Sri Lanka was an amazing country to experience. The Explore itinerary is well thought out to cover a variety of places and experiences, as much as it can be done in a short two weeks time. I loved the Sigiriya climb and the Hortons plains walk the most. And the elephants and their babies, of course.
The accommodation was good. The food was plentiful, and usually not an issue to find something for everyone's taste. There were times when I felt we had been faced with one too many buffet options, when lighter choices would have been more desirable. But I understand that a buffet was usually the most expedient way to accommodate a group of our size.
With 12 people in the group, mostly solo travellers, we had a very good dynamic. People were always included if they so desired, and also had the option to step out of the group bubble and do their own thing.
Hector, our driver, was a joy to be around, always attentive, safe, and going out of his way to make sure we were all taken care of, always with a smile. Thank you Hector!
And not the least, Nala, our tour leader, was the secret ingredient that made it all even better. Always with a big smile and a big heart, assessing everyone's needs and desires and trying to accommodate everyone, Nala was a treasure trove of information about Sri Lanka. Thank you Nala for sharing your love and passion for your country with us.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Hostel, Guest House
Age Range
16-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Demodara, Udaw
Colombo, Negombo, Demodara, Udawalawe, Koggala, Wilpattu National Park, Mihintale, Giritale, Sigiriya, Kandy, Adam's Peak, Nuwara Eliya
First solo trip for me, but the tour group staff (and guests for that matter) were excellent - the travelling times whilst long, were well worth it - our tour guide Tshepo and driver Cosmas made the trip effortless with good organisation, clear communication and always timely starts/finishes - the information provided at each location, picture opportunities given, fun activities, good food and basically everything else, made this my favourite trip to date - will defo be doing another Africa tour with the tour operator
National parks
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Sleeper Bus, Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Johannesburg, Durban, Kruger Nat
Johannesburg, Durban, Kruger National Park, Hlane Royal National Park, Mozambique Beach Camp, St Lucia Estuary, Zululand
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect as safari tours seem expensive, and I kept wondering if it would really be worth the cost. But it absolutely was. From the first day I knew I’d made the right choice. Every game drive felt like a new adventure. One morning we watched a group of baby elephants playing in the dust while their mothers stood nearby. Later, we spotted a hippo yawning near a watering hole. So close we could see its giant teeth! And the sunsets? Incredible.
Our guide was excellent. He was friendly & funny. The group dynamic was easy and fun. We had a mix of people: a couple celebrating their anniversary, a solo traveler from NY, and me with a close friend. It never felt awkward or too crowded.
You don’t need to be super fit for this tour. Everything is done at a relaxed pace and was very accessible, even for folks who aren’t used to rugged travel.
If Tanzania is on your list, my advice is that you don’t overthink it. Just go. It’s 100% worth it.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
8-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Arusha, Serengeti National Park
Arusha, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park
Noel organised a fantastic safari for me which was 6 days in Northern Tanzania visiting Tarangire National park, lake Manyara, Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti. I had lots of questions before the trip which Noel was able to answer through phone and email. And then met me before the safari and after the safari. I went solo with the guide/driver and the cook. It was a fantastic experience and I had such a great time. The guide was excellent - keen, enthusiastic and was knew all the different animals and birds. The food was good and the tent/ 4 wheel drive comfortable. The only thing that was not good was the campsite in Serengeti but this was not the tour operator's fault but the Serengeti Park authorities who just do not maintain their campsites.
Would highly recommend booking this tour.
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Camping, Tent, Lodge
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tanzania Safari Parks, Moshi, Ta
Tanzania Safari Parks, Moshi, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara
Every single place that I visited from Vic Falls to Cape Town, it was totally full of epic. Astonishing, breathtaking, beautiful and wild side of Africa is what I experienced.
Road tripWildlife
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Tent, Sleeper Bus, Camping
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Groot
Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Grootfontein, Etosha National Park, Spitzkoppe, Swakopmund, Sesriem, Bethanie, Fish River Canyon, Orange River, Western Cape, Chobe National Park, Bagani, Okavango Delta
The trip itinerary certainly gave a wide range view of different areas of Southern India and their way of life. Busy bustling Chennai, then to the coastal resort of Pondicherry with a French flavour, followed by the temples and palace of Madurai. Then on to the hills hitting the tea plantations, spices and backwaters of Kerela for a sail along the river. Kochi, a busy town, with lots to see - Palace, museums, churches, synagogue and chinese fishing nets to name a few. A highlight was the toy train to Ooty. Lots to see in bustling Mysore from the Palace, statues, temples, markets and everything on the road together buses, cars, TukTuks, motorbikes, cows, sheep and goats and people! Fun to watch. Another variety of travel is the overnight train back to Chennai, ending with a leisurely day at Mamallapram. A bit of everything - recommended.
Cruise
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
Chennai, Bangalore, Mamallapuram
Chennai, Bangalore, Mamallapuram, Bandipur National Park, Mysore, Pondicherry, Meenakshi Temple, Thekkady, Kerala Backwaters, Kochi, Coimbatore
This is just one of those trips... if you are considering going then PLEASE do. As a single woman travelling to Africa alone, there were plenty of people that were worried about me coming on this trip. By the time it ended, I was uncontrollably crying that it was over.. I just wanted to start the 11 days all over again. The tour felt very luxurious, all of the food and accomodation was incredible and our guides - for Kenya, and for Tanzania - were the stars of the show. They were so fun, planned everything to the last detail and sat with us for every meal so they just felt like one of the group.
We saw everything we wanted to see and then some - including some very rare sightings from the leopard to the serval cat and porcupine. Our tour guides were true professionals and even put a lot of effort into making sure every animal was shown in the right lighting from a good angle to get the best photo.
I can't recommend this trip highly enough and I hope you have as incredible a time as I did!
Wildlife safaris and game drives
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
18-35 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Arusha, Nairobi, Maasai Mara Gam
Arusha, Nairobi, Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Ngorongoro Crater, Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli, Tarangire, Serengeti
Excellent tour leader, helped me climb up Sigiriya. He was friendly and knowledgeable.
We saw a lot during the week and stayed in lovely hotels.
The only downside was the poor service of Srilankan Air, but there was efficient help when our flight was cancellec
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Colombo, Negombo, Wilpattu Natio
Colombo, Negombo, Wilpattu National Park, Mihintale, Kandy, Koggala