Last Minute UK Britain Tours and July

Trip of a life time made so enjoyable by our Explore guide - Phenyo. He just knew where to take us to see the most awesome wildlife. We were lucky to witness a lion couple on their honeymoon. We were so close to a pride of lions I could have put my hand out and touched one. We had a mix of accommodation from wild camping to premium lodge and houseboat. We saw the big four as the rhino is protected on an island as part of a breeding programme.

The Botswana wildlife was a wonderful experience! We saw lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, jackals, elephants, hippos, zebras, giraffes and a vast array of birds. Our guide Phenyo was a superb animal spotter and we had a great group of people. Being able to get so close to the animals was just amazing. Our itinerary was re-routed in places due to heavy rainfall in previous weeks. The highlight was the wild camping which was more comfortable than we had imagined. The back up crew, William, Charles and B-man did an incredible job setting up the camp for us and cooking a 3 course meal for us every night as well as baking cakes and fresh rolls every day. A few small tweaks would make the trip even more enjoyable. The boat trip in Chobe on the second day should absolutely be included in the trip, it was a highlight. Lunch and dinner at Thamo Telele should also be included. The prices were reasonable and no viable alternative for food anyway. On the houseboat the captain forgot to switch on the generator for two days so we only had cold showers. Instructions around activities could be better at times. That said, it was an unforgettable holiday. Great group of travellers and amazing sights. Please note that in the winter (we went in June) it is very cold in the morning and evening, but very hot in the middle of the day. You will be in an open safari vehicle for 8-10 hours a day and fleece, jacket, hat and gloves were all required.

The holiday and our guide, Joe, were superb. We had so many close encounters with animals including lions, crocodiles, hippos and elephants. Our guide / driver knew where to locate animals by following tracks and listening for animal distress sounds. We saw a cheetah hunting and lions mating! The best part was camping and listening to animals at night, sitting on the loo watching the Milky way and eating the delicious food cooked by Sparks and Martin. it was very special.

I am keen on the natural world, fascinated by large carnivores - walking and sharing their world was the reason for booking. The spectacular mountain ranges are wild and empty of people. I enjoyed the fact that each day had a different emphasis and the lack of rest day enabled us to really make the most of our surroundings. Relaxing drinks on the patio, a feast of local delights and the company of likeminded, funny and interesting folk was a great end to each day. I'd love to return in the autumn , but the wildflowers and butterflies were superb.

I really enjoyed this holiday with a friendly and helpful group and an outstanding tour leader in Ester Galindo, the first to contact the group before the tour had even started. The two answers to my questions were very helpful. The one thing I liked less was a very long walk along the hard sand of a beach where the view stayed the same throughout. The hotel was very good although the views from the large balconies wasn’t special. Breakfasts were excellent -such variety and plenty. Which? magazine rates Tavira extremely highly and I have to agree. The local bakeries helped to supply something tasty for lunches.

What an epic and memorable trip. Well planned too in that the itinerary and our great tour leader, Pabel, gave everyone a chance to get used to the altitude. As a result everyone was able to complete the Inca Trail without suffering from altitude sickness. Another stand out point was that up until the last day of the trail the itinerary and Pabel somehow ensured we stayed away from other walkers (and there are quite a lot!) so we still were able to experience the remoteness and stunning beauty of the route on our own! We've been away with Explore on a number occasions and would certainly recommend them. Even on the rare occasions where there have been problems they've been swiftly dealt with - always the sign of a good company.