Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to choose one: all the many archaeological sites we visited (Machu Picchu just one!);  the museums, notably the Museo de Arte Precolumbino in Cusco; the trip to the Islas Ballestas, and the many birds and herds of camelids we stopped to look at on the plains - and the sea otter I spotted frolicking in the Pacific, and the six foot long tree boa our guide caught in the rainforest.... And the Moonstone Trek, on my own, with Jesus (the guide), the excellent cook (that Andean barbecue!), two horse men, four horses, and a foal... and the night sky in the Andes. Too much.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The immaculate Rene! What a star. Just so kind and thoughtful on top of being so organised and knowledgeable (thanks for all the birdwatching Rene!) We all miss him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not necessary to bring dollars really - cash machines were available in the main towns and I found out (too late) that you can order Peruvian currency here in UK! (Exchanging dollars at Lima airport not recommended - poor rate).Take your own sleeping bag and liner but don't bother bringing your Exodus kitbag as the ones supplied free to others for trek seemed ok.The Moonstone Trek is well worth doing, if you are fit, not necessarily 'more challenging' than Inca Trail (bit more altitude but no steps!) with interesting alternative sites (one with mummy included!) It also included more time to explore Ollantaytambo, which was worthwhile.Read Cloud Road, by John Harrison. Do explore Cusco well - the Museo de Arte Precolumbino is the most beautiful of archaeological museums and should be high on your list.

Most Inspirational Moment

Paros is relatively unspoilt.Santorini was overrun by tourists but its beauty cannot be denied.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was helpful and pleasant.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting in a Zodiac watching Killer Whales (about 90) swimming towards us.  Absolutely thrilling.Humpback whales passing under the Zodiak and rolling slightly to look at us.  Unforgetable.Sitting with hundreds of penguins watching them going about their business and watching us with great curiosity.  I have some wonderful photographs of penguins studying the landing of the Zodiacs with a very amusing tilt of the head. Leopard seal with the biggest gape when it threw its head back to yawn.  Barbeque on deck surrounded by wonderful Glaciers and Icebergs in beautiful sunshine.  We were very lucky with the weather.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All the expedition crew were superb.  Nothing was too much trouble for them and all were very knowledgeable.They worked very hard to give us the most memorable experience. The ships crew each and everyone succeeded in making this one of the best experiences of my life.I would like now to go to the Arctic before I am too old.  Having said that the oldest person on our trip was 85.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Warm hat, gloves and something to cover your throat to keep the draught out when move swiftly in the Zodiacs.  The Jackets supplied were absolutely superb.No time to read or anything as the expedition crew give lectures and displays and eating so much excellent  food,  meeting so many new friends and staying in touch when you return. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing several rhinos and groups of oryx. The unnexpected events such as seeing an aardwolf on the night drive, or the sun coming out at Swakopmund, where I was able to take photos of flamingos in flight for the first time, the male kudu on the footpath at Waterburg plateau.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Compared to other guides, maybe a bit too relaxed, particularly about making late departures from the campsites which reduces the opportunities for seeing animals at first light and seemed to mean some fast driving. Ok if you prefer a lie in when you are on holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take SA rand with you. It is used interchangeably with the and avoids the problems experienced by some of our group when changing money at the airport on the way in. Also, you are allowed to bring it back out again. The Namibian dollar can't be brought out and Windhoek dutyfree charges about 3x the high street price.A lot of viewing in Etosha is done by standing on the seats to look out through the roof. If you are less than about  1.65m (5'5") it makes it difficult to use a camera and if you stand on the floor you are going to be looking between the legs of those who are a bit taller. If you are taller than that, then no worries - it gives you a better view than the people in the land cruisers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the desert with not a soul in sight except for the cycling team. Wind in your hair and breath-taking panaromic view.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He and his team did a good job to guide us through rough patches 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep in mind the local culture when selecting dress items

Most Inspirational Moment

The Sarajevo tunnel museum was very moving, the visit to the remote village of Lukomir was really interesting, and the views and landscapes were truly beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anaid and Damir were great, very approachable and friendly with great knowledge of the cultures and places we were visiting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a lot packed in to the trip, but make sure you use the free time to go for a wander, or a swim. Make the most of all the places you visit and try the local specialities!

Most Inspirational Moment

Summit day in general was the highlight for me, tough but amazing sights and achievement by all. Summiting shouldn't be your only goal, considering you're only up there for a couple photos then head back down again, seeing the sun rise was a lot better in my opinion.Hearing a speech from everyone when you're back down is very heart warming, especially since by then you're pretty close with everyone in the group. It's good to hear the reasons why people wanted to complete such a trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The whole group guides and group leader are all top class. Very genuine and really want to get to know you. Of course, these guys have been doing it for some time so they know their stuff. They swap and change who they are walking with so you really feel part of a big team - which is of course how it should be.The porters are real work horses (as have the guides and leader been in their past), really friendly and very appreciative. These guys obviously don't get a lot out of it so it at least brings a bit of comfort to make sure they know they really are part of the team too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fitness isn't necessarily the most important, having a good set of boots that are properly worn in is! Make sure you get plenty of walking in so your feet and legs can take it. You don't have to be mega fit to walk 10 hours a day, just good stamina.Can really recommend www.trekhireuk.com great little company based in Surrey and have training days and generally good sound knowledge to pass on. Able to hire pretty much anything you could want on the mountain which can save you loads of money!Keep batteries, camera etc in the bottom of your sleeping bag so not exposed to extreme temps.Didn't realise at the end they have a collection for the porters etc so if you have anything that you don't mind getting rid of, take it!

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to pinpoint.  The views were amazing and the sense of achievement in the whole group accomplishing the whole trek without injury or altitude sickness were some of the highlights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Keshar, and the tour guides were excellent.  Keshar had a fantastic knowledge of both Nepal and the flora and fauna we were passing and, also, of Europe so he could make interesting comparisons. I always felt incredibly safe with Keshar and the guides - even on the first few days when my climbing legs felt a bit wobbly!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are a few days (in particular at MBC and ABC) where there is only a few hours walking and a lot of waiting around in order to acclimatise to the altitude. I'd advise taking a good book and a pack of playing cards etc to entertain yourself! In October, we were incredibly lucky with the weather (blue skies and temperatures of about 80 degrees during the day, although very cold nights) and some of us were caught out with too many cold weather clothes and not enough short sleeve tshirts.  So, be prepared for a variety of temperatures! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking over the pass from Switzerland into Italy was simply breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon (Si) , instilled confidence through out the trip. He judged everyone's fitness really well, and was always several steps ahead. We had supreme confidence in him if anything had gone wrong( which it didn't).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Recommend walking poles, as coming downhill in the wet can be tricky, and sticks do provide extra stability.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Toubkal was pretty great, especially as I was frozen solid and pretty tired. But unfortunately there were no views to give us the top of the world feeling!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan was great. Friendly, informative, helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go prepared for all weathers, it's cold at the top - especially if snowing! I was nervous about my fitness, but coped absolutely fine. To put this into context I do aerobics once a week, and run 5km, so am not exactly wonderwoman. I wasn't sure how I would find walking at altitude, I only noticed any effects above the Neltner refuge at Toubkal base camp. I noticed that while walking slowly I was breating rather fast. At one point I tripped over a rock, which interrupted my breathing and found myself gasping for air. Hassan was amazing, he ran back and helped me to breathe steady again and I got my breath back. Concentrate on where you put your feet! If you're new to altitude don't worry, just walk slowly and steadily.