Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Muna, the tiger with CAT written on his forehead, come out of the bush at Kanha, and wander along the road beside us, mark his territory, walk on a bit further then cross the road. All this whilst about 12 jeeps were jostling to get close to him. He didn't pay us the slightestbit of attention.Seeing how the wardens reacted at Bandhavgahr when we reported seeing the tiger with the porcupine quill up its nose on our last day. Within hours they had got a vet to the tiger, darted her, and removed the quill, which was so far up her nose it was life-threatening. She was in agony and it was very heartening that they intervened so quickly.Seeing two wild dogs bring down an 8-pointer spotted deer stag. They had obviously been attacking it for some time and the stag had much of its rump eaten away. Every time they brought it down it got back up to fight again even though it was deeply in shock. Finally they left to get the rest of the pack, and even then it tried to get away, but was far too badly mauled to survive. It was a very brave animal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was brilliant. He was passionate about the tigers and so well informed. It was a pleasure to be with him. He also looked after me so well when I got sick, and arranged for a doctor at the camp to see me and give me antibiotics. He is one of the best group leaders I have been with and he was funny and endearing as well as good at his job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take antibiotics, don't ever brush your teeth with tap water, even in Mumbai (my downfall) and don't wear anything on the drives that you love, everything gets covered in red dust that doesn't really wash out!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Quinzee building day was great it was a real team effort and a real achievement to spend all day building it to then sleep in it even though it was -14 outside and -4 inside. You had to trust your building skills and the help from the guides. To wake up and see the sun rise on a frozen lake surrounded by beautiful views was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Teddy was great fun, really helpful and great at instructing everyone. We appreciated his knowledge of the area and it came across that he enjoyed his job which allowed him to pass on his enthusiasm to us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We took a travel kettle which was great if we wanted to chill out in our room. If you want to see the northern lights properly you need a good quality camera and the guys all had tripods as you are waiting around a bit in the cold.Just get involved and try and do everything as some things could be daunting (ice climbing) however everything is set up for all abilities so worth a shot.Additional experiences are quite pricey so if you do want to do the extras best to save up some pocket money!

Most Inspirational Moment

When the sun shone on the high valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains, while snow and sleet gathered all around, and the wind blew; when the vendors in Djem El Fn in Marrakesh persuaded us to savour their delicious and cheap meals near the crowded souks; when the wirey slim employee doused us with water and stretched our limbs in the hamman.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mainly OK-he let us know what was happenening; organised the travel efficiently; provided good and helpful advice; but on the walks didn't really pay enough attention to the slower walkers who were finding the terrain difficult. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready to enjoy 'basic conditions'-shared sleeping dorms, washrooms, toilets; be ready to avoid buying unwanted products in the souks of Marrakesh.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up early to see our campsite floating above the clouds and the distant mountains tinged with pink as the sun rose on day four.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Flaminia was very knowledgeable, understanding and fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keeping warm at night required extra layers of clothing inside sleeping bag. Antiseptic handgel and wipes helped me to avoid any tummy problems.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Apart from the mountain ascent, the hike is all quite manageable as long as you have the stamina to walk for several hours.  When we went at Easter the weather was great, nice and warm during the day, but not too hot (or cold at night).  I didn't like the mountain ascent (I did rip my trousers on the way down!) and might have opted to stay back at base, but everyone else seemed to enjoy it.Probably a good idea to take some luxuries - we had fresh coffee, others had snacks or sweets -  the food provided on the trek was fine and filling, but a bit spartan.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think seeing the Treasury at Petra for the first time and just taking it all in!  Petra by night is also very beautiful and gives you a different insight.  The climb to the monastery was tough but worth it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sami was very helpful and he knew a lot about his country especially with the perspective that he had lived outside of it also.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for hot days but cold nights and also rain in Amman!

Most Inspirational Moment

Not sure if inspirational is the right word.  All of it was amazing.  Havanah fascinating and a perfect end to the trip.  Driving and cycling thru the national park, the scenery was awesome. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hose was extremely helpful, funny, entertaining, courteous and kind.  He went beyond the call of duty to make the holiday special and smooth flowing for everybody.  It was wonderful seeing the passion and pride that he had in his country.  We all wanted to take him home at the end.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If they can try to extend their stay at the end in Havanah.  Perhaps even for just one more night.  Also they should try and discover more of the island themselves.  The usual - plenty of high factor, padded bike seats.  they should not worry as we felt extremely safe there.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling the mountain stages. The Che Guevara mausoleum. Swimming in the Caribean.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Not much.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Insist that the torur is run with the wind and not against it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Crossing the Jebel Burdah bridge, drinking sage tea round the campfire and sleeping under the stars every night of the trek.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Salah was fantastic - knowledgeable and with a great sense of humour and fun.  I could not have done the Jebel Burdah climb without him - he was so encouraging and I felt I was in very safe hands as I negotiated the trickier sections with his help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A pair of cotton gloves was very useful on the climb - there is a lot of scrambling using handholds and the rock is quite rough.  The camel ride on the last day in Wadi Rum is definitely worth doing - great photo opportunites and gives the feet a rest!

Most Inspirational Moment

 The mosque in Casablanca was fantastic. Seeing the snow covered mountains and the stars from the gite in the High Atlas. The quietness of the camel trek into the desert.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha was an excellent leader. Very knowledgeable, well organised and sociable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take underwater protection for cameras in the desert.  Several cameras suffered from sand.