Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Wild camping, our local hosts were outstanding. An encounter with an elephant herd here was magical as was meeting a mother and baby rhino at Matobo hills. Overall, it was a fabulous trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adonia was fantastic, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, about Botswana and Zimbabwe history, economies and a great spotter of birds and wildlife, All questions were answered. A fabulous chef, catering for food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, & "plain no spice" requirements of our group over a camp fire...the best food of the trip! He was also aware of people's feelings and health concerns.

Most Inspirational Moment

Going into the Greater Caucasus mountains was great. Really liked staying at Athalksikhe. The Stalin Museum was very interesting. The wine tasting was great. The dinner The first night - with the dancing was excellent. Actually all the meals at local restaurants and homes were excellent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Maia was an amazing guide - lovely person, incredibly knowledgeable but also very thoughtful and kind. The best guide I have ever had.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day hike of Cares Gorge was just awe inspiring. The summit of Pena Main and the Mancondiu hike gave some wonderfull views above cloud level.......and the group of people on the holiday, varied, interesting and good fun!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro (aka Alberto according to one group member)! Was a good guide, sociable, friendly, helpful; he had our welfare in mind at all times. There were various walking paces within the group, he could have managed this a little better! The two other guides on the trip, Alex and Adrian .....both good company, helpful and full of patience!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take hiking poles, there are some steep ascents and descents; and one of the days walk was extremely muddy and slippy. Other than that ....just go and enjoy Picos de Europa, it is a stunning part of the world.

Most Inspirational Moment

Only the one most inspiring moment? I can't choose. Climbing the red sand dunes of the oldest desert on the planet, seeing the Namib sand gecko and desert-adapted giraffes and elephants that only live in Namibia, seeing cheetahs up close, walking up to white rhinos, spotting two black rhinos face off at sunset, coming face to face with a family of warthogs outside the lodge, seeing remarkably old and well preserved cave paintings, driving long the coast where the desert meets the ocean, and petting Mila the meerkat of the Brandberg White Lady Lodge. Everyday brought something new and amazing, and sometimes unexpected like the honey badger we never expected to spot.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shane was great. He had a great plan to ensure we always had cold water to access on the bus and we could always access it even during the night if needed. He was great at spotting wildlife and also at sensing excitement in the bus and stopping even for the 100th springbok or giraffe. He modified the itinerary slightly by switching activities between days so we got to do everything planned but with shorter drives. And some evenings he answered the same question 10 times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack layers. Mornings and evenings were chilly in some places, and days got hot. The temperature changed fast at sunrise and sunset. We got our pant legs quite wet during the white rhino tracking and it was chilly but so worth it. Bring a good camera (seriously, everywhere in Namibia is amazing for photography) with protective gear against wind and sand and a cleaning kit. I used my camera cleaning kit almost daily and others on the tour used my cleaning kit too. Talk with the group leader about your plans. During our day off in Swakopmund, I had read about optional excursions and was debating between the Living Desert tour and the Sandwich Harbor tour. I couldn't make my mind and Shane managed to arrange for me to do both, warning me it would be an exhausting day. I did the Living Desert tour at 8:30 am, got back in town, changed cars, and got back from the Sandwich Harbor tour just 30 min before our planned dinner time. It was exhausting but I regret nothing! I saw and learned so much and am so grateful I was able to do both excursions. And during a meal, ask for a Malawi Shandy. It might become your favorite drink on a hot day.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight of the trip was reaching the summit of Dürrenstein, closely followed by the breathtaking Tre Cime and the stunning Lago di Braies. Another real highlight was the group itself. It was a pleasure to spend the week with such a friendly mix of people from different backgrounds and of varying ages. Although we were the youngest in the group, we never felt out of place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mark was fantastic throughout the entire week. From the warm welcome at the airport on arrival to the support and encouragement he provided during the more challenging sections of the hikes, he consistently went above and beyond. He made a genuine effort to get to know everyone in the group, joining us in the evenings and taking the time to chat with each person throughout the day. His communication was always clear and informative, and he was warm, friendly, knowledgeable, and professional at

Most Inspirational Moment

Wildlife, scenery, team spirit, arriving at camp after a long day, tents already set up and fabulous home cooking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adrián's enthusiasm, sense of humour and encouragement had a positive impact on the whole group. Took time to help and follow up on injuries, options for changes and recommendations. Very good leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

The path of the Gods Swimming at Bagni Regina Giovanna

Thoughts on Group Leader

Veriano is a passionate and warm man who generously shares his love of the Amalfi coast. Having him as a guide was wonderful. During the trip I was unwell (unrelated to the trip) and he was kind and caring throughout the trip, taking time to check I was ok each day. I really appreciated his concern. I also saw him quietly checking in with other group members at various times.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Dune 45 and seeing Deadvlei Visiting white lady rock paintings in Brandberg Etosha game drives and seeing Rhinos, Leopard, Cheethah, Lions, Jackals, Hyenas, 16 elephants at a water hole and over a hundred Zebras at our lodges waterhole Rhino tracking in Otjiwa

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leader, friendly and helpful. As a group we tended to like to have information on the next day earlier than at our evening meal to help with packing planning etc but it tended to be given after dinner

Most Inspirational Moment

So many! Wild camping as an experience Poling in Mokoro canoes and wild camping in Okavanga delta and game walks Chobe river cruise All the game drives especially seeing hippos, Leopard, Lions, Wild Dogs Going to specific locations to watch the sunset e.g. By Giant Baobob Tree, by flooded salt pan, by watering hole Star gazing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kenny was an excellent leader. He was friendly, cheerful and very knowledgeable. He was keen to share his knowledge with the group and it was great to see his excitment when we saw the Wild Dogs. He led an equally friendly, cheerful and helpful team with Chris, Roland and Yethu

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many highlights in what was a great trip, amazing scenery, wonderful food, very friendly people, fantastic tour guide/bus driver and beautiful weather to name but a few, but meeting and staying with the nomadic families at the yurt camp and giving gifts to the children was definitely the number 1 highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

"Tina" was such a wonderful and attentive tour guide/leader from the very start to the end of the trip. She was always available to answer any questions/queries that anyone had, and ensured that everyone in the group would have the best trip possible. She also provided a very thorough and detailed history of Kyrgyzstan and she enjoyed so much being out in the mountains and meeting up with so many local people/friends she had become acquainted with before.