An amazing trip, jam-packed with the sights, sounds and aromas of the tropics. We were very fortunate to have the combined talents, enthusiasm and humour of such knowledgeable and friendly guides. We should also make a special mention of our driver, Tito, who also slotted seamlessly into the group. Every single day brought something new, and even when leaving our last Amazonian lodge (Napo) at 4.30 am, the sadness at leaving was countered by the magical experience of gliding for an hour and a half along a rainforest creek by canoe in total darkness, with nothing but the splashing of the paddles and the sounds of the wakening jungle to break the silence. This holiday fulfilled our expectations and more. We would not have changed a thing.

We would like to express our appreciation and thanks to tour leaders Dan Lay and Enerit Sacdanaku. Both made “The Reptiles & Amphibians of Albania” a fantastic expedition. Their enthusiasm, drive, willingness to adjust based on circumstances, their knowledge and input in the identification of amphibians and reptiles, and other observations, their skills as drivers both on asphalt and off-road etc… From the first meeting we felt a connection. This was confirmed day-after-day by the dynamics that made us ‘one team’. A joke, a laugh, a good conversation, etc… it was part of enjoying every day and saying goodbye, which in itself was harder than expected. Superlatives cannot express how fantastic the “The Reptiles & Amphibians of Albania” tour was and how we will remember it as a beautiful, special experience, all with the common goal of enjoying and protecting nature.

My service from Naturetrek has been wonderful from the get go. Dan has been great and helpful every step of the way. The information provided with trying times to travel was great. Sebastian was excellent and Jaime was equally as good. They were both extremely knowledgeable about wildlife in Ecuador, not just the herpetofauna. Also were attentive and flexible, when we were tired they went out their way to find easier routes or alternate things to do, they also took on board what wildlife we wanted to see and went out their way to speak with other local guides to find it. Like finding a sloth! All in all I couldn't fault them in any way wonderful people and excellent guides.  The trip on the whole was excellent, I got to see some of the reptiles I've always wanted to see. In particular the caimans, rainbow boa and Linda's tree frogs. The knowledge of the guides and the planning of the trip was such that although the focus was on reptiles we also got to enjoy seeing other wildlife such as the monkeys in napo or the hummingbirds.

Exceptionally good - learnt so much about the ARC's work and local reserves which is especially useful as I live in Dorset. Had great views of most species and there was time to appreciate the landscapes and other species.  Both leaders were very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, energetic and accommodating. The additional help of other ARC members increased our chances of seeing species. The highlights were so many good views of stunning male Sand Lizards sparkling in the sun! Lots of Smooth Snakes. The comfort and good food. The good company. The knowlegeable and accessible leaders.

This turned out to be a top, excellent, trip for me. This is thanks to guide Tyrone Ping's amazing habitat knowledge and his sublime expertise in ‘constantly’ searching. That he is a professional herpetologist can be seen in the fact that he is a field guide author. The success of this trip is also definitely due to Naturetrek tour leader Dan Lay for his dedication and motivation as leader, and certainly also for his constant search for reptiles & amphibians. He has an eye for the needs of the participants, and he is such an empathetic, sprightly, and always positive personality. I am very grateful to him for his care to me and for this beautifully organized amphibian and reptile tour!