Gecko's Adventures at Holiday Wizard

They say: "Our extremely knowledgeable crew of leaders, drivers and cooks help to set us apart from other tour companies in Africa. The team will enable you to experience Africa at its most authentic and not just scratching the surface."

We say: "Gecko’s covers several countries in the vast continent of Africa including Kenya, Swaziland, South Africa and Rwanda. A great mix of safaris, deserts, waterfalls and gorillas awaits – talking of which, unlike many operators, Gecko’s buys Gorilla permits for all of their tours so you can get up close and personal with Gorillas!"

• New trips from 25 to 60 days include mountain gorilla watching in Rwanda, Cape Town, the Serengeti and the Malawi Lakes
  
• Accommodation on overland safaris is traditionally camping
  
• There’s a maximum group size of 24 for safaris all travelling on purpose built safari vehicles

They say: "In this Asia brochure, Gecko’s is recapturing the spirit of the ancient Silk Road in 2009 with a brand new 19 day itinerary from Beijing to Kashyar. Travelling along the centuries-old trade routes of western China, we explore the deserts and stay in Central Asian yurts in this remote region on just one of our many Asian tours."

We say: "This brochure, covering the whole of South East Asia and China, has some classic trips such as walking the famous Great Wall of China and some tours with a rather unique twist, like the new Mongolian Yak Safari which is a super eco-friendly nomad experience!"

• All transport and accommodation on the tours is included in the price as are many meals
  
• The majority of Gecko’s travellers are 20-40 year olds – you just need an open mind, a sense of adventure and an easy-going attitude
  
• Entrance fees to the attractions you’ll see as part of your tour are included in the price

They say: "Gecko’s offers three ways of touring the Middle East. Budget offers a minimal number of included trips, Adventurer tours offer interaction with local tribes such as the Bedouins and Nubians. Choosing an Explorer tour includes a cruise on the Nile River."

We say: "The best known destination of Egypt is, of course, included, but Gecko’s will help you delve deeper following in the footsteps of the Greeks, Romans, Abyssinians, Ottomans or even the Nabataens who had a stronghold in Petra. Fascinating stuff!"

• Local payments – paying the local guides directly means cost savings are passed on to you
  
• Nile riverboats offer comfortable air conditioned cabins
  
• Accommodation is in small and friendly hotels, as well as family homestays when you’re off the beaten track

They say: "Gecko’s has got India covered and this year we have some new tours, like Jewels of the North an 11 day tour including a Ganges River trip. We also have Spiritual India which includes three nights in Rishikesh and the spiritual home of India, Varanasi."

We say: "A small, but perfectly formed brochure dividing tours into two categories: India and Sri Lanka, or Nepal, India, China and Tibet. You could find yourself in Rajasthan visiting majestic forts and palaces or tasting delicious cuisine in tropical Sri Lanka."

• Gecko’s can book additional accommodation for you before and after your tour in the major meeting points such as Delhi, Goa, Colombo etc
  
• Village stays – unique to Gecko’s, the team has found a couple of really off the beaten track villages that are hard to get to, but will be the highlight of your tour
  
• The brochure carries an extra category of ‘Challenging’ tours including Everest Base Camp

They say: "Gecko’s takes you into the Patagonian wilderness, treks the paths of the Inca through the Andes mountains, ventures into Amazonian jungles and lets you bask on Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands whilst watching all that wildlife go by."

We say: "Less hassle and less expensive than ‘go it alone’ back packing trips, Gecko’s has come up with adventure-filled tours to all the classic Latin American destinations including Peru, Bolivia, Galapagos, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Mexico and Guatemala."

• The maximum group size is 15 (16 on Galapagos tours)
  
• All entrance fees to those ‘must-see’ attractions are included in your tour price
  
• Trips are graded easy, moderate or active, with many trekking and hiking options

They say: "From trekking Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to wandering through the markets of Marrakech, going for a swim in azure blue waters of Caye Caulker in Belize or snorkelling with sea lions in the Galapagos, on a Gecko’s adventure you’ll truly open your eyes to every imaginable experience."

We say: "They call it travelling with no limits. This Gecko’s worldwide brochure takes you on grassroots adventures to Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, South East Asia, Africa and Latin America, with new destinations including Malawi and Israel."

• Trips are designed as a group alternative to back packing
  
• Group leaders are all born and bred in the country you’re visiting, so know the places like the backs of their hands
  
• Share a room with a fellow traveller and there’s no single supplement