Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Being amazed by all the different wildlife every day. From fruit bats to kingfishers. Baby elephants at the elephant sanctuary.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was a very considerate and calm leader. Everything always felt well prepared and under control, nothing was too much trouble and he gave a lot of learning opportunities. Great sense of humour and a positive attitude that really made the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Drink lots of water, take electrolytes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely riding on Camels through the Sahara Desert and climbing up a mini hill to witness the sunset, along with venturing into the Atlas Mountains

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hamid was an amazing group leader and very efficient! All his instructions were clear and there wasn't a single question that he didn't know the answer to!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure that you stay hydrated on this tour (especially from Jul-Sep) as the temperature can easily hit 40 degrees

Most Inspirational Moment

Mountain vistas; the company of fellow walkers; the food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was friendly and energetic in preparing and accompanying each day's walk. He really put himself out to ensure that each of us was enjoying out stay.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hike to Machu Picchu. The porters, chefs and guides were excellent. Edwind Colque and Heber Gonzales were unparalleled with their local knowledge of flora and fauna and Inca history. The chefs Isaac and Albert produced and presented meals which wouldn't have looked out of place in a first class restaurant and the porters under the guidance of Cipriano couldn't have been more helpful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Highly professional at all times. Extremely capable management of unexpected local conditions (bus and rail strike in Machu Picchu). Took great care of potential health impact of the trek on the participants without being obvious - i.e.. Without causing undue embarrassment to any trek participants who were struggling with the high level of fitness required.

Most Inspirational Moment

Surviving zebra crossings in Marrakech!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohamed Id Balaid was a great guide. He quietly organised everything for us, including a couple of route changes due to previous flood damage to the trails. Good humour, kindness and a genuine interest in our group. Good English-speaker, with decent knowledge of his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles and a water bladder are useful on this trek, as are decent boots. We were able to buy sealed water in 5 litre bottles, which cut down on plastic waste. Cash machines opposite Hotel Gomassine. As mules carry the bulk of your kit, it would be possible to take a decent camera in your day pack. Tents are a bit small if you're sharing with a newly-met friend. Some walking snacks are useful, along with a toilet roll and some zip lock bags.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to pick! Everyday was a highlight in it own way

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberta was beyond fabulous - the best guide we have ever hiked with. Knowledgeable - read the rhythm of the group perfectly. Genuinely concerned about the safety of the group. Personable, social and approachable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit on day 3 after a steep hike and long segment of scrambling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The two group leaders were excellent: patient with the range of hiker abilities, friendly, and (most importantly) safe.

Most Inspirational Moment

Uzbekistan

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both leaders were good but Dilshod especially was very knowledgeable and did his utmost to ensure we had a great tour. He was an excellent ambassador for Uzbekistan.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hike near to Mount Kazbegi, the wine tasting, the rock-carved city and the leadership of our guide salome throughout

Thoughts on Group Leader

Salome was absolutely brilliant! Incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, articulate and kind, she supported all the group with different needs, remembered when people had asked specific questions and ensured that they were directed to the relevant things later in the holidays (so for example if someone asked about textiles on day 1 she would tell them about a relevant section of the museum on day 2). She is also an inspirational person - we agreed she would make a good President of the world

Most Inspirational Moment

watching the amazing team of porters and chefs running past us on the trail getting to the lunch point many hours before we got there and then creating such amazing food for us all but not before clapping us all back into camp, they were such an amazing team chef Isaac and Albert created magic on a gas ring they even made a cake!!! our team of porters lead by Cipriano are all amazing. It was a magical day when we finally scrambled up the monkey steps to reach the sun gate and get the first glimpse of Manchu Pichu!! something that I will never forget is the team work of the whole group some of us fast some slow ( that was me at some points) but having great conversations on the way up and down the trail, day 2 is tricky but so worth it, you feel a sense of achievement on every day that you overcame a challenge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edwind was amazing, full of knowledge and passions for his beautiful country, always checking our oxygen levels every day to make sure we were ready for the trail.. nothing was too much especially when it came to a group members birthday he arranged a cake, flowers and a bottle of wine!! also when we finished the Inca trail and the second visit we found ourselves in a situation where the train was cancelled due to the strike action but he found a way for us to reach our destination and we saw the real Peru where the local people become very ingenious to get from A to B and saw many hidden things that we wouldn't have seen on the train, we did have an accident with a group member but both Edwind and the second guide Heber Gonzales sprang into action to help her and get her to a hospital to receive treatment. at the end of the trip he also gave us Pucara bulls in a lucky dip!! He is a very attentive, caring, fun and energetic and generous leader and an inspiration that no matter were you start in life you can be anything you want to be!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

nothing will prepare you for the altitude but lots of running helps cash is king although lots of towns have contactless payments the small remote islands on lake Titicaca don't. Don't hesitate and book it and enjoy the wonder and magic of the Andes and its beautiful hospitable people