Highly Commended Guides 2011
Although not quite making it to the shortlist, these guides all received amazing testimonials and are Highly Commended
Yannick Gielen
Where he guides: Various
Booked through: Gap Adventures
Belgium-born Yannick, who leads adventures as diverse as climbing Mont Blanc and hiking the Inca Trail, made 2010’s shortlist too.
Yannick really seems to hit it off with all members of a group: “He made us feel like each of us were very important to him”; “He was truly one of the group rather than just the leader”; “He always made everyone feel they were doing a great job no matter what their speed at hiking.”
He leaves a lasting impression, too: “Yannick saw the bigger picture of conquering Mont Blanc. My fiancé and I now give everything 110%, even if it hurts, because we know the outcome is what counts!”
Waleed Mohamed Kamouna
Where he guides: Egypt
Booked through: On the Go Tours
Egypt is renowned for having many outstanding guides, but one really stood out this year. Waleed guides on a wide range of tours, but praise for him was unanimous.
With a Masters in Egyptology, he knows his stuff, but he was lauded
by many for the “humorous and informative way he shares his knowledge… I will
never forget ancient Egypt”. “He knew more than any book; he spent hours giving us history, fun facts and local knowledge.” However, it is the “family atmosphere” Waleed creates that really sets him apart: “We were one big travelling family.”
Other Commended Guides
Congratulations to the following superb guides who deserve a special mention:
- Kelly Geoghegan - The Book Bus/VentureCo (Zambia)
- Carolina Acosta - Gap Adventures (Peru)
- Julio Risco Scotti - Gap Adventures
- Sherif Hassan Mohammed - On the Go Tours (Egypt)
- Yang Jin “Gin” - Wendy Wu (China)
- Mat Dry - Africa Travel Co
- Dheeraj Bhatt - Intrepid