Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The Cachalotte is a superb boat and the staff are exceptional, the chef needs a medal the food presented was far superior to any hotel I have stayed in.  Nothing was too much trouble , especially  helpful getting into the panga's!!  Juon was a very knowledgeable guide, friendly and socialable.The wildlife exceeded all expectations we saw it all as per itinerary, I had never snorkelled but managed to and saw fabulous fish , inquisitive seals and penguins darting round me, turtles and much more.  Weather was perfect, no rain, sun protection is a must, only one suffered sea sickness (mildly) Land wildlife, flowers, scenery superb tooLong journey to destination, Iberia OK but boy was it worth it.  Quito - go to old town lovely, Cuba hotel was excellent.Highly recommended.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was so knowledgeable really showed his 25 years experience, very friendly and efficient. Sat with us in the evenings to discuss with us what we had seen that day. All transport, transfers went like clockwork

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sea sickness was not a problem on our trip, but there are tablets available.  Altitude in Quito not a great problem just keep drinking water .  Bellavista was a nice trip from Quito but only if not raining, it can be very cold and damp there and not a lot to do/see if wet. Must go to the Palace in Quito old town, free guided tour and photo.Be aware that despite transferring from one plane to another @ Madrid your alcohol will be taken away, insist shops put it in sealed bag, mine was treble wrapped in bubblewrap and they still took it , I lost $52.If poss take a pillow for the boat, mattress and pillow on hard side!! You can use it on the plane too .

Most Inspirational Moment

Tigers at Ranthambore reserve, Sunset and rise at the Taj Mahal, Holi Festival. the city of Udaipor

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yadduh was knowledgable and well versed on the area, he was willing to arrange additional trips upon request. He understood interviduals requirements and acted on these where possibal. He showed good leadership when working through the Indian pedestrian traffic organising alterntive transport when needed such as Rickshaws and Tuk Tuks

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for busy days and a hectic scedule, Do try the street food but onlyif you see it cooked and recomended by your guide, A few long journeys on rough roads to be expected. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment of the trip were the two valley walks, through various villages and the countryside was amazing.I never in my wildest dreams thought that i would get an oppportunity to walk in snow shoes in Tuscany, but we did and it was a fantastic experience. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sarah is a brilliant group leader.  She took everybody's ability into consideration and encouraged me to walk at my own pace.  She is so fit, it's unbelievable!

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was an inspiration. Life is tough for the Nepalese people that live in the Himalaya but they do everything with a smile and never complain. Seeing the large loads that are carried by the porters was an inspiration.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Jaite Tamang (Ajay) was brilliant, he kept an eye on everyone and made sure we were eating and drinking sufficient, virtually force feeding us porridge every morning! When one of our group had to be taken down to a lower level due to altitude sickness, he handled the situation very well, delegating one of his team to stay with her until our return. he was efficient and caring but with a good sense of humour, we all enjoyed his and our other guides company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have a yearning desire to do this trip, don't put it off a moment longer, do it, you won't regret it!Do train for it and drink plenty of water  on the trek,The Nepalese  do not have a lot and our porters and there families were very grateful for any kit, clothing, footwear we left behind for them. Take old gear and leave it with them, leaves more room in the bag for shopping in Kathmandu!

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on top of the rock bridge, quite high up, and  overwhelmed by the vast desert landscape before me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was friendly enough but didn't engage a great deal.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a camping mug as they just give you plastic cups to drink hot tea out of.  It wasn't particualrly cold at night so you don't need a really warm sleeping bag, especially as they provide super thick blanlets anyway.Remember a headtorch for the evenings.It's too hot to walk in the middle of the day so you get a couple of hours sitting in the shade so travel scrabble or something similar is a good idea.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Muna, the tiger with CAT written on his forehead, come out of the bush at Kanha, and wander along the road beside us, mark his territory, walk on a bit further then cross the road. All this whilst about 12 jeeps were jostling to get close to him. He didn't pay us the slightestbit of attention.Seeing how the wardens reacted at Bandhavgahr when we reported seeing the tiger with the porcupine quill up its nose on our last day. Within hours they had got a vet to the tiger, darted her, and removed the quill, which was so far up her nose it was life-threatening. She was in agony and it was very heartening that they intervened so quickly.Seeing two wild dogs bring down an 8-pointer spotted deer stag. They had obviously been attacking it for some time and the stag had much of its rump eaten away. Every time they brought it down it got back up to fight again even though it was deeply in shock. Finally they left to get the rest of the pack, and even then it tried to get away, but was far too badly mauled to survive. It was a very brave animal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was brilliant. He was passionate about the tigers and so well informed. It was a pleasure to be with him. He also looked after me so well when I got sick, and arranged for a doctor at the camp to see me and give me antibiotics. He is one of the best group leaders I have been with and he was funny and endearing as well as good at his job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take antibiotics, don't ever brush your teeth with tap water, even in Mumbai (my downfall) and don't wear anything on the drives that you love, everything gets covered in red dust that doesn't really wash out!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Quinzee building day was great it was a real team effort and a real achievement to spend all day building it to then sleep in it even though it was -14 outside and -4 inside. You had to trust your building skills and the help from the guides. To wake up and see the sun rise on a frozen lake surrounded by beautiful views was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Teddy was great fun, really helpful and great at instructing everyone. We appreciated his knowledge of the area and it came across that he enjoyed his job which allowed him to pass on his enthusiasm to us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We took a travel kettle which was great if we wanted to chill out in our room. If you want to see the northern lights properly you need a good quality camera and the guys all had tripods as you are waiting around a bit in the cold.Just get involved and try and do everything as some things could be daunting (ice climbing) however everything is set up for all abilities so worth a shot.Additional experiences are quite pricey so if you do want to do the extras best to save up some pocket money!

Most Inspirational Moment

When the sun shone on the high valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains, while snow and sleet gathered all around, and the wind blew; when the vendors in Djem El Fn in Marrakesh persuaded us to savour their delicious and cheap meals near the crowded souks; when the wirey slim employee doused us with water and stretched our limbs in the hamman.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mainly OK-he let us know what was happenening; organised the travel efficiently; provided good and helpful advice; but on the walks didn't really pay enough attention to the slower walkers who were finding the terrain difficult. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be ready to enjoy 'basic conditions'-shared sleeping dorms, washrooms, toilets; be ready to avoid buying unwanted products in the souks of Marrakesh.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up early to see our campsite floating above the clouds and the distant mountains tinged with pink as the sun rose on day four.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Flaminia was very knowledgeable, understanding and fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keeping warm at night required extra layers of clothing inside sleeping bag. Antiseptic handgel and wipes helped me to avoid any tummy problems.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Apart from the mountain ascent, the hike is all quite manageable as long as you have the stamina to walk for several hours.  When we went at Easter the weather was great, nice and warm during the day, but not too hot (or cold at night).  I didn't like the mountain ascent (I did rip my trousers on the way down!) and might have opted to stay back at base, but everyone else seemed to enjoy it.Probably a good idea to take some luxuries - we had fresh coffee, others had snacks or sweets -  the food provided on the trek was fine and filling, but a bit spartan.