Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to select one as there were so many 'wow' moments. The first sighting of orangutans in the wild brought tears to my eyes - little did I know how much more was to come! Being literally yards away from an adult male orangutan was just breath taking! Then seeing 'gibbon gymnastics', bats streaming from a cave, baby monkeys clinging on tightly as the troupe crashes through the trees just overhead, a herd of over 20 elephants with young ones playfully romping on a river bank....and then snakes and spiders and incredible hornbills....this is a truly unforgettable trip!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manuel made the trip for us - knowledgeable, passionate about what he does and very efficient. He also gave us a very personal insight into Borneo life and culture, by telling us about his family. Best of all, he is a really nice guy, good fun and great company, so all of us wanted to join him in the evenings, even when we had the option to do our own thing. He really is a first class tour leader and I can't thank him enough for making our trip so amazing!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Practical things - there is a good laundry in KK, so you can get your clothes washed mid trip. We took 2 large bags and is was 18RM (less than £5). Take a small cloth/flannel to wipe your face as you get so hot and sweaty on the walks! Take a poncho or buy one there, that covers you and your backpack. Earplugs are a must in Mulu NP as the frogs go on all night! The trip notes say there are no snacks available but we found plenty everywhere- chocolate, biscuits, crisps etc, although no cereal bars. Finally, don't think twice - just book it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The stunning scenery and rock formations observed throughout the 32km hike to Lake Temba at back. The refreshing and cold swim in Lake Temba with a countless number of little frogs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The main tour leader, Haussain was very good at organising the group and looking after wellfare and safety, along with protecting our belongings. On the walks he was very good at pacing the speed to accomodate the slowest members of the group. Instead of imparting information regarding the fauna, flora or geology while on the walks, he would wait to be asked specific questions by members of the group. I felt a bit more dialoque would have helped during the walks. The guide (Mohammed Azim) for the city tour of Marrakech was poor. His explanations were far too long and rambling. He would walk a few yards then stop and tell some story about his family or Father which was neither interesting or relevant. These frequent stops were also in the full heat of the sun and not in shaded areas. The visit to the spice and potion shop was very interesting and a very much a welcome interlude from Mohammed. The brief visit to the outskirts of the souks was also a dissapointment, being taken to yet another shop which was supposidly selling better quality goods than other shops, no one in the group wanted to purchase anything anyway. Please find an alternative guide for the tour of Marrakech.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When in the souks, don't believe the locals when they say a place is closed, it is just a "friendly" way of disorientating you, and asking them to guide you (for a fee). Try friendly banter with the shop owners in the souks, that way you are less likely to be over hassled to look at their goods. I found this worked very well, along with smiling and no, merci. If you can, avoid the summer months, I was there at the beginning of August and it was hot in Marrakech and also hot in the mountains, until the last day, when it was cool with a wind and rain, ideal for the 32km round walk to Lake Temba. For some of the walks, stock up on snacks (e.g. cereal bars, chocolate bars), to allow for the five hour gap between breakfast and lunch. I found I was running out of fuel in the stomach with about one and half hours to go until the picnic lunch stop.

Most Inspirational Moment

Amongst many 'wow' moments the one that just sneaks ahead of the rest was watching a large male Orang Utang wake up in the morning and get out of his nest. All only 20 metres away.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manuel was extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of Bornean wildlife and culture. He was also very friendly, organised and made the trip the success it was.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's hot, humid and you will get wet. A poncho is a good investment. Be prepared to encounter wildlife in all its forms from very big to very small.

Most Inspirational Moment

walking for 4 days on the Ica trail....I too felt it was a pilgrimage to something greater

Thoughts on Group Leader

fantastic- Cesar Velasco- polite, informative, funny, helpful

Advice for Potential Travellers

fly via Madrid or Amsterdam if you are going from the UK (not Sau Paulo....it is miles in the wrong direction!) Give Lima a miss if you are travelling in the May-Sept months..it is cold & grey..go straight on to Cusco...this also gives you longer to acclimatise to the altitude. Take your thermals for the nights, loads of insect repellant & antihistamines...the midges are vicious! Take dollars & change them in Cusco..the exchange rate is better than buying peruvian sol in the UK (currently Aug 2015)

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved trekking in the mountains and meeting the shepherds with their huge herds of goats and sheep. People everywhere were happy to talk and it's amazing how well you can communicate with only a few words of a language.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan was very good at setting the pace to suit the slowest members.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The luggage is carried to the gite by mule so you can leave some stuff in the hotel in Marrakech. Water purification tablets not really necessary as there is bottled water availabe to buy at the gite.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the mountain summits Vihren & Musalla.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent . Could not have been better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit enough before booking this holiday. My fellow group members were all walking enthusiasts so this kept us all together.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in camp 3 - such a beautiful place, high in the clouds, walking through the cloud forests to get there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar was wonderful, kind patient, brilliant at encouraging us on the tough bits. Great sense of fun. Very good with our son. We were lucky, he helped make our holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lots of practice beforehand......

Most Inspirational Moment

Mountains, beautiful views. The originality of food. Nice, kind people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was great! Hamid did everything we need. He intervened our teenagers, plays games with them. It was fun. He knows mountains inside and out. I would go with him to the mountains again. The big thanks to him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would travel next time in spring or autumn. It was really hot. Personally I prefer cool mountains: it is easier to hike. I took water for drinking from rivers in mountains. Water is very clean there. The rest of the group bought water every day from local shops or people. There weren't any mosquitoes. I'm very sensitive to mosquitoes. So I was happy not to have them there.

Most Inspirational Moment

Glorious mountain walks to Monte Prado and Pania de Croce

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz surpassed my expectations of a group leader and made the trip unforgettable

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up to Grand Col Ferret on day 5 and up to Brevent on the last walking day, a 1500m ascent with spectacular views when the clouds cleared, a great finish to our trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Heather was an excellent group leader, got us all safely up and down the mountains on a daily basis. On the last day she carried a bottle of champagne up to Brevent which we all enjoyed after a long slog to the top, a nice touch. Neil cooked delicious meals for us in the evening.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is a challenging trip, most days have ascents of 1,000m and similar descents. The last day's ascent of 1,500m is a tough walk but worth it.