Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Masai Mara in a golden late afternoon light with animals grazing and no other vehicles in sight; seeing two crowned cranes and realising that they had a chick and hearing our guide Robert get emotional about baby giraffes!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two guides - Davis and Robert. Davis was the leader and was excellent. He was a good organiser, listened to feedback and did everything he could to make our trip memorable. Robert was excellent too - I think a lot of us developed a soft spot for him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes - go on this trip. You wont regret it!

Most Inspirational Moment

On the last day, getting close to the top of Orenipa and then skiing down on some lovely traverses.  Seeing my little sister's face appear at the top as she side-stepped up to the plateau.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Mary and Ilse provide leading of exceptional quality which is positive and skillful, managing the group well and giving excellent and focussed individual tuition along the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will have a great time and always end up a better skier than before you went.

Most Inspirational Moment

We saw every type of seal and penguin, including a young Emperor one out on the ice which was pretty special. the highlight has to be a humpback whale feeding at Hannahs Point on the last afternoon which swam between 2 of the Zodiacs almost within touching range.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shane Envoy was full of fun and energy and an inspiration to all the passengers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing penguins really close up - they came even closer to us than I thought possible; at times pecking (gently) at us. Also sailing through the Lemaire Channel in sea ice and sunshine - a great job by the Vavilov's captain. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic. "Woody" was so enthusiastic and able to modify the itinerary seamlessly when required due to weather etc. This gave us the opportunity to go through the Lemaire Channel and its sea ice in a zodiac - a great experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring plenty of memory cards, and sit down and be patient with the penguins and they'll come closer.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sheer number of penguins with fat fluffy chicks. The size of the wandering and black browed Albatrosses. Seeing Fin, Sei, Humpback and Orca whales as well as a feeding Southern Right whale.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shane was a very inspirational leader, confident, wise and well organised witha good grasp of what was possible and what was not.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have any interest in wildlife at all then this is a trip you should put at the top of your wish list.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sparkly days up high with amazing views - didn't want to be anywhere else on earth.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ilse & Mary are fantastic, they tick all the boxes and I cannot speak more highly of them if I tried.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go, you wont regret it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole Cambodia experience.  The cycling was amazing, through villages and backroads, to the temples and lakes.  The people in Cambodia were so welcoming and happy. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good, better than "normal" although I think she needs to find her feet a little.  Moh did go out of her way to help with a few problems on the trip, and also dealt with some people situations very well.She also handled the vietnamese guide very well, who was determined to ruin any tranquility with bad microphone momentsThe cambodian guide (Digger) was excellent, a wealth of information and a good cyclist

Advice for Potential Travellers

A really great adventure, don't be put off by the distances this is  holiday with cycling, rather than a cyling holiday

Most Inspirational Moment

Racing along being pulled by four huskies was exhilarating, as was getting to the top of the ice wall at Basecamp thanks to Henrik.  Quiet moments in the national park with no other sound than those of our snowshoes were pretty special too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Meiju was very knowledgeable about the plants and animals of the area and could identify all animal tracks (and poo!) we came across. She was responsive to the needs of the group and varied the itinerary to cope with the very cold conditions (-39C one night). She showed concern for the safety of the group without ever being overbearing. Meiju was an excellent leader who always had a smile on her face and time to chat to members of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Look at the Basecamp Oulanka website www.basecampoulanka.fi  before you go – particularly the video of the equipment provided – if you have any concerns about what to take. As it was very cold the week we were there I found shakeable hand/foot warmers very useful. A pair of flip flops or crocs is also useful for going from the sauna to the hot tub as it is very cold on bare feet otherwise.

Most Inspirational Moment

The penguin that stopped a couple of feet from me, looked me in the eye and scratched its head, before going on its way! Swimming with a large school of spotted eagle rays; and amidst a group of five penguins hunting small fish. The blue-footed boobies' courting display - absolutely charming.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, with the flexibility to change tack if something more interesting cropped up - e.g. postponing a walk to join the dolphin pod, or re-scheduling walks to gain early access, avoiding the crowds. Catered for the occasional differing desires of members of the group. All of the crew were very co-operative in this respect.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do take anti-seasickness pills with you, as the overnight crossings to some of the outer islands can be very choppy. Some of the cabins are very small, so take a minimum of luggage on the boat - you don't need much!Despite what some people might suggest, it is well worth taking a telephoto lens in addition to a standard zoom lens, allowing close-ups, as well as shots of birds in flight. Put your compact camera in a waterproof camera bag, for snorkelling photos and videos.