Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The challenge of summitting Toubkal. Eating and shopping in the souks of Marrakech. Meeting like minded people from a variety of backgrounds and making new friends.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Assiz was very friendly, polite, calm and very well organised. He knew the routes on Toubkal very well and had great local knowledge generally. He was a little quiet at times for a leader and struggled a bit to always bring the large group together. He could have done with some more help i think as he had to guide a group of 15 people of varying ages/ability/fitness/experience up a 4,200m mountain (some of it in the dark) pretty much on his own which was not ideal. We were assisted by a further guide (who didn't speak) on the way down from the summit. A further English speaking guide would have worked well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a serious mountain and a challenge. It's 4,200m at the top which is four times higher than a Scaffell Pike or a Snowdon in the UK. Do some training beforehand - you need to have a decent degree of fitness as the summit day is very long. The descent in particular is long and arduous being mostly on loose scree , snow and ice (we did it in early May). The temperature differences between the top and sea level are quite extreme so make sure you take enough layers (we needed thick gloves, 2 pairs socks on, 4 layers on top etc.) You don't need to worry too much about availability of food and water - Exodus feed you very well and there are endless opportunities to buy water, soft drinks, choclate etc. at reasonable prices on the mountain itself. Some of our group suffered from altitide sickness and 4 out of 15 didn't make the top. Take a selection of cash and cards - there are plenty of ATMs in Marrakech but the airport ATMs were not working. Make sure you visit the souks in Marrakech - there is a great vibe, food and gifts. Stay away from the aggressive snake charmers though!  Take headache tablets and immodium - many of our group suffered from the runs!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting away from the tourist trail and being up-close to the local people, flora and fauna.  The back-waters of Kerala are absolutely beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Arvind was friendly, approachable and well-informed even though this was not his regular tour.  He was very good at keeping the group under control and making sure we got the most out of the trip.  He even included some interesting trips that were not on the trip schedule.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was very hot and humid when I went at the end of March, so be ready for that.  The camping is fairly basic, including the sanitary arrangements and it was a good thing that we did it at the start of the trip so that the remainder of the time could be enjoyed in a personally clean condition.  The local support guys for the camping were brilliant anf the food they produced for us was incredible.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in such close proximity to beautiful hummingbirds

Thoughts on Group Leader

Johnny is a wonderful guide and ambassador for Costa Rica.  If he didn't know something, (which was rare) he would find out and let you know the answer. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go! You will not be disappointed.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery is amazing. You can feel like you are the only person in Namibia as you don't see people or cars for very long periods of time. Cycling gives you a feeling of being imersed in your surroundings that you won't get from sitting in a bus all day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sven, Rodger and Robbie were extremely organised and got us going on time every day down to the minute. The food was beyond expectataions, expecially the fish curry. All 3 were knowledgeable about the landscape, animals and history of namibia.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Probably best to bring a gel cover for your seat. The roads can be bumpy on your bum. Also a good idea to prepare yourself for riding on sandy gravel roads. A bit tougher than I expected. Well worth it though!

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra of course, the main reason for going, we get 2 whole days to explore which is plently of time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dont worry about the camping night, mattresses are very comfortable. Blankets looked clean and warm, but I did use my own sleepng bag.Snorkelling from the Royal Diving club in Aqaba is excellent, in case you dont fancy the optional boat trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

cycling down to Dead Sea

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good - consciencious, good sense of humour. Knew his stuff!

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!