Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The final trek to base camp. We met nobody between Gorak Shep and base camp, had base camp to ourselves for the half hour we spent there, saw an avalanche across the valley on the way and could therefore appreciate the dangers faced by those who live and work in this part of the world. It was also very moving to make the steep climb up to Chukpo Lari and then reach the plateau where there are so many memorials to climbers who lost their lives on the mountain.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lhakpa was the perfect leader. His advice was always spot on and he was able to ensure that we knew the difficulties we were likely to face but at the same time gave us the confidence to face them. The pace at which he lead enabled us to acclimatise and none of us had any appreciable difficulty in coping with the altitude.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lhakpa recommended that we buy Yaktrax before we set off. None of us had them but we all followed his advice and they were invaluable for a winter trek. We only used them two or three times and then for only half an hour or so on each occasion but they made it so much easier to walk over the icy stretches in question. Next time also, I will hire a sleeping bag in Kathmandu for use on the trek, so as to leave space in the kitbag for plenty of shopping, because good quality walking equipment can be purchased for a fraction of the price we would be charged in the UK.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment was for me managing the last bit, my hands were frozen, I was absolutely exhausted, but thinking even if my body is going to give up I will make sure that my soul reaches the summit (Uhuro Peak)!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our chief group leader Mussa is an exceptional human being, he is intelligent, psychologically minded, very funny mit lots of positive energy. He figured out very fast what our group needs, pushed us smartly towards it and supported us all through. The assistant leader John I am personally grateful to, if it wouldn't him encouraging my frozen body and brain to carry on towards the Gilman's point, I would have never had manage it to the end. The assistant leader Raphael supported us all through with his warmth and holy smile. Assistant leader Diglan was rather proud and quite but did a good job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes ! take the advice on the trip notes regarding appropriate clothing seriously! I really regretted my own ignorance though. By the time of the trip I was working in Germany, having had a very cold and long winter 2012/2013 behind me with -25 degrees, I didn't take the info of the temperatures of -8 as serious threat! My hands were completely frozen with the gloves i took with me! Hence -8 C in Kilimanjaro>>>>>>-25C in Germany don't forget!

Most Inspirational Moment

Playing around in the soft, virgin snow & views from peaks

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good - competent & good company

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can be very cold, on bad days the snow gets everywhere and you can be out for 5 hours without an opportunity to warm up - the leader advised 'keep your gloves on -don't take them off or your hands get cold' - learn to do everything with your gloves on' - but the advice comes too late if you have n't practiced putting on & adjusting snoeshoes before you arrive or if you wear glasses and have to take them off to clean the snow from them. I would take more than 1 pair of gloves and keeping a light pair on with larger mittens might be best

Most Inspirational Moment

Achieving some of the climbs was a personal challenge. However the local people throughout the country were beautiful and welcoming. Seemed so happy to see these crazy people on bikes!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Radu was superb. Informative, professional, sociable and with a sense of humour and such patience! He managed the whole group so well and we were all looked after.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip was at the beginning of Feb and it was a lot colder than aniticipated, even in the accommodation so do ensure you take enough warm layers. I would also suggest £100 is not enough for the week and £200 is a more accurate figure.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day had something or several things but the mountain scenery and roadside scenes were amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kind and willing to fit extra requests into the schedule. Very considerate and proactive if there were any problems.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view of the river from the Kitulgala hotel - the tranquility, lots of locals swimming/washing and enjoying the water.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take UK or European plugs - Worldwide plugs are not in any of the hotels, as usual in that part of the world

Most Inspirational Moment

Ski ing down through the forest with a blue sky and sunshine beneath the wonderful pink tinged rocky cigs of the magnificent Dolomites

Thoughts on Group Leader

David Davies continues to be an inspiring leader: great fun ,keen to get us trying techniques and subtly and supportingly helping those who struggled to find the right level of participation : a crucial attribute of a holiday leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be put off by snow reports: though this was the year of least snow and it was melting away in the town, our leaders found us good tracks up the valleys just short bus rides away.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many enjoyable moments, with best fun when whole group struggled with cross country ski downhill. Snow shoeing the 10k bear trail with great vistas and tough climbs on last day was very memorable end to the holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Henry was passionate, very professional and extremely helpful. A very good communicator, expert at coaching all the sports and great fun!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a travel kettle! The clothing provided meets the needs of the week but a good quality snood, lip balm and sunglasses ( useful in early Feb despite advice otherwise) are all useful!

Most Inspirational Moment

The spectacular scenery throughout the country, but particularly in the Simien Mountains, together with the smiling and friendly faces of the people of Ethiopia, most of whom had so little.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gebre was an exceptional tour leader who was always helpful and patient with us. A man who truly loves his country and wanted to convey that to everyone who would listen.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although this holiday is rated as a 2, travelling in Ethiopia is never easy with some very long and tiring days. Two whole days were spent travelling to Axum and Lalibela and so travellers should be aware that most of these days will be spent in the bus. Also remember to be patient as things generally take longer to happen and comfort standards can vary considerably.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many it's hard to know which one to pick - probably the friendliness of the all the local people we met and saw - whether it was the staff at the hotels, who provided service with a smile, or the kids on the roadside who all waved and smiled to see our jeeps go by them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter and Davies - lovely men, who know their stuff! They gave us lots of information about the animals, and were able to spot animals hiding in the bushes - their expertise definitely helped us to get the most out of our holiday. As they are local guides, they also gave us insights into Kenya, and life there.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take more money than you think you'll need - the cost of bottled water starts to add up when it's 30 degrees! Also, only take Kenyan schillings - you can spend US dollars, but only taking one currency is easier, and occassionally I think schillings were preferred. Our guides advised us to change our dollars to schillings as soon as we arrived. Be prepared for some long drives.