Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were too many to list them all! Crossing Buffalo River (near Rorke's Drift) was quite an adventure - certainly very memorable. Michael Caine would have been proud of us :-) The Sentinel Path walk, in the Drekensburg range, was wonderful and the ladders weren't too challenging - well worth the effort to reach the escarpment with superb views for miles in all directions. Watching hippos at close range, from the safety of a sturdy boat, was an amazing experience. The wildlife encounters were fantastic everywhere - I never imagined we would be able to see so many varied species at such close proximity.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had an amazing team! Colly, Skhu and Farai were all fantastic and worked hard from morning to night to ensure that we all had a great holiday. It was a privilege to share their insights into the fascinating culture, history and landscape of South Africa. They were very good at judging when we needed a break on the long days travelling, and made sure we had plenty to eat and drink at all stages. They prepared varied and interesting meals, and there was always more than enough for even the most hearty appetites.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes carefully. Take plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent. Don't take too many clothes - the laundry service in Swaziland was very good and excellent value for money

Most Inspirational Moment

The superb sunset at Ella which materialised out of nowhere was very memorable, as was the exhilarating descent the following day - it takes you through several of Sri Lanka's climatic zones in no time at all and illustrates well just what a beautiful country this is.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh and his team did a superb job. He is extremely well organised and has the knack of giving everybody on the trip just the right amount of attention and support they need. He works very hard to ensure you see the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer and is able to provide some excellent insights into the wildlife and cultural attractions you will see along the way. If you are unlucky enough to take a tumble rest assured that the team are well experienced at seeking out medical attention along the route and taking care of you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although this trip is mostly on road, quite a few sections are bumpy or potholed, so getting a bit of practice in on an MTB, and taking a comfy saddle and cycling shorts will help you enjoy the trip all the more. If its hot electrolytes will help you keep hydrated.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having made it to Annapurna Base Camp, having quiet time alone to try to absorb the sheer beauty and unpredictable power of the landscape. Also following the river back down again - amazing waterfalls everywhere!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bikash was brilliant, helping this very novice trekker achieve her goal to make it to 4,000m, with lots of laughs and singing on the way. He never made you feel you were too slow - he encouraged everyone to walk at their own pace, but kept a quiet eye out for problems & difficulties, and calmly dealt with them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although I knew there were stone steps, I and others underestimated how many! There are times when you are walking up steps for several hours, so finding a good, comfortable pace is essential - not fast, but steady. We walked in November where the days were hot - T shirts & shorts, but the nights are down jacket & thermal time. I had packed loads of thermal gear, but not enough summer layers. Also, be warned that on the flight back the luggage allowance is 10kg hold and 5 kg cabin - not 15kg hold as most of us thought, which meant there was a frantic unpacking at the last minute, and I left things I needed on trek back in Kathmandu. Safe drinking water was plentiful, so I didn't need my purification tabs, but take some just in case...

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on a misty day through the Inca Gate of the Sun to have the mist clear and reveal Machu Picchu in all its glory - magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

An inspirational leader with extensive knowledge of Inca history, the Peruvian way of life, flora and fauna and excellent organisational skills

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it if you can !

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the Taj Mahal. No matter how prepared you think you might be, the reality exceeds expectations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Krishna and Harish were outstanding.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a very busy schedule. There is so much to see that time is very much at a premium. My advice would be to just go with it and try to be as punctual as you can.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the base of the Torres del Paine. Seeing (and hearing) ice calve from the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Xavier was great. He had a really good sense of humour and was calm and relaxed whilst being incredibly organised. We felt we were in very safe hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely take lots of layers that you can easily carry in your backpack (including a thin waterproof jacket). Walking poles are really helpful for the steep downhill sections on the two major hikes. We had really good weather for both the walks (base of Mount Fitzroy and Torres del Paine) but you should be aware that if it rains heavily then both the walks would be very difficult and/or too dangerous to attempt. The Viedma Glacier has receded significantly in the last three months and we got the distinct impression that it was felt by the local guides that reaching the glacier (in order to be able to walk on it) was no longer safe. This optional excursion may therefore be unavailable or inadvisable. We decided not to do it as we felt it probably was not without risk. The cost of the optional excursions is increasing all the time so take plenty of US dollars. There is no need to change US dollars for Chilean pesos as the three days in Chile have lots of included meals and most places take US dollars anyway. Take blister plasters as they cannot be bought in Argentina or Chile. The guides will be really grateful if you donate any left- over plasters when you leave as they think they are great and cannot buy them.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sigirya rock was both fascinating and visually impressive, helped by the fact that our tour leader organised for us to see it first thing in the morning before the crowds arrived. Candy and the temple of the Tooth were also impressive but then again so was the bike ride along the river and travelling through the tea plantations. Each day was different and interesting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was outstanding. He was calm, assured, organised, approachable, knowledgeable, sociable, with an English sense of humour. He brought the trip to life not only explaining the history but also never afraid to discuss the challenges facing modern Sri Lanka. It was no surprise to learn is in the Exodus Hall of fame.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Watch out for small leeches on the jungle walk if it's been raining. they are harmless but it's a bit unpleasant.

Most Inspirational Moment

On a visit to the National Park, we had three leopard sightings!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The best group leader encountered.....friendly, knowledgeable,organized,supportive.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment of the trip for me was the walk up to Mount Vesuvius and climbed inside the rim of the crater, and enjoyed a magnificent sunset on the way down.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Paul, is excellent. He is very knowledgable, organised, super fit, fun and caring. He always made sure that all of us were well looked after and had a great time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking sticks may be useful with some walks especially the walk to Mount Vesuvius. It is quite steep and slippery.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing leopard on one of our first game drives.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin was great he has been leading this trip for many years and his knowledge of the countries the people and the animals was amazing. He kept the trip running smoothly and never seemed to get tired despite the early mornings and long drives.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a lots of early starts.