Penguin Travel Avis 215

An incredible tour with breathtaking sceneries. The tour was extremely well organized. Ivo was an outstanding tour leader with lots of knowledge very kind and helpful, he greatly contributed to this amazing trip. Mostly good hotels and great food. Local guides were good and kind, and great group who made the trip fantastic. I will forever remember this trip and definitely recommend it.

Excellent tour of the Five Stans led by Ivo. Wonderful scenery, great hotels, good company. Ivo went above and beyond to make it a great trip. No hesitation in recommending this trip to anyone.

I went on the 5 day Best of Taiwan tour which I booked through Penguin Travel. Victoria Andreeva at PT did a great job and kept we well updated through the reservation process. During the tour all pick ups were very prompt and well organised. The guide was also very attentive and informative. Probably the best surprise was the quality of the hotels. On 3 nights we stayed at 5 star hotels which made me sorry that the stay was so brief. One small concern was that for a couple of days there weren’t many sights to see (apart from the coastline) as we were intent on completing a tour of the island. Maybe a better tour would include more sights and sacrifice the need to complete a full tour of the island.

Guide, Bilianna, was knowledegable, agood communicator, and always friendly, happy, and helpul in every way. A real asset to her travelers!

Toured Romania for 5 days with Penguin. Excellent guide in Paul and very good driver who both spoke very good English. The itinerary was excellent, some magnificent architecture as well as plenty of landscape scenery. Hotels all good, except the last night but location balanced that. Not too much driving every day. Thoroughly enjoyed

Had a fabulous time touring the Balkans with my friend. Accomodation was average in most places and one was luxury that we all loved

Our driver Bobby kept us safe and Biliana our tour guide was amazing, attentive to everyone’s needs and kept us going with quizzes on the bus on long journeys

Plenty to see and loved the walking tours learning about each country we visited

The trip to Eritrea was my first I booked with Penguin Travel. Communication was good since the beginning (with Angelina) and the organization was perfect from arrival at the airport in Asmara to departure. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to visit Keren as no permit was granted by local authorities, but it was promptly replaced with other interesting ventures in and around Asmara. Excellent work was done by the guides on site (Tomas in particular, he speaks perfect Italian) who spared no effort in making in trip extremely interesting. Many reminders of the past Italian colonial period still remain in the country and one can move around in absolute safety everywhere. I strongly recommend this interesting trip as well as Penguin Travel whom I will surely revert to for other trips.

What an amazing first trip with Penguin Travel! It was the perfect combination of incredible adventure travel highlights – exploring spectacular places off the beaten track that would be difficult (if not impossible) to reach on one’s own; meaningful interactions with local communities; well-travelled tour companions who quickly became friends (including a secret opera star in our midst, whose operatic arias kept us enthralled under the moonlight!); and an outstanding tour leader who was a fantastic ambassador for Penguin, with excellent and prompt pre-tour support from the company. So many moments of magic!

The pre-tour customer service gave me a very positive impression of the company from the start. Angelina replied promptly to all queries and provided helpful information. Mauritania had newly introduced an e-visa system and there were exceptional processing delays during Ramadan. Right up to the last moment, Angelina, the tour leader and the local company were following up on everyone’s visas until each and every one of us received our approvals (and they had quietly even made alternative tour contingency plans in the event of a worst-case scenario for one traveller, who was the last to receive the visa). All this was despite the fact that Penguin could have taken a stricter attitude that obtaining visas was solely the travellers’ responsibility. So Penguin did very well as “fixers” of problems not of their own making – all this somehow added to the spirit of adventure and camaraderie.

Those who opt for such journeys by road through Western Sahara and Mauritania are probably not the usual types of tourists who would be satisfied with sun, sea and sand in more mainstream destinations. So, in addition to stunning sights of national parks and birds, deserts and dunes, oasis and hot springs, islands, lagoons and ocean, Mauritania’s famous iron ore train and a ship graveyard, bustling cities and remarkable World Heritage sites, our curiosity to learn about local communities was also catered for. For example, we visited a local school to contribute educational supplies and treats and had delightful chats with children and teachers; we had thought-provoking discussions with a scholar in charge of a library of rare and ancient books and manuscripts; we enjoyed traditional music and dancing with delicious local food, as well as tea ceremonies with local families and a village chief in their homes; we caught a glimpse of local livelihoods with visits to fishing boat beaches and local markets, including camel markets and a divorced women’s market (a coping strategy for Mauritanian women in difficult socio-economic situations trying to support their families). A great learning experience of local culture, traditions, history and socio-political issues.

Aristide was an outstanding tour leader. Proactive, well-organized, helpful, chatty and solicitous to everyone, energetic and enthusiastic, fun and funny, and an all-round nice guy who clearly loves his work and enjoys his group of travellers, with his mischievous sense of humour he had us laughing so much it felt like we were in a comedy show!

Having served in West Africa during four years of wars, I understand how difficult organizing logistics can be in this region, but all went well, with transportation via mini-vans, 4x4 vehicles, boats and a public bus. I was also pleasantly surprised by the standard of accommodation in the comfortable and clean local hotels. The one night of camping in Mauritania was slightly more basic, but enjoying the oasis there and having a dip in the springs made it special.

For me, this trip was an excellent, confidence-building introduction to Penguin Travel, to use this reliable company for further far-flung journeys at a reasonable price, as part of getting close to achieving my quest to visit all countries in the world.

It does not always go as planned in West Africa. It was expected and therefore the tour met my expectations in most respects. We also experienced most of the places promised beforehand. There was a major drawback. On the last full day we missed the Marshall Chimpanzee Island. It was probably due to lack of advance booking. We had several nice sailing trips, we were at beautiful islands, we saw diverse landscapes and we met friendly people everywhere. Not all was onvenient but the inconvenience is already forgotten.

I have travelled a lot with Penguin, and will continue to do so. The tours have always satiesfied my wishes to experience authentic cultures and communities. Some points about this tour:
1. I knew when I decided to join this tour that it would be for hardened and experienced travellers with lacking in sanitary offers along the road and underdeveloped infrastructure for tourists. That is OK, and what you expect. But this tour resulted in serious health problems for a number of us like pneumonia, heatstrokes. typhoid fever and like. Most from a breakdown of the airconditioning in the bus. We had to travel for long stretches with wide open windows breathing in the red african road dust.
2. My main reason for joining the tour was to experience authentic voodoo festivals. Sorry to say, but it was all fake. It was all paid-for pathetic folklore shows for tourists. Quite amusing in their inauthtentic amateurism, but in any other way disappointing.
3. The local guide, Alex, was a hero in all ways trying to mend and make way through different unexpected problems - day and night.
4. Dimitar from Penguin was also excellent in solving the complex logistics.
5. Experiences - satisfying
6. Hotels - OK african standard
7. Food - OK
8. Transport - utterly bad with a 50 year old Toyota bus without workong suspensions and shock absorbers. Plus the breakdown of the air condition compressor.
Conclusion: Some good, some bad, but all in all the tour announced false promises about the main attractions. This was not Penguin Tours at its best.

I took a trip to Western Afrika -Ghana Togo, Benin. I subscribed rather late but I got all relevant info from Penguin, Dimitar Mihailov, in time . As well, during the trip Dimitar and the local guide were helpful, informative, logistics was very well done. Though this trip is very challenging due to high temperatures, bad roads, dust, we saw a lot of interesting things like dances in different local communities, wodoo shrines and similar. Recommend!

I took a 6 night tour to Western Libya through Penguin Travel. Locally, the tour was led by Ramzi from Shewes Travel. From the moment I arrived in Tripoli till the end of the tour, everything was good. The tour started in Tripoli airport (rather than Tunis) and Ramzi picked us up at immigration. He was very knowledgeable about the history and took the group to several historical sites including Leptis Magna, Sabratha and Ghadames, where we also had local guide for added detail. Ramzi was very generous, covering the costs of all meals and coffee stops. The hotel in Tripoli was also very comfortable. We had a police escort throughout and he was very friendly with us without any issues, and it felt safe. Overall I would strongly recommend Ramzi and Sherwes Travel.

I only gave 3 stars because of poor communication from Penguin Travel. I got very frustrated with Nesi who was not responding to several of my emails sent over a number of weeks. The tour confirmation, the Letter of Invitation and tour info pack arrived very late. This can make customers anxious going to more challenging destinations, and makes me wonder how well they can resolve difficult situations. Despite their tours being attractive, I would think carefully before booking via Penguin Travel again unless their customer service improves.

The trip went exactly as planned. Good advance information was provided (although some in the group complained). Easy Visa process, the Visa on arrival document was sent by Penguin a couple of weeks in advance. I had to pay USD 151 upon arrival, but Penguin refunded it after a few days. Flight tickets Algiers-Djanet were arranged by Penguin and were included in the price. We were met by a local guide at the airport in Djanet and taken to the hotel (La Grotte des Ambassadeurs) which was completely OK. After breakfast, the group of 9 tourists was picked up by 6 helpers (guide, cook and drivers). 15 people in 3 FWD cars was a bit tight, even though the cars were spacious. Many stops for photography, rock art viewing and easy hikes. No problem going on longer walks alone or in smaller groups for those who wanted to, especially around sunrise, lunch and sunset. The tents were easy to set up. Five nights in tents went just fine. Decent mattresses and blankets, but it is recommended to bring a warm sleeping bag. "Toilet" in the open air behind a rock or a sand dune, so bring antibac. Three daily meals prepared by the chef. The meals were eaten around the campfire. Varied and good food. Drinking water was provided for free. Nice helpers. The guide Omar spoke perfect English and was knowledgeable. The others spoke French and were friendly and helpful. Upon returning to Djanet we were accommodated in another hotel, Zeriba, which also was OK. Before the flight at midnight, we were picked up and driven to the airport in Djanet. All in all a good trip with Penguin. For my part, I extended the trip with a few days in Algiers before the desert trip, and with a few days in a rental car afterwards. No problems with a rental car and self-drive in northern Algeria.

I was taken to hospital in Spain and penguin travel looked after me. Brilliant service.

I think I have just been to some of the most amazing places on earth made possible by PENGUIN travel tour of Danakil and Northern Ethiopia. The tour in January was perfectly timed to coincide with the spectacle of the Timket celebration in the beautiful surroundings of Gondar. Then came the carved rock churches of Lalibela, truly a wonder of the world.
The second part of the trip goes off-grid into the remote Danakil region and involves 2 nights outdoor sleeping under the stars in order to actually walk on recently formed lava inside an active volcano! Our local guides were friendly, informative and made the seemingly impossible feel quite safe and we were privileged to reach places few will have seen. Sunset, swimming and 4 wheel drive across the beautiful salt lake was a highlight and saving the best until last, the amazing colourful volcanic display of Dallol one of the lowest places on earth. What a trip and so many memories.
None of this would have been possible without our excellent PENGUIN tour leader Angelina, capable, good humoured and caring; going out of her way to make sure the group’s needs were met at all times. Most evenings Angelina brought the group together to eat out, experience local music, dance and have a lot of fun.
This was my first trip with PENGUIN. I have travelled the world a lot with my wife and this trip would not be for her due to the rough sleeping part but for anyone happy to take on a real adventure this will be an unforgettable and amazing experience.
Highly recommended.

The trip to northern Ethiopia was a wonderful experience, learning about the culture, being close to locals and enjoying the beautiful nature. Everything was well organised. The tour leader Angelina did a brillant job.
This journey is a personal great enrichment.
Thank you Angelina :-)

Did Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan (and before that the Ararat summit climb) with these guys. My favorite travel company so far, and I will be returning to them many more times in the future!

I recently did a great trip to Yemen with Penguin. We visited some really interesting sites and saw great architecture. My companions on the trip were all seasoned travelers and good conversationalists.
I really enjoyed the whole experience.
In my book Penguin provided an excellent journey and experience
Chris Pullan

I have just positive things to say about their Mainland Yemen trip in late November 24. Even though we encountered some changes due to Omani border closed for tourists some months before and the flight was postponed, and changed 3 days later, it was handled professionally and they changed the itinarary from Cairo to Yemen instead. If you couldn`t travel because of change of dates you would get full compensation.
The trip itself was as smooth as possible considering it it one of the least visited countries in the world with little infrastucture for tourists. The local guide and his team were great and we felt safe all the time with our armed guards. The guide from Penguin, Nesi, was always helpful and professional.
So all in all very satisfied, with the hotels, the itinarary, the transportation, the local fixers and from penguin. I will for sure travel again with them,

Dear Penguin Travel,
My name is Lily Zhao, and I first time traveled with Penguin Travel’s The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan from Sep. 14th, 2024 to Oct. 4th, 2024. I have been thinking for a long time before writing this letter to complain about this trip’s leader Lyuboslav. Eventually, I think that I should let Penguin Travel know about it to avoid more travelers suffering.
Lyuboslav was an awful tour guide I never saw in my whole life. He was not qualified to be a tour guide because of his terrible personality. He ruined my vacation badly. Because of him, I was unhappy and upset on this trip. Almost every day I was looking forward to the end of this trip without hearing his yelling, criticizing, warning, and threatening.
I have traveled to more than 80 countries over the last 20 years. I had never been mad with any other tour guide except Lyuboslav. As a quiet and polite person I always respect and listen to our tour guide with good tips for my appreciation. However, Lyuboslav is unworthy of me to do those.
The first time happened in Kazakhstan. After checking in the hotel I found that I left the honey-melon, which I bought from Bishkek, in the van. I went to see if the van was still there. I saw Lyuboslav’s smoking in front of the hotel. So I told him about what happened and asked if the van had left. Lyuboslav answered “I’m here not to look after your bag”. There were never any tour guides to answer questions like this. I was so angry that I was shaking all over, and I only said “I just let you know”, and then left.
After this experience, I tried my best not to talk to Lyuboslav. He tried his best to make things difficult for me and picked on me. For example, Lyuboslav announced his rules and threatened me at least three times “we will leave without you. You have to take a taxi to the hotel by yourself”. It was just because I was 2-5 meters away from the group.
There were so many things that happened like my nightmare on this trip. I only write a couple of them here. Once before entering a museum, I asked Lyuboslav if we should bring a bottle of water. He said “Did you hear me say to visit a museum”? He didn’t answer my question, only critics. He, as a tour guide, had no experience that we would need water if it's a long time there.
Without headphones for a group of 15 people, it made it difficult to hear some information in some places. Once we were in the line to cross the border, Lyuboslav announced something, which I missed. I told him “I didn’t hear what you said”. He yelled at me “if you were close, you would hear it. I will repeat it now”. And then he even lowered his voice to repeat it. Should I go to him to hear his announcement when I was standing in the line? Lyuboslav was deliberately making things difficult for me. He knew that I could not hear him repeat.
All right, I don’t need to write any more to complain about the tour guide Lyuboslav. He is the worst tour guide I have ever seen.
Sincerely,
Lily Zhao