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Overall Company Rating 95%

1806 Total Reviews

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★ ★ ★ ★
Nearly perfect pairing of trekking and culture
The Druk Path Trek
We visited Bhutan in late September / early October to allow us to combine a festival and the Druk path. Overall we had a wonderful holiday in no small part due to the amazing local Bhutanese tour company who run it on behalf of KE. Our guides and the company management were everything you could want - genuinely interested in ensuring we had a good holiday, flexible, informative, inspiring during tough times and all with a great sense of humour. We were particularly struck by the spirituality of the country and its connection with the environment. Quiet moments of reflection in the dzongs and temples will stay with me for a long time and it was lovely to have some other members of the group who felt the same. Sunrise and sunsets were another highlight, particularly at the final campsite... and the food on the trek was great, better than the hotels we stayed in. Also I must pay particular thanks to the Bhutanese manager of the company who met us at the end of the trek. Our chat that afternoon gave me great insight into the country and its people. I also mentioned I was interested in archery and without hesitation he arranged an archery class for us for the next day which was a wonderful experience and great fun. As an honest review it's important to also mention where there were some frustrations - though for us these were relatively minor and would not put me off booking again. We found the ground agents in Kathmandu provided a less good service than those in Bhutan, but we were only with them for a day or so either side of the main tour. We felt there wasn't the clarity or information from them that we would have expected on a fully supported tour and the Kathmandu city tour wasn't brilliant. With regard to the trek itself, it's perhaps inevitable with a group of 15 but there was a wide range in terms of fitness and preparation for the trek. This makes it a tough job for the guides to support all the trekkers but we were lucky to have two so had one setting direction towards the front and one giving particular support to those at the rear of the group. On other trips I have been on everyone walks at their own pace and meets for evening dinner together to share their experiences of the day, but for this trip our guides informed us a day or two into the trek that one couple were unhappy that the rest of the group wasn't waiting for them. The guides were very thoughtful and didn't want that couple to have a bad holiday so they took the decision to stop the group repeatedly to allow them to catch up. For example on the penultimate trekking day we spent more time sitting than walking to give those towards the back the chance to catch up but still they were significantly behind. Luckily the views were beautiful and I had ample time for reflection by a lake, but the whole purpose of our holiday was to hike in the Himalayas and we had prepared well for it so it was disappointing and frustrating for it to be so fractured by stops we wouldn't have chosen to make ourselves. Tips for future travellers - KE provide trek notes which give a good idea of what's involved and I'd recommend reading them. In Bhutan it can't be 100% accurate (our GPSs were all giving wildly different readings) but we felt it gives a fair idea. The trip includes climbs of over 1000m, descents of around 2000m and you need to be able to walk for an average of 6 - 8 hrs a day at altitude (we were often less, others were more). It's important for not just your own enjoyment but also that of the rest of the group. Also bring earplugs! The pack horses are wonderful but they graze freely at night around the campsite and the jingling of their bells can be disruptive for light sleepers. I can't possibly cover everything here, but the one other thing I'd mention is the lovely people of the group. We met some amazing and inspiring fellow trekkers and had a brilliant time singing, laughing and enjoying the wonderful Druk 1100 (the local beer). Thanks to them all for making our holiday so memorable.
By Sarah from Exeter | 15 October 2017
★ ★ ★
A challenging walk in spectacular surroundings.
Walking in the Balkan Borderlands
We have done walking holidays before, having walked 20+ miles per day. These days were much shorter, but also much more challenging due to the terrain, and ascents and descents. We had anticipated 2 guides for some, if not all of the holiday and there was only one. The group on the first day walked at the speed of fastest, not the slowest, meaning we were left at the back trying to catch up. Each time the group stopped and we caught up they would begin walking again, giving us no time to rest an d this left us feeling very dispirited. We raised our concerns to the guide and the group, but little was done to rectify the issue. As a result we decided not to do subsequent walks and we were charged for transfers, even when travelling in confined conditions with all of the luggage. Despite this we had a good holiday as we did our own thing, and some nights stayed in the accommodation provided. The information online, including pictures, is slightly misleading, we had to share with others despite having booked as a couple when the other couples had their own private rooms, and the walks are much harder than they make out. The other members of the group also agreed that they weren't expecting it to be so difficult. The guide tried to meet the needs of all the walkers on the trip, but some seemed to just press ahead and not walk as a group, but we felt it was the guides responsibility to balance the needs of everyone. In the end we didn't feel we got value for money for what we paid for the trip.
By Helen from Leamington Spa | 11 October 2017

KE Adventure reply

Thank you for your review. We can understand your disappointment at not being able to take part in the walking on this holiday and are sorry that you found it to be tougher than you expected. Our “Is this holiday for you” section on the website is designed to help you understand the true nature of the trip. For this holiday we say: “Please note that there are some steep ascents and descents, and the walking is in a remote area. You should ensure you are physically prepared for the trek and able to walk for approximately 6 - 8 hours each day and for several days continuously.” You can also read the GPS track for each days walk, showing the exact distance, amount of ascent and the required walking time. We would encourage everyone to look at these in the light of their own experience when determining if this is the right trip for them. We are glad that in this instance, your guide was able to make arrangements for you to continue on the holiday, using the group accommodation with transfers between. For the 3 days spent in the more remote mountain areas where there are no hotels, we use simple guesthouses and here it is not always possible to accommodate the whole group in twin or double rooms. We do make this clear in the accommodation section of the trip information on our website and in the trip notes. On your particular holiday, the available double rooms were allocated to the couples on the trip and you and your daughter shared a room with other KE clients. We hope this experience has not put you off walking holidays and our very experienced travel consultants would be happy to share their knowledge if you wish in future to discuss any of our holidays in more detail.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A wonderful trip in wonderful scenery with wonderful people!
Walking the White Mountains of Crete

A lovely scenic and varied walking holiday, with 2 peaks, 2 gorges and some coastal walking. Our guide, Jean, was fantastic - friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and sociable. The hotels by the coast were particularly nice and the lunch restaurant in Marmara was excellent. I was also lucky enough to be hiking with a great group of people who got on very well together. All in all - a fantastic break.

By Elaine from Maidenhead | 11 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★
A challenging and enjoyable trek
Mount Mgoun - Kingdom of the Berbers

The trek exceeded my expectations. It was challenging because of the terrain but this contributed to the sense of achievement. Our group leader achieved a great group spirit and this included the team with the mules. My tips would be that it is important to be walking fit to enjoy this trek and that someone is appointed to walk at the rear of the group to support the lead guide.

By Richenda from Yarm | 10 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Brilliant family snow adventure
Winter Wonderland Arctic Family Adventure

We had a mother, daughter, grandma adventure. Excellent hotel, the food was terrific for all meals and reception couldn't have been more helpful. Snowmobiling and husky dog sledging were the very exciting and we also did the horse riding add on and saw a couple of mouse. All very memorable. We went at Easter with the advantage of it being a bit warmer and longer days but the disadvantage of it being the end of the season to see the Northern Lights.

By Marion from Manly Vale | 10 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A wonderful biking, dining and wine consuming experience !
High Trails of Macedonia

Trip was well co-ordinated. Driver was most professional, safe and timely. Guide was greatly focused on safety and security of clients. Fun all round. Routes were challenging, interesting and varied. I had a wonderful time. May I suggest to emphasise with detail the terrain and conditions to expect. To be prepared for a temperature range of +5 to + 20 Degrees C. Pack a spare pair of shoes, wet weather gear, and quick drying layers, with warm/wet/cold gloves !

By John from Rathkeale | 09 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Absolutely loved it
Across the Julian Alps to Triglav

This is a great trekking holiday. Spectacular point to point walking. The Triglav summit is exposed but exhilarating, with fixed chains I felt safe the entire time and our guides David and Miha were superb. In the first week of September the trails were virtually empty. The hut food was good, you don't get many showers, but I don't think any of us cared :-)

By Paula from Godalming | 08 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
marvelous trek
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu

All we had to do was put one foot in front of another, everything else was done for us. Hoping to be back in the Andes next year.

By Mark from Stowmarket | 08 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
WOW!!!
Cape Town and the Winelands Cycle Tour
Our guide Jean-Paul and driver Sifiso where just amazing, these are the people that make the holiday fabulous. Each day was just wow. The scenery is like nothing I have ever seen before. Be prepared for hills and head winds. I was very nervous about cycling in South Africa, I shouldn't have been, the locals of the Western Cape are some of the friendliest people I have now had the privilege in meeting. Still nervous about the baboons though ? They're fine if you ignore them and keep cycling. The guest houses and hosts were just amazing. Routes are spectacular, plenty of stopping points along the way so for anyone who is nervous about being left behind please don't be. I am a 51 year old female and really beat myself up before the holiday that I wouldn't be able to keep up and the group would always be waiting on me. What a waste of energy that was as the group was all about the same fitness level. Even if we hadn't of been the days are so well organised that your not on your own for long. KE Adventure I have got to say this is one of the best holidays I have ever been on and I've been on quite a few. From booking to coming home I don't have one complaint. You should be so proud of all your staff UK and S.A. Thank you for the most amazing memorable holiday.
By Sheena from Edinburgh | 08 October 2017
60 Second Review
Sacred Summits of Olympus and Meteora

By Hugh from KE Adventure Travel | 05 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★
Excellent food and hospitality backed up by super walks despite weather!!
Walking Wild Tuscany

Despite some really (really!) heavy rain we reorganised and managed to get out four days and see some fantastic scenery and enjoy top walking. The guide Stefano was excellent ably assisted by Jamie and his dog and catering by Ailsa both evenings and pack ups astonishing! Even swam in the pool three days despite the rain! Loved it would go again definitely!

By Ian from LEEDS | 04 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★
Fantastic scenery in Sardinia
Walking on Secret Sardinia

This was a great walking holiday. Our guide Genny was fantastic - very pleasant and kind, knowledgeable about the area and extremely helpful. The walking was very up and down - hard on the knees - we are not regular fell walkers and found it quite hard going by the end of the week. But it was still a most enjoyable holiday.

By Catherine from Kidlington | 03 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★
Great week in Slovenian Alps
Walking Slovenia's Lakes and Mountains
An excellent week in the Slovenian Alps. Our guide was very friendly and well informed. The hotel was very modern and comfortable. Bled is a lovely town and the area very picturesque. Weather a bit poor first few days but this did not spoil our trip that much. Make sure to take lightweight stuff for the overnight stay in the mountain hut as it is a fair walk to it. The day off in middle of the week is a really good idea as it gives you time for a look round the lake, castle and trip out to the i sland.
By Andrew from Preston | 03 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The GR20. Is it really the toughest walk in Europe?
GR20 Corsica - The Complete Route
Like so many people, I'd had the GR20 on my list for quite a while. It is said to be the toughest walk in Europe but I never believe walks that claim to be the best or toughest (or whatever) in the world, but of course the only way to find out is to give it a go. I'd recently walked the Tour de Mont Blanc and had heard various comparisons between the two. ("not much difference really" and "TMB is a stroll in the park compared with GR20") so it seemed that I had to do it to find out. I'm very fit , although the wrong side of 60, and so I was confident that, even if it was tough, I would have no problems completing it but there was still a good deal of fear as I arrived in Corsica. Our guide was a local by the name of Paulin and he turned out to be excellent - but more of that later. His first job seemed to be to scare us to death, telling us for example just how many hours it would be before we next saw water and that maybe we should consider better waterproofs, boots and just about everything else, but I know from of old that guides like to be safe rather than sorry, I would reconsider that view after this walk. After a pleasant evening in Calvi, getting to know each other, we set off before dawn to drive to the start of the walk. We knew that the first few days would be tough because the Northern "half" is notoriously difficult with all of the high mountains and passes. We also knew that there would be a long climb straightaway, and indeed that it would go on for the main part of the morning. In fact the day could best be described as brutal and relentless. When we finally stopped for lunch (at a truly spectacular viewpoint - but I can't tell you where because it's one of Paulin's many secret places) I was about as tired as I had ever been on any walk. For the first time in my life, I was questioning whether I should be doing this walk. But after a long break including a siesta, I was refreshed and ready for the walk to the first refuge. The accommodation that night was in tents by a refuge. Over the course of the walk we stayed in a variety of places. Most common was the two-man tent by a refuge, but we also had bunkhouses (never shared with people outside our group, but sometime mixed sex groups within it) and hotels. Like all of the bunkhouses, this first one had a great atmosphere and we grew to know many of the people who were walking the route as we were usually in the same accommodation. They varied by the way from the ultra fit - the French Foreign Legion were there - to "Pajama Girl" who walked in her pajamas during the morning as well as "Skegness Man" who who have looked more at home in that seaside resort. By the end of the first day, we had worked out what the GR20 was like. It was indeed tough and we knew that Day 2 was the toughest and highest of them all. Because there was no access to our main bags, we would again be carrying everything that we had with us and there were already many conversations about what we should and shouldn't have carried with us far too many shirts was my schoolboy error. Although tougher than Day 1, the second day felt easier, probably because we were more ready for what the mountains were going to throw at us. We were once again very tired but I was already starting to think that the worst was behind us. At the end of the third day we finally reach our first hotel, which meant a hot shower, a decent bed and the chance to stock up on a few essentials - energy bars were a favorite here. More significantly, the hotel had a shop which sold, among other things boots. One member of our group took advantage of this and more than one other regretted not doing so. And here's the thing: when comparing the GR20 with other walks, the temptation is to compare distance and height-gain and this would be a mistake. The thing that needs to be considered is the terrain that you are walking on. When I look back at my photos of those first three days, all I see is rock. There is no grass or indeed any other vegetation. There is also very little flat - although there is what is known as "Corsican flat" which is not flat at all. It just means that it keeps changing from to up to down and back to up again. I'd come across the term "Himalayan flat" before, so I wasn't too surprised by the phrase, but in my view, Corsican flat is much more difficult and tiring to walk on. And that's not all. It's very tough terrain, no two steps are the same. I found myself constantly having to turn twist and stretch. It was really very difficult. Day 2 we calculated was only 9.5 miles long, but it took us 9 hours. I've rarely faced this sort of terrain. Our guide, though, never talked about distance - he usually talked about hours and occasionally in height. "Just 200 metres left" he said one day. It took us two hours - and it was 200 metres DOWN! Early on a couple of people wanted to know how far, but we all soon realised that time is a much better measure. And so the walk continued. Some of the group discovered that there were no rest days - having expected at least one. But here's the thing: This is really a 16 day walk and if you were to do it that way, each of those days would be tough. But 16 days doesn't work as a holiday, especially when the planes only come in once a week, and so there are three "double days". These are mostly in the "softer" south but were feared nevertheless. But despite the double days, the walk did get easier. There were still a few very tough days which would start before sunrise and involved walking uphill for 4 hours or so, but we were getting used to it now. As I write this, I'm realising that I've now managed to repress some of the pain I had on some of those long ascents. For the first five days the weather was fabulous, not as hot as it have been a few weeks previously but clear blues skies were waiting for us every day. But the forecasts were getting more and more worrying - thunderstorms were approaching and might be coming our way. We'd already had a couple of very early starts just in case the threatened storms came our way in the afternoons as promised but they had so far not materialised. Day 6 though, was a another matter. We were told to expect thunder in the night which might mean that we couldn't attempt to get over the col. We knew that we had a long day and we needed an early start but at 4.30 there was still a massive storm overhead and we were told to stay in bed. So we had instead a lie-in and a leisurely walk down to a nearby pool which would have been lovely had we not known that we now had a lot of catching up to do. It's probably here that I ought to mention our guide, Paulin, He had many great qualities, as I would expect a mountain leader to have. But he also had a few extras: before becoming a guide, he had worked as a shepherd in the mountains and seemed to know everyone. This was a major advantage, because he was constantly having to negotiate for meal times and accommodation with the local refuge managers. He never once failed us. But I think it was his knowledge of the mountains and in particular, his focus on the weather that was his greatest asset. On more than one occasion he rearranged a start time to avoid the worst of the weather. What this usually meant was that we started early and as you are getting more and more tired that is not always what you want to hear. But on more than one occasion, he was proved absolutely right as we heard of other groups that started later and then had to turn back. Safety is the one thing that you take for granted with a guide, but it's not often that he is proved to be right. So the walk continued into the softer south. It's not soft there, of course, but it feels like it after a week in the north. In the south there was vegetation and we usually got to our bags in the evening which meant that we didn't have to carry a sleeping bag - bliss! There was less ascent and descent but the days were perhaps even longer as we started to cover more distance. Better, there was a feeling around the group that we would all make it. We knew what we were up against now and were prepared for it. The only question that some of us had (5 of the 10 of us!) was: would our boots make it to the end? Mine were only about 4 months old but were rapidly falling apart. In fact they made it to the end (but not home - I threw them away at the end) but their condition did mean that for almost the whole walk I was carrying around a pair of back-up shoes. If there's one tip that I would give it would be to get VERY good boots. Despite our confidence, though, we all knew that there were still many ways that we might fail. But we didn't - not one of us. In the bar at the end we were all casually saying that maybe it's not that tough after all, but tongues were very much in cheeks as we said it. Be under no illusions, this is a very tough walk. So is it the toughest walk in Europe? Well. I believe that's in the eye of the walker. But I have no doubt that it's the hardest walk that I've ever done. And one of the most rewarding.
By John from Swindon | 02 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Brillaint Guide - lovely walks - Hotel adequate. Italians lovely people.
Walking on Secret Sardinia

Pre - book your car parking space before travelling!!! Had a lovely holiday apart from the flight delays!! The guide was excellent - everything we were advised to take was used. The walks were graded but the longest was left to the last day and gave us time to work our legs in!!! Lovely group, really enjoyed their company - will go again.

By Richard from Ambleside | 02 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★
Somewhere different
Trek the Drakensberg and Cape Town

For anyone wanting somewhere different to go away from the main trekking hotspots, this trip is ideal. South Africa is very different to anywhere else in Trekland both in terms on culture and the walking (with outbreaks of scambling) and probably one of the few (or only) destinations that you get to get up close and personal with penguins! Its one those countries that has the ability to get under your skin and keep calling you back.

By David from Doncaster | 02 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Stunning views and great food
One Week Mount Toubkal Trek
The views are stunning in all directions from the trekking path. The journeys through the Berber villages were a step back in time. The cooking in the field was to a high standard and very hygienic. The camps were well organised by the efficient porters. The guide was very knowledgeable and spoke excellent English. The view from the top of mount Toubkal is special, note that trekking to 4,167m via the high passes requires fitness and determination. The city of Marrakech provides contrast with a hive of activity and interest.
By Paul from Reading | 02 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★
Berber Magic
On Foot from The Atlas to The Atlantic
We had a small group,and FYI we knew each other which was even better. Our guide,Omar,was awesome and kind and very accommodating to all of our needs and requests. He made us feel energetic and happy with his positive attitude towards the upcoming day, shukran Omar. The food was delicious and very traditional to the region, Habib, our sweet cook, made dishes appear in all the right places at all the right times. Not to mention "Tea Time", there is nothing like real Berber Whiskey. The muleteers and camel drivers worked tirelessly on setting up and breaking down always with a smile.. The scenery was diverse, the valleys were vast and the mountain tops were worthy of the effort. The local people were kind and hospitable, and the gites made you truly feel that you were in Morocco. The Atlantic walks on the deserted beaches were memorable, and the Riad Inna in Essaouira was glorious, run by a lovely couple. If I were to change anything it would be the group Hotel in Marrakech, it would have been so much more enjoyable if we could have stayed in a smaller but more authentic hotel/riad to fully inhale the atmosphere that I was looking forward to capture in Marrakech!
By Madeleine from TEMPE | 02 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
More challenging then expected but exilerating experience not to be missed
Choquequirao to Machu Picchu
Wow what a trip, great views and experience. The trip was extremely well organised the guides were VERY Knowledgeable and caring the whole team worked very hard. It was a delight to be met at the airport and we were guided through every step of the journey. Don't forget that you are expected to tip and so make provision for that you will perhaps need a bit more money than is suggested, you tip the chefs, kitchen people, muleteers, and guides separately, it cost us twice as was suggested, it was optional however but well deserved on their part. The guides can be tipped in $ but the muleteers need to be tipped in Solos. The food was excellent and we were woken with coca tea and a bowl of hot water then a good breakfast, at lunch a 4 course meal, then tea at about 5.00pm then dinner at 7.00ish of 2 coursed. Always varied and ALWAYS GOOD. Also snacks were provided for on route as well. Water was boiled and wholesome not a problem. camp sites are ok however be prepared for a variety of toilet experiences and cold shower en route this can vary but are available. Some toilets on the journey when you come across them cost 1 solo. Our guides on the track were Ruben and Moses were excellent and I can recommend that they are a pleasure to be lead by. Some (Most) Mornings are a 5:00 am start so be prepared although you do go to bed early. USE bug spray and or DEET products there are biters out there which will give you some nasty itches, best avoided if possible. If you have an issue on the trip they follow up with a horse which you can make use of if needed on most sections (Named Justin - just in case :-) ) As a final note This is a great trip and well worth doing and experiencing however be aware that you are at a high altitude 4660 metres at the highest pass and usually above 3000 metres so best to take some medication with you just in case visit your travel clinic - ALSO BE PREPARED train and walk some hills / mountains before you go this is a tough trip, day 2 is particularly tough. Enjoy and have fun. We also took an extension to the Jungle as well which was great and very relaxing, again well organised and well planned with a guide all the way. Great to relax to.
By Robert from Livingston | 01 October 2017
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
An exciting week of trekking/climbing in a stunning region of the Alps.
Italian Summit Climber
The trek began from the relatively quiet Staffal (but which lies in an epic setting) at the end of the valley. After making our way to the glacier dome over a couple of days we put on our kit for the ascents of the peaks, completing five of the seven. The conditions were good most days with excellent views and a good deal of sunny weather as hoped; the guides were more than helpful with advice and taking a real interest in our kit and previous experience, giving a sense of security. All the refu ges were a delight to stay at - not to mention the excitement felt given their incredible situation! - with warm hospitality and great food. At the end we were left wishing that the adventure could continue for a few more days!
By Stephen from CORSHAM | 01 October 2017
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