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Overall Company Rating 95%

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A very challenging and amazing trek!

I really enjoyed the group and accommodations. The mountain hut Hallerangeralm was my favorite. Our guide Ryan truly took this adventure above and beyond! His knowledge of the history, geology, and botony of the area was quite impressive. He was kind, funny, and took the time to get to know us as individuals. I would take another trip with him anytime!

By Patricia from Portland | 09 September 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Inspiring and stunning arctic landscapes
Traverse of the Jotunheimen

Of all of the trekking I've done, this trip was the most outstanding and inspiring. The scenery was the most diverse and fascinating I've ever seen. The guides were very skilled but also full of humour and friendship. The group really bonded and every day was a different. The huts were extremely comfortable and the food wonderful

By John from Dundee | 08 September 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A Humbling and moving Journey through Stunning Landscapes
Walk to Freedom across the Pyrenees
Our Walk To Freedom on The 'Chemain de la Liberte' provided a sensory and emotional nourishment. It was both a privilege and humbling to trace the route taken By Jewish Refugees during the Second World War, when the fortunes of that tragic conflict were in flux. Each day of the four-day walk offered challenges and delights, the rolling wooded foothills on day one, to the breath taking serrated ridges seen at the frontier crossing on day four. Cyrille, our French Guide, enriched the whole experie nce with his kindness and superb management of the expectations and needs of a diverse group. This tour is highly recommended but be prepared for demanding walking on broken, shattered and bouldery terrain at times and check exactly what you need to carry before setting off. It's best to travel light if you can!
By Edward from Llandeilo | 06 September 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A wonderful trip, full of highlights
Game Trails of Zimbabwe & Botswana Camping Safari
This trip has a really well-planned itinerary, full of interest and variety, with an emphasis on game viewing in different environments, but including other significant sights, such as Great Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls. You get to see wildlife from open and closed vehicles, from a motorboat and traditional canoes, and on foot, visiting major national parks in the three countries, as well as less visited places like Matobos National Park in Zimbabwe, where we got close to rhinos on a game walk (t hey are wild, but monitored around the clock for protection, so used to people). It was wonderful to see a lioness with four tiny cubs, and her mate resting nearby, alongside the remains of an elephant calf in Hwange, Zimbabwe (fortunately elephants are very plentiful there). I can recommend the optional night drive in Hwange, where we got to see nocturnal animals like bush babies, African wild cats, and springhares (aka ‘African kangaroos’). The optional morning game drive in Chobe, Botswana, was also great, seeing the park from a different perspective than on the included boat ride. The tents are up to the job and the camping is relatively comfortable, with hot showers just about everywhere except the two nights in the Okavango delta, where you can still take an outdoor camping shower. Many campsites have unheated pools, which are great for cooling down after travelling. The food was tasty, varied and plentiful, made with plenty of fresh veg. As a vegetarian, and the only one in the group, I was very well catered for, with separate vegetarian dishes instead of meat dishes, which I really appreciated. Our guides, Steve and Alan, did a great job. They had a relaxed but professional approach, taking good care of the group and ensuring the trip ran smoothly through their hard work, without micro-managing everyone’s actions. This was my second trip with Steve as a guide, and as before, he showed great respect for everyone we came across (as did Alan), and this set the tone for a happy and successful trip. Unlike the KE walking trips I have done, there don’t seem to be many single travellers on these Southern Africa safari trips, so if you’re travelling by yourself, be prepared to be in the minority - the dynamic is different, but still works. Early morning and evening game drives in open vehicles are cold! You’re given a blanket, but still take a warm layer, a windproof, and a warm hat to make the experience more comfortable. If you want to see the Zambian side of Victoria Falls on the free day there (a tour of the Zimbabwean side is included the day you arrive), get a double entry visa for Zimbabwe when you enter the country from South Africa. You can cross the border to Zambia on foot, visit the falls, and return to Zimbabwe on foot in a morning. The Zimbabwe side is the more impressive, but the Zambia side is well worth a visit, and has been quieter on the two occasions I’ve visited.
By Timothy from Bradford-on-Avon | 30 August 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Amazing Aladaglar Mountains and Captivating Capadoccia
Trek the High Taurus Mountains and Cappadocia
This was a superb trip that exceeded all expectations. The organisation and support from the local agent and team was excellent, and our guide, Tolga, was outstanding. This trip combines 8 days trekking/camping in the Aladaglar Mountain range of the Taurus Mountains, with hiking and cultural highlights of Capadoccia. Tolga's expert knowledge enabled us to experience the very best of the region, maximising opportunities whilst ensuring an enjoyable pace. In the midst of an exceptional heatwave, t emperatures were much higher than expected, meaning that the hiking was challenging for everyone. In fact, I think the trekking was far more demanding that I had expected from the trip description and grading. Tolga carefully managed the group to ensure that we all enjoyed the trip (or at least I certainly did), in the most challenging of circumstances. Always conscious of individual needs, but managing the group as a team overall, he did an excellent job of getting us up climbs and passes, summiting peaks, down scree slopes, and safety back to the 'comfort' of our tents each night. The trip was further enhanced by Tolga's knowledge of his surroundings and Turkish history and culture. I've had guides that excel in one area or another, but Tolga's enthusiasm for EVERYTHING made for a most enjoyable trip. We learnt about butterflies, flora and fauna, geology, history, music, culture..... The food on the trek was pretty basic, but given the camp kitchen, it was understandable. The first few campsites had permanent toilet and basic shower/wash facilities; the high camp was much more basic (in fact what I had been expecting for all the camps). The hotel accommodation was clean, comfortable and well located. Overall, this trip exceeded my expectations and was a wonderful opportunity to experience some of the more 'off the beaten track' Turkish highlights. A fabulous trip, which I would thoroughly recommend to adventurous (and hill fit!) types. And a definite digital detox! No recharging facilities and very little phone signal!!!! Just what we all needed!!!!
By Elizabeth from COLCHESTER | 29 August 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A fantastic week exploring the beautiful Balkans
High Peaks of the Balkans
My boyfriend and I have had an incredible week of challenging but rewarding hiking and exploring. First and foremost thank you to Besi for guiding a brilliant tour - he's a living legend! Kind, calm, informative and clearly passionate about his home and the mountains. Each day brought something new and unique. From the scenery views, to the hikes, to the variety of accommodation, to the food. We felt like we had a real adventure and quickly got into vacation mode. The itinerary is inch perfect i n its efficient use of time. We recommend this trip very highly! One minor point that would have helped us... we took backpacks that would be ok to carry our sleeping mat/sleeping bag (for the night camping), but realised on the trip that we wouldn't be carrying those items, and we would be met by our bags. So our packs were a little bigger than necessary. Maybe this could be made a bit clearer in the itinerary or packing list? Sorry if I missed it! Thank you KE and Besi. We'll be back for more!
By Rachael from Manchester | 28 August 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
STUNNING COUNTRY, FANTASTIC ACTIVITIES, GLORIOUS WATER, DELICIOUS CAKE!
Julian Alps Jamboree - Family Adventure
Our party of 3 was made up of my 45 yo self, my 68 yo mum and my 9 yo son. We were all blown away by the beauty of Slovenia and the superb range of activities provided. Our guides Masha and Hana were both fantastically knowledgeable, motivational, attentive and just generally "nice". They truly made everything seemless. I had not appreciated what a massive benefit it was to have someone else do all the planning, timings and driving (especially the 50 hair pin bends over the Vrisc Pass)! It was g reat having the flexibility to take part in activities or just sit and watch when needed. We had upgraded to have 2 adjoining rooms in the 4 star mountain facing side of hotel, and did not regret that expense. The hotel itself is nice enough, be prepared to be a bit fed up of the evening meals by the end of the week! The restaurants chosen by the guides for lunch were all delicious and in fabulous settings (my favourite was after Bohinj Lake). We were with 2 other families and everyone got on well. All of the activities were superb. My 9 yo is already asking when we can go white water rafting again. I am already missing the fantastic lake swimming. My mum is missing the glorous views across the mountains. I would 100% recommend this holiday to anyone looking for a bit of adventure!
By Alix from Liverpool | 28 August 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great adventure in wilderness
Ausangate Circuit and Machu Picchu
After my first trip with KE to Everest Basecamp few years back, this time I was looking for an adventure that will take me and my partner somewhere truly wild and unspoiled - and this trip more than delivered! Ausangate trek includes nine days of camping in remote area of Andes, where you will see not a soul, and except your team, alpacas will be your only witness :-) Trip starts in beautiful Cusco, where we stayed two days to acclimatize before the trek. Not to worry - you won't be bored! Area is full of incredible historical sites (Inca temples and fortresses), museums, colorful markets, and absolutely incredible food! Our guide, Luis, was very knowledgeable, and it was a pleasure to learn from him about Inca history and culture. Ausangate trek is demanding but experience is truly priceless! We camp in Andean wildness, in most breathtaking places, cross four high altitude passes, experienced all types of weather (snow, hail, wind, heat - sometimes all in one day). Our guide and support team were there all the way, working really hard, to make our adventure unforgettable. Camp were set up before we were arriving, and food was freshly cooked and ready. Food...hot tea/coffee every morning, delivered to our tents, nutritious breakfasts, snacks for the road, 3-course lunches, tea time, and 2-course dinners! All cooked freshly - heat, hail, or snow. Menu included pastas, pancakes, hot soups, and even a cake!! I can't appreciate enough the effort that the whole team put into making this experience really special for us - these guys deserve every penny of their tip and more, so I would like to strongly encourage any traveler to consider tipping extra on top of official guidelines, and ask themselves a question of their tip truly reflects hard work that guide and support teams put into making our holiday unforgettable. Nature and views on Ausangate trek is incredible - snow covered peaks, rainbow-coloured hills, turquoise lakes, hot springs, and night sky so dark you can't believe there is so many stars...and all of that with not a person in sight! It is so much to experience, that I have forgotten that we still have Machu Picchu to see after return back to Cusco. A lot has been written about Machu Picchu, and even more pictures were published - but it doesn't disappoint - I promise you, if only lucky with weather, it is even more incredible than you saw on Instagram :-) We had a wonderful time on this trek. It perfectly balance attractions of Cusco and lively Peruvian culture, with wilderness and challenges of high altitude trek. Highly recommended!
By Alicja from London | 28 August 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Expertly guided through beautiful mountains
High Peaks of the Balkans

A well planned itinerary that seamlessly brought a diverse group of walkers and experience across the beautiful Balkan Alps. Our guide, Besi, was passionate about the environment and balanced professional guidance with a friendly demeanor. Really recommended.

By Nicholas from Leighton Buzzard | 27 August 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great trip
Traverse of the Jotunheimen
An extremely beautiful, wild part of Norway. The trip was a good challenge and based on a number of previous KE trips, deserves the 8 rating. A big factor in the trek was the weather. You need to prepare for rain..at times heavy...but never a huge problem as long as you have quick access to quality rain gear. Slippery rocks and mud can come along with rain and so poles and boots are also recommended. The treks are different each day and they are all really unforgettable. Beautiful lakes, mountai ns, waterfalls, etc. reminded me of a cross between Switzerland, Iceland, and Alaska. The huts are really nice...some of the best I have ever stayed in. Free showers (bring towel), charging outlets, decent wifi and coverage in most areas. A huge factor is that each hut had really good drying rooms so you could rinse out your gear at the end of each day and it would be clean and dry by morning. Food was better than average but as in any remote area you may not get all that you are used to at home. Beers are expensive (as reported on other reviews) but considering the remoteness and cost of stocking the huts, not unreasonable. Gear musts (in my opinion): Boots (for crampon day) High quality rain gear, dry bags and pack cover Poles Microspikes for snow climbing Flip flops for huts Ear plugs Towel Overall, very happy with trip. Another winner from KE!
By Michael from Cary | 26 August 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Loved it!
Trekking in Georgia and the High Caucasus

My first visit to the Caucasus Mountains and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

By Jo from Henley-on-Thames | 21 August 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great trip with like minded families
Family Teenage Toubkal Ascent, Morocco
My 10 year-old son and I signed up for the Family Teenage Toubkal Ascent, not knowing quite what to expect. What a great experience it proved to be. Everything was really well organised. The hotel in Marrakech was fun with a large pool for the kids and adults to enjoy. It's a short tax ride into the Medina. The trekking in the Atlas mountains before the summit day were a good way to acclimatize. The guide was really good and pacing everyone so that it was comfortable for all. The summit day was a super early start and about a three hour trek to the summit. Again, the pace was well set so that everyone made it to the top. I would certainly recommend the trip.
By Giles from Bristol | 21 August 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Family joy in the land of smiles....
Family Thailand Adventure
We were looking for an action packed family holiday to engage our three teenagers and provide an introduction to South East Asia. This holiday delivered so much more, KE really cram a lot into two short weeks. On our first afternoon we had a cookery course, spending a couple of hours in the market before we travelled to the cookery school, in a 200 year old teak building in the leafy surrounds it was a lot to process after our flight, but it was stunning and the food was magic. Thai temples are breath-taking on our first full day saw three amazing sites. Our guide 'Oat' who was a constant source of fun, support and inspiration was knowledgeable and passionate, it was a privilege to be in his presence these sites were special to him, we spent the day in awe. Back to the Jira hotel the kids used the pool, the staff the hotel were top class, and the cafe was great. That night Oat recommended the best night market eats - they didn't disappoint, live music, every food you could think of and some very cool vibes. The next day Oat took us for breakfast, these breakfasts were real highlights the most amazing of cafes off the beaten track real locals, real thai food some some very interesting décor - one was full of old TVs.... Day 2 - 5 we spent on the mini trek with our second guide Montray as well as Oat, what an adventure, something we will never forget. Oat and Montray had worked together before and were clearly friends, after an amazing lunch up in the mountains we headed up to start our trek. The walk was stunning, Montrays knowledge of the Karen people, the animals and flora of this part of the world was staggering, we ate so much just on the walk. It was amazing to see some villages, the scenery was immense and the kids loved it. When we arrived at the home stay we were amazed to find we were staying in a hut, one side was open to a river gorge, it was jaw dropping, the kids next door in a similar set up. We swam in the waterfall by the accommodation, had a game of football and enjoyed a feast cooked by Montray - 5/6 dishes all cooked fresh on a table by the river. After our food to spent sometime with our host family, played with their kittens and cats, got so see the pet rabbit. Montray and Oat then tried to out do each other with some amazing card tricks..... The next day we had two options the highroad or the low road, we went big. We got up to 1700m on a crystal clear day, trekking through jungles following water courses, a real test but worth all the effort and more. We saw one guy all morning and pretty much all day, a famer in a remote rice paddy, we asked him to lunch and he came along! Lunch was truly memorable, staggering views, noodles cooked in leaves over an open fire, fresh fruit. What an experience.... The afternoon was brilliant; a long ridge walk before dropping down to an elephant sanctuary, where we saw several elephants and took a shower in another waterfall. By around 18:00 we made it to the next homestay, amazing accommodation and a great welcome . Unfortunately the water supply to the village went off, so whilst Montray was cooking up another masterpiece Oat took us to bathe in the local river. The locals came out to see us and wave, we seemed to cause a lot of amusement. An amazing meal followed by a couple of local drinks and some cards saw us off we were exhausted. The next day was another stunning route, waterfalls, gorges and an elephant with no handler (dealt with by Montray). Exhausted but grinning we travelled back to Chaing Mai forgoing the evening activity of kickboxing. We had a chill out did some swimming and running round the local park before heading out to our favourite night market. The next day started early with a visit to a local elephant sanctuary, well run, well managed and elephant centric there was the chance to feed and bathe the elephants, nothing prepares you for the size and power of these creatures. Oat, always on the case, had told us the sanctuary was owned by a Karen family, and I was able to impress the guide with my very limited Karen leant the days before. The kids were in absolute awe thoughout. Back to the hotel where our friends there provided us a suite (no charge) to use even after we'd checked out so the kids were able to fit in one last swim. Then to the train station via the supermarket next for the night train to Ayutthaya former capital of Thailand and home to a staggering array of temples and ruins. The night train was a lot of fun, Oat had brought a number of games and we ate our dinner and played for a while before crashing out. The train was super clean, we felt very safe and most importantly had a good nights sleep. We arrived before 6, went straight to a local market, and made some offerings to the monks, who we almost missed having to give chase. Offerings made, we made another amazing breakfast. After a couple of hours at the hotel it was off for a cycling tour of the ancient city. Oat joined us and we had an amazing afternoon joined by 'Omlet' from the cycle tour company. We crashed that evening eating in the hotel, for tomorrow Bangkok awaited us. Stopping on route for beverages iced coffee, tea, smoothies we arrived in the city late morning. This was the kids fist real megacity, traveling in you get a sense of the scale of the place.... Our second cycle tour was mind blowing, tiny alleys, local communities a real sense of this crazy vibrant city. You need your wits about you on this one, packed markets, traffic and people everywhere meant that this was a good challenge. The kids lapped it up high fiving the locals and soaking up the sights. Dinner that evening near the hotel was a real high point - beautiful restaurant and again amazing people. We said goodbye to Oat that night sad to see him go but forever grateful for our time together. The next day was a trip to the Jim Thompson house, a founding father of the global trade in Thai silk it was an amazing oasis of calm. Beautiful and a great sort to pick up some gifts for the grandparents. We had the afternoon to ourselves so we booked a long boat tour (think James Bond, and a long narrow boat with a car engine strapped to the back) more temples and a lot of high speed canal action we got as close as you'd ever want to get to a monitor lizard, of which there is a prolific number... The next day we were off the Island retreat of Koh Samet, long white sandy beaches and a beautiful hotel, amazing food and stunning garden bungalow accommodation we needed to catch our breath. Once we'd done that we booked a speed boat trip to the some smaller islands, swam in the sea and enjoyed a massage. We reflected on the trip of a lifetime, and recounted stories from the trip, most of which involved Oat. Oat was the most amazing guide, he was a huge part of the holiday for us, his joy for life was infectious we were lucky to have met him and to have spent so long in his company. All in all an amazing holiday, beautiful country, beautiful people, beautiful memories.
By Thomas from Yarm | 20 August 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A great week despite the worst weather in 50 years!
Traverse of the Jotunheimen
There are three highlights on the trip: The Besseggen Ridge, climbing Galdhopiggen and the Svellnosbrean glacier. The weather for the ridge was almost perfect but then we were hit by storm Hans that brought the worst rainfall for 50 years. Our leaders managed to organise an alternative route to the Spiterstulen hut so we didn't have to walk for hours in the rain. Galdhopggen was obviously off the menu but we did get onto the glacier and had chance to explore the canvases. NOTE: The trip notes sp ecify crampon compatible boots for a reason (ie they are needed for the glacier!) The walk to Leirvassbu was extremely wet with swollen river crossings and with low cloud it was agreed that the ascent of Kyrkja would be pointless (and its quite a tiring day even without the climb). We suggested it may be worth getting up early the following day to climb Kyrkja before breakfast. Our guide agreed and we were treated to a fantastic view from the top as the sun rose and back just in time for breakfast. The last two huts on the trek are more remote and very homely with wonderful food, the last in particular is amazing, a 16th century farm perched on the side of a steep hill that has been wonderfully restored. Thanks to our leader Jonus and Mathilde who did a wonderful job in the most difficult conditions. Their knowledge of the area and its flora and fauna was incredible.
By William from Darwen | 17 August 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Big mountains and big skies
Cordillera Huayhuash Circuit
Having returned home after this trip, the thing that sticks in my mind from this trip is the vastness of the landscape: the snowy mountains are huge, and photos can’t do justice to their scale; and looking away from the snowy mountains, the vast distances and big panoramas are breathtaking. Acclimatisation is so important for this trip, as nearly the entire trek you’ll be above 4,000 metres, with a number of passes close to or over 5,000 metres. The itinerary builds in a good amount of time to achieve this acclimatisation. It’s always worth doing some training for trekking trips regardless, but I’d say for this trip, training beforehand will really help you get the most out of the trek. The hotel in Lima (Hotel Faraona) is great - comfortable, clean and relaxing. It’s in a great part of Lima (Miraflores) with some great restaurants, cafes and bars. My only regret was that I didn’t book an extra day in Miraflores for the end of the trip - as it happens, upon returning to Lima at the end, I had one night and the entire morning in Miraflores before leaving for my flight, and for me an extra day to unwind, drink the excellent coffee and indulge in the fabulous cakes available at cafes and bars would have been great. And by the way, if you do love coffee, the coffee in Peru is excellent. Special mention to Cafe Andino in Huaraz (serve brilliant cakes too) and Ukaw in Miraflores, Lima (five minutes walk from the hotel, and they sell the most amazing handmade chocolates!). In fact, I’d go as far as to say I had the best cappuccino I’ve EVER had at Ukaw on my last morning in Miraflores! The Hotel Colomba in Huaraz is an amazingly tranquil oasis of calm in bustling Huaraz. I loved it. If you sit in the gardens, you will see hummingbirds, despite Nina the hotel cat and her best efforts (she is very cute though). Huaraz was pretty much flattened by the 1970 earthquake, so there’s not much in the way of old colonial architecture there - it’s been pretty much rebuilt since the earthquake. However, despite this, the town has a huge charm - there’s just so much going on in the hustle and bustle. We weren’t lucky enough to see any vicuña on the trek, but we did see viscacha on a number of occasions and also condors … many times, in fact. The food on trek was simply excellent! Really, really good. And in this vein, the local crew were excellent too - rock solid, friendly and very eager to provide a great quality of service. The KE guide, Val, has the most amazing amount of knowledge and experience that’s been gained from a love of the Huayhuash, it’s people and their culture, and I think you’d be hard pressed to find anybody else with her knowledge and desire to impart it with such passion. I’m sat here in rainy Blighty, and I wish I was back in Peru trekking up a high pass in the Huayhuash with snowy mountains in front of me, gazing at a 100km+ panorama or sipping an absolutely fantastic coffee (and eating an exquisite cake) in Miraflores.
By Adrian from Leeds | 14 August 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Loved experiencing Bolivian mountain landscapes and culture
Traverse of Bolivia's Cordillera Real
've recently returned from the KE Adventure trek "Traverse of Bolivia's Cordillera Real". I wanted to say how much I enjoyed the both the cultural and trek elements of the trip. The aclimatisation week was a fantastic introduction to Bolivia, it's peoples and cultures and life on the altiplano and shores of lake Titicaca. The trek was truely a journey that passed through the stunning and surprisingly varied landscapes of the Cordillera Real on faint and little used paths. I loved time in Laz Paz with it's vibrancy, the awesome cable cars and great coffee. I wish I'd booked an extra day there at the end of the trip. The guides provided through local company were excellent. Nayra, our first guide, was a fabulous story teller who brought the cultural stories to life and familiarised us with Bolivia very quickly. I particularly enjoyed learning about the growth of El Alto and how indigenous plants are used (I'm a gardener!). Our trek guide, Christina, was an assured and experienced leader and quickly established our confidence in her and the trek. The route itself was clearly well planned and the trekking days were about right in terms of effort and duration, allowing enough time to enjoy the walking, lunches and photo opportunties yet giving enough rest, relaxation and time to independently explore around the camp. Accommodation and food were great. Highlights for me were my amazing suite at Hotel Olas in Copacobana, with it's quirky design, llamas in my garden and the lovely wood stove. I loved the peace at the eco lodge on Isla del Sol and the georgous views from my tent at the camp locations on the trek. The chef and assistant, Ruben and Kevin, were brilliant: always smiling, prepared plently of hot and wholesome food with enough choice to avoid lesser favourites (broccoli...), as well as assisting Christina in trek guidance and erecting the tents. They were the heros of the trip. My fellow trekkers were lovely people from a variety of countries and I enjoyed hearing about their previous trekking experiences, life back home and music of the 1960s! There were only four of us on the trip which limited conversation a little. We trekkers did share our quirky but really handy equipment recommendations: bedtime water bottle, travel pillow, throat sweets to prevent the dry air dessicating the mouth, tons of moisturiser. They're all on my future kit list. Overall a fabulous trip that met my expectations of an exciting, offbeat journey in a country I knew little about. I can't wait to return to South America. Minor things that could be improved: > There was uncertainty in the location of accommodation one night on the trek and at that location there was no provision for water to wash with other than a low tap with no usable basin or bowl. did enjoy eating in a warm dining room though! > The last day of trekking the weather turned and we had cloud and cold winds. At the arrival at the top of La Cumbre we were to have a final picnic lunch, but it was so cold and windy. It was sad that the end of the trek was an anticlimax after such a great experience. It may have been better to adapt and head somewhere more sheltered for lunch or even head down to La Paz earlier. > Connecting three flights, with baggage retreival half way and needing to rebook a missed flight was actually straightforward. I'm really happy to share experience of airport processes for future trip trekkers if they'd find that useful.
By Marianne from Southampton | 10 August 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Fantastic climbing holiday
Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
We were a group of 6 climbing Kili. Knowledgable and experienced Head Guide, Saidi and his fantastic team gave us the best experience. Their encouragement to get us all to the summit was priceless. They really made every day unforgettable. They are friendly, warm and kind. I will never forget them. This is an amazing experience, its not just getting to the top, it is the whole experience, camping on the mountain. Sunrises and sunsets, the singing, laughter, meeting new people… very special exp erience.
By Catherine from Crediton | 09 August 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Walking Winter Sunshine - fabulous
Walking Holiday on the Captivating Cape Verde Islands
Better late than never – I did this trip in March 2023 and had a fabulous holiday. Cape Verde is a wonderful place to be in our dismal winters! I opted to go out a day early and so felt quite rested at the proper start of the trip. I would advise this – it really is a good plan! I landed at 1am in the morning in 22 degrees and every day after that was around 28 degrees. No rain – just wonderful warm sun. Our group of 7 was super - we got on well and we looked after each other. Our guide De rmyn was delightful. He was so knowledgeable and could answer any question thrown at him, and his love of the country was clear for us all to see. He was a charming young man and I felt very happy and safe with him as our Guide. The coffee was good, the Strela beer was always welcome (especially at the end of a hot day when somehow one was never enough), and the local wines were delicious. Food wise – well there was masses of it and the fish was fresh and tasty. And the green sauce was to die for. I had to skip lunch on a couple of days as I just could not fit any more food in! Highlights have to include Fogo island and everything about it. The accommodation where we stayed with the charming young couple running it (oh my what a love story there), to the actual climb itself and the fun run down the volcanic sand. It was marvellous. And discovering the music of Cesaria Evora from Mindelo which I have played non-stop since we got back. Her hauntingly beautiful voice just captures it all and takes me right back there. Most of the walking on the islands was great, fantastic views and some nice challenging ascents and descents. Poles are vital. We didn’t meet many other people from the UK but there were masses of French groups out there. I think our itinerary was not the same as our Guide’s itinerary, so we weren’t quite sure what each day was going to bring. But if you are thinking about this holiday I urge you to go now, because it was a joy.
By Diana from Chipping Norton | 19 July 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Wonderful memories after hut to hut immersion in the Julian Alps
Across the Julian Alps to Triglav
Immersion into the amazing pristine alpine environment of the Julian Alps on this hut to hut trip, facilitated by KE Adventure, had me tired and emotional, in the best possible way. On a digital detox, I took very few photos but many wonderful memories remain of the experiences and the 360 degree panoramic mountain vistas that were both awesome and humbling. The daily challenges of moving over the rugged terrain with breadth taking drop offs from balcony paths to the final summit push up onto Tr iglav were skillfully managed by our two local guides, David and MaŠa. With a high level of attention to the safety of the group and great sense of humour, they expertly led the way over the demanding and difficult undulating trails with sections of the Slovenian version of “flat” and scree running for active recovery on the hoof!. The extraordinarily diverse alpine flora en route to the first refuge of Crna Prst and all along the paths each day, was almost overwhelming in its profusion, diversity and of course dainty prettiness. The thunderstorms, typical of the climate in this southern Alps region, experienced from the safety of the refuge, with white flashes lighting up the night sky and thunder claps, would raise the hairs on the back of anyone's neck. Two Ibex bucks, unaffected by the proximity of a rambling Homo sapien, scaling the vertical limestone and going head to head, cracking horns on the precipitous cliff face, squirrels who don’t even bother running up the tree as you walk by all testify to the Slovenian commitment to protective measures for the ecosystems supporting the flora and fauna of this multi layered montane environment. The camaraderie of the trails was copper fastened by the card games of Enka in the evenings, cups of mountain tea, and a well earned beer or two. The bare necessities and communal facilities of the mountain huts give a refreshed perspective as you re-enter society after the trip. Thanks to KE for coordinating this trip and many thanks to David and MaŠa for guiding us deep into the heart of the Julian Alps and sharing the mountains of their home land.
By Betty from Newport | 17 July 2023
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A splendid expedition
Kang Yatse 2 and the Lhato Valley
It's amazing what can be done in just two weeks. Acclimatisation is absolutely key to a trip like this and four nights in the fantastic Omasila hotel in Leh (3500 m, views of Stok Kangri from one's bed) is a great way to kick things off. Plus the side trips to Alchi (my third visit) and the Kardung La. And of course, writing postcards in the Yama Café (turn left out of hotel, 50 yards on the right) - double espresso and apricot cake recommended. Thence five days' trekking to base camp - a lot o f interesting rock/mountain scenery, and always excellent camping spots. And always excellent food. The actual ascent of Kang Yatse II splits neatly into three sections: (1) base camp to apex of the obvious rock triangle (easy ground, head torches) - 5 hours; 591 metres of ascent; (2) crampon up and a big rising left-to right traverse across the lower snow field to a rocky outcrop - 2 hours 28 minutes (perhaps faster in better snow conditions), 237 metres of ascent; (3) rising zig-zags up the upper snow field to the rocky summit - 2 hours, 259 metres of ascent. In total, about nine and a half hours from base camp to summit, and 1087 metres of ascent. And back at base camp, a big bowl of chips :-) A special thank you to our exceptional guide, Pekma Bhote: the weather was not ideal the day before our summit attempt (rain/snow!)...but he was still keen enough to go up the mountain. There's a short piece about Kang Yatse II (aka Kang Yissay II) in the Himalayan Journal (Vol. 45 1987-88); the mountain was first climbed by a Seigo Inaba (Japan), as recently as 1981. The height (6100 m) referred to is probably too low; my altimeter indicated 6265 metres. Top tips: there are quite a few stream/river crossings during the trek - I bought a cheap (£2) pair of what became known as 'water sandals' in Leh. I also took a small Thermos - it's nice to have a post river crossing coffee (and Twix - also buyable Leh)! And perhaps take a book to read...there's a quite a lot of tent time...
By Peter from Stevenage | 15 July 2023
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