Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
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Just over 3 hours flying time from the UK and with temperatures that rarely drop below 55 degrees throughout the year and average at 70 degrees during the walking months, Madeira is an ideal short haul winter walking destination. On February 10th 2009, parts of Madeira were devastated by floods and 32 people sadly lost there lives with some still missing to this day. The islands’ authorities have done and amazing job rebuilding the infrastructure and whilst some flood damage is still visible, the island is fully functional and welcoming visitors, with 20% of the islands GDP derived from tourism, this is vital.
As a part of our continued commitment to Responsible Tourism, we operate this trip in a way that aims to reduce impacts and to give as much back as possible to the local communities. We pride ourselves on using locally owned accommodation throughout the trip, with meals taken in locally owned restaurants. Clients get the opportunity to sample Madeira wine, whilst the services of Madeiran guides are used throughout the trip and they have been trained on our RT policies.
Local transport and minibuses are also used to get to the start of walks. Vast areas of the island, over 60%, are dedicated national parks which have been vital in the conservation of Zino's Petrel of which on 45 breeding pairs still exist on Madeira, best visited in the spring when the islands flowers are in full bloom and the island is at its glorious best.
Our leaders, already committed to Responsible Tourism, have received training and get additional refresher training on a regular basis. They inform clients throughout the week of issues that affect local communities and ways in which we can help reduce the impact and maximise the benefits to the local communities from the visit. Due to the number of careless tourists on some of the trails we use, there can be some litter, which our leaders have been known to clear up.Each group has a maximum of 16 in order to make less of an impact on the local community. This also allows us to use public transport without interfering too much with the locals.
UK Office
At our offices, we have worked to reduce our carbon footprint through a reduction of energy use and energy conservation measures. We also actively reduce the waste produced by having active reduction and recycling policies in place. We run regular staff workshops on Responsible Tourism.
Carbon Balancing
Global warming is a reality and to help you make a difference by reducing the carbon dioxide that is produced when you travel, we offer a chance to carbon balance your flights. We encourage all our clients to do this and do so for all our staff travel.
The three founders of this adventure company drove from London to Kathmandu in 1974 on an itinerary they made up as they went along, ending with a hike up to Everest Base Camp. Believing activity holidays offer you greater insight into a country, they set up as trekking tour operators. The staff all come from adventurous backgrounds, have led dozens of trips all over the world and have collectively climbed Kilimanjaro over 100 times. Whether you want a hardcore trek or a softer experience, rest assured your guide will have the expertise to take you firmly out of your comfort zone.
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We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
