How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Claude was excellent. Always on hand to help. Very knowledgeable about local customs with a great sense of humour.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Take some imodium. Everyone on the tour had stomache problems at sometime during the trip. Be prepared for some steep climbs and negotiating roots and undergrowth in the rainforest in very humid conditions. Can get very hot take plenty of water on treks. Take some soap, pens, toothbrushes for the locals. Very humbling when we take these things for granted.

Do you have anything else to add?

A great trip, a great group. We saw so many things.Rode in a Zebu cart, had a manic speedboat ride. Saw so many different kinds of Lemurs, chameleons,and birds.Great accomodation especially the last few days on the beach.

All expectations for this tour - our first trek - were fullfilled in every sense. Fantastic tour mates, magnificent views, exciting and strenuous walks, lovely picnics with local food enjoyed in snow and in grass - and an extraordinary guide who shared all her botanical knowledge and enthusiasm with us. And a guide who also knew how to act in every situation. For sure a trek to recommend - for those who like some challenge and good company. We will be back soon for the Matterhorn! (MB -17th July 2011)

What a fantastic week of walking in absolutely stunning scenery. Had a great group who gelled really quickly and we all had a great time. The strenuous grading is probably about right and a good level of fitness will mean you get the most from the tour (and enjoy it!). The overnight auberges were no-where near as basic as we were expecting and the chalet in Chamonix is great - you can soak in the hot tub over-looking the Mont Blanc glacier. Finally, I have to mention our fearless leader, Phil. He was more like a friend and inspired us all to new heights. Great trip! (MB - 29th August 2010)