Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

"If you go down to the woods today you're sure of a big surprise" - Well we certanly had a surprise.  We saw close-up in their natural habitat, a Mother bear and her three cubs and then a Male bear appeared, all this watched  in a hide.In the bear conservation sanctuary we also saw a number of rescued bears including one from Tibet-all had a story to tell. We also witnesed a altercation between a pack of wolves.  So experiencing closeup bears, wolves, birds and the ocassional dragon fly(to keep David happy!) was the highlights for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The experience was made all the better by Cosmin, our guide, who was very enthusiastic and compassionate about animal conservation.  He was able to share his knowledge with us.  Just wish he wouldn't keep stopping for every bloody bird he met (feathered kind I mean)Katrina, was our accomodating host at the guest house.  She equally shared Cosmin's passion for wildlife and always around if we had any questions.  Katrina gave us a guided tour around the bear conservation sanctuary.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our group varied widely in fitness and cycling. The fitter members coped easily, but others showed amazing and inspirational determination on some of the more difficult days

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was lovely. He was friendly, kind, and helpful, and was brilliant with all of us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try to get some experience of cycling on rough tracks, and be prepared to spend long days on the saddle.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspirational moments, but to name a few:Finding stunning and incredible views around every new corner.Watching the sun rise over the mountains at the third campsite, hugging mugs of warm tea whilst taking in the panoramic scenery.Walking through the sun gate to marvel our first glimpse of Macchu Picchu; not to mention basking in the magnificence of the lost city itself. Getting the hang of bartering at the market in Macchu Picchu - the selling pitches are much less aggressive here than in Cusco.Sipping nice cold Inca Kola in Macchu Picchu after our 4 day trek. Sitting in the main Plaza in Cusco, watching people go about their daily business.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Juan, was absolutely incredible; his enthusiasm was infectious and his infinite knowledge, his friendly yet professional manner were second to none. He made an already amazing trip absolutely unforgettable; nothing was too much trouble and he genuinely wanted to ensure that everyone had the holiday of a lifetime. What a star!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a warm sleeping bag! I used a 3 season bag and was freezing on a couple of nights. Take stuff sacks - the weight limit of 7KG of equipment meant that our clothes were pretty smelly by the end of the trip; being able to seal them away in stuff sacks prevented the whole bag smelling rotten!  

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Uhuru peak after 8 hours of walking in the dark and freezing cold.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abraham was brilliant, he did everything for us, especially on summit night and without him and the other guides our whole group may not have made it to the top.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a lot of glucose tablets, immodium and a platapus.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were loads of interesting things - the temples at Dambulla and Polonnaruwa, and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.  Enjoyed the elephant ride, and seeing elephants try to push each other into the water at the orphanage.  We were lucky enough to be there at the time of the festival in Kandy which was brilliant.  Also were lucky to see two leopards on the safari at Yala National Park.  Enjoyed the walk on Horton Plains, high up in the mountains, and the Hill Club which felt like being in an Agatha Christie novel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had Roshan Fernando who was brilliant.  He always gave us loads of info about what we'd be doing every day, how long it would take to get to places and what clothes would be suitable e.g. if we were going to temples or walking in the jungle.  He told us all about the history, culture and customs of the country, always making it sound fresh and interesting.  Loves dropping in jokes and sayings at every opportunity and had us all singing along with him and the mariachi band at a couple of hotels! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely give this trip a try.  I've never been anywhere like it before and really enjoyed it.  There are some early starts but it's worth it and you get to see a lot, it's a very varied country. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The gorilla trek was quite amazing. To get that close to such magnificent animals was an emotional moment. We were also lucky enough to do the balloon trip over the Masai Mara. Looking down over tens of thousands of wildebeest was breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emias was a star. Nothing was too much trouble. He was very well organised. Skilled at dealing with a disparate group of people. Did his job calmly and efficiently. Hugely knowledgable and enthusiastic about all aspects of the trip. Leo and Francis (cook and second driver) were equally as skilled and as personable. Together they made a great team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take as good a head torch as you can get, we used them a great deal. Quite cool in the evenings, need a fleece or similar. You will take loads of photos - have enough memory cards. Truck has charging points, so batteries are easily recharged. Some long days on truck over rough roads but plenty to see.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the wonderful coastal scenery from the bike (and getting to the top of the hills, especially on the days where we had a strong head-wind!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele was great - very knowledgeable & nothing was too much trouble. He was also a very good laugh! Good support from Enrico too, especially organising a very nice beach picnic!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Padded cycle shorts a must. I took my gel saddle cover but it didn't fit the hire bikes. Not TOO painful though...

Most Inspirational Moment

reaching the sumitt of le breton 2,527mts the last ascent of 1,500mts having set off at 06-30am so as not to slow the rest of group.Followed by the last 3 hours, walking a scenic route along the valley contouring  to the cable car at F ?? with 2 Aussies and an Irish colleen!!.

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent character cannot reccommend him more highly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

make sure you'r fit and don't underestimate the amount of ascent and descent on the trip. It helps if you have a GSOH

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of Ooty was a great achievement, having counted every one of the 36 hairpin bends on the way up! We were also very lucky to see a tiger while on the jeep safari in the National Park which was fantastic. Another enjoyable morning was cycling through the heavy rain and trying to cycle through an almost foot deep flood! The houseboats on the backwaters were also fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leaders Safi and Joseph and our backup driver Shibu were all superb. They were very knowledgable of the area and did everything they could to ensure we were happy with the trip. They were very diligent in looking after and maintaining the bicycles. Safi gave us a run down on the following day each evening after dinner and gave us directions each morning on the day's cycle.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No need to bring bicycles from home as the bicycles used are of excellent quality. Would recommend bringing a gel saddle or saddle cover from home as some days are quite long.Safi suggested a group kitty which covered all tips and meals not included on the trip. This was a great idea as we all joined together for each meal and it saved all the hassle of splitting bills etc. We were also brought to some very different places to eat which we possibly wouldn't have gone into on our own.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Audrey was very well organised (and amazingly fit!). We also had Fernando on the trip to learn the ropes, and they made an first rate team, complementing each other very well. Both had a good sense of humour and were immensely patient and encouraging even when the group was feeling a bit low due to occasional wet weather, tiredness and mosquito bites.  They were flexible in responding to individuals' requests. The cooking and catering was superb.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes suggested that regular walkers in Snowdonia (which we are) could easily manage this trip. In fact we found the altitude made quite a difference, although we did acclimatise as the holiday went on. There were no drying rooms in any of the camp sites, which we understand is standard for Canada. Apart from the odd thunderstorm, we enjoyed excellent weather. All the walks were first rate, and very different from each other.Air Canada wre friendly and efficient  and the Canadians really are amazingly polite and welcoming. Going through Canadian Security at the airport was a pleasure (a rare one for most of us).