Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Trek up to the pass at Accoccassa (4625m). and the view of Mt Veronica.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. Don’t be put off by the altitude — it is extreme (see Accoccassa (4625m), followed by an evening in a camp also above 4000m, but we (a very mixed group) managed it. 2. If you can, get an extra day in Cusco to acclimatise. Well worth it, both to get used to the altitude and also to have more time to look around — depending on flights, you might not get long in Cusco on the way home. One day _less_ in Cusco on the way in could well leave you struggling with the altitude. We were stuck in Bogota after our flight was cancelled due to local electrical storms (well looked after by Avianca, once they made up their mind to cancel the flight); a day at 2640m does not prepare you for 3000-4000m. 3. The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art – MAP Cusco (https://mapcusco.pe/en/) is well worth a visit (and is open on Sundays). 4. Ollantaytambo is a wonderful place to visit and walk around (not only because it is the first “civilisation” after the 4 days trekking...although the first shower was very welcome). Obviously, there’s no guarantee of Top Gear filming in the main square (don’t know when the episode airs, but the cars were very loud!), or the local schools rehearsing for a festival, but the town and temples are fascinating. 5. The international departure lounge at Cusco airport has just one (very) small cafe. Stay in the domestic lounge (up the escalator to the left of the entrance to International) for food, bar & shops, if you can.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the mountain village, the quiet, the hammam, having mint tea in the home of our guide's family. Having a hot cooked lunch up in the mountains was special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Hamid was great. He was knowledgeable, considerate, funny, and always aware of what was happening with various members of our group. He shared so much about the Moroccan culture, answering and encouraging questions from the walkers. We came away with so much more than experiencing a few walks in the mountains.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared with layers for all kinds of weather. It was cold in the riad at night, but plenty of warm blankets were provided. Don't skip the hammam! I hadn't planned to do this, but was so glad that I did.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the baby turtles hurtling towards the incoming tide at Tortuguero

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant guide - very friendly and very knowledgeable about everything from the plants and wildlife to the history of the country

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring an umbrella !

Most Inspirational Moment

The early morning game walks in Okavango.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rowan is efficient and Sifiso is a good driver. Both were great at spotting wildlife for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get some small notes if you can. We took US dollars & changed into BWP in Botswana. We spent approx. $700 (USD) pp total, of which approx. 1300 pula pp cash in Botswana. (includes delta flight & Zambezi cruise but not Vic Falls flight). We put the Maun flights & Zimbabwe supermarket shopping on plastic. Plug sockets were mostly South Africa round pin. It was very hot in October, but dry so mosquitoes were less of a problem.

Most Inspirational Moment

Halong Bay boat trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sometimes difficult to understand what he said, but he was very hard working.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting townships and meeting locals, especially the children who were genuinely pleased to see us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable and caring, we were invited to a leaders home in a township for dinner, very good evening with singing and dancing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for early starts, don’t pack non essentials, take $US and use atms.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every time you see a new wonder.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do all the optional extras.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting back to base camp ⛺️ after making time the summit in horrendous weather conditions

Thoughts on Group Leader

David was very talented leader in how he supported and advised us as a group and his leadership of the team of 43 porters /assistant guides who supported us. His approach was authoritative but very kind.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it, it’s tough but the feeling of satisfaction is amazing m. I’m no athlete and suffer from asthma but the guides let me walk at my own pace and I made it!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the first time you walk into Petra, sleeping under the stars in the desert was great as well.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Ibrahim was perfect. Funny, informative and new the best places for food.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes over exaggerate the need for warm clothes. I went in November and was fine with a thin jumper and I had a thermal training top for the night in the desert. Some of the older people got a little cold staying out in the desert, so coats could be needed for some.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to count - seeing Everest for the first time, visiting the Tengboche monastery, making it to basecamp and experiencing the amazing camaraderie of the whole group including Bikash Tamang and his amazing Exodus Nepal team (Kami Sherpa and Lakpa Cerpa)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bikash Tamang was the reason we all had one of the greatest trips of our lives. A true professional who was constantly encouraging the group and looking out for us all at every step of the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you train before the trip. Don't rush. Listen to everything your tour leader says and do it. They are extremely experienced.