Tell us a little about yourself!

I work in fashion, but I’m a nature lover, an introvert and a bit of a wildlife geek! I love being outdoors, especially in Africa, and I’m happiest surrounded by nature and animals.

What made you book your first Rock My Adventure trip?

I came across the Helen in Wonderlust travel blog and phoned Helen on my lunchbreak and we chatted for a long time. It was magical: we had so much in common and I loved her positive, reassuring vibe. She became something of a role model for me…a seasoned, adventurous Africa traveller. The person I wanted to become….the person Helen helped me to become!!!

Were you nervous about joining your first RMA trip?

I was nervous about the other travellers. But my fears were misplaced. Travelling with RMA has been a revelation – meeting new group mates is now one of the tour highlights for me! Many have become firm friends. Everyone switches into team player mode, also due to Helen totally encouraging this. There is a lot of teambuilding from her side without it being forced.

What’s your favourite Rock My Adventure memory?

Well, there are so many to choose from: where to start? On last year’s Tanzania trip Helen heard drums from the hotel and turns out there was an acrobatics and circus skills school practicing. We were treated to the most incredible, fun, unrehearsed display of skills by young kids. It was run by a charity and it opened my heart to think that so many good things are happening in the backstreets of Africa, just no newspaper ever writes about it. With Helen you can always be expected to be given a lot more than what’s on the itinerary. You will never be disappointed!

What’s the best thing about travelling with Rock My Adventure?

The atmosphere is unmatched. The schedule and locations and activities are great, but what sets RMA apart is that you delve under the tourist surface and that Helen makes everyone, regardless of age, ability, background feel included and valued. Helen is incredibly attuned to the group and flexible to change things up to improve everyone’s experience. This is 5 star personalized VIP service at an incredibly achievable price. And then there are the laughs…you will laugh a lot, dance a lot….its the most fun time.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining their first RMA trip?

Go! You will come back a different person: more open, more tolerant, more appreciative, more filled with wonder and love for every facet this incredible world offers.

Tell us a little about yourself!

I’m Sophie, a farm vet from Bath in the UK. 

What made you book your first Rock My Adventure trip?

I heard someone in the pub talking about Madagascar so went home that night, googled trips, found Helen’s company, booked it and never looked back! I’ve now been on 3 trips in the last 3 years.

What’s your favourite Rock My Adventure memory?

Oh gosh, so many! A relaxing bike ride that turned into an adventure, a guide deciding it was my birthday (it wasn’t!) and buying me a cake, and going out for ‘a quiet one’ that ended with us singing and dancing with the locals! There are so many funny little moments you forget until you’re all together reminiscing!

What’s the best thing about travelling with Rock My Adventure?

Getting really involved with the locals and learning about their lives. Also, you make travel friends for life – I have been on numerous trips with people I’ve met from RMA!

What would you say to someone thinking about joining their first RMA trip?

Do it. Most people on the trips are solo travellers so you’ll meet lots of people and I’ve never felt left out.

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I’m curious about almost everything, I love adventure and exploring and am always out and about in nature. Be it the mountains or the sea, if the sun is shining (and even if it is not), you will find me hiking, biking, swimming, jumping off stuff or generally exploring.

What made you book your first RMA trip? And did you come with anyone or solo?

I discovered RMA when searching for a tour company for my first trip to Africa. Travelling solo I wanted a company that I felt comfortable and safe with and that also fulfilled my need for adventure. When I read Helen’s story I just knew instantly that this was a kindred spirit. Someone who cared deeply for the people and places she visited and who would be the right guide and company for me. And I was right!

Were you nervous about anything before your first RMA trip?

I had some trepidation about being on a guided tour. As a person who normally travels solo, there is some hesitation about how other people can impact your trip and would being with a group being add to the adventure. Result – absolutely beyond anything I could have hoped for. Helen was an incredible guide, our group became like family and sharing this experience with other like-minded travellers only added to the overall amazing time we had. Memories made, new friends for life!

What’s your favourite RMA memory?

One particularly memorable moment was turning our full day of travel in Tanzania, into a moving karaoke bus. What could have been a long exhausting day on the road, became our fondest and funnest memory. Themed music choices (e.g. Popular song from your country), each person submitting their answers anonymously, then figuring out who’s choice was being played. We sang loudly, danced, laughed, learned new music, learned more about each other and where we came from and passed the time in the most joyful way. With DJ Helen at the helm it was one of my all time favourite days and still brings a smile to my face to this day.

What do you love most about RMA trips?

ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING! Helen loves Africa. You can feel it in the organisation of the trips, the details included and mostly in the kindness and open hearted way she guides you when there. Her goal is for you to have the trip of a lifetime and to experience this incredible continent that she adores, and it shines through from the moment you arrive. Her joy in Africa elevated my own. Her knowledge added so many layers to my overall experience.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining an RMA trip on their own?

Don’t hesitate. RMA is perfect for the solo traveller, as I was when I joined the trip to Kenya/Tanzania. I came alone, yet left with new friends. Helen perfectly understands the needs of a solo traveller and you can feel safe, welcomed and valued with RMA. You may sign up to travel with RMA solo, but you will not finish it alone…guaranteed!

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I’m adventurous, curious, active – but I also enjoy the occasional comfort. Glamping and flashpacking is great!

What made you book your first RMA trip?

Ever since is was a little girl I’ve had a special love for gorillas and chimpanzees. Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall were my heros. My greatest dream was to travel to Eastern Africa to visit the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat! Through a lot of research online I discovered the RMA trip to Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC – with gorillas! I’ve already decided that I will be going back to visit the gorillas when I’m 60 🙂 I travelled solo, but that turned out very nicely. The group was lovely!

Were you nervous about anything before your first RMA trip?

I was a little nervous about travelling solo, but no need! It’s great to meet people with a similar mindset as yourself regarding travelling. The tour leader also makes a big effort to make everyone feel welcome and included. The people I know back home are not interested in adventurous holidays, so it was great to travel with others who share my view on travelling.

What’s your favourite RMA memory?

Other that visiting the mountain gorillas in Uganda and many great safaris in different African countries, I will for sure remember the day I lost my phone (and got help retrieving it) in a village long drop in Zambia until the day I die! I still can’t decide if I should laugh or cry when I think about it.

What do you love most about RMA trips?

Travelling off the grid, the combination of adventure and comfort, likeminded travel buddies, meeting local people. And all the lovely animal we get to see! The people share a similar mindset with me when it comes to travelling! They love to explore, meet locals and travel to less common destinations.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining an RMA trip on their own?

Do it!