Here below are a few testimonials from satisfied clients.

Testimonial from Abdul Thompson ……

 

My Trip with Camel Voyages in October 2023

If you are like me, a city man, surrounded by city noise. Maybe like me, you would want a change from running the everyday treadmill of city life.  Maybe witnessing the creeping of light over the sand dunes of a blissful morning sunrise is what you are missing. Or observing the magnificence of the milkyway and the countless stars on a cloudless silent night. Then maybe this is the trip for you: Tunisia, the Sahara and silence…

You will never forget it.  

Abdul Thompson – October 2023

 

 

 

 

Testimonial from Georgina Dadson ……

My Trip with Camel Voyages in October 2023.

I was lucky enough to return to the desert after visiting twice before as a child. I knew how fabulous it would be but wanted to experience the magic of the trip as an adult. It did not disappoint!

We went into the desert for four nights and five days. Ali and Adel looked after us very well. We ate delicious food, had brilliant company and nothing beats waking up to fresh bread, made in the embers of the fire, after a night under the stars. My favourite time of the day was the afternoon ride as the sun was starting to set and you could really absorb the vastness and beauty of the Sahara.

We stayed at the hotel Sahara Douz before and after our time in the desert. All the staff were lovely, the food was good, and the pool was a very nice spot to relax before the desert adventures began.

On our way back to Tunis, before flying home, we stayed in Djerba for a couple of nights by the sea. A highlight of this part of the trip was meeting lots of Diana’s old friends who she has known for many years. We visited the basket shop, mosaic shop and had a coffee with her friend from the bank. I did buy a few things too!  

The trip wouldn’t have been what it was without Diana. She beautifully organised the whole thing – from transfers from Tunis to Douz with the wonderful Belgacem, to delicious food with long time friends. It really was the best!  

Georgina Dadson – October 2023

 

Testimonial from Steve Gulliver ……

My Trip with Camel Voyages in November 2022

This was a trip I had been wanting to do for a number of years that was then postponed due to COVID and I hoped that I hadn’t built up my expectations unrealistically. I hadn’t. It was a wonderful, memorable, life affirming experience.

The highlight was of course the trek, on a camel in the Sahara Desert. My camel, Lahajah, was the most vocal of the three camels, and was such a character that by the end of the week he had got into my heart despite his grumpiness. The star camel, Zeydoun was quite imperial and Lazrak was the baby of the trio and quite adorable. Just as I expected, I loved riding my camel and couldn’t wait for the next ride to begin. However, I experienced so much more as our wonderful Bedouin guides, Adel and Ali, were kind enough to let me be involved with the feeding, saddling and other aspects of camel husbandry, which enhanced my experience enormously.

Each day saw a different aspect of the Sahara, and the trip was a unique opportunity to get close to elemental nature. As there were only four of us, myself, my host Diana, and our two Bedouin guides,  with three camels and no modern transport or machines, I could enjoy the quiet and the solitary vastness of the Sahara. Each day the terrain was different: from the classic dunes and sand sculptures to desert scrub and the soft sound of the Sahara wind. The nights by contrast were very cold with a vast, unpolluted  sky and the moon and stars creating a clear light that was as bright as day and the camels standing out in silent silhouettes.

Adel and Ali were so much part of the trek’s success and of the many memories I treasure. From the cooking (I have never felt so healthy), the twice daily baked bread, the campfires, to the Bedouin music, singing and dancing and overall, the peace and tranquillity of the traditional Bedouin way of life. I did not want to leave the desert.

I had imagined that the journey to and from the Sahara would be tiring necessities. None of it. The drives were fascinating with great company and so much to look at as we drove through Tunisia. Our driver Belgacem was clearly a long-time friend of Diana and Geoffrey’s and on both journeys we enjoyed authentic Tunisian food and architecture, with a visit to El Jem (where the Gladiator was filmed).  It was date harvest time which was of great interest, as was a chance encounter with a local wedding. An insight into another culture.

Everywhere we went my hosts were greeted as welcome and respected friends, from hotel staff and owners to our guides’ families and Belgacem’s family. For me that was a unique experience that you would not normally get on a holiday.

The total success of this trip for me was only achieved by the meticulous and perfect organisation by Diana, whom I hope will be a friend for life.

I could continue to write so much more about my trip. I haven’t mentioned Tunis or the Souk or many other things. I still think most days of the Sahara and my time in Tunisia and I hope that I get the chance to return.

Steve Gulliver – November 2022

 

 

Testimonial from Josephine DeSouza….

 

I used to work with Diana quite a few years ago.  I would always enjoy hearing her stories and adventures in the desert.  I loved that she was so passionate about it.  Towards the end of the time that we worked together, she would invite me to come with her to Tunisia.  For one reason or another, I couldn’t make it.  Until now:  I thought if I don’t do it this year, I’m not sure when I would.

Tunisia is a beautiful country.
The people were welcoming and always curious to know where we came from.
Our time in the desert was quite an adventure.  Diana had already told me that it’s a very simple lifestyle, so I wasn’t really surprised about anything.  It was wonderful to see how the Bedouin live and to experience this.  The days were long, as normally I’m so used to time passing quickly living in a big city like London.  After a couple of days in the desert, I stopped feeling guilty about not doing anything,  simply enjoying the peacefulness of our surroundings, watching the sunrise, the sunset and hearing the chatter of the Bedouin.
It’s an experience I will never forget

Thank you Diana!

Josephine DeSouza – October 2019

 

 

Letter from Flora Menzies….

Dear Diana
I just wanted to say thank you so much to you and Geoffrey for a wonderful holiday.  I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I ended up having such a fun time and getting so much more out of it than I could have anticipated.
It was fascinating to see so much of the country and to learn so much about Tunisia’s history and culture.  I have rarely been to a country where I have seen so much and been welcomed into the homes of the people who live there.  I was so touched by the warmth and hospitality of everyone.
Spending time in the desert was such a special experience and something I shall never forget.I can see why it means so much to you, and why it has drawn you back after so many years.It was such an honour to ride three camels, and of course Zeydoun!
Above all, I would certainly not have had such a good time if it hadn’t been for you and Geoffrey.  Thank you so much for all your help, kindness, generosity and for all the hilarity and stories (no doubt helped by all the wine!)  I could not have asked for better travelling companions.
Lots of love, Flora.

Flora Menzies – October 2018

 

 

This one from Andrew Powell …

A trip into the desert with Diana isn’t really about the huge skies, ever-changing dunes or astounding stars. Not about getting to know a little of the intriguing personalities of the camels and their Bedouin companions. The experience, it turns out, is about you. The space and silence of a landscape on which humans have left no visible mark in ten thousand years will affect you in unpredictable ways, and stay with you long after your return. Diana’s meticulously minimalist planning allows the process its full impact, at once delightful and unforgettable.

Andrew Powell – October 2017
 

 

 

 

 

 

This one from Jacqui Edwards ….

 

“Diana arranged our camel voyage superbly. We totally fell in love with our camels, they are such dependable and caring creatures. We felt that a little bit of the world was totally empty just for us and the night sky was truly magnificent. I think about our trip every day and find myself smiling. Altogether a fantastic holiday. Thank you Diana for an experience I will never forget”.

Jacqui Edwards – October 2015 

 

 

 

 

 

This one from Claire Heale ….

 

 

“A wonderful experience, totally different to any previous holiday and superbly organised by Diana. I discovered that camels are truly intelligent and real characters, they are such magnificent and gentle creatures.  This is a holiday of a lifetime that holds fantastic memories for me”.

Claire Heale – October 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one from Abdul Thompson ….

 

“What on earth is in the desert? I hear you say…
Nothing:  In the Sahara there is no city, no traffic, no packed tube trains, no rat race…
Everything:  For the short time that I’m in the Sahara, there is only peace… Fantastic!”

Abdul Thompson – May 2015

 

 

 

 

This one from Geoffrey Wansell …

“Travelling to the edge of the Sahara was never in the forefront of my mind. I am a man who loves cities, and pavements, and London in particular. No one but the utterly wonderful Diana Fletcher would have been able to persuade me to sample the delights of the desert, but I can honestly say that I would not have missed travelling with her for the world. The sheer drama of the experience, the vast expanse of the desert, the serenity, the calm, bring you a view of the world that no city ever could. The desert brings a sense of perspective – this is a world that has not changed in centuries, a world where the undying virtues of friendship and compassion among the people are undimmed. That is a gift that no one should ever refuse. Go, and you will see what I mean”.

Geoffrey Wansell – May 2015

 

 

 

 

And another from Vanessa Stuart …

“If adventure is calling to you, go camel trekking with Diana! All I had to do was book my flights and arrange travel insurance. The remainder of the journey was seamlessly organised with a list of things to take and a comprehensive itinerary. No sweat! We chose to spend New Year’s Eve at the Dar Faiza hotel in Djerba where Diana has so many friends and I was welcomed full heartedly both there and by her Bedouin ‘family’ on the edge of the Sahara. Our days in the desert varied from cool and windy to bright and sunny, and after an evening around the camp fire the chilly nights found us warmly wrapped up in the hand woven tent. Each day a different landscape and terrain with my gentle camels and my trusty and caring guide, Ali. If you enjoy walking too, there are dune-free sections where you can keep an easy pace with the camels and guides. Food is simple and freshly prepared daily. The guides take care of everything, leaving you free to enjoy the silence and beauty of the desert. It is a totally different experience and highly recommended …..” 

Vanessa Stuart – January 2015

 

 

This one from Annahita Mackee ………

“…….. I cannot recommend my desert camel voyage enough. I felt totally transported into another world, such a wonderful experience somehow relaxing and yet a complete assault for the senses. On first consideration, one might think, well how will I know what to do, where to go and what to take. Diana prepared a lovely detailed itinerary for me, including a great list of items to bring, so I was fully prepared for everything. She took care of all the confirmations and transfers in such a fuss-free way that I was allowed to fully enjoy the experience with absolutely no admin on my part. We stayed in hotels before and after our camel trekking, both were very comfortable, welcoming, and with great food. The camel trekking part of our adventure included travelling all day through beautiful overlapping dunes, resting during the heat of the day, eating traditional Bedouin food by a camp fire and under the stars, and sleeping under a huge handmade tent. The experience and intuition of the guides is also a wonderful thing to observe, as well as their great sense of humour! As surprising as it sounds, there was a lot of wildlife to observe during the day and nights we spent in the desert. I have recommended this desert voyage to all my friends and family …….” 

Annahita Mackee – May 2012                                         

 

 

 

These two from Freddie and Georgina Dadson …..

“……..Playing in the sand dunes, riding the camels and sleeping under the stars, things that I would never have imagined that I would do …..”  Freddie Dadson – October 2012

 “…….Surreal experience and not your average holiday. A world that you didn’t know existed and time for a reality check. You are immersed in a completely different  culture and surrounded by the most amazing and beautiful people. It is a time I will never forget ……”  Georgina Dadson – October 2012

 

 

 

 

From John King …..

“………..Travelling with Diana is a great experience. The empathy that Diana has with both the camels and the people of the desert, together with the physical adventure of riding over endless dunes, and the desert storm  after singing around a dying campfire, leave one  with a profound sense that this was a very special time. Diana not only owns and rides her own camel, she understands the desert and its people. Do not hesitate, and plan your second trip now, for surely once will not be enough ….” 

John King – October 2010

                                                             

 

 

 

From Jeannie Lousada …..

“……..An extraordinary few days totally off the tourist trail experiencing life in the desert with no frills, but well looked after by Adel and Mohammed.Watching the sun set and rise over the dunes, the night star in the twilight – not to mention the shooting stars and falling stars and the wind dancing over the sand hills was truly magical. Certainly a time for reflection being transported through the ever changing dunes thanks to my trusty camel, Fouchar. Definitely to be repeated …..” 

Jeannie Lousada – May 2010

 

 

©Diana Fletcher