Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment of the trip was the herd of elephants that came to the waterhole in Etosha. So many other animals came too. It was a really beautiful experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Ben, was excellent. He looked after us with care and consideration. He had excellent knowledge on every question that was asked and he was very good at finding the animals for us to see. The crew (the driver and the cook - Jonas and Orbert) were also excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

July was a good time to travel because it was not too hot during the day. The temperature does fall at night so a really good sleeping bag and a blanket (if you feel the cold) is a good plan. The facilities at each site vary so it is better if you can be flexible. You need malaria tablets, but there were very few insects at that time of year - it may be different at other times. We are very cautious so we had insect repellent clothes. You can get clothes washed at the hotel in Swakopmund and one or two other places, so you need to plan clothes carefully. Some of the roads are very bumpy, but then we were travelling through the dessert. It would definitely help if you have a head torch with you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking at the views over the Chamonix valley on the last day of our trip, while sitting down to each lunch. It was a spectacular view after 5 days of hiking and got to enjoy it with a great group of people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tom was an exceptional tour leader, so knowledgeable, patient and entertained us with his chat and stories. He really made the experience enjoyable and successful for everyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were blessed with the most amazing sunshine during our trek to Macchi Picchu and left with beautiful photos of the Andes and wonderful memories.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Frank, was everything you could wish for - as an advocate for Peru and as a guide. There could not have been a more perfect person for the job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t take the category 4 rating lightly in terms of the challenge. Whilst some people trotted up and down like mountain goats, my lungs and heart really, really struggled. I did a lot of cardio and strength training in advance, but it was still very, very hard work.

Most Inspirational Moment

On the spare day I went up to Sas Pordoi...amazing rocky scenery. Just wish I'd taken my boots that day!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guides Albert and Martin really knew their stuff and made the holiday run very smoothly..great job!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go and enjoy yourself!!

Most Inspirational Moment

We were a very small group ( only 4) and it was lovely to be invited into the kitchen to eat at our first homestay. I enjoyed the buzz of cycling in Hue,

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thoa was a great leader. Everything was organised to perfection and we made great use of our time. Thoughtful things like ordering a take away on the train, and his attention to detail added to the trip. He is good company and I learned so much about Vietnam from him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring earplugs! Apart from the risk of snorers in the homestays, there is also the risk of karaoke! The biking equipment is great, but padded shorts a must. Be prepared for lots of action, as well as some long journeys. Leave room in your suitcase for clothes from Hoi An.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were a very small group ( only 4) and it was lovely to be invited into the kitchen to eat at our first homestay. I enjoyed the buzz of cycling in Hue,

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thoa was a great leader. Everything was organised to perfection and we made great use of our time. Thoughtful things like ordering a take away on the train, and his attention to detail added to the trip. He is good company and I learned so much about Vietnam from him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring earplugs! Apart from the risk of snorers in the homestays, there is also the risk of karaoke! The biking equipment is great, but padded shorts a must. Be prepared for lots of action, as well as some long journeys. Leave room in your suitcase for clothes from Hoi An.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed Kyoto. One of the reasons I want to return to Japan is to spend some more time in Kyoto. One of the highlights was the first sighting of Mount Fuiji - from the bullet train. Don’t think you can get more iconic than that. I enjoyed Matsumoto. I could have spent another day / half day there. Standing in Hiroshima at the iconic site of the exhibition hall was thought provoking. Takayama was good. Actually there wasn’t a location I didn’t like. I omitted the trip to see the snow monkeys though, choosing to spend a morning in Obuse instead to visit the Hokusai museum and wander round the town before rejoining the group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Misa was wonderful. So calm, patient and organised. Nothing was too much trouble. She helped me plan out the train journey to Obuse. She did a good job of herding us and keeping us together, especially in the face of one or two individuals who didn’t always appreciate the importance of timing and one who I think was seeking travel advice for an extended stay that was over and above Misa’s remit.....

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed Kyoto. One of the reasons I want to return to Japan is to spend some more time in Kyoto. One of the highlights was the first sighting of Mount Fuiji - from the bullet train. Don’t think you can get more iconic than that. I enjoyed Matsumoto. I could have spent another day / half day there. Standing in Hiroshima at the iconic site of the exhibition hall was thought provoking. Takayama was good. Actually there wasn’t a location I didn’t like. I omitted the trip to see the snow monkeys though, choosing to spend a morning in Obuse instead to visit the Hokusai museum and wander round the town before rejoining the group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Misa was wonderful. So calm, patient and organised. Nothing was too much trouble. She helped me plan out the train journey to Obuse. She did a good job of herding us and keeping us together, especially in the face of one or two individuals who didn’t always appreciate the importance of timing and one who I think was seeking travel advice for an extended stay that was over and above Misa’s remit.....

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

One member initially nearly keeling over due to a lack of electrolytes, to go on to be as strong or stronger than the rest of us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severely competent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes. (See below.)

Most Inspirational Moment

Rushing through a villager's house to catch sight of pygmy elephants in the back garden. Or, seeing a flying squirrel glide from one tree to another (at Sepilok).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Beverley Chin was great. She knows the country inside out, is unflappable, and a great organiser. She's travelled a lot herself, and thoroughly understands what westerners need.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I took football socks to act as leech socks, but we were lucky and didn't really see leeches because it had been dry. The shop at Danum Valley does sell leech socks. Ponchos seemed to be the thing for keeping the rain off. You definitely need a sun hat for the river cruises at least. I'd agonised about taking trainers or hiking boots, but was glad I decided on hiking boots. Take your swimming costume - I swam 4 times in various places. The Deet was disgusting, so most of us gave up trying to use it after a few days. We only got a few bites, again maybe because it was dry weather.