say that it was a sad moment to leave them at the airport when we flew back home.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this trip and explore the highlights of South Africa with other people in their 30s and 40s. The weather up Table Mountain and at Cape Point can be really windy so make sure you pack an extra layer on these days.

Most Inspirational Moment

Great views on our last days when the skies fully cleared.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Miguel was particularly good and gave a detailed and very personal insight into Catalonia and the Pyrenees. He give evening talks on Bears, the geography of the Pyrenees and even local cheese sampling with very good wine provided to ensure an authentic experience. He was clearly well informed about the region and picked each days walk with a critical eye on the weather and where we would experience the best snow conditions and weather. He has a wealth of experience and was open to sharing his views on the region, its politics and its challenges which gave a more in depth view adding to the overall experience. He is someone I would be delighted to meet up with again.

Most Inspirational Moment

The best part for us was the kayaking to see the penguins at Boulders Beach. It was a great activity and having never done sea kayaking before I, especially, was nervous, however I needn’t have been, the kayaks were easy to operate and the paddling was fine. The penguins were a pleasure to see, and watching them bob about in the waves not far from our kayaks was a real treat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adonia was our guide and Ernest was our driver and they were fabulous. They were so friendly and helpful and had excellent knowledge of the area and history etc. By the end of the trip everyone felt like family, and we were sad to leave. Also, they were great when, through circumstances beyond their control, they had to make last minute alterations and organise things differently. 5 stars all round, thanks guys!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, it can be very windy! Especially at Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, so be prepared. :)

Most Inspirational Moment

So many of these. Some of the hotels were so pretty with gorgeous gardens. I really value this on a busy trip so you have a bit of down time in the sunshine. We saw 2 young tigers in Ranthambore and this was a highlight. They were beautiful .Felt a bit alarmed the number of trucks all scrambling to view them, but they seemed ok and not traumatised. The Taj Mahal is very beautiful and Varanasi is beyond belief, especially the evening prayers which are akin to a scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was amazing. Such a lovely friendly man, had us all eating out of his hand I'd say. He has done the trip so many times and knows every inch of it. He joined in with us and shared the fun. He was organised and gave very clear instructions for the itinerary each day. Was sad to say goodbye.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need to love curry, journeying and you need, as on many adventure holidays, patience and an ability to take things as they come. The e-visa service seemed to cause problems at the airport, but it was a difficult time with Covid19. I had a year visa which meant I got through immigration very quickly. Those with e-visas took forever. Take your Powerbank out of your main luggage. Take some warm clothes for the early starts, it takes a while to warm up. No-one was ill, the facilities were nowhere near as bad as you might think they would be, even on the overnight trains and stations. Didn't open my medicine pack. Due to the time of year, I came back with pink and orange hair from Holi, but I'm getting used to it. All but 2 hotels were really good, but you take the rough with the smooth on these trips.

Most Inspirational Moment

The natural beauty of the coastline from Cape Town to the Cape of Good Hope will really stick in the memory. The eyes are seduced by the magnificence of the white sandy beaches before being confronted by the dancing white horses crashing into rugged coves. As I gazed out to the horizon and with nothing but churning ocean for thousands of miles to the left and to the right, I reflected on my good fortune in being offered the opportunity to put into perspective mankind’s place on the planet. While I tapped away on my iPhone taking picture after picture of the magnificent landscape, I knew that in spite of all of the technology at my fingertips, mother nature will always have the final word.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adonia our tour leader and his able assistant Ernest were superb in very way. More so, in light of the challenges they were presented with on an hourly basis as the consequences of the South African Government's decision to impose travel restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 became apparent. At every turn, Adonia and Ernest kept us abreast of the situation and the implications on our scheduled activities. Where one activity was cancelled, an alternative was rapidly improvised. Too windy to hike to the top of Table Mountain. Ok, lets visit Signal Hill Nature Reserve instead. Bike hire company closed due to COVID-19? Let’s hike up to Cape Point Lighthouse. Highly knowledgeable, highly engaging and above all highly empathetic, Adonia and Ernest were there for us every step of the way. It really was sad to leave them in such abrupt circumstances.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are travelling on this trip towards the back of the South African summer, pack a windbreaker and a fleece as it can be really windy during the day and cool in the evening. Also make sure to pack a proper pair of waking boots as the hike up Table Mountain is largely on rocky steps so firm footing is required.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a mother and two cubs on the same day we saw a pair of snow leopards above camp. Everyone raced up the hill to the spotting scopes, forgetting the altitude. We were still chatting excitedly over our luck at evening meal, having watched them for 3 hours.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie is rightfully a legend - she knows everyone and even read us local tales from a book. She lives and breathes the region and that in turn feeds into the group and how good the trip turned out to be. She is also widely respected by the local people and staff, case in point one evening a ranger had his own client with an eye problem - first port of call was Valerie to see what she thought.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't scrimp on a warm sleeping bag, proper boots for the terrain and warm layers. This is not extreme terrain but you will enjoy life a lot more if you are comfortable. Take a small bag to leave in Delhi and another drybag of something to change into when you get bag to Leh. Likelihood is you will be wearing same clothes for daysin camp so just be warm.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed all of the holiday and stays at all of the national parks, seeing all the wild life eg the orangutans, monkeys, birds and plants. I enjoyed the contrast between the different national parks where we stayed and also making the most of short stays in the towns.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manuiel was a great group leader he worked extremely hard to identify and to show us wildlife, insects, birds and plants. He worked very hard to ensure that the trip went smoothly and was very organised and we always knew in advance plans for the trip. He is sociable and has a good sense of humour which benefited us all . He was approachable so you could ask questions. He helped us on our free day in Koto Kinabalu to organise the boat to the island.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take a head torch and wet weather poncho for rain and leech socks for Danum