Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Three unforgettable moments: A whale watching trip from Hermanus that was the best (of quite a few) I have experienced. As my wife (who suffers from sea-sickness) said, I don't think we need to do one of those again. I can't imagine it could be bettered. Arriving at Barrydale after a longish bus transfer from Stellenbosch and a "undulating" 60 odd km ride everyone was quite tired and too late for the planned brandy-tasting. The recipe for a grumpy evening was complete, but instead it was the making of our group, bonding over a really good meal. The whole party getting to the summit of Chapman's Peak just before lunch on the last day's cycling at the same time after one of the most beautiful morning's cycling I have ever experienced. The shared experiences are the best.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter was excellent. He was always enthusiastic, determined that we should eke out every last experience available to us, and always knowing where they could be found, whether it was a venue for our evening meal, a walk to a viewpoint (when we were all tired and were less than enthusiastic ourselves) or a drive to a local beauty spot for a pre-dinner G&T. His team, Bradley and Voyu were similarly motivated to go that extra km to help us all enjoy the adventure as much as possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go! I doubt that you'll regret it.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were too many highlights over the 10 days to mention here, but the satisfaction of riding over majestic mountain passes to be rewarded with beautiful vineyard visits, seeing whales, sharks and penguins up close in their natural habitat, and swimming in the Indian ocean were some of the best.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Peter, really went the extra mile to make our trip special. He offered numerous little add-ons that were hard to resist, e.g. a hike up to a view point overlooking the Whale Coast in Hermanus, and G&Ts above Cape Agulhas at sunset. We left South Africa with so many special and unique memories thanks to the hard work of Peter and his team, Bradley and Voyu.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do get reasonably fit for this trip as, although the distances aren't massive, the route is undulating and, at times, hilly, and it can be windy. You will enjoy it more if you do. You also need to factor in the wine-tasting - this is bound to make your legs a little heavier in the morning! Be open-minded about the accommodation - our hosts offered comfortable, quirky rooms that gave a fantastic flavour of local life. I will never stay in a chain hotel again!

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing the Franschheok Pass. After having to walk up hills in Central America 18 months earlier it felt wonderful to be the first of the group to reach the top!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Warren was an excellent tour leader and interacted with everyone in the group. A wealth of knowledge and nothing was any trouble for him. Our second guide/driver Adonia is a great guide in the making.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy the trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the day to day activities of the Vietnamese people going about their daily lives, the traffic, the scooters, the noise. The abundance of fruit, vegetables and flowers on display at the markets, Also kayaking in the lagoon at Halong bay as dusk was falling and everyone else had left, we watched the monkeys scurrying along the cliffs and it was silent and magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cong was a lovely patient man who was obviously very proud of his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do all the optional trips offered to you, or get out and about on your own in the free time parts of this trip. It feels very safe in Vietnam so don't spend any time in your hotel room unless you are asleep!

Most Inspirational Moment

To cycle up and over the Hai Van Pass.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Linh was a brilliant team leader who's knowledge of all aspects of the tour was brilliant. He was very entertaining and looked after all aspects of the tour. The support team were also brilliant and dealt with cycle repairs snacks at stops, and transport.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a brilliant trip, the cycling is not too difficult apart from the Hai Van Pass, however 14 out of 15 team members managed the climb. Be prepared for long Coach transfers.

Most Inspirational Moment

To cycle up and over the Hai Van Pass.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Linh was a brilliant team leader who's knowledge of all aspects of the tour was brilliant. He was very entertaining and looked after all aspects of the tour. The support team were also brilliant and dealt with cycle repairs snacks at stops, and transport.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a brilliant trip, the cycling is not too difficult apart from the Hai Van Pass, however 14 out of 15 team members managed the climb. Be prepared for long Coach transfers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Esquinas Lodge was definitely my favourite place to stay. So remote and so beautiful. The sounds of the rainforest especially at dawn. Close second was Tortuguero. The gardens there teem with birds and the boat trips took us right into the waterways where we saw howler monkeys, spider monkeys, capuchins, caimans,turtles and so many birds. Turning off the engine of the boat and sitting in silence to hear the rainforest breathe was unforgettable. Seeing my first sloth was special. As was the quetzal trip at dawn. Three resplendent quetzals in no hurry to fly away!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very special. Nothing was too much trouble. Katia really did go the extra mile to make everything run smoothly and her knowledge was awesome. She had the perfect balance of interpersonal skills and professional know how. I learnt so much about the social and natural history of Costa Rica and we had such fun too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If in the UK, do take the direct flight from London Gatwick to San Jose. It took all the strain out of the travelling and avoided the stresses of stopover in the USA, the harsh treatment by the US immigration system, and risk of missing onward flights!

Most Inspirational Moment

See above

Thoughts on Group Leader

See above

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of layers

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up at 3 am and climbing for 5 hours with head torches to reach the Thorang La pass by 9. Watching the sun rise and then descending about 5,400 ft . Views that just took your breath away. The desolation up there and freezing cold too. And the sense of achievement that the whole group made it. Poon Hill was amazing too. Another early morning start to get up there but you really did feel on top of the world. And all those other trekkers up there too, like us, waiting to see the sun rise. The way the light caught the mountains was just magical and presented great photo opportunities.

Thoughts on Group Leader

If you said name me the perfect group leader, it would be Prim ( and I know others in the group thought the same) He constantly watched over us (but not in an intrusive way) ensuring everyone was OK. Safety was paramount. Sorted out all our meals, was very knowledgeable about the mountains, had a great smile, was very courteous. A true gent. Nothing was too much trouble. He took away any anxiety with his calmness. He had Pasang and Lappa helping him too. They were both excellent. And lets not forget the porters - delightful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of hand gel. Reduce your risk of tummy bugs - take probiotics before and during walk. Whilst it can be very cold as you go up, its also very warm when the sun is out, even when high up. So have a good mix of winter and summer clothes. Jelly babies , boiled sweets and chocolates bars keep you happy !

Most Inspirational Moment

The musty rooms smelled like old socks and the toilets were revolting!