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Choquequiro August 2023

Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

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By David from Keswick | 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 who le experience 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

Svalbard campsite

Svalbard Sea Kayak and Hike Expedition

By Stephen from Farnham | 01 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 heatwa ve, temperatures 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 perf ect in 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!

Slovenian Family Adventure - Julian Alps

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 great 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

Great adventure in wilderness

Ausangate Circuit and Machu Picchu

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By Alicja from London | 28 August 2023

Stunning country, fantastic activities, glorious water, delicious cake!

Slovenian Family Adventure - Julian Alps

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By Alix from Liverpool | 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

A fantastic trip to the High Caucasus mountains.

Trekking in Georgia and the High Caucasus

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By Kathryn from Cardiff | 26 August 2023

An amazing trip in beautiful mountains.

The Ultimate Fann Mountains Trek

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By Angela from Chester | 22 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

Photos

Trekking in Georgia and the High Caucasus

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By Jo from Henley-on-Thames | 21 August 2023

Excellent itinerary

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

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By Kathrine from Kendal | 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.