This is varied tour covering cities, villages, historical sites, mountains, deserts and seaside. The tour was made even better by an excellent guide who clearly explained the history, geography and geology of ehat we saw. It is ideal for those who like busy holidays.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A great and affordable trip with excellent opportunities for spotting a range of animals and birds.
Some quite long drives but with a good range of visits - glass makers, candle factory, Raukes Drift.
Incision of Eswatini was very worthwhile.
ExplorerActive and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hut, Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Johannesburg, Drakensberg Mounta
Johannesburg, Drakensberg Mountains, St. Lucia, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, Eswatini, Mlilwane, Kruger National Park, Graskop
Great trip. Full on pace, would have to skip activities to slow down! A cultural and nature trip. Guatemala was my favourite country; the Mayan history and culture. The archeological site at Copan adds to the diversity of experiences on this trip. As well the more recent history of regime change in Nicaragua. The Spanish colonial architecture was highlighted at all destinations, quaint hotels. Nature’s beauty and wild life was showcased throughout. Overall, a diversity of experiences filled the two weeks!
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was a most amazing and unforgettable experience which for some of the group will probably be life changing. We were fortunate to be in a friendly, supportive and cohesive group which was led by the wonderful Wit. Wit was the catalyst to the group bonding so well but he was more than just a guide and leader. He organised our tour seamlessly and supported every member of the group when required over and above what could be expected. We were so privileged to know him and to have him as our guide and mentor. The tour is stated to be "full on" and it certainly matches that description so don't expect a restful holiday but be prepared to be on the move with early starts and time spent in a minibus which was necessary to complete such an intensive itinerary. If asked to chose a highlight I wouldn't be able to as there were so many highlights throughout the tour. I have so many great memories and been very fortunate to be included in such a fine group but also to be blessed with Wit as our very special leader.
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This holiday was rated “full on” and it was. Not a moment was wasted! Tashkent, Khiva, Bukara and Samarkand were all amazing. Staying in a Madrasa and in a Yurt added to the authenticity and we took the extra trip to the desert castles which was well worth it. Also the silk paper making centre was interesting. Uzbekistan is a welcoming country - very clean with no litter and we were impressed with the flowers planted along grass verges for miles.
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This was my 22nd Explore trip and one of the best in recent years. This was largely due to the excellent leader (Wilfred) and the group itself. The itinerary sadly had to be altered (and options removed) due to a combination of heavy rain and other factors but what remained was still a full and interesting and varied trip. Shame not to be able to reach Crooked Tree, nor see more animals and birds, but these are not Explore's fault. Kayaking was not on offer, nor tubing which had been highly recommended to me but that may never have been an official option. The accommodation was great except that at Placencia (Sea Spray hotel?) the bathroom was really too tight for me. Wilf in particular deserves a very special mention - not only was he reliable, knowledgable, funny and charming he went out of his way to help on more that one occasion all during a very difficult week for him personally dealing with a family bereavement and his own illness near the end of the holiday.
I led the tribute to him on the last night, sung to the tune of 'Mamma Mia':
We’ve been travelling with you since I don’t know when
Sadly now it is time it must come to an end
Where will we go? We dont have a clue
What to do now ? - that you’re suddenly not right here
Sending menus and choosing beer
On day one
- you explain everything
From then on
- we forget everything
Whoa
Brother Wilfred. Now we’re off again
Who knows - where we’ll be without you
Brother Wilfred - we’ll be lost again
Back home - we’ll be thinking ‘bout you
Yes we’ll be broken hearted
blue - Now that we have parted
Why why did we ever let you go?
Brother Wilfred - have a great next trip
Bye bye - we will really miss you so
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Belize City, Flores, Caye Caulke
Belize City, Flores, Caye Caulker, Altun Ha, Lamanai, Placencia, Cockscomb Basin Forest Reserve, XUNANTUNICH MAYA TEMPLE, Guatemala City
This was a gruelling and awesome trek for me to celebrate 1 year since breast cancer surgery.
The tour guides were fantastic.
The chef produced the most amazing meals in the middle of nowhere.
Be realistic about what to expect regarding mountain accommodation and facilities! the Explore description was pretty accurate.
For me hiking poles were a necessity. I couldn’t have got back down without them. My knees were quite shot by the end of it but I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Assan our tour guide was excellent, his knowledge of the bird species was incredible, how he managed to distinguish the birds from such a distant was beyond me. We were very lucky and saw quite a lot of rare species. This trip is very much geared towards spotting birds and our days on the water were excellent. There are some long days travelling in the bus and currently I feel that the itinerary could be changed to spend longer in The Gambia. You don’t really need to spend a night on Goree, that island was wonderful and thought provoking but you don’t necessarily need to spend the night there. Currently there is no need to visit The Pink Lake, it’s not pink anymore so really that was a wasted day that could have been spent in The Gambia and maybe heading further west exploring that part of The Gambia. Add the Pink Lake to the itinerary again, if and when it’s pink again! Some hotels are basic, with no hot water and electricity but that is part of the charm in visiting these places. Take a swimming costume as there are opportunities to swim at some of the hotels. The Senegalese and The Gambia people are very friendly but be prepared for them to sometimes ask you to purchase goods and not leave you alone. You’ll have to ignore the rubbish everywhere, sadly it is a blight on the landscape.
Active and outdoorCruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
If you are thinking about booking this trip... don't hesitate! This was the most amazing experience! Every time I look at my photos, I can't believe all the amazing experiences I had on this trip!
Edmund, our tour leader was fantastic! Overall, a great cultural experience !
Active and outdoorExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers