Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The best moments for me were when walking on our own on a trail at Manual Antonio NP where we got to watch a troop of Capuchin monkeys crossing the path in the trees and then were rewarded for climbing further with a group of Squirrel monkeys very close to us as well. The NP here was very beautiful but each place was different and inspirational in it's own right.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gustavo was great! He had a good sense of humour and good knowledge of the wildlife, history and diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a good camera with good zoom lens for wildlife shots.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk we did on Christmas day had the most outstanding views and our fabulous guide suprised us with a glass of sparkly and a slab of Italian cake at the top.  A fantastic memory. Thank you.The afternoon spent sledging - we laughed out loud for many days afterwards!  The Hotel Adler makes the best apple strudel in the world!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Olly Townsend has to be the most committed guide in the world. He was pretty much on duty 24 - 7. He was extremely accommodating, highly professional, well organised and very patient. He had thought carefully about the week and planned the walks accordingly. He also happens to be a keen photographer and spent what free time he had  (very little), editing film and photos that he had taken of us each day. We spent the last night watching the video he had made and enjoying the photos he had taken. An absolutely top bloke who goes well and truly beyond the call of duty.  Oh and he hasn't got a bad sense of humour either! The next guide has a lot to live upto!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes - it should be on everyone's list of things to do before they die!Enjoy the stunning scenery  - you'll miss it when you return. Have a reasonable level of fitness - some of the climbs are real lung busters! Hard work but a great sense of achievement when you reach the top.  If you have a decent appetite you'll enjoy the five course dinner each night. Drink lots of water.Smile and enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed the two days in Siberia the most; as well as Milford Sound and around Holyford.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were guided by exhuberant Kath and wise and understanding Graham. Both were gregarious, and gave of themselves fully.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Homestay in the Mekong Delta was wonderful, and gave the chance to meet some of the locals and experience life away from the hussle and bussle of the cities.  I loved the Imperial city of Hue, and also relaxed Hoi An - unfortunately we had fairly wet weather whilst we were in the middle of the country, so maybe didn't see them quite at their best - we were lucky to get out on bikes in Hoi An which allowed us to experience the motorbikes and scooters at a different pace than just trying to cross the road - which really is an experience (check out some videos on Youtube before you go).  We also got the chance to visit an orphanage in Hoi An which was quite moving, as was the War Remnants museum in Saigon. Halong Bay is stunning, and it was lovely to get out kayaking amongst the limestone karsts and the overnight boat trip was great.  The train journey from Danang to Nha Trang, whilst long and perhaps a little uncomfortable allowed you to see much more scenery than you ever do in a coach, so great for photo opportunities. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hai was extremely well organised, so all his arrangements went without a hitch and he was really keen to ensure that we all got to experience as much of Vietnam as we could in this busy trip.  He was really knowledgeable, and had some great anecdotes to tell about all the places we visited.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light, but be prepared that it might well rain a lot whilst you are there.  Leave plenty of space for shopping as there are loads of opportunities through the trip to buy some great things.  You can get washing done easily in Hoi An.  If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, this might not be the trip for you, be prepared for some long days.  As others have mentioned, be really careful of your possessions when you are out and about - it is very difficult for Vietnamese to leave the country, so our passports are very valuable to them as well as to us.  Keep your wits about you in the big cities, but do visit the markets and bargain, you can get some fantastic deals.  If you want to get clothes made in Hoi An, take some pictures with you to give ideas to the tailors, and be prepared to go for two or three fittings - persevere and as long as you have gone to a recommended tailor (ask your guide, they will know the good places) you will get a great result at the end.

Most Inspirational Moment

Of course the target, the EBC, and we have been extremelly lucky on that day, nice, sunny weather and excellent photos. Kala Pattar was more strenous than I thought but the views were again great. In general the views during the entire trip were something special. The monastery in Dingboche, I have never seen anything like it, so very different from the christian churches we are accustomed to. Stayed for the afternoon service on the return trip, that was something; especially when they sounded those long horns, first time I jumped not realizing what's going on. Namche also was a highlight of the trip and the hotel where we slept, best of the entire trip. Low light, the climb from Namche, that was really awful!

Thoughts on Group Leader

A professional, very helpful, knows his stuff, kept an eye on everything and everybody including the 3 other guides. He's a keeper, make sure you don't loose him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hygiene is not the best and some of the botttled water may not be safe, we found small particles floating in bottled water. Make sure you have disinfectant pills and make sure you read the label, one pill is enough at 20 degrees plus but two are needed when temperature is below 4 degrees. You must allow the time for the pills to work before you drink!! prepare for cold at night, those rooms in the teahouses are awfully cold, sleeping bag min rating for minus 10, I had to buy one in Namche! there are small hospitals or pharmacies along the route even in places you would not expect them to be, that's one very positive thing. I noticed an ABM in Namche, have not tried it though. Carry US dollars in small bills for tips or donations, I had 100 dollars in one dolar bills. The food was OK, order soups or stews for additional liquid and drink tea, lots of it! sunscreen is a must plus a hat that covers your ears, it burns, have seen that on others. Resign that you may not be able to shower for several days especially if the weather turns bad. Carry wet wipes and a good deodorizer, nobody has died for not having a shower every day (there are shower facilities everywhere including at the last stop before the EBC but they are not heated inside).

Thoughts on Group Leader

GREAT

Advice for Potential Travellers

BE AWARE THAT IT IS A WINDY COUNTRY

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the Sun Gate and geting that first view of Machu Picchu was a fantastic moment. But in fact, every day on the trail was fun and had great scenery. I also loved the (optional) dune-buggying/ sand surfing just outside Nazca. It was so much fun!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Fabrizio, was brilliant. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. On the first day, I suffered from quite bad altitude sickness. He was very reassuring and kept an eye on me to make sure I was OK. I'm very grateful for how he looked after me. I was fine the next day and I didn't really have any problems with altitude the rest of the holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Personally, I wish I'd left my sleeping bag at home and hired one when I got there. It would have left more room in my pack. The sleeping bags that were hired out were absolutely fine and our leader sorted out the hiring of them.There is plenty of driving on this trip so it's good to have plenty of good songs on your ipod and don't forget the charger!

Most Inspirational Moment

wild life and birds

Thoughts on Group Leader

very experienced one - marco polo

Advice for Potential Travellers

weather is colder than we think, beware theft in hotel, they can unlock your door and get in your room to steal things

Most Inspirational Moment

Several dawn incidents are memorable, such as a male lion being chased off by a pack of howling Hyenas, an unforgettable sound and spectacle. Or the frequent chasing around the plains following the three 'cheetah boys' as they hunted. Or the almost daily tracking of leopards.  One all-day outing was simply the most exhilerating , full-on experience of wildlife I have ever had, 14 hours of non-stop activity

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul Goldstein has immense experience of these trips, and it shows. He is dedicated to ensuring everyone gets memorable pictures, constantly aware of where wildlife will be, racing across the Mara at high speed to catch the action, then postioning the vehicles for the best angles and light. He takes the time to patiently explain photographic technique for the less skilled  - but expects his advice to be remembered! Anyone failing to do this the next day, resulting in out of focus/underexposed/missed shots can expect a stream of invective in their corrective interview.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will learn how to get excellent wildlife images, and be given many, many opportunities to take them. You will need plenty of card storage. A second camera is particularly useful as back up and for wide angle shots, leaving the main camera and long lens ever ready to not miss any action 

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Taj Mahal was an amasing experience and of course the sighting of tigers, the main reason for our trip to India.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He had a good knowledge of wildlife but lacked a little in people skills. It would have been good to have had a written note of how much the extra game drives and tips were during the holiday rather than a brief list at the end of it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If travelling in January take plenty of warm clothes, we had 5 layers on plus blankets and a hot water bottle when on game drives. Because the eating/communal areas in the lodges have no windows/doors we had our meal dressed in coats etc; and then went to bed as it was so cold.If you intent to do the extra game drives you will need approx. £500 - £600 which includes all tips.