Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

We had many excellent experiences but I think from a walking point of view it must be the Amphitheatre at Drakensberg. After a cold and not too promising start the weather gradually cleared to reveal some awe inspiring views. I think the best picnic stop ever !!!The Game drives were great and varied: The first private game reserve we stayed at was very memorable seeing many animals but we came across two young Lionesses who were not at all bothered by our presence, great for the photographers. When we entered Kruger The water hole was very busy with Elephants, Hippo, Giraffe .... quite a sight.        

Thoughts on Group Leader

Admire and Mathew worked very hard to make things go smoothly, between them they had a lot of knowledge and if they didn't know usually found out.  They made the trip a very pleasant and memorable one.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a very varied holiday but does involve some long coach transfers. If you really don't like coach travel it may not be for you. But for me ... I thoroughly  enjoyed it.We are not campers but this was no problem. The guides had the tents up in no time and the beds very comfortable. The tents large enough to store your gear and tall enough in the centre to stand. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole Dalmation coast itself and especially Dubrovnik.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take note when the guide says there's hills involved!

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk down the Demosaris Gorge & swimming inthe lovely blue green Agean sea at the bottom

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos was brilliant.His enthusiasm,knowledge of cultural,political& historic issues was incredible.Nothing was too much trouble for him.One of the best leaders I have walked with.

Most Inspirational Moment

Exploring Mount Etna and having it brought to life (not literally!) by our naturalist guide.Tasting the delicious food and wine that Sicily has to offer and trying some new things.Wandering the streets of the delightful villages of Noto and Ragusa and discovering at my own pace.Finding out about Siracusa, Ortygia, Palermo and Agrigento through our enthusiastic and friendly local guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Salvo was very friendly, helpful and informative about his home of Sicily.  Everything ran really smoothly and when there was an unexpected change of plan he coped admirably.  He was always willing to answer our endless questions with patience and attentiveness.I am most grateful to Salvo for taking the trouble to introduce us to some fabulous restaurants, which we surely would not have discovered otherwise (although I did put on about half a stone!). 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your Italian phrasebook with you - they love you try the language.

Most Inspirational Moment

The clouds in the early morning pouring over the rim of Ngorongoro

Thoughts on Group Leader

Clara was knowledgable, clear, helpful, fun and friendly. Boniface the driver and Esther the cook were also excellent. They all got it just right.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You don't need to take a rollmat! (I hadn't read the blurb well enough and took mine). Your website's list of what to take was v helpful and got it right. We bought pillows in the supermarket we stopped at in Nairobi. Which was a good move as they were really comfortable, tho it seemed rather decadent and in ecological (tho we gave them away at the end).

Most Inspirational Moment

Floating in the Dead Sea , something I have wanted to do since childhood. At 58 It lived up to all expectations

Thoughts on Group Leader

Friendly well organised informative and great at preparing snacks. I am confident his facts were 99% accurate.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I trained hard for the cycling part of the trip . The first 2 days were relatively easy there was only one day that I found anywhere near challenging. I did enjoy cycling through the countryside and stopping for our snacks. We saw all the major sights but if sight seeing is your main concern other trips would take in even more such as Castle Karak. If you like your cycling challenging there are other options. For me the this trip was about right but I came home less fit than I went,

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk from Montescaglioso to Matera. Fantasic views, walking through varied and interesting terrain and very different to the walks at the beginning of the week.The hotels in Ostuni and Matera were fasinating with their querky layouts and interesting history.The food - antipasti, antipasti and more antipasti - absolutly delicious!  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Angelo was an excellent leader who was very mindful of the needs of the group always consulting, advising and making suggestions. His knowledge of the area was excellent. He had great empathy with the local people and worked very hard to make this holiday the best experience possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't eat or drink too much!

Most Inspirational Moment

The journey along the trail was amazing.  I haven’t got the words to begin to describe the views....you need to book NOW and see for yourself! The second day up to dead womans pass was hard, but I loved every minute of it.  Felt such a sence of achievement when I got to the top. Of course the emotional arrival at the sungate....we were all smelly, dirty and must have looked a sight standing next to the day trippers in their flip flops and white shirts....but we earnt that view!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rene was fabulous, extremely knowledgeable and very proud of his country.  He always had a smile on his face and would make sure we did too!  Carols was also fantastic and supportive. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take wet wipes for the trek.  I didn’t need them myself but I would recommend blister plasters.  Take warm clothes for the night on the mountain including wooly hat! Take full advantage of your time in Cusco, explore the old town and have a few Pisco sours!  Take a good camera with lots of spare batteries.  I took quite a few movies which capture so much more than a photo and have been great to watch back. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Many magical moments: The sounds of the jungle.. especially at night;  floating on a tranquil lake while exotic colourful butterflies surround our canoe; searching the brightest starlit sky and seeing a crescent moon lying on it's back ( you're south of the equator.)  Scarlett Macaws and Humming Birds!

Thoughts on Group Leader

I particularly wanted to see the fauna and flora.... Juan our guide was a keen birder and naturalist... I could not have asked for more.  He was smiling, engaging and so knowledgeable.  An excellent leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip is not without it's hazards:  altitude sickness; mosquito bites and vertigo.  Unfortunately I did experience these, so do take the necessary precautions as suggested by Exodus............ but do not let that put you off!

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment of the trip for me was the guide's and the groups support at base camp and their determination to get me to the top.  I was taken aback by their support, kindness and generosity of spirit.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wonderful.  He is a genuinely kind, fun, thoughtful and strong, yet not overpowering, leader.  Knowledgeable, supportive and very approachable, he had a flair for anticipating the needs of the group and delivering without being asked.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good equipment is essential, in particular good walking boots and walking poles (if you like to use them). There is no need to purchase water purification tablets as there is always an opportunity to buy water.  Don't underestimate the importance of sun cream and don't underestimate how good the food is.  Upon reading advice from previous Toubkal trekkers I purchased a travel pillow and found it to be one of my favourite buys for the trip.