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Overall Company Rating 95%

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Summiting Kili as a “mature” novice high-altitude trekker - plus some safari-ing
Kilimanjaro Rongai Route
Due to the pandemic, I undertook this trip after two cancellations and three years after originally booking it… this meant that my “new” walking boots were very well broken in and that I was a couple of years older than I’d intended. I’ve walked/ trekked all of my adult life as a casual, infrequent walker - including a couple of excellent trips in the Balkans with KE,, one of which was preparation for Kilimanjaro. So this review is mainly aimed at someone who wouldn’t consider themse lves as a “serious” or experienced trekker. Our guide, Onex, and his team were exceptional throughout the trek - couldn’t fault them on any aspect. Food was good especially considering that we were camping on a mountain and everything had to be carried with us and we we very well looked after at all times both when walking and when in camp. Onex is a very experienced lead guide who has an unbelievable 100% record when it comes to getting folks to the summit. That being said, safety is the foremost consideration and during the briefing for “summit night” it was made very clear that significant symptoms of altitude sickness or intervention with oxygen would mean immediate evacuation to lower altitude and an end to the summit attempt. Basic tips: Do your research and reading on climbing Kilimanjaro but don’t necessarily be put off by the potential issues related to the altitude. Random physical factors over which you have no control appear to play a part in how high altitude affects you. I consider myself as only reasonable walking fit but by adhering to the main pieces of advice I had no issues directly related to being at altitude - having an excellent guide and taking the Rongai route with its extra acclimatisation day obviously helped. I took altitude tablets as directed and would absolutely recommend doing this - they are preventative and therefore are intended to stop symptoms from starting. I also made sure I that stayed hydrated - a tip I picked up from our guide on my Balkan trip was to attach a 500ml bottle to the front strap of my rucksack using a carabiner (topping it up at every break) … rather than constantly trying to reach round and grab a drink from my 1 litre bottles round the back of my pack… this worked for me and I drank a lot more - little and often - than I usually did. Definitely pack layers - we had great weather and it was warm at lower level and during the middle of the day but very cold in the tent at night and obviously during our summit night; when we left camp at 11.30 pm and returned back down to camp at 9.30 am. The temperature got way down below zero (double digits). Pack good thermal gloves! Walking poles are a must. Tents are functional and space was ok for me, my rucksack and hold-all, but appeared very tight for the couples on our trip. Another tip that I picked up from a previous trip was to compartmentalise all of my kit and pack it in travel zip-lock bags in my hold-all: this allowed me to locate and organise everything very easily in the crowded tent. You spend about 10 hours a night in the tent so pack two or three torches and plenty of spare batteries. Tents are closely pitched and snoring carries at night so I’d highly advise taking ear plugs…! Finally, I would advise that you should do enough walking that you are sufficiently aware of how you “normally” feel and react when hiking strenuously (maybe a trip or two up to 2000-3000m) - this means that you are better placed to spot when things may not be ok - dehydration/ potential symptoms of altitude sickness etc. Hiking the last 1000m of altitude up Kilimanjaro under clear night skies and standing at the summit under amazing blue skies (after 7 hours of final effort following 5 days of endurance) was the most magical physical experience of my life. If you have even half an inkling of doing it…
By Sean from CATTLE | 14 April 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fantastic first experience of the Subcontinent
Tigers, Temples and the Taj Mahal
Our first time in India and what an experience it was! It’s the one place that we’ve been to that you can’t really do justice describing it in words… you have to visit and experience it yourself. Our guide - Ketan - awesome guide and top man. Everything worked well (for us anyway) - he was certainly working hard behind the scenes arranging transfers, train tickets, food, luggage handlers, park guides etc etc. He looked after us with a great sense of fun and patience and nothing was too m uch trouble. His knowledge of culture, history, flora and fauna was faultless and he fielded all of our questions with grace and humour. The itinerary was varied and never dull: three game parks where we sighted tigers, a sloth bear, jackals, dhols, many types of deer and more birds than you could wish for. We visited two shrines, two forts, one abandoned city and the Taj Mahal (absolutely stunning!). When you add four train journeys (including two overnight sleeper) and being driven through Delhi, Agra and a number of villages, the India experience was extensive! Overall the accommodation was good and the food excellent. Tips: Ear plugs for the sleeper trains. Eye masks also handy - we used our buffs. Everyone tries this but pack light! We tried and didn’t quite pack light enough. Carrying our bags through the train stations could have been easier. Definitely need layers - fleeces, hats and buffs are a must for early morning game drives in exposed vehicles. Entering Delhi airport you need to show ticket confirmation or boarding passes for each passenger in order to pass security and get into the airport. Finally, two last thoughts on this trip especially if you have never been to India before: 1) Take the plunge and go - absolutely amazing place and totally unforgettable experience that may change your outlook on life. 2) Go with a completely open mind and let the colours, sights, sounds, smells and magic of the Indian people and land draw you in.
By Sean from CATTLE | 12 April 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great
Family Adventures in the Algarve

The trip was great. We felt more like we were staying with friends than in a vacation home. Everything was fantastic. Jonathan and Violetta are very kind people. The activities were tailored to our needs and varied. Violetta is a great cook. It was exceptionally beautiful, thank you!

By Martina from Germany | 11 April 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great time!
Walking South Africa
The website was easy to follow and had the right information for us, the booking process was straightforward, communication was about right (not too much and not too little) and the holiday was as advertised. We had a great time! The tour leader was excellent throughout the trip being passionate and knowledge about the countries, wildlife and environments we visited. Being keen birders Lloyd was very patient in helping us identify all we saw. Lloyd certainly positively added to our overall exper ience on this wonderful holiday.
By David from Preston | 11 April 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A fast paced romp round Africa!
Cape Town to Victoria Falls Lodge Safari
If, like me, you need to give your knees a rest, consider this fantastic holiday instead. It starts in the most beautiful city on earth, takes in most of Namibia’s must see highlights, then moves into Botswana, the game viewing capital of the world. Considering that our dates were off-peak, we had staggering success with sighting animals - hippos almost too close for comfort whilst paddling in the Okavango, a pride of 14-16 lions feasting on a newly killed buffalo barely 3 metres from our safa ri vehicle, then the same pride drinking en masse at the waterhole in Chobe the following morning. Elephants, zebra, giraffe etc galore. And finally, sadly, on to the truly magnificent Victoria Falls where all good things had to come to an end. This holiday is fantastic value for money, considering that it includes high quality accommodation throughout, most meals, two wonderful guides and a large number of entrance fees (some of which are expensive). The inclusive day in Chobe, encompassing an early morning game drive and then a river cruise with a superb lunch and free bar was especially impressive. Things to know before you go - firstly, this is not a trip for sociopaths. You may need to interact, and share a bus, with 11 others, and out of necessity there are very long, sometimes uncomfortable drives. Second, don’t take more gear than you need as there won’t be room. Third, although there is wifi in most places, it’s best to actually enjoy the holiday as opposed to being glued to a screen. It’s also a trip where a sense of humour helps with a recognition that things may not always go exactly to plan - although our trip mainly did. We loved every minute of this trip - KE has a fantastic local partner in South Africa and we intend to go back for another trip at some stage.
By Andrew from AMBLESIDE | 06 April 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Portuguese Way
Self-Guided Camino: The Portuguese Way

Well organised, good communication, excellent value holiday.

By John from Hexham | 06 April 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
First class
Bike Jordan Dead 2 Red

Tour was first class, so well organised, everything had been considered and especially liked the way it included and aided the local people and community. Anas our guide was absolutely amazing and so knowledgeable about not only the route and bikes, but also the history, the country and culture, it really was the best tour I have ever done.

By Samantha from Bracknell | 06 April 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Brilliant holiday in a beautiful country
Walking New Zealand - North to South Island Explorer

I was delayed in arriving in Auckland due to the flooding. Fortunately, managed to catch up with the group. This was a memorable trip with good hikes and beautiful scenery. Didn't see much local wildlife but got some nice photographs of local birds. The tour leaders, Sean and Steve, were outstanding in looking after our comfort and also providing a lot of information on NZ history and local fauna and flora.

By Sukudhew from Petaling Jaya | 06 April 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Wonderful trekking through the Jordan mountains ending in Petra
Jordan's Dana to Petra Trek
Another fantastic KE trip up to their usual high standards - great guide, trekking and group. Arriving in Petra at the end of the week was pretty spectacular and amazing to see. We generally walked from 7:30/8am to 3/3:30pm and with a good amount of stops including an hour for lunch. A couple of flat days and the remaining quite mountainous. Food was out of this world - not only tasting amazing, but presentation was great and all from a tent and a camping gas stove. Mohammed should be on MasterC hef!!! Tents were all fine. Mattress was "OK" but worth considering taking an additional mat to sleep on We had the complete range of weather conditions, from high 20s to close to freezing so definitely worth taking a full range of gear
By Philip from Wantage | 03 April 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great experience
Edge of the Sahara Trek
Well organised trip where everything went smoothly. The only hiccup was that the receptionist at the Hotel Racine in Marrakesh said we could not leave any cases behind when we went on the Sahara adventure but Mohammed our guide sorted it out. This holiday was a real experience. We were lucky with the group that we had, to experience desert conditions and to see what desert expansion means to those affected. We stayed on for the Essouira extension and learned about argan oil and thuya wood. It de serves the tag of windy city, but it was nice to chill out. The 18th century riad was spacious and full of character. There were so many police around in general and the people were so friendly that we found ourselves going down narrow alleys that we would think twice about in the UK. Other than that, Hotel Racine is well situated and not too far from the medina. If you arrive late and do not have time to get any dirhams then you can get them at a bank cash machine when you lunch the next day. Mohammed the guide was excellent as was Ismael the cook and all the camel drivers worked hard. Couple of points about the KE itinerary instructions: ascent and descent are given as e.g. 40m but you can add a zero to that as you walk up and down lots of sand dunes. Whilst tipping is discretionary, they will let you know if they are unhappy. KE give advice in euros but allow at least 250 dirhams for the camel drivers, 150 for the cook and 200-250 for the guide. The camel drivers are not paid by the local agency and the tip is especially important to them. The BBC said it would be 34C and sunny when we were on the Sahara trek and allow for 3-4 litres of water per day.
By James from Ulverston | 30 March 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Annapurna Sanctuary and Poon Hill Trek
Annapurna Sanctuary and Poon Hill Trek

Everything was very well organised, and the while trip ran smoothly. Also very good value for money. Sundar was always cheerful and positive throughout the trip. He had everything well controlled and organised. He was instrumental in keeping things running smoothly, and also made things interesting with his local knowledge. Under Sundar's guidance, our group was sensitive to the social, economic and environmental impact of our presence in Nepal and the high Himalayas.

By Susan from Taunton | 30 March 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
La Gomera
La Gomera - Jewel of the Canaries

Everything is always great, and as expected. Everything ran so smoothly. Enekoiz was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about La Gomera. The pace of the trek was just right for everyone, and alternatives were suggested when people preferred to get back to the hotel sooner. All perfect.

By Valerie from Stockport | 30 March 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Very well organised tour
La Gomera - Jewel of the Canaries

Plenty of very good information provided pre and during the tour. Excellent tour leader, great accommodation and amazing trails. Enekoiz is an excellent tour leader and took great care of the group, especially on some of the more challenging parts of the trails. He is a mine of fascinating information about La Gomera’s history, culture, geology and the natural environment. He was fun and a great pleasure to be with. Nice one Ene!

By David from London | 30 March 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Wadi Rum and Petra
Jordan's Wadi Rum and Petra
This is my third trip with KE and they have all been excellent. Wafa'a was absolutely fantastic as a guide - erudite, informative, thoughtful, and above all very friendly and sociable. We felt that she was one of our tour group and not the guide. Our Bedouin guide Salaama was excellent throughout, humorous and engaging. We really enjoyed the quality of the food and the fresh ingredients. Wadi Rum is a landscape like no other, so trekking through it is one big highlight, but campfires under the s tars are hard to beat.
By Christian from York | 30 March 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ultimate Everest Trek
The Ultimate Everest Trek

A little more expensive than other operators when their seasonal discounts are considered but you can totally rely on KE to sort out issues. I have been on perhaps 30 different organised trips and Bala was probably the best guide I have had. He has a huge amount of experience and dealt with difficult situations calmly and effectively and we always felt safe and well cared for. He reassured people about potential effects of altitude and monitored us to ensure there were no issues.

By Charles from Twickenham | 30 March 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Outstanding
The Ultimate Everest Trek
Outstanding. Balak was simply THE BEST! In every way possible. Nothing was too much trouble. The Porters were the same. Our guide Balak had an incredible knowledge and mastery of English combined with his determination to show off his cultural and philosophical heritage. Fascinating and it provided the X factor ! Not just a case of a trek to Basecamp, but a far more inclusive tour where we were blessed by the Lama in Nepal's oldest monastery, amongst many other benefits. In a word, awesome!! The 15 kilo weight allowance was to include both the duvet jacket AND the sleeping bag. I was charged extra both ways on the KATH to Lukla flights... If I had known, I would have left more kit at Hotel Shanker to avoid such charges...
By Robin from Fife | 30 March 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Buena Vista Cycling
Cuba - Buena Vista Cycling
Received tireless support to make this trip happen for me as a US citizen. Office support for visa, insurance, and assistance for my donations in "Support of the Cuban People" was excellent. Trip was well organized and the Cuban team that accompanied our group was fantastic! Jocsan was a most engaged, observant, and informed guide. He guided our group responsibly through city streets and the country side with a good mixture of enthusiasm, humor, and patience. He is an invaluable resource of info rmation about Cuba's history, culture, and politics and was ready to answer any question.
By Antonia from California | 30 March 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Antarctic Hike and Cruise
Antarctic Hike and Sail Expedition

The Antarctica Basecamp trip was well organized with excellent stuff and facilities. The small ship size (~100 passenger) provided an intimate environment. Antarctica was a truly amazing and unique place.

By Tao from London | 30 March 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Enjoyable winter hiking surrounded by stunning mountain scenery
Snowshoeing in the Dolomites
Based in the beautiful resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo and surrounded by spectacular peaks, this week was memorable for its variety of enjoyable sensations. Our guide Andrea ensured we had the best winter hiking according to the weather and snow conditions, while expertly judging when a coffee or an excellent meal in a mountain refuge would add to the overall experience. Reaching accessible summits provided a sense of achievement, as well as jaw-dropping panoramas. The group size at 8 was ideally suited to a cohesive team spirit, while the advice to bring micro-spikes was appreciated and perfectly complemented snowshoeing when the snow was packed or trails were icy.
By Adam from Mamer | 26 March 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great hiking, beautiful part of Spain
Self-Guided Walking in Las Alpujarras
Great self-guided trip. In March, when we completed the trip, the trails were quiet. A couple of other walkers at the start of the circuit from Trevelez, but they turned off for the more popular Siete Lagos path after 2km, so the rest of the circuit we saw nobody else other than a farmer on his horse! Other days, we saw no other walkers all day, the exception being the Poqueria circuit on the last day, where we saw three other couples on the trail. In Mecina de Fondales, there is the most amazin g vegetarian restaurant which seems so improbable given how tiny and off the beaten track the village is. I love my meat, but this was one of the best and most enjoyable meals / restaurants I’ve ever been to! The restaurant is tiny and in a ramshackle little house with a real “hippy” vibe to it. It’s just amazing. The hotel in Mecina de Fondales is lovely too, and the owner (Victor) is a fantastic host. I think if you’re a really keen hill-walker, there’s enough difficulty to keep you happy, with some quite vertiginous drops on some of the paths (eg the circuit from Mecina de Fondales). However, the trip can also be done by somebody with less hill-walking experience so long as they’re up for it. My wife has never walked in the Lakes or similar, and whilst she found it tough, she managed it (although after the third day, she was pretty tired, and did find some of the drops at the side of the paths on the Mecina de Fondales circuit a little unnerving, but doable (with trekking poles helping a lot). Even though it was bone dry when we went, and had been for some time, there were still some short (albeit small infrequent) muddy sections, so GoreTex lined boots are a good idea). I’d recommend an extra day added on at the end to go back to Granada. It’s a lovely city, and I wouldn’t have liked to finish the trip by going straight from Pampaneira to Malaga Airport. Overall, a great trip for experienced hill-walkers and reasonably fit novices alike with great views and some lovely food!
By Adrian from Leeds | 23 March 2023
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