Trek up table mountain Roraima

It's easy to see why this part of Venezuela inspired Arthur Conan Doyle to write the 'Lost World'. Dotted with huge table mountains called tepuis which rise like sleeping giants from the grassy plateau, it is a landscape that cannot fail to fire the imagination. The largest of these monoliths is Mount Roraima, which can be ascended on an extremely rewarding 5-day trek passing through the remote Gran Sabana, far from towns or roads.

While the trek to and from the mountain is undeniably scenic, the real draw is what lies at the top.  On the third day you'll have the chance to explore this truly otherworldly landscape of rock pools and knobbly limestone, supporting an ecosystem which is unique to the summit. Geographically separated from the lowlands by Roraima's vertical walls, plant and animal species evolved in isolation and the effect is an eerie, alien and beautiful environment where most flora and fauna is the colour of the dark rock. If there's time you'll also be able to walk to the tri-border where Guyana, Brazil and Venezuela meet.

2017 departure dates: 18 Oct.