Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing dune 45 at Soussosviel in the early morning followed by an al fresco breakfast

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar was a genial and friendly leader who looked after us well. He helped us along the way, especially by facilitating the border crossings. His communication skills were good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Think carefully about the distances involved. This is a classic overland trip and 5000km is what you sign up for. Check up on currencies for each country before you go. At present S Africa rand is readily accepted in Namibia. Take plenty of US dollars for Zimbabwe. It is an expensive country. Be prepared for regular early starts.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was not really 1 powerful moment here. I really enjoyed the long walk and the houseboat trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam is excellent. 1 of the best leaders I have experienced on such trips. He was knowledgeable, considerate, conscientious, friendly. We covered many aspects of Indian life on our trip. He had a good sense of humour, but could also deal admirably with what ever cropped up. He was very aware of our needs and took a lot of trouble helping us make good choices on the menus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The pace of this trip is not as leisurely as suggested, especially the first part. The walk is moderate not leisurely, and you will need good walking shoes, or better still walking boots, as the paths are uneven and slippery in places. I had boots and a light walking pole, which were appropriate for this. Depends if you feel it is worth taking boots for 2 walks (also the nature reserve walk). There is not much time to relax other than on the coach, though you do get some free time to yourselves towards the end. This suited me fine, but maybe not everyone. You will not be disappointed in the wonderful insight you get into the way people live, their customs, how things are made. Also the unforgettable sights, smells, tastes and sounds of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hatching turtles on Torteguero beach. The whole reason i booked for November and i was not disappointed. The friendliness of the Costa Rican people. Everywhere we went we were made to feel very welcome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

First Class! Could not have hoped for a friendlier, more knowledgeable tour leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take an umbrella and do not forget to take a fleece or something for the Savegre Lodge - it is a tad chilly at times!

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip with so much to see and stunning views at every turn, you could quite easily spend more than the two full days allocated here. Jerash is surprisingly extensive and varied in scale and not unlike Pompeii but without the crowds which made it all the more enjoyable. The Dead Sea was fun, mosaics at Madaba & Mt Nebo great and the views at Wadi Rum lovely.

Thoughts on Group Leader

An enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide who was never short of a story (or two!) to tell, clearly passionate about his country, it's people and history. Did well to manage a large and diverse group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have a comfortable pair of shoes as as there is a lot of walking in Petra but don't let this put you off. The walk to the Monastery involves a lot of steps but is worth the effort as is the Jabal Haroun Trail to view the Treasury from high above. If going in late season be sure to either reserve a sleeping bag for the night at Wadi Rum (BEFORE departure) or take thermals with you. If you're not making use of the beach resort facilities in Aqaba then be aware that the tourist sites are likey to be closed as it's Friday, you can none the less spend a relaxing and enjoyable day exploring Aqaba and watching the locals - we found a great cafe for a lazy lunch.

Most Inspirational Moment

Some great downhill, giggling children wherever you say hello

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh was great fun and worked very hard to make this an enjoyable trip. I would have never tried egg coffee otherwise

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's a very busy itinerary. There is hardly any time to see Saigon. If you can, book an extra day or too before and after the trip. The bikes are good but bringing your own saddle is worth considering. The traffic can look scary but drivers are very respectful. Don't hesitate or break and everything will flow around you.

Most Inspirational Moment

I went shark diving in a cage !! It was a must do optional extra - costs a lot but you have to do these things once in your life. Well worth all the money ( thanks credit card ) Picked up from hotel- driven to the centre - travel out on boat for 20+ mins Safety briefings given . Wet suit + mask etc Water not that cold for the Atlantic. Although not see great white saw plenty of copper back sharks - hey a shark is a shark . Had two long sessions in cage. I loved it ... Go for it

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin was very very good. Knew his stuff . Very obviously proud of his country. Put up with a lot of ribbing from the 16 of us. Always helpful. If he is your group leader you will enjoy yourself as well as learn loads about SAfrica - whether it be animals, plants , history, geology, even politics

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for different weather - can change - I think we were very lucky. However, did not get to Robben Island due to rough seas and were lucky to get up Table Mountain on 2nd attempt. Don't be disappointed if you not make these two trips. In Cape town go on hop on hop off bus BUT they only run clockwise - hence do not think about going all way round then doing it again and hopping off . Blue route takes 2 + hours. Take some tea/ coffee with you as a couple of apartments are ' self catering ' Apartments and hotels we stayed in were ideally situated- view over sea etc. Try all sorts of food - Ostrich, warthog, springbok all very tasty as were the fish dishes. Kayaking ( includes lilo + cliff jumping ) ok. Zip wiring - good intro as I had not done before but I think a bit tame if you had already experienced it. Whale watching approx. £40 may not be worth it especially as you can see from beach ( this opinion from group - I did not do ) Township - I did not do but there were very mixed views - many negative

Most Inspirational Moment

The long downhill ride on the 5th day. I loved riding through the markets and town of Dalat

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely fantastic - simultaneously very efficient and the life and soul of the party!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You might need a few days off after all this activity - especially if you are prone to jet lag problems if you are traveling from the UK or the US. I would also suggest getting to Ho Chi Minh City a day or two before the trip starts, to get over jet lag and also to explore the town a bit (there is no time for this in the trip itself) - I would recommend a back-of-the-motorbike city tour, the War Remnants Museum, the cocktail bar at the top of Bitexco Tower, among other. Vietnamese city traffic (mainly motorbikes) looks absolutely scary, but is not at all - all the motorbikes just flow around you like a school of fish, and the (relatively few) cars and trucks are very aware of 2-wheeled traffic and respectful. Everyone is friendly

Most Inspirational Moment

The first proper sighting of Manaslu and the surrounding himal and the transition to Tibetan culture.

Thoughts on Group Leader

See above. Inspirational and a wonderful human being.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely take a Steripen (see trip notes) - such a brilliant device.

Most Inspirational Moment

Baby turtles hatching and making their perilous journey from nest to sea. The Resplendent Quetzals! Getting very wet in Monteverdi cloud forest! Visiting a local school and the home of Aurora for a Costa Rican lunch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing group leader. His knowledge, love and pride for his country Costa Rica shone through.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you love birds, mammals, nature and beautiful scenery book this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing parts of japan off the normal tourist trail

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ayaka was fantastic - she couldn't do enough for us all - full of energy and infectious enthusiasm, and very knowledgeable too. She clearly listened to what people said about what they wanted to get from the trip and delivered on this. Impressive.