Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

All the opportunities to see Lemurs - whether in the rain forest or in private parks - one image which makes me smile when I recall it, is the lemur park at Vakuna Lodge (Nr Perinet national park), where the lemurs used us as places to jump on to and off and to sit on.  I have some lovely photos of people in the group with one or two lemurs sitting on their arms and shoulders.  Also the two walks in the Tsingy's were interesting; fascinating structures and great to be able to get out and walk - it was a bonus to see lemurs on both Tsingy walks. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sol who was the leader of our group until we returned to Tana was one of the best I have travelled with.  Very well organised and made even the long road journeys interesting by telling us different things about Madagascar - he was righly proud of his country and delighted in introducing us to as many experiences as possible.  We also had some excellent local guides in different areas and some good drivers. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

I posted some general comments on the community arrivals board in answer to some questions from members of the group going out after our return but mainly I would advise that the long road journeys tend to be longer than advised on the itinerary so be prepared.  It was one of the ironies of the trip that the really nice places to stay you arrive late and leave early!  As a vegetarian I found it difficult to get sufficient food (this is obviously my personal observation) and I would probably have taken some museli with me to supplement breakfast - which were generally meagre.  We did have chances to stock up on food and fruit in supermarkets which was good.  The photographic opportunities are numerous - take lots of memory cards/film.  Re-charging cameras, I-pods, Kindles etc is no problem.  Some of the best photographic opportunities are in the early morning - whether walking on the beach in Morondova or around gardens in the various hotels.  Definitely visit the Lemur Park in Tana - it is a rescue centre in a lovely park setting with the lemurs running free (not in cages) and really friendly, informative staff.  You can never have enough opportunities to see lemurs.  Take a head torch for the walks in the Tsingy...you will need your hands.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the lemurs watching us in the wild! We were lucky enough to see many of the different types of lemurs in the different locations along with some chameleons, insects, birds & a fossa.The baobabs are stunning against the blue sky and we witnessed an amazing sunset there but away from the crowds of people.The markets were vibrant & interesting and provided great photo opportunities as most people were happy to have their photograph taken.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sol is the best tour leader we have ever had. He went out of his way to show us all that his country has to offer. Many ad hoc stops were made to view the every day aspects of Madagascan life and frequent stops to take photos were offered. Information was freely given but we were never overwhelmed with it. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a lot of travelling long distances. The journeys are interesting especially as Sol adds many unmissible side visits to the itinerary but expect to be tired by the end of the holiday. The roads travelled on with the 4WD's are dirt tracks full of ruts so you do get thrown around alot. You need to be reasonably agile to do the Grand Tsingy trek. Sol offered the option of Petite Tsingy to those of the group who felt they were not up to the trek.  

Most Inspirational Moment

Descending into the Ngorongoro crater was like entering a lost world.  From the top you would think it was a vast empty space.  When are on the crater floor you'll be astounded by how many animals actually live together in this caldera.  The variety of species was also revealing and a good set of binoculars came in very handy as well as a decent zoom on the camera.We had a visit from some elephants drinking for the camp water supply - that caused quite a stir.The Serengetti balloon ride was as expensive as it was surreal.  This was part of what we went for and it will stay in our memories for ever.  We had mixed reports before we left but I can honestly say it was the best balloon ride I've been on and the cooked breakfast with champagne (Cava) was a good way to start the day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emias was amazing. Extremely well organised and always provided just enough information so would not forget and yet still be informed.  Nothing was too much trouble for him and his knowledge of wildlife was encyclopedic.  His driving was excellent on some difficult roads and thankfully he was the only one who stayed awake for the full journey which is a long way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some old gardening gloves for putting up the tent and taking it down.  The metal hooks are annoying and make your fingers sore after a few days.  You'll be doing this in the dark on some days so take a good head torch too.  There are some very early morning starts but it is worth it so you get to your next camp site in the light and you get the best spot.  You can always catch up wtih your sleep on the truck.  There will be long periods of travelling in the truck so be prepared with some personal entertainment or a pillow. If you are tempted by the Dolphin Trip on Zanzibar please INSIST on having a life jacket before you get on the boat.  We had none and the sea was rough to the point we asked to be taken back ashore.  We complained to no avail.The Kilimanjaro walk is well worth the effort.  It is NOT EASY bearing in mind the teraine, altitude and heat so some fitness is required and take plenty of water.  Remember 'pole-pole' - take it slow.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the bears

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellant the best we have ever had with any tour company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't eat too much before you go, the food is lovely.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views of the Mont Blanc massive while walking and particulalry a brilliant ride across the Glacier du Geant on the Telecabine de la Valle Blanch to the Aigulle du Midi on our rest day in Courmayeur - one occasion when the wather did co-operate!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent both at a technical and group management levels - provided opportunities for the younger, faster, fitter members of the party to burn off their energy whilst encouraging the slower old codgers without being patronising.

Most Inspirational Moment

Suddenly seeing a colony of goldfinches flitting about the conifers...Waking up to the rugged snow capped peaks outside the chalet window with snow and sunlight sparkling on them.Lying in the hot tub after a long walk. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

A classic!Very funny, a master of puns, and a truly warm and sociable character. Lots of laughs all week, and some loud groans too. (We hope the nuns enjoy the Spencer Tracey moments). Elaine's cakes are legendary, and there were generous slices in the mega packed lunches. We were all sad to say goodbye to Oliver and Elaine

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have all the gear, weather can be changeable from cold to v.hot or simply pouring! The walks are great though, so don't be put off.Lose weight before you go, they feed you well and you will GAIN weight despite all the exercise. 

Most Inspirational Moment

In Saigon you must visit the War Renmants museum and for me cycling the 103 km from Dalat past villages and forests was just out of this world. Meeting the local ethnic people along the way made this a great bike ride. To finish up with a 30 km down hill fast ride in the forest made a great way to end the day after some up hill climbs. Every day was different with other good cycling days and I was please to cycle up the Hai Van Pass even if it was not that easy I made it to the top and then it was all down hill. The food in Vietnam was good and very cheap in the places where we stayed. The beaches with golden sands and deep blue water are some of the best I have seen in the world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Lam and his staff helped out to made this a real great cycling holiday.  Lam made the holiday and with his staff we had good stops for rest every 15 to 20 km. So it was not so hard to ride 100 km in one day and after the fist few days you got use to longer days.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Best take good cycling cloths like pedded shorts as you will need them. A must is a long sleeved cycling shirt if you are not used to the sun you will burn and plentry of good sun protection and after sun. Gel cvover for the bike saddle can be of use.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational part was getting first to Giolman's Point when we really doubted whether we would all make it and then to Uhuru Peak. The final section was really tiring but it was amazing how one's energy returned when one made the summit - however it is a long way down!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader (Simon) and all the guides were great and I could not fault anything they did. Special mention goes to Milton, our cook, who managed to conjure up 3 course meals each night from a mess tent - it was all very welcome!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is important to have a reasonable level of fitness - but one really cannot tell how the altitude will affect each person. None of our group took Diamox (altitude sickness pill) but other groups did. I would rather know what was happening to my body rather than it being masked (but it is a personal choice).3 golden rules to get to the top: Go slowly (pole pole in Swaheli), drink enough water (I have to say that got more difficult on summit day as my stomach could not face the chemical tasting water) and have a positive mental attitude (absolutely critical).

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk on the second day to Lac Blanc was probably the best and the weather was at its kindest then.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver did work hard considering that he met us from the airport, did all the driving, helped with evening meals and did the guiding of walks.  We were unlucky with weather.  I did find the pace too slow, particularly on the wet days, although I accept that on group holidays you need to adapt your pace to that of the group. Oliver made good recommendations about activities for the day off and for eating places. In particular Hotel Eden was a great place for dinner on the night off.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking is very leisurely, which would be fine in good weather.  On the whole the mountain refuges were good about us eating our packed lunches out of the rain in their premises and just buying a coffee. The Chalet Savoy is best described as adequate. Rooms are small and bathrooms tiny. The dining room is cramped.  Breakfast was disappointing with only a choice of 2 over sweet cereals and hard boiled eggs every day.  I would have liked the option of porridge or at least a sugar free museli and an alternetive to the hard boiled eggs such as cheese and continental meats.  The picnic lunches were good and the daily cakes were wonderful.  Evening meals were hearty rather than exciting, though the tarteflette on the last night was best I have tasted.  So food a bit mixed.  Considering our poor weather and need for hot showers, we never ran out of hot water (that has happened to me in the past)  Also the drying room was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Rafting the waters of the Tara River (not included in trip but I did this anyway!), finding out the ins and outs of the Balkans history (both new and old history) and the stunning scenery throughout.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Passionate, well-informed and thoughtful, with a fun personality.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its very hot in July and August - even in the mountains! Be prepared...Don't expect a huge amount of activity - the walks are all "gentle" and there are some long bus journeys. But you can go rafting independently in Zabljak, very easy to arrange.