Reviews

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara is a fantastic tour leader. She is passionate about the outdoors and was considerate of the needs of every individual in the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No advice needed as every need is catered for.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many...but a particular highlight has to be reaching the top of the highest point in the country after a 2000m climb. Unfortunately we couldn't see much at the time due to the clouds and rain, but knew it was quite an achievement to have got there on a bike, especially in that weather! Luckily the sun was shining the next day so could see the full extent of the countryside and the heights we had scaled to reach it.Rest day in Kandy made a welcome change of tourist activity (lake, temple of the tooth relic), not to mention the safari (and tusker sighting!) and visits to ruins, temples, tea plantations and ancient stone carvings along the way.So much to see and do - and getting there everyday by bike was just great.Also a great group of fellow travellers, so was fun to share the adventure with a lovely bunch of people too - some good laughs along the way! 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was brilliant. So enthusiastic, happy, keen to ensure everyone was ok and willing to help - at all times! He was more than just a bike group leader, but rather a proper tour guide and trip supervisor all rolled into one. Made us feel most welcome in the country and was always going out of his way to make sure we saw everything Sri Lanka had to offer, experiencing the food/drink/culture to the full and continuously filling us in on the background and history of places we visited.  The rest of the team were fab too - supporting us whist cycling, looking after the bikes and driving our luggage between hotels.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are looking for some varied bike riding, that is challenging at times but also rewards you with a real insight into life in Sri Lanka, then this could be the trip for you. The support vehicle and backup is always there in case of any problems or if you don't want to stay on the bike all day, plus the hotels are all of a pretty good standard so there is always a hot shower and sometimes even a pool to look forward to at the end of a day on the bike.A few tips - get a good quality gel saddle and be prepared for lots of rice & curry!

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding a camel in the Sahara Desert, walking in the Atlas Mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic Mustaffa's knowledge was superb. Great company and nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Tummy problems hit nearly all of us so take the advice given and go prepared. Travel light you do not need much.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the peak of Mount Ohi in cloud and seeing the 'Dragon House' through the mist.  Standing inside this 3000 year old Megalithic temple and listening to Thanos was an experience to remember.There were other inspirational moments but this was the highlight for us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos was excellent.  His expert knowledge of the terrain and of Ancient Greek and Evian History made every walk special.  His organisational skills were first class; everything worked perfectly and nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do read the Trip Notes, the level of walking ability seems accurate; Moderate, needing an average level of fitness. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Sleeping out under the stars in Wadi Rum and listening to the snoring chorus! Four sleepers beautifully in harmony and synchronised to perfection - funny and brilliant! Actually there were too many highlights to single individual ones out. This whole trip just reveals one amazing thing after another.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wael is a wonderful ambassador for his country. His love and enthusiasm for everything Jordanian is infectious and it was a privilege to share this with both him and the group. Nothing was a problem and any suggestions he made were further enhancements to an already great itinerary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Jordan is amazing! The people, the sights, the history, the culture. This is an amazing trip which allows you to see much that Jordan has to offer and is sure to leave you wanting more.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sunrise on top of Mount Kilimanjaro was stunning. A memory that will stay with me forever.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilfred, lead guide was excellent. I had altitude sickness for a couple of days and the care and attention to detail he showed was first class. I know I would not have reached the summit without his help.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice would be listen to the guides. The pace is incredibly slow but it is like that for a reason. And it gets you there.Also, take Diamox. Better to have it. I was given it by the guide but probably easier to take it with you.And take a small nail brush. The dust gets everywhere and become engrained !!

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to list - the unexpected ones were very special - camels racing the bikes along the road, seeing eagles soaring over the valley, a group singing on the top of Mount Nebo ..... but also sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum, floating in the Dead Sea (and the great cycling down from Mt Nebo to get there), Jerash, Petra and cycling in the desert.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair went out of his way to ensure we had the best time possible, his organisation made the trip run smoothly so we could relax and enjoy it. The bike team inspired, supported, occsionally pushed us up the hills and led the dancing during breaks!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although getting fit for cycling helps you enjoy the more challenging hills, it was good to be able to leave your bike when you had cycled as far as you could and, having walked up the hill, be reunited with it at the top. The cycling really is organised so that everyone can go at their own pace.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walk of the Gods

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert was excellent. Knowledgeable, friendly and thoughtful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try  to get a room with a balcony.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on the roof Africa, sobbing my socks off, because I had actually got to the top of the highest mountain in Africa was a much more emotional moment than I ever expected. Until the moment I got there I really was not sure I would be able to do it even though everything had gone well upto that point. The guide (Seraphin) spotted my struggle in the last few hundred yards - he took my bag and encouraged me supportively and unobtrusively to the top. I know I couldn't have made it without him. Four months of training and preparation, 8 days of climbing and high altitude camping, combined with the uncertainty of how I might react to altitude, meant the moment of reaching the summit was hugely emotional and amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon was very professional, quiet, unassuming and very observant. The whole trip ran like clockwork and one could observe his leadership skills at work bringing on and encouraging the assistant guides in doing briefings and leading some of the earlier treks. On the summit day itself it was clear Simon would take the responsibility for leading the group 'pole pole' to the top. He told us he would not be chatting whilst we walked because he would be too busy listening to us. ( to our breathing that is) to make sure we were safe. He gave very discrete and personal support to those members of the group who were unwell in the approach with the result that all but one made it to the summit and the one got to Stella point. This was only possible because of Simons clear support and guidance and management of the guides supporting the team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is said that you cannot prepare your body for the effects of altitude and that fitness is no guarantee that you won't get altitude sickness. Whilst this is true , it is still really important to ensure you have the best possible fitness levels to cope with the demands of the trip-especially if you are an older team member like me. Diamox or no diamox for altitude sickness? I did manage without Diamox as my GP didn't know enough about it to prescribe it. However, most of the group either took it to start off with or started taking it as the symptoms of altitude sickness developed. I did not have problems as it happened but I would take some with me if on a similar trip in future so I would have some of my own to take if the need arose. It seemed to work quite quickly for those who waited until they felt I'll to take it.