Magdalen College School

Various destinations were discussed, including Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, before finally agreeing on Venezuela as the preferred option. The finalised itinerary included a remote trek to the summit plateau of Auyantepui, a 4 day canoe journey to the base of Angel Falls, and a week long jungle-river trip deep into Indian tribal lands to stay with the Shirian tribal people and learn about their way of life. The final few days we spent with a well earned rest on the beaches of the Caribbean coast.

The month long trip to Venezuela had all the ingredients to be very special indeed and we were not disappointed. The variety of rainforest trekking, tepui climbing, tribal visits and beach exploration was, in itself, one of the most successful elements of this tailor made itinerary. When this is coupled to the remoteness of the destinations (the tepui was three different plane journeys away) and the adventurous nature of the challenge, it really was a trip of a life time.

Climbing an isolated mountain in complete solitude for 10 days made you feel at one with the 'lost world', whilst joining in with festivities in the Shirian highlands, a tribe rarely visited by outsiders, was something that will, doubtless stay with the boys for the rest of their lives.

Chewing on grasshoppers, flying in cessnas, avoiding tarantulas and coral snakes, gaping at Angel Falls, sleeping in hammocks right on the edge of the explored - I have led countless trips and expeditions but I would rate this as one of the very best. It was adventure tourism at its very best and is to be recommended wholeheartedly.

Over the past four years we have also arranged expeditions and adventures for Magdalen College School to other destinations including Uganda, the Sinai Desert, India and Jordan.