Reviews

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Audrey was very well organised (and amazingly fit!). We also had Fernando on the trip to learn the ropes, and they made an first rate team, complementing each other very well. Both had a good sense of humour and were immensely patient and encouraging even when the group was feeling a bit low due to occasional wet weather, tiredness and mosquito bites.  They were flexible in responding to individuals' requests. The cooking and catering was superb.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes suggested that regular walkers in Snowdonia (which we are) could easily manage this trip. In fact we found the altitude made quite a difference, although we did acclimatise as the holiday went on. There were no drying rooms in any of the camp sites, which we understand is standard for Canada. Apart from the odd thunderstorm, we enjoyed excellent weather. All the walks were first rate, and very different from each other.Air Canada wre friendly and efficient  and the Canadians really are amazingly polite and welcoming. Going through Canadian Security at the airport was a pleasure (a rare one for most of us). 

Most Inspirational Moment

The trail of lights snaking up the mountain on summit day.Getting to Uhuru despite hours of altitude sickness and the constant fear that I couldn't go on.Arriving at Mwenzi camp in the glorious sunshine and being faced with the awesome terrifying beauty of the rocky landscape.Singing with the guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tosher and his assistant guides were rockstars.  They're genuine and kind and have awesome senses of humour.  They were incredibly patient.  My Kili Angel was Christopher who kept my buoyant (and held back my hair when needed!) on summit day.  He kept me smiling and walking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Eat lots the day before summit day.  You'll need the energy.Bring with you waterproof cover for your pack.A body warmer/gillet is an essential clothing item.Don't forget hand sanitiser or tissues.  You'll need to blow your nose a lot.Camel pack is the best water carrier.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Grand Col de Ferret with its outstanding views in both directions. The campsite the night before at Le Fouly had tremendous mountain and glacier views.Also - if the weather is good,  don't miss the Hellbronner crossing on the rest day in Courmayeur.  This was very expensive but AMAZING to see the climbers on Mont Blanc, the tents in the snow and the Mer de Glace from above. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Calm, safe, sensible, inspirational at times! No-one argued when he said to don full waterproofs and cross a col in seriously bad weather - we just got on with it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

(1) Be as fit as you can. These are big walks.(2) Camping is DEFINITELY the best way to do the trek, not hotels. Much more of a sense of travelling round the circuit. Also food, wine, beer, tea and coffee all excellent and cheap, unlike the hotellers. (3) Don't worry about charging up phones, camera batteries, the support van has plenty of electrical sockets for this. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The huge numbers of wildebeest, grazing happily, at times not aware of the dangers surrounding them, the exhilarating moments of lions chasing the wildebeest and narrowly missing their catch, the confused impala, probably realising too late, that one step in the wrong direction would cost her life! But on the other hand the cheetah being rewarded after a short pursue with a delicious meal whilst the sun set.This all happened during the course of 1 day!!! Unbelievable!  And when you think it can't get any better anymore you are wrong...  Only minutes after the sun had risen again, 3 generations of leopards passed our vehicles, on the way to consume, just in front of us, their kill.Not long after, we were enjoying the sight of some 4 months old lion cubs, basking in the sun, followed by the playfulness of some smaller ones, only 1 months old. The interaction of the cubs with one another was just a joy to witness.  Meanwhile thousands of wildebeest would attempt to cross the river, hoping to find a more promising land. For lots it would be a real test of their strengths as crocodiles would be luring in the water and other predators would be wandering on the other side, waiting for the weakling who would struggle to reach save ground.  Nearing the end of the week, but not of the excitement... Three 2 week old lion cubs, looking so cute and small, soon seemed to have grown up dramatically in comparison with their two 2 hours old cousins!!! Yes, you are reading this right, sitting in the pouring African rain, 2 tiny new born cubs where shivering as they tried to find protection near the young, inexperienced mother. Unaware of how fragile the 2 little ones where, the 2 week old ones looked monstrous and our hopes weren't too high, considering the cold, wet weather and the day drawing to a close. No surprise there that - first thing in the morning - we were back at the same place as the night before. Huge relief when we discovered that both new born cubs were still alive and were doing well...With mixed feelings and lots of questions we had to leave them several hours later, aware of all the dangers around. Will they survive? Will the mother be able to protect them to the full? Will we see them as fully grown lions next time we come back to the Mara? Please keep us updated...  One thing is for sure... Going to the Mara ensures you moments NEVER to forget!!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

This is my second trip with Paul and I hope it won't be the last one. Through hard work and an enthusiastic approach he manages to transfer his interest and passion of nature resulting in an unforgettable time in an amazing place... the Mara... and a desire to come back...  Special thanks also to Donna, her hard working Kicheche team and our three fabulous, knowledgeable drivers, who really went the extra mile!!! Much appreciated! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are one of the lucky people going to the Mara, don't forget to put - just once in a while - your camera on the side and enjoy the moment through the naked eye. Treasure these moments... they are special!  If you are still unsure... don't hesitate too long... Places are limited. You wouldn't want to be the one missing all these wonderful, magnificent moments, would you...?! 

Most Inspirational Moment

The main highlight for me was just observing the amazing variety of wildlife. I think our group were very lucky in what we saw but even if you see only half of the creatures we came across you are in for a treat. During the course of the 2 weeks we saw over 100 different types of bird (including the elusive Questzal), crocodiles, caimans, 3 different types of turtle, 3 different types of monkey, an armadillo, a few cheeky racoons, a couple of whales, a snake or two, an otter, 2 different type of sloths just hanging around in trees and quite a lot more including a praying mantis that just decided to pop into the bar for a drink one evening.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Anotino was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the country. He had a great sense of humor an spent a lot of time with every member of the group answering queries, identifying the birds and generally helping out with anything the group needed. He was also excellent at spotting the wildlife hidding in trees, (even when we were going past it at 30 miles an hour in the bus driven expertly and safely by Luis Deigo), so we missed none of the wildlife that came within eyesight.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My main advice is to have fun. Take plenty of deet with you. Take a good camera with something to keep it dry and don't let any rain you might get spoil your enjoyment.Always keep you eyes peeled for movement in the tress or undergrowth. You never know what might be lurking just waiting for you to discover it.In addition to the included activites members of our group opted to see the turtles laying their eggs on the beach, went through the jungle canopy on 13 zip wires and did a canopy walk. All of which added to the overall expierence.

Most Inspirational Moment

Can't decide but possibly it was the pedalo on Annecy Lake chiiling out , resting muscles  in over 30C with ipod and superb views. Also the  last days descent to Chaminox which was breathtaking in more ways than one!  The food, the walks ..all of them so different ...Too many good bits to mention really!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver was exellent source of local knowledge, had everything perfectly planned and was very mindful of everyone in the group without being pushy. Good company and what about those jokes....again for me...and the film never to be missed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not really except walks are challenging but certainly achievable and a flask if gets a wee bit cold on top. I said this in february but thought being the summer wouldn't need it but would have been nice to have. A walking pole also useful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of Mt Toublkal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Very friendly but I also had complete confidence in his abilities to lead the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking sticks.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from many of the walks were stunning.The visit to Lucca on the day off is to be recommended-it is a beautiful city.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz, the group leader was fantastic. She was helpful, interesting and seemed to have a genuine passion for her job and love of the Tuscan way of life.

Most Inspirational Moment

This has to be seeing Machu picchu apearing out of the mists in the earlymorning , well worth the early start and climb.  There were lots of other inspirational moments too , like a local fiesta on the islands , seeing the Andes in all their varied moods .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was fantastic. Someof our grouop wereun well and he reallycouldn'thave done enough for them .He reallylooked afterus very well.He was very knowledgable about his countryand obvioslyloves Peru.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take dollars and sols as some extras can only be bought in dollars. I would recomend the early morning tripto Machpicchu. You may not seesunrise ,but walking at that time of day is lovely and the mist often clears,so you still get good views. Go with an open mind and take oportunities when they arrise. The weather is very changable so don't give up because of mist or rain ,it's likely to change soon.

Most Inspirational Moment

My favourite day was the one where we cycled through the local villages and countryside and stopped for lunch at a house. (fantastic curry). We had a coconut break at a local farm where we watched a man climb a tree to get our coconuts and were shown how to make the milk. It was these little things which made the trip a little different. The temples and heritage sites are great but experiencing real Sri Lanka was even better. I was amazed by the Sri Lankans attitude to visitors. Everywhere we went people would be smiling and waving (even as we drove past on the coach). They really like having tourists and we were asked many times what we thought of their country. Beautifull was always the answer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was so well organised. He took all the stress out of the trip for us brits who have no idea how to tip, or when to tip (althought we did have a go at bartering  in the towns when we had the chance). Snacks appeared  on journeys and Roshan was always calm and informative (even when the bus broke down and a new one just magically apperared when we got off the train). The trip ran like clockwork and not only that, but he's a really friendly guy!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy! Do all the extra activities that you can.