Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a total of 6 beavers swimming in a river so near a townWalking amongst beautiful and sometimes rare/protected flowers in a dramatic landscape 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent - I am so impressed by his ability to explain not just all the fauna and nearly all the flora but also the complicated history of Transylvania in English.Despite a lot of rain and the varied abilities/aptitudes of the group, not to mention a great deal of driving,  he remained cheerful, unflappable, endlessly helpful and considerate.One small example - I was particularly keen to see alpine plants, especially the rare Dianthus which I understand is native only to the national park we were in but the leader took time and effort to explain to me that in the weather conditions it was not possible to get high enough to do so.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go as soon as you can in case EU food regulations, the need for modernisation of the economy and changing aspirations of young locals change it forever.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide was very knowledgeable (I wasn't keen on his sense of humour) and went beyond the call of duty in looking after us.  However, we're even thinking of doing the snow shoe trip in October with the same guide. The staff were fantastic.   

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking was strenuous (I haven't done much exercise this year so did suffer from stiff legs by day 2) which is what we wanted and the Antipodean mountain goats that we had as company were more than satisfied. 

Most Inspirational Moment

1.  Being in these beautiful Romanian national park mountains with fresh air, fresh food cooked by Katherine and family at the inn, and hiking every day in a different direction and meeting the people of the mountains, villages, and cities.2.  The dedication of our terrific guide Cosmos Dan and our hostess Katherine and her husband Hermann, and friends, to protecting and promoting the beauty of Romanian countryside and wildlife.  I was particularly moved by our visit to the bear sanctuary where rescued bears (captive & often wounded or abused for performances) are healed, rehabilitated to living in the woods, and protected for life.  3. Eating the best fresh cheese I've ever had in my 57 years at the shepherd's hut high in the mountains.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cosmos Dan is an inspiration himself with his dedication to protecting his national heritage environment for future generations and seeking to share the beauty of the land and wildlife with visitors.  He is a native of the area, knows every square inch of the land and the hidden trails and all about the wildlife).  As a former National Park ranger, he is particularly well suited to guide people with an interest in the ecosystems and wildlife of the area, but being a native of the region, he also knows everyone and has insights and answers to any and all questions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring an appetite for delicious Romanian home cooking and energy and a walking stick for the mountains and enjoy a wonderful vacation.  You will be very reluctant to leave.

Most Inspirational Moment

The constantly changing views of the mountains, valleys and villages were stunning. The late Spring flowers that changed as we progressed were a marvel. The "day off" exploring the (ancient Roman) city of Aosta in NW Italy was an easy excursion and well worth it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Frank Hibbert was excellent. He is hugely experienced; knows the route like the back of his hand and was excellent with the group. It is difficult to think how he could be improved upon.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you can spend a whole day walking, are reasonably fit, especially have a good pair of knees, go for it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well on return home I've been inspired to buy a dutch oven and fire pit and recreate campfire cooking in my back garden... but that probably was not what you had in mind!  Zion National Park was just lovely, an unexpected and delightful stop on the tour. The Grand Canyon is on everyone's must do list and didn't dissapoint, but on a personal note, seeing the sun rise over the Grand Canyon on my 40th birthday was pretty special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rebecca and Mandy were fun and caring women.  They made it their business to ensure we had a good time, with lots of little extras like: visiting the best pie shop in Utah; wearing the grizzly bear hat to ensure we saw one; visiting the funniest milkshake stop on Route 66, getting us up early to avoid walking in the heat of the day and creating culinary masterpieces on the campfire.  But seriously women, you've gotta get 'viva las vegas' on the ipod for that final drive down the strip!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack insect repellent and have the quarters ready for the showers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Camel trekking in the Wadi Rum early in the morning and the majesty of Petra glowing pink in the sun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic:  extremely knowledgeable, patient, with a fabulous sense of humour and - with 5 of his own children - great with the kids.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't stress about any part of the trip - it is well organised, well paced, interesting, diverse and fun.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a family of leopards including a cub feeding on a freshly caught Topi in a low lying tree with hopeful Hyenas inches below.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A unique specimen! He surely needs intensive therapy but I am in awe of the man. His enthusiasm is palpable to the degree where on occasions I thought he might spontaneously explode! He clearly wants to get the best shots for his guests and will attempt to overcome any odds to get results. He has a striking committment to the local community and behaves responsibly to the wildlife which sets an example to others.  A great raconteur, as well as a fantastic photogapher, who made the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a thick skin, camoflague camera gear (as good as you can get), plenty of enthusiasm and some good dirty jokes.

Most Inspirational Moment

The time spent with the mountain gorillas. We trekked for almost two hours as they fed then kept moving so that we caught tantalising glimpses before coming across a clearing. We watched as the silverback (Charles) speed up a tree. The rest of his family followed and we stood below slighly disappointed that we did not get to see them up close. Finally they came down and moved directly in front of us, the silverback in the lead. His family gathered around him and sudddenly the group was only feet away from us, the young playing, mothers cuddling the younger siblings and to cap it all the silverback then made a display of his strength to put a younger member in his place. He beat his chest then charged at the younger gorilla in a tree, bending the small tree over and then shaking it madly. Satisfied he had made his point he abruptly stopped then lay down. It was truly amazing even if sl;ightly scary to see. The guides had warned us it was about to happen they read the situation perfectly. The hour with the gorillas flew by.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chris was excellent. Cool, relaxed, knowledgeable and always in control. He allowed everyone to relax on the trip, gave excellent advice and clear instructions. His casual approach makes it really feel like a lesiurely trip, he looked out for everyone, took care of any problems and was very perceptive. This is a full service trip and Chris and his colleagues are the reason why it is worth booking if you want a holiday expereince which also allows you to simply chill out.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

I have been on many trips but this one stands out. It really is something special and I am so glad that I did it. If thinking about this trip I would strongly urge you to book and guarantee you will neither regret nor forget this one.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Gorillas are of course very special and an absolute highlight of this trip.  The Masai Mara for me was also very special - it kept delivering spectacle after spectacle (just when we thought "it can't get better than this"  - the mara proved us wrong).  Seeing a small pride of lions with a kill on an early morning game drive was just amazing.  Between the Mara and Nakuru we managed to see all the big 5 - plus cheetahs, giraffe and an elusive serval cat.  On day one you have the option of taking boat to Elsamere - this is very worthwile, especially watching the fish eagles catching their lunch!The nature walk at Lake Mburo in Uganda was great highlight of the second week - the chance to get on eye level with animals is a truely wonderful experience).  The walk is also great for birdwatchers - who'll love the variety of feathered critters.The visit to the genocide museum in Kigali is rightly challenging - but you leave with a good understanding of the events and underlying causes of the 1994 genocide.  Oh and drinking Nile Special, next to the Nile, that was quite cool too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chris (leader), Francis (co-leader) and Jonas our cook were great.  The guys work so hard behind the scenes to keep us well fed and on track - all the time with a smile and great conversation.  Chris shares his knowledge of geography, history and wildlife throughout the trip and I learnt so much as a result.The guys are also great at advising you where and when to change money, what rates to expect and how much to change. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Aside from go ahead and book it I would say:The gorilla trek can be short or long - if you have any kind of condition that may limit your endurance (I suffer a bit with asthma)  tell your leader and they will do their level best ensure that you are matched to a walk that's within your capabilities (don't worry - there will be one, a lady of 82 had been to see them the day before us!).  Be prepared for the pace to increase a bit once you catch up with your designated family (again don't worry - if I can do it, pretty much anyone can!).  Take lots of water with you (2 ltrs or more) you will need it!Again on the gorilla trip if you have gaters or a method of closing the bottoms of your trousers then I'd advise using them - nipping ants can be an irritation. Long sleeved shirts are also highly recomended.Take a stuff sack - it's great for taking ummm stuff from the truck to tent.  Also be aware the when you head up to the Mara you leave the truck at Naivasha, so a small bag to take required kit in is necessary.Lake Bunyoni offers a great opportunity to aclimatise to the conditions you'll encounter on the gorillas - the nature walk and the trip to the orphange are great ways to get some practice walking at a higher altitude to normal, in a hilly environment. 

Most Inspirational Moment

* Sitting at the top of the mountain on our first day, with THE most amazing view of the whole of the Sorrento peninsula, enjoying our lunch and feeling proud of ourselves for making it to the top.* Getting to the beach at Amalfi at the end of day 2 and 4, after LOTS of steps and lots of tantalising views of what lay ahead (a refreshing dip in the sea!).* Going to Pompei and seeing the amazing ruins. Walking around this ancient town and being able to imagine what life was like in those days. * The Walk of the Gods was truly the most awsome walk I've ever done. Stunning scenery once again and just all around fabulous.* Getting to make a Neapolitan pizza and seeing Giovanni cook up a delicious 3-course dinner for us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suzy was a great group leader. Not only did she makes us all feel safe (very important in these mountains), she also knew lots of interesting things and was really flexible to what we needed and wanted (we seemed to have a penchant for the beach, as opposed to the cathedrals, and she made it happen oh so easily!). She was also an excellent table-football player and all-round good sport.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your walking poles, proper hiking/mountain boots and light and loose clothing when you go in the summer (we had fantastic weather in June 2011 and it did get very hot). Some people brought water pouches and found those very useful (you do need a lot of water on these walks!).