Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

My first blue whale was probably the highlight for me but there were quite a few memorable moments on this fabulous trip that I shall remember.The walk on Horton plains to see World's End was spectacular as was climbing Sigirya. The cycle ride in Giratale where one got a feel for village life in Sri Lanka, was also really enjoyable.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Well no wonder Roshan has won awards for guiding these tours, he was great and a true professional. All the information and history lessons he gave us were in manageble bite size portions, always managing to throw in a cliche or three! He got people involved in the Sri Lankan games and his enthusiasm for his country was infectious.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Liking curries (they were VERY good) is helpful, although there are alternatives but hey, when in Rome! Take plenty of light loose fitting clothes, I found ordinary T-shirts too hot.Watchout for the sun when whale watching, we all came back looking like lobsters .

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspirational moments: Bathing in outdoor hot springs, by moon light, surrounded by beautiful mountains...seeing the paradisical gardens and works of art at the Hacienda Pantavi...finding out about a revised view of the world at the equator...seeing international volunteers caring for injured animals of the jungle, till they can be set free again...how sugar cane is harvested and processed into various products...seeing the Cultural Revitalisation Project promoting art, self-esteem and work in an area of former slaves....seeing the face of a shoe-shine child or man receiving a doggy bag...waking up to the sight of a snow-capped vulcano and a humming bird outside your window...the mangroves of the El Morro ecosystem along the Pacific, with dolphins and thousands of frigate birds.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Fabian Lemesme, was absolutely inspirational. He had a fun personality, was a good leader, very knowledgeable, was kind and passionate about human rights, the plight of indigenous people, women and suffering animals (e.g. actively campaigning against bull fighting). He was very artistic, introducing us to many craft and art centres, well-chosen restaurants, and beautiful haciendas and hotels.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. To bring hiking boots or wellingtons with a good grip, to bring a rain poncho (to protect your camera when you want to take pictures in the rain). 2. The risk of mosquito bites or malaria is minimal. 3. Bring enough dollars or debit cards - despite warnings, there are still people who think they can exchange pounds in rural areas. There can be high fees for credit card transactions.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing our first tiger was amazing- we had waited so long as we didn't spot a tiger until our third park. Also watching a group of five tigers interacting together was incredible. We saw tigers at a kill, drinking and bathing, crossing the road in front of us, and had the opportuniy to get really close on the back of an elephant on two tiger shows.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was friendly, organised and knowledgable. He coped with the unexpected very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be patient! Enjoy all of the scenery, experiences, and wildlife while you continue to search for tigers.

Most Inspirational Moment

In view of the lack of snow it is hard to describe any aspect of the holiday as inspirational.  However, it was good that a light fall of snow enabled us to ski on the last day of the holiday. Skiing round the frozen lake gave a taste of what we had missed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mary coped very well in the face of adverse conditions.  It is no easy task to come up with acceptable activities for a dozen very disappointed people.  Her knowledge of the local area enabled her to arrange some pleasant walks in the hills and the cable car to the Hardangarvidda provided a welcome change of scene.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The accomodation is good.  You may wish to take a swimsuit for the mixed sauna, although the locals did not seem to regard this as a necessary item.  The food was good, with ample supplies at breakfast to make a packed lunch. Be prepared for low temparatures (-14 or less) even in April).

Most Inspirational Moment

It has to be ascending Toubkal.  The sense of achievement will last a long time.  But also something else.  When we got to the refuge in murky weather, suddenly the clouds parted and our route up Toubkal the following day was revealed.  I think it took all our breaths away.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very friendly and communicated very well.  On the walk in, walk out, and the climbs both he and the other guide both worked well together, one at the front the other at the rear and took good care of us.  The cook produced really good meals in the Gite and the refuge.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Altogether the walk in, the climbs up Toubkal and Ouanoukrim and the walk out call for some stamina.  The guides keep the pace easy and you can do it.  The refuge at Toubkal was basic but no more so than I had expected with a wood stove providing warmth in the lounge area down stairs but with an unheated dorm upstairs.  Be prepared for some heavy breathing / snoring but be tolerant; everyone snores at times I don't care what sex you are.  It's part of using a refuge in the mountains. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing first tiger. Encountering one face to face at 20yds with nothing between you and the animal for several minutes was truly a one off experience I am now pleased to have had! Meeting like minded people who are passionate about animals is great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krisha Bhardwai is exceptional!! I cannot speak of him highly enough! In his words - It's my job! Yes, it might be but he is prepared to go the extra mile and more, he certainly did for me. Very pleasant, knowledgeable, sociable. Good to be around!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take VERY lightweight, loose fitting clothing! Camera cover as drives can be extremely dusty!

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!!