Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The gorilla trek was quite amazing. To get that close to such magnificent animals was an emotional moment. We were also lucky enough to do the balloon trip over the Masai Mara. Looking down over tens of thousands of wildebeest was breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emias was a star. Nothing was too much trouble. He was very well organised. Skilled at dealing with a disparate group of people. Did his job calmly and efficiently. Hugely knowledgable and enthusiastic about all aspects of the trip. Leo and Francis (cook and second driver) were equally as skilled and as personable. Together they made a great team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take as good a head torch as you can get, we used them a great deal. Quite cool in the evenings, need a fleece or similar. You will take loads of photos - have enough memory cards. Truck has charging points, so batteries are easily recharged. Some long days on truck over rough roads but plenty to see.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the wonderful coastal scenery from the bike (and getting to the top of the hills, especially on the days where we had a strong head-wind!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was great - very knowledgeable & nothing was too much trouble. He was also a very good laugh! Good support from Enrico too, especially organising a very nice beach picnic!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Padded cycle shorts a must. I took my gel saddle cover but it didn't fit the hire bikes. Not TOO painful though...

Most Inspirational Moment

reaching the sumitt of le breton 2,527mts the last ascent of 1,500mts having set off at 06-30am so as not to slow the rest of group.Followed by the last 3 hours, walking a scenic route along the valley contouring  to the cable car at F ?? with 2 Aussies and an Irish colleen!!.

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent character cannot reccommend him more highly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

make sure you'r fit and don't underestimate the amount of ascent and descent on the trip. It helps if you have a GSOH

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of Ooty was a great achievement, having counted every one of the 36 hairpin bends on the way up! We were also very lucky to see a tiger while on the jeep safari in the National Park which was fantastic. Another enjoyable morning was cycling through the heavy rain and trying to cycle through an almost foot deep flood! The houseboats on the backwaters were also fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders Safi and Joseph and our backup driver Shibu were all superb. They were very knowledgable of the area and did everything they could to ensure we were happy with the trip. They were very diligent in looking after and maintaining the bicycles. Safi gave us a run down on the following day each evening after dinner and gave us directions each morning on the day's cycle.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No need to bring bicycles from home as the bicycles used are of excellent quality. Would recommend bringing a gel saddle or saddle cover from home as some days are quite long.Safi suggested a group kitty which covered all tips and meals not included on the trip. This was a great idea as we all joined together for each meal and it saved all the hassle of splitting bills etc. We were also brought to some very different places to eat which we possibly wouldn't have gone into on our own.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Audrey was very well organised (and amazingly fit!). We also had Fernando on the trip to learn the ropes, and they made an first rate team, complementing each other very well. Both had a good sense of humour and were immensely patient and encouraging even when the group was feeling a bit low due to occasional wet weather, tiredness and mosquito bites.  They were flexible in responding to individuals' requests. The cooking and catering was superb.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes suggested that regular walkers in Snowdonia (which we are) could easily manage this trip. In fact we found the altitude made quite a difference, although we did acclimatise as the holiday went on. There were no drying rooms in any of the camp sites, which we understand is standard for Canada. Apart from the odd thunderstorm, we enjoyed excellent weather. All the walks were first rate, and very different from each other.Air Canada wre friendly and efficient  and the Canadians really are amazingly polite and welcoming. Going through Canadian Security at the airport was a pleasure (a rare one for most of us). 

Most Inspirational Moment

The trail of lights snaking up the mountain on summit day.Getting to Uhuru despite hours of altitude sickness and the constant fear that I couldn't go on.Arriving at Mwenzi camp in the glorious sunshine and being faced with the awesome terrifying beauty of the rocky landscape.Singing with the guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tosher and his assistant guides were rockstars.  They're genuine and kind and have awesome senses of humour.  They were incredibly patient.  My Kili Angel was Christopher who kept my buoyant (and held back my hair when needed!) on summit day.  He kept me smiling and walking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Eat lots the day before summit day.  You'll need the energy.Bring with you waterproof cover for your pack.A body warmer/gillet is an essential clothing item.Don't forget hand sanitiser or tissues.  You'll need to blow your nose a lot.Camel pack is the best water carrier.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Grand Col de Ferret with its outstanding views in both directions. The campsite the night before at Le Fouly had tremendous mountain and glacier views.Also - if the weather is good,  don't miss the Hellbronner crossing on the rest day in Courmayeur.  This was very expensive but AMAZING to see the climbers on Mont Blanc, the tents in the snow and the Mer de Glace from above. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Calm, safe, sensible, inspirational at times! No-one argued when he said to don full waterproofs and cross a col in seriously bad weather - we just got on with it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

(1) Be as fit as you can. These are big walks.(2) Camping is DEFINITELY the best way to do the trek, not hotels. Much more of a sense of travelling round the circuit. Also food, wine, beer, tea and coffee all excellent and cheap, unlike the hotellers. (3) Don't worry about charging up phones, camera batteries, the support van has plenty of electrical sockets for this. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The huge numbers of wildebeest, grazing happily, at times not aware of the dangers surrounding them, the exhilarating moments of lions chasing the wildebeest and narrowly missing their catch, the confused impala, probably realising too late, that one step in the wrong direction would cost her life! But on the other hand the cheetah being rewarded after a short pursue with a delicious meal whilst the sun set.This all happened during the course of 1 day!!! Unbelievable!  And when you think it can't get any better anymore you are wrong...  Only minutes after the sun had risen again, 3 generations of leopards passed our vehicles, on the way to consume, just in front of us, their kill.Not long after, we were enjoying the sight of some 4 months old lion cubs, basking in the sun, followed by the playfulness of some smaller ones, only 1 months old. The interaction of the cubs with one another was just a joy to witness.  Meanwhile thousands of wildebeest would attempt to cross the river, hoping to find a more promising land. For lots it would be a real test of their strengths as crocodiles would be luring in the water and other predators would be wandering on the other side, waiting for the weakling who would struggle to reach save ground.  Nearing the end of the week, but not of the excitement... Three 2 week old lion cubs, looking so cute and small, soon seemed to have grown up dramatically in comparison with their two 2 hours old cousins!!! Yes, you are reading this right, sitting in the pouring African rain, 2 tiny new born cubs where shivering as they tried to find protection near the young, inexperienced mother. Unaware of how fragile the 2 little ones where, the 2 week old ones looked monstrous and our hopes weren't too high, considering the cold, wet weather and the day drawing to a close. No surprise there that - first thing in the morning - we were back at the same place as the night before. Huge relief when we discovered that both new born cubs were still alive and were doing well...With mixed feelings and lots of questions we had to leave them several hours later, aware of all the dangers around. Will they survive? Will the mother be able to protect them to the full? Will we see them as fully grown lions next time we come back to the Mara? Please keep us updated...  One thing is for sure... Going to the Mara ensures you moments NEVER to forget!!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

This is my second trip with Paul and I hope it won't be the last one. Through hard work and an enthusiastic approach he manages to transfer his interest and passion of nature resulting in an unforgettable time in an amazing place... the Mara... and a desire to come back...  Special thanks also to Donna, her hard working Kicheche team and our three fabulous, knowledgeable drivers, who really went the extra mile!!! Much appreciated! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are one of the lucky people going to the Mara, don't forget to put - just once in a while - your camera on the side and enjoy the moment through the naked eye. Treasure these moments... they are special!  If you are still unsure... don't hesitate too long... Places are limited. You wouldn't want to be the one missing all these wonderful, magnificent moments, would you...?! 

Most Inspirational Moment

The main highlight for me was just observing the amazing variety of wildlife. I think our group were very lucky in what we saw but even if you see only half of the creatures we came across you are in for a treat. During the course of the 2 weeks we saw over 100 different types of bird (including the elusive Questzal), crocodiles, caimans, 3 different types of turtle, 3 different types of monkey, an armadillo, a few cheeky racoons, a couple of whales, a snake or two, an otter, 2 different type of sloths just hanging around in trees and quite a lot more including a praying mantis that just decided to pop into the bar for a drink one evening.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Anotino was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the country. He had a great sense of humor an spent a lot of time with every member of the group answering queries, identifying the birds and generally helping out with anything the group needed. He was also excellent at spotting the wildlife hidding in trees, (even when we were going past it at 30 miles an hour in the bus driven expertly and safely by Luis Deigo), so we missed none of the wildlife that came within eyesight.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My main advice is to have fun. Take plenty of deet with you. Take a good camera with something to keep it dry and don't let any rain you might get spoil your enjoyment.Always keep you eyes peeled for movement in the tress or undergrowth. You never know what might be lurking just waiting for you to discover it.In addition to the included activites members of our group opted to see the turtles laying their eggs on the beach, went through the jungle canopy on 13 zip wires and did a canopy walk. All of which added to the overall expierence.

Most Inspirational Moment

Can't decide but possibly it was the pedalo on Annecy Lake chiiling out , resting muscles  in over 30C with ipod and superb views. Also the  last days descent to Chaminox which was breathtaking in more ways than one!  The food, the walks ..all of them so different ...Too many good bits to mention really!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver was exellent source of local knowledge, had everything perfectly planned and was very mindful of everyone in the group without being pushy. Good company and what about those jokes....again for me...and the film never to be missed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not really except walks are challenging but certainly achievable and a flask if gets a wee bit cold on top. I said this in february but thought being the summer wouldn't need it but would have been nice to have. A walking pole also useful.