Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

This is so hard to say - things like great sunrises, quad biking and seeing wild animals very close up in their natural habitat are the obvious ones, but it was also amazing just to learn about Namibia and its ancient and more recent history. The last morning was very special as well, eating a Happy breakfast at a small and very pretty campsite, overlooking a great African vista.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group was led by Shane, ably assisted by Happy and Beli. They were a great team and I cannot speak too highly of them. They were hard working, competent, knowledgeable and always on the lookout for ways in which they could help. Their wildlife spotting abilities were amazing and they were endlessly patient. Even the best of us leave our brains behind when we go on holiday sometimes and they were calm and practical in all sorts of potential crises [mentioning no names, but if I say lost phone which turned up (eventually) in back pocket, you know who you are!]. Happy deserves a special mention for his cooking - what he can do in iron pots over an open fire is incredible - and for our party he did veggie and gluten free options as well. In general all the food we had was good but we all agreed that there was no restaurant meal we had that lived up to our campfire meals. He gives Happy Meals a whole new meaning! Shane was an endless fount of knowledge about all aspects of the country; history, politics, wildlife, you mention it and Beli's dancing was brilliant - very funny. All three of them were exeptional; they made our holiday really.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a head-torch. Take African (three round pin) adaptors. Make sure you've got a couple of fleeces and warm PJ bottoms for night toilet visits and generally chilly evenings. We went in the dry season so didn't actually get bothered a lot with mosquitos, but you should still do all the preventative stuff. Be prepared for early starts "Families! Good News! We only have to get up at 5.30am tomorrow!!" Have a sense of humour and be prepared to be flexible. Read the trip notes properly - they are accurate and informative.

Most Inspirational Moment

Most inspirational was my trip to Kataragama when we stayed at Yala National Park and a few of us made this trip on our own. This was not arranged or mentioned by the guide Roshan (Proshantha). It was an amazing experience because it showed Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists worshipping together - the experience was humbling and spiritual. The smell of incense, the heat of the evening, the people chanting and praying with offerings of fruit and lotus flowers was unforgettable. Despite the extortionate price of £45 for the Kandy Esala Perahera, it was absolutely amazing to be part of such an electrifying experience. The Perehara festival in Kandy was fantastic - the atmosphere was electrifying.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan (Proshantha) was our group leader who was amicable, the tour guide he organised for me was excellent for my separate excursion. He is an ward winning tour leader and which I was very surprised because he had low enthusiasm for activities / sites not part of the trip and did this by not telling the group at all about them (even though they were in our guide book) or providing negative feedback about said activity / sites. He didn't impart with information about he country unless asked and even then the answers were short and he had to be probed further for a satisfactory response or the response was a retort to humour the group that were culturally insensitive and had bandied together. The tour had a package tour feel as we spent most of our time on the coach, the food he recommended was not local but buffets or English style food to meet the palette of some of the group (who bandied together) who moaned the most about the Sri Lankan food and laughed at effort of the Sri Lankan chefs to meet the requirements of ever critical British, we weren't told about temples or other sites even in Colombo that were options to visit because most of the Brit pack were 'templed-out' and that there was 'nothing to see in Colombo'.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be afraid to not follow the herd. Read all your guidebook and persist in asking questions about Sri Lanka. Talk to the locals as much as you can as you will not get a chance being on the coach.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last major hike from Cameron Lake to Waterton Lakes via Summit Lake & Carthew pass through hail & gale force winds. A close 2nd was the hike up Paradise Valley to Sentinel pass & down to Moraine Lake - an inspired Leader variation. The "advertised " trek would have rather dull.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A great father & son team - Father guide, son driver. Both very knowledgeable about the area, wildlife & Canada in general. The cooking and packed lunches were excellent - everything done with great care. Sebastian's changes to the published itinerary were inspired. The additional walk around Red Rock Canyon on the last day was a great extra.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Come prepared for all four seasons! Participation is key - the more you muck in, the more you'll enjoy it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thurs. (second last) doing the ascent and walk across the ridge - twin summits of Mancondiu

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro was excellent. He conveyed his love of the region's culture, geology, geography really well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had a fantastic week in terms of sunny weather but it can be varied - it is the Atlantic coast of Spain. Fortunately the only poor weather day was during the transfer when we arrived but rain was torrential, so be prepared!

Most Inspirational Moment

Terra Cotta warriors, Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, pandas, were all fantastic. But what struck me was what a capitalist society China really is. Everything is for sale everywhere by individuals, and in areas there are a lot more luxury autos than I would ever see in my country. Not sure what happened to communism. The huge population is striking, we would pass a "small" city of 10 million that u have never heard of!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alan was great, in China lots can go wrong, including streets so flooded we could not pass them to get to our train station ( he got us there), but he seemed very organized, giving suggestions for bakeries and food, ordering group dinners. He also expressed some of the shortcomings of his county, and his English was very good. He worked very hard!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Facebook and more importantly gmail did not work in China, important if u have to stay in contact for business or personal reasons. It is very hot in August and there is a lot of walking. Always carry toilet paper and of course the standard of toilets is quite low except at hotels. The standard on the trains is very low but no one died on our trip, it is what it is, it is China. If u are a coffee addict take some instant, if u really like cream in your coffee, take some coffee mate. U will be carrying your bags up and down stairs in train stations. Generally u will get pushed and shoved, it is China u learn to push back. Traffic is crazy, be careful as a pedestrian and have patience when riding a bike. We went a day early to Beijing and had a great day exploring using the subway. We happened to luck out with a cheap 2 day stopover in Tokyo on the way back, the contrasts were amazing, worth trying if u have time. We took cable car up the wall, i am glad given the limited time u have to explore the wall it allowed me to see more of the wall, but I am a slow hiker!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of dead women's pass

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar was amazing. From the moment he meet us at the airport to the time we left, he was truely inspirational and helped to make the holiday one we will never forget

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was worried about the camping, toilets and food on camp, but no need to be the Porters and guides make sure everything is perfect for you. The food we had whilst trekking was restaurant quality!

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming in lac Blanc after a long walk up the hill was so refreshing and exhilarating, really made me feel adventurous and happy

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very experienced and was able to use his knowledge to help the group get the most out of our holiday

Advice for Potential Travellers

Using camel back water carriers-would if been better than bottles Light weight water proof jacket, and always take some small gloves Also 'compeed' blister band aids are the best for hiking!

Most Inspirational Moment

The achievment ofhaving completed the tour, how every ones spirits lifted when the weather turned warm. The group doing the final summit together. The trip has also reminded me how much I had missed camping and inspired me to think of doing the full Mont Blanc ascent next time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Heather was always approachable , professional, good humoured and always had an amusing story to keep us going. It was a very nice thought of her to carry a bottle of fizz all the way to the final summit so the whole group could celebrate together. As a guide I certainly felt more than confident in her abilities and style of leading the group and iwould not hesitate to go on another tour with her leading the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will enjoy the tour more if you make an effort with your fitness, dont forget to pack for all weather types hot cold and especially wet, extra mountain snacks come in handy.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many but I will never forget the first time I saw an orangutang swinging down through the trees with a baby clinging to her tummy and when she looked at me I had tears in my eyes it was amazing. The proboscis monkeys were also incredible sitting up in the trees settling down for he evening, just watching the big male stting there surrounded by his family who were all jumping from branch to branch was such a privilege.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rony was a brilliant leader. He was so enthusiastic and passionate about wildlife and his beautiful country. He was smily and happy from the time he greeted us at the airport to the time he waved us off at the end. He was always ready to answer questions and nothing was too much bother for him. Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of insect repellent. I used Jungle fomula maximum strength and this worked fine. The 100% DEET stuff just seemed to eat its way through fabric! Clothing I wore shorts and vest tops most of the time as it was too hot for sleeves and legs, but we did have to wear long pants and long sleeves on some hikes and on the night hikes. A poncho is really good for the rain as it keeps your bag and clothes dry. Waterproof bags for cameras etc were also really useful.

Most Inspirational Moment

The famous walk of the Gods was our last walk of the week and it was beautiful. The boat trip that took us back from Positano at the end of the day allowed us to see exactly how much of the Coast we had walked. It was a pretty impressive sight!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alejandro was an excellent tour leader and was very knowledgeable about the local products and areas. He went out of his way to help those walkers who struggled a little more that others with the heat and the steps. Overall he went the extra mile to make sure we all had an unforgettable experience.