Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar were great, but I got a real buzz of excitement when we arrived at Base Camp.  The climbers themselves weren't actually there yet, but there were streams of yaks and porters pouring in carrying all sorts of ridiculous things - there was a real sense of them getting ready. The Cho La might have been beautiful, but I was in no fit state to notice - getting up there nearly killed me!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Prem Gurung was our leader, and he was absolutely fantastic.  Very knowledgeable, competent, calm and fun.  He and the 2 guides - Indra and Norbu - did a great job, and one of them always kept me company at the back of the pack.  Prem kept a sharp eye on us for signs of altitude sickness, and brooked no resistance when he thought someone needed to start on Diamox.  One of our porters got altitude sickness on the Cho La (I'm not joking about how hard it was!), and they decided to quickly get him down to Pheriche 1,000m lower - no messing about: they saw the problem and acted to fix it.  Just what you need in that environment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

All you need is to be reasonably fit, being super fit won't necessarily help.  Do some reading about altitude sickness, and take Diamox and loads of Paracetamol/Ibuprofen with you.  Not to mention Immodium!  And loads of wet wipes and hand gel.  I did manage to have a hot shower every second day, and even washed my hair twice, but in between it was very dirty.  Only take 1 bottle of biodegradeable soap - it goes a long way, especially when you rarely see water! I took salted peanuts and dried fruit as snacks, plus Pepperami and biltong to supplement my post-Namche vegetarian diet.  As well as chocolate bars, of course.

Most Inspirational Moment

All the routes were different, but the walk along the Ruta de los Molinos and to Sentinil was probably my favorite..but its a close run thing.  The day in Seville was extremely interesting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Perfect - warm, friendly, amusing, knowledgable andd more than capable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although we had very good weather for the ttime of year...it can get very cold on the top of the mountain routes!

Most Inspirational Moment

The high mountain walks with fantastic views.Walking the Levadas.Exploring Funchal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was very helpful - nothing was too much trouble. He explained everything very well in English and had a good sense of humour. He made the trip very memorable with his knowledge of the island and made the safety of the group important.He also showed flexibility when due to bad weather conditions we were unable to do one of the mountain walks and found another walk along a levada which was very enjoyable.We would recommend him to future groups.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do this trip - it is well worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Eating street food from roadside vendors during each day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't bother with a la carte dinner options. Whilst the omnipresent buffet might become predictable it is by far the best food available.Watch out for predatory monkeys in Kandy!Bring wine and spirits unless you can cope with non-stop beer!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Waterfalls, clifftop paths and amazing views - oh and a walk round the rim of Vesuvius - all made this trip memorable. Better was not having those inevitablre arguments when the path forks - a guide means you take the right path every time!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ale was enthusiastic, knowledgable and there when you needed him. Perfect I'd say!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You'll be surprised by how like you the others on the trip will be. Don't worry about it; just do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The day after the Mt Toubkal ascent we couldn't climb the second highest peak due to very strong winds but we still had a great day trekking through the deep snow and sliding downhill on our bottoms!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammed was a fantastic leader, he was well organised, had the right amount of discipline to get us to where we needed to be at the right time, but was also flexible. His English was fantastic and he also had a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are a couple of items on the optional kit list that I think should be mandatory - snow (ski) goggles and gaiters. I had both of these and was very thankful to have them given the amount of snow we experienced. Also lots of warm clothes - particularly items you can quickly put on when having a break whilst trekking (eg down jacket) to stop from getting too cold.Sunscreen needs to be added regularly - I (and some others) got a bit burnt back of the neck!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the mountain chapels and learning about their history.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos is hugely enthusiastic about Evia and Greece. His knowledge of the history, people and places added greatly to the walking experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have knee problems make sure to bring walking poles as there is quite a bit of downhill walking !

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting on the hill sides with the views of the snow covered mountains, enjoying the sunshine, dreaming of living in such a landscape.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, Jeremy understood the needs of all the group and ensured everybody had a great time. The pace of the walks was good and he adapted them to ensure we got the most from the days.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you go with a good appetite - there's no shortage of good food to eat.Ensure you book tickets for the Alhambra in advance, whilst it does take half a day to see it is well worth it in my opinion and save any worries about getting tickets on the day.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the climb up Adams Peak even though there was no decent sunrise. But there are so many: Sigiriya rock, the cycle ride and lunch, elephants, views, swimming in the river, temples, the peace of Hortons Plains and the train ride.

Thoughts on Group Leader

very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you feel reasonably fit do Adams Peak but it isn't for everyone. TAKE YOUR TIME and do it at your own pace, take a head torch if you have one, also plenty of warm clothing for the top including extra socks as you have to take your shoes off. The worst part was the 2 hour journey to get there, too bumpy to sleep and I wished I'd taken travel sickness pills! Recovering from the lack of sleep was easier than I expected and it was good to have the Plains walk the next day so we didn't seize up.Don't bother with dollars, sterling is fine and you can pay for trips and the tip kitty using £. Take a waterproof and a lightweight umbrella if you have one (they make good sunshades too), we had a lot of rain even though it wasn't the rainy season!

Most Inspirational Moment

MOMENTS Cheetah breeding centre, up close and personal with an adult cheetah who purrs like a HarleydavidsonBreakfast at Tsitsikama camp site watching half dozen pods of dolphin swim pastThe rare site of wild dogs on the move in the evening light of Kruger

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader was knowledgeable, helpful, and fitted in with the group. He is young and has been running this trip for less than a year however he is complimented by his assistant/driver who has been doing the trip for some years and has a wicked sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are plenty of opportunities to charge cameras but, once away from Cape Town no wifi but mobile phones work albeit a poor signal in Mozambique.