Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The first time we saw a tiger. What an unbelievably beautiful moment that was. The first tiger we saw on this trip was in Kanha (we saw 2 cubs in the distance in Pench but they were spotty little blurs) was a male tiger named Chota Munna. Another jeep had seen him cross the road and pass into the forest when we arrived. We just saw the bushes move and thought we had missed our chance. After 20 minutes or so of alarm calls and driving around the area he was believed to be moving, there he was, all of a sudden, strolling through the clearing and then crossing the road in front of us and continuing down the road for a good 5 minutes or more. That just blew my mind. To see this amazing animal walking through his home in all his glory was magnificent. We were to be blessed twice more in Kanha. Once more that day as we were leaving the lunch area a female tigress Choti Mada was walking down the road, we were one of only 3 jeeps to have been lucky to see her. On our last morning drive in Kanha, we had what our tour leader Vijay described as a once a year sighting. We heard alarm calls, and then there she was the beautiful Dhwajhandi (daughter of Choti Mada), she crossed the road, scenting as she went and passed into the grassland, we sat and waited for quite some time and were super lucky in this time to also see a Sloth Bear bounding across the grassland, after the bear passed we sat and waited on the other side of the grassland, listening to her roar, most jeeps gave up and left, but we insisted on waiting, we knew she was there. And then, alarm calls, the remaining jeeps all started their engines and we went further up the grassland road to where the deer were now running and calling, and then she was there, strolling through the grassland and past the deer. She walked across the road near our jeep, stopped for a bit, then continued at this point she was behind us and we got to watch her and she sauntered down the road, scenting as she went, rubbing herself on a tree and then eventually going back in to the forest. This whole experience lasted over 2 hours. We were so incredibly blessed to have witnessed this amazing sighting. I will forever be grateful for this trip. We also saw 3 more tigers when we were in Bandhavgarh, Spotty, Solo and Tara. All female tigress. We were lucky to see Tara twice. In all we saw 8 tigers if you include the cub blobs, 2 sloth bear and so many deer, birds, monkeys etc. It really was the trip of a lifetime. I won't be coming down off that high for sometime.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oh Vijay was just truly wonderful. He is the best group leader I have ever had. He was so knowledgeable, passionate and committed. Every time we saw a tiger, it blew him away too, which was really touching. We were lucky to only have a group of 7, but he just did a marvelous job. I would 100% do another tour in India if Vijay was the leader. His passion for wildlife and knowledge of birds was phenomenal. He is a complete asset to your company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack thermals. It's only cold in the morning game drives, but you will need it, that and also some sort of windproof jacket. They give you blankets, but don't rely on them. You will need something else to keep you warm in the early mornings. Another thing you should 100% pack is something to cover you nose & mouth as the dust is pretty crazy.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many as each area we visited gave totally different experiences. The Tongariro crossing was not to be missed- fortunate with the weather but there was snow in the craters at the plateau with high winds on the crater edges. Geothermal valleys. Walking up to the terminal face of Fox glacier (despite no polar bear!) Cruising the Milford Sound-seeing the penguins. Walking through the indigenous tropical forests. Walking in the snow at the foot of Mount Cook and crossing glacial torrents in full flood. Walking at night on a Glow Worm trail- like thousands of LED lights- quite enchanting. Sobering walk through the disembodied Christchurch- still recovering and has not regained its soul yet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All this could not be achieved without the excellent guidance, support and knowledgeable expertise of our two guides, Chris and Rich who both complemented each other- one being a Kiwi and the other a Devonian export. Nothing was too much trouble for them in trying to accommodate individual interests, adjusting the activities according to the prevalent weather conditions and providing a constant supply of snacks to sustain us upon our activities. They appeared to have a magical influence over the weather and visitors, providing a narrow window of opportunity that allowed us to visit volcanic landscapes and geothermal valleys without the crowds or rain that would normally be expected. Their energy and enthusiasm to share their knowledge of the islands and its peoples went without saying. They were quick to ascertain the abilities of each individual member and gave optional activities when needed. The entire trip was skilfully organised and despite the long distance driven by both of them, they were able to protect themselves from being on constant demand.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for long travelling. Be prepared for Vivaldi weather (four seasons). If you are reasonably fit and used to mountain terrain, all walks should be within your grasp. Make the most of your time.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Angkor temples were beyond my expectations. Breathtaking. Cycling in the rural areas across the river from Hoi An was a great experience. We stopped at a school & chatted with the kids, which was wonderful (even though it was Saturday they love school so much they still went in).

Thoughts on Group Leader

In Vietnam Phat was exceptional. Very funny man. He made sure we were all happy all the time. Phat even somehow made us grateful to get up really early. He is very organised. Everything ran really smoothly all the time. Phat made that look effortless, which I am sure isn’t the case in Vietnam. I cannot praise Phat highly enough. Sokhom in Cambodia was also an excellent leader. We were only there two days so we didn’t get to know him so well. He took us to the quietest places in the Angkor temple complex. I felt very humbled by his childhood stories.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a busy schedule, including a lot of early starts and several flights. It’s the only way to make the most of the trip. Make sure you’ve got an overnight bag for the boat on Halong Bay & the Mekong Delta. Take plenty of insect repellent & you won’t get bitten at all. You can get washing done but pack plenty of lightweight clothes. However save room for anything you might buy in Hoi An.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views of the Atlas Mountains when you reach the top of the walks are stunning (if the weather is kind).

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you enjoy a glass of wine etc with dinner be aware there's no bar in the hotel Exodus use in Marrakesh or the Riad used as a walking base. Whilst the Riad is basic (but nice) it is very cold in the winter months so pack plenty of warm clothes and lots of books to read etc in the evenings when you're hiding under the blankets.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved the night walk through the rainforest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edi was excellent, best tour guide we have had so far.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Poundland ponchos, deet, if you like wine Clos litre boxes in the supermarkets are great for a pre dinner drink (a box costs $6 which is the same as a glass in the hotels)

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved the night walk through the rainforest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Edi was excellent, best tour guide we have had so far.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Poundland ponchos, deet, if you like wine Clos litre boxes in the supermarkets are great for a pre dinner drink (a box costs $6 which is the same as a glass in the hotels)

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights from which to choose but I think my favourite was the visit to the fort at Bundi. I had never heard of this town, but was blown away by the beauty and solitude of this abandoned palace with its pristine frescoes. And to have the place virtually to ourselves was amazing! Although not to everyone's taste, I also really enjoyed getting caught up in the chaotic crowds in the tail end of the religious procession in Pushkar; swiftly followed by the crush of a political rally further down the same road! We were enveloped in local life in all its chaotic colour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Navin was knowledgable, caring, well-organised and appears to know just about every chai seller in India ;). His skills go far beyond that of the standard tourist guide to encompass finding lost wallets in a strange town, fixing leaking toilets and removing ticks from guests' legs ;). Whenever there was any query or problem, Navin always had our backs and got it sorted pronto. Thank you, Navin!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't rely on laundry being done in the hotels, be prepared to handwash stuff instead if necessary. The drives between towns can be long and the roads are so bumpy it can be difficult to read. But there is so much to see outside the window of the van, you need never be bored! Take a warm layer to counteract the efficiency of the aircon in the van! Leave your presuppositions at home and throw yourself into the sights, colours, sounds, sensations of this fabulous place, you will never forget it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing up to 'The Monastery' at Petra - 850+ steps but worth them all - lots of chances to get coffee or tea (and buy a souvenir) from local Bedouin stalls on the way. The quieter climb up to the the 'High Place of Sacrifice' also makes an excellent circular loop away from the main valley but still passes some spectacular tombs and caves (they are everywhere). Great views across the whole valley from the tops.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Issa our group leader was great - he really did make the trip a success. Very enthusiastic, with great organisation and local knowledge he is a great ambassador for his country. He made sure everyone had what they needed by way of ATM stops, toilet breaks and chose good restaurants for lunch or supper (not always easy for a group of 20) explaining the menus and ensuring there were always vegetarian options where wanted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you usually use a walking pole over uneven ground consider taking it for Petra (I was pleased I did). Take warm clothes, a torch and a small towel for the desert trip. The bus travelled with large water bottles on board - so you just need your own bottle to fill every day. Just go - its a great trip

Most Inspirational Moment

The group leaders - Liz and Radu - who helped everything run smoothly despite the weather related obstacles. Getting the bikes fit for riding on the last was extreme devotion to duty

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leaders - Liz and Radu - who helped everything run smoothly despite the weather related obstacles They were both always had a smile and were very helpful Getting the bikes fit for riding on the last was extreme devotion to duty

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is cold and sometimes very wet in the mountains. Bring lots of layers and good waterproofs. Warm Head/neck gear is essential It can be muddy Hotels don’t always have shampoo. Bring your own

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspirational moments but I would have to put Machu Picchu at the top, closely followed by our visit to Colca Canyon with great sightings of condors.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Sebastian, was first class in every way. He was a worthy representative of his country, providing us with lots of information on the history, culture and society etc of the various regions. He was, at all times, attentive to our health and needs, and his friendly nature and sense of humour made for a very happy bunch of travellers. He is a star!

Advice for Potential Travellers

High altitude can have its effects, though we all managed to deal with it well enough.