Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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51 Reviews

4.9 out of 5

Sue Beesley

Reviewed September 2024

A gem of a trip.

A truly wonderful trip. A chance to travel into Zimbabwe – an African country I hadn’t visited before – and to revisit Botswana staying in comfortable lodges, plus the highlight of wild camping for 2 nights in the Okavango Delta. Very comfortable transport which was appreciated on the couple of long drives on bumpy roads. A great group of travel companions (including our guide) who enjoyed the shared experiences and lots of laughter and banter during evening meals and a memorable sunset cruise.

Most Inspirational Moment

Innumerable inspiring moments. Close encounters with lions, elephants, rhinos and hippos. Sitting round camp fire and being entertained by the wonderful polers after delicious food cooked by Adonia. Numerous bird sighting. Given the opportunity to walk in the Delta and Matopos. Optional plane ride over the Delta emphasised its beauty and vastness. The immense knowledge of all our guides in national parks about the animals and birds we encountered. The lovely tented accommodation at Nata with an outdoor shower. Starry moonlit night skies. Beauty of Matopos hills.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adonia is definitely a 5 * guide. Reading previous reviews, it seems that it is usual to have a guide and driver. Adonia performed both of these roles efficiently and with great good humour, ensuring everyone in the group was included, any problem dealt with swiftly, giving clear instructions and generally being one step ahead of any likely difficulties. His knowledge of wild life is great. His English is perfect. He is a fantastic cook. We learnt so much from him about Zimbabwe (his country) and Botswana. Any future group are lucky to have him as their guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy and immerse yourself in every experience. Don’t expect to see everything on your wish list - so much depends on time of year etc. - and the luck of being in the right place at the right time. As said in previous reviews - put any footwear in top of luggage ready for disinfecting going into Botswana. There are a couple of days of long drives over bumpy “roads” but plenty of opportunities for snack and comfort breaks. The majority of our group felt we had too long at Vic Falls at the end of the trip and would have preferred more time in Hwange, perhaps because no one was interested in the optional activities there. However the Falls themselves are awe inspiring. Take some US $ in small denominations for tips and souvenirs in Zimbabwe. WiFi available in all lodges and ATMs in major towns.

Wendy Mann

Reviewed September 2024

Amazing Experiences

We had undertaken safaris before but had never seen elephants, hippos or zebras in the numbers that we came across on this trip. We were lucky enough to see the Big 5, but think our guides’ knowledge had a lot to do with that. We enjoyed game drives by vehicle and got wonderful views of wildlife on Chobe/Zambeizi river trips. The 2 night full-service camping in the Okavango Delta was a once in a lifetime experience. The trip overall was very well organised and varied and far exceeded expectations, our group of 10 having gelled extremely well. So pleased we did this trip as we now have so many amazing photos and memories to treasure.

Most Inspirational Moment

The joy of singing and dancing round a campfire with ‘polers’ who had looked after in the Okavango Delta. There were emotional farewells when we had to leave.

Thoughts on Group Leader

‘Trymore’ by name and ‘try more’ by nature, our Group Leader was outstanding in the way he led the group and ensured everything ran smoothly. He was ably assisted by Adonis, who was also expert on the rough roads, which lead to us all having a very safe and carefree holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We travelled in July and it was quite chilly on our first early morning game drive. You will be given blankets but I appreciated the warm jacket, woolly hat and lightweight scarf I took. If you have a sense of adventure I don’t think you’ll regret booking this trip.

Michael da Silva

Reviewed August 2024

Unforgettable adventure!

A brilliant trip with every venue and activity providing an amazing chance to see many types of wildlife in their own environment and in different ways, from comfortable lodges to camping, trekking and jeep safaris, mokoro canoes and boat trips

Most Inspirational Moment

Nearly every venue inspired us so it is difficult to pick out just one! There were so many amazing experiences that we enjoyed from the walking safaris, safaris in jeeps and boats, wild camping in the Okavango Delta as well as staying in comfortable lodges - all in breath-taking settings - including one where you had to be taken back to your room in a jeep if if was dark! Our favourite moments were the Chobe River Cruise, the walking safaris in the Okavango Delta, looking for rhinos on foot in the Matobo NP and witnessing the stunning scenery around Cecil Rhodes' grave, the day jeep safari in Hwange and the whole Victoria Falls Experience

Thoughts on Group Leader

Siza (Siziba) was a brilliant group leader and organiser and the group gelled really well under his care. His cooking and organisation of our food for the camping was first class and his preparation before we arrived at new destinations - i.e. getting our menu choices in advance - helped the days go smoothly. He gave us time to stop, look and take photos of animals or interesting sights along the way when we were travelling between lodges. Our driver, Trimo, was also an integral part of the holiday, joining the group on many activities, as well as at mealtimes - and both were so friendly and knowledgeable about the wildlife and places we were visiting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As others have suggested; bring plenty of layers of warm clothing if you are visiting in the winter - even though the forecast temperature seemed manageable to me without gloves and woolly hats etc, when it is first thing in the morning in an open sided jeep, you will wish you had them! The number of layers I wore when it was cold increased (to 5) as the holiday progressed! Also bring plenty of small denomination US dollar notes as they are scarce in Zimbabwe and note that in Botswana they will not accept US dollars dated prior to 2013 (though they are accepted in Zimbabwe). In fact, we took too much cash as we were able to use cards in most lodges and restaurants. Another thing to note is that the lodges were all of a very high standard - comfortable and with good food - although in the evening, some rooms were a bit dark so your camping head torch may come in handy!

Roger Peeks

Reviewed August 2024

Trip of a Lifetime Safari Botswana and Zimbabwe

This holiday was truly The Holiday of a Lifetime. We were so Iucky, guides were fantastic, the group got on extremely well, the Safaris were amazing, we saw the Big Five! It is a lot of travelling but on many journeys we saw animals especially in Botswana. We had two guides both did everything driving, guiding, cooking etc. very knowledgeable and keen to pass that on.
Every Safari was remarkable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Going into the delta in canoes and camping. The night sky was wonderful. The polers, who poled the canoes, guided us on the safaris were great; knowledgeable, set up camp, provided entertainment. We were one big family and had a cracking time. I had a go Poling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

They were fantastic. Rather than a guide and bus driver we effectively had two guides, they shared duties. Great Ambassadors for Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Currency, take dollars in nothing higher than 20 dollar bills but you will need a lot of 1s and 5s suggest at least 100 dollars worth per person. We changed pounds to Botswana currency easily 500 Pu per person. Fridges at most Lodges. Pack shoes accessible for disinfecting at National park entry and exit. Torch, sheet sleeping bag or single duvet cover useful in the delta. Our mattresses were warm and comfy, sleeping bags could be unzipped and used as a duvet.

Ken Magee

Reviewed August 2024

Wonderful experience in Africa

Both countries are amazing, and our two guides were superb. We were fortunate to see all the ‘Big 5’ and learned so much about African culture, history as well as seeing the flora and fauna of this fantastic country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wild-camping in the Okavango Delta where you walk on their level, and listen to the hyenas, hippos, and lions nearby during the night.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Trymore was the best Exodus leader we've ever had (aided by Adonio). He was full of knowledge, he got to know each of the group individually and we always felt cared for and safe.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring small denomination US dollars for tips, and lots of insect repellent (but the insects were kind in July).

John Johnston

Reviewed July 2024

Various Game Safaris

Daily adventures by vehicle, boat or foot, surprises and loads of memories. This was my second Exodus trip, another great leader, driver, group of people and itinerary. I’m hooked!

Most Inspirational Moment

Like others have said, you get inspiring moments daily. Difficult to choose just one but helicopter flight over Victoria Falls was a tick off my bucket list, boat safari in Chobe National Park, elephants & zebra at a waterhole on the road between Kasane & Maun, camping in Okavango Delta with walking safaris, elephants at Elephant Sands Lodge, Nata, walking with rhino in Matobo National Park, family of lions at a kill in Hwange National Park- to name just a few.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Siziba (Ceasar) was fantastic from the moment we met until we left. Humourous, intelligent, knowledgeable, well organised, likeable. He gelled the group together as a 'family', joined us at meals and varied who he sat with/spoke to, knew how to keep us in order with a few kind words if we got too excited, had menus in hand for any stop-offs so we could order in advance, organised any optional trips we wanted to go on, cooked great meals in the Okavango Delta. I also have to mention Trimo, our driver. Also humourous, intelligent, knowledgeable, organised, mixed with us well, always smiling & laughing, and very good at reading the road ahead to ensure we were comfortable when we encountered potholes on the long drives. Ceasar and Trimo made a great team and it showed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be open-minded, you may not see everything you want but you will still see and learn a lot. Take as many small US dollars as you can-- change is scarce. A bank card is very handy and usually accepted. Pack footwear in a separate bag in your suitcase. You need to take them out at Victoria Falls Airport when you meet the Exodus team. Suitcases go in a trailer, footwear in the bus as they need to be dipped in disinfectant on crossing into Botswana. The bus is a 23 seater inc driver and guide, so plenty of room. The plug type here is wrong- type D in trip notes which I took but didn't fit. The first lodge (Kwalape Lodge) hired them for a fully refundable deposit and a few of us bought the correct one at the shopping stop off in Maun for 35pulas- approx £2. This stop-off was also where we obtained Botswanian pulas, either from a machine or exchange. Don't underestimate the cold in June, July, Aug- their winter. Pre-sunrise drives in an open vehicle are freezing! Layer up as it does warm up later though that can vary- lots of cloud = cool, no cloud = hot. Some of the drives are on long straight roads- mostly good but short stretches with potholes. Have something to do/read if needed. 'Bushy Bushy' will soon be part of your vocabulary i.e. behind the bushes. Ladies and Gents are sent to separate sides of the road/bus. Take a large towel if you want a shower whilst wild camping. Pillows for the tents are small, hard & uncomfortable- use an alternative e.g. your large towel! A head torch or torch is a must- it's very dark both inside and outside the tent. The bags you are given are ample for 2 for a few days and you can take separate backpacks or camera bags too- mine had a large camera, 4 lenses, travel tripod etc. Be aware of security checks on transfers at Addis Ababa- one on way there, 2 on way back. On way back maybe just time for a quick drink between the two but no liquid allowed through the check and nowhere to drink after it. Enjoy yourselves!

Ineke Jones

Reviewed June 2024

Good mix

The trip was a good mix of sights and wildlife. We were a group of 3 couples and 6 people travelling alone so having a 22 seater coach was good as it didn’t force anyone to sit together with a stranger at the beginning. We had a good group and everyone got on well together.

Most Inspirational Moment

My main reason for travelling to Africa is always viewing wildlife and therefore for me walking to see rhinos in Maputo NP and the full day in Hwange were the best. The scenery in the Bulawayo area was also completely different and interesting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar (Ceasar?)was an excellent leader, always on top of everything and always kept us informed. He is also an excellent cook and his meals in the Okavango Delta were the best we had during the trip. The driver Sofiso was also good and sociable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Depending on the time of year bring warm clothing for early mornings but also sunblock as during our trip the day's temperature ranged from 9C to 29C and add wind factor in when in open safari vehicles and you can see you go from cold to hot easily. We all did the night safari and like someone mentioned in a previous review we didn't see much - we saw a couple of male lions which was good but that was more or less it and we were all really cold on our return.

Simon Castleman

Reviewed April 2024

Another Great Exodus Trip

Good trip with a nice balance of animals, culture and lodges.

Most Inspirational Moment

Up (very) close and personal with two wild rhino/ peace in the Okavango Delta

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good always available and worked hard to look after us. Our Driver was also great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go to Zambia and see the Victoria Falls from that side.

Margaret Baker

Reviewed November 2023

Simply awesome

The whole trip was amazing. The organisation was great, guides superb and game viewing simply stunning.
It was very hot, much hotter than I expected but the activities were early morning or evening which made everything bearable. The wild camping days were great fun, if very basic, but a great experience. Our guide Onary was a fantastic cook and some of our best food was in that wild camp.

Most Inspirational Moment

Certainly the wildlife. We were able to see so much and get so very close to some animals because of the expertise and knowledge of the guides. They knew the animals and their behaviour patterns so well. I always felt very safe.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Onary was excellent. Occasionally I didn’t quite catch his accent (I’m partly deaf) but he was happy to repeat things. He was very knowledgeable and showed great care of us all, nothing was too much trouble. He was very concerned that we were always safe and enjoying ourselves. He quickly became very much a part of our African family on the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was an exhausting trip because we did so many varied things but that is what we signed up for. The list of animals and birds we saw became very long and the encounter with white rhino was exhilarating. Moving from lodge to lodge can be tiresome but it meant we did so much and saw so many different areas. It was worth it. We didn’t bother with Zimbabwean dollars, US$ were all that was needed there. We did exchange a few dollars for Botswanan Pula. It was much hotter than I had expected for November, high 30s/low40s and I was pretty useless in the middle of the day but the main activities were early morning or evening and that was very pleasant.

Steve and Lynn Tamplin

Reviewed October 2023

Brilliant experience

A trip/experience that delivers in every sense – environments, variety of wildlife, varied scenery. So many opportunities to get close to wildlife. The trip does involve a lot of travelling and very early starts, and, apart from the last day at Victoria Falls, probably not too much « free » time. That said, the journeys are all enjoyable, interesting, and much wildlife can be seen. Described as « leisurely » in the trip information, the overall trip or travelling/walks/heat and early starts does require some stamina (perhaps more so with age!). That said, this commitment delivers both in terms of what is presented and it’s variety. During this trip the group ( a really good group of people and a real bonus) saw a great range of animals (including the big 5), some stunning scenery and really all we could have hoped for. Food and accommodation throughout was of a good quality and comfortable. The accommodation offered a good variety of comfortable experiences and all provided tea/coffee making facilities and , importantly, hairdryers!

Most Inspirational Moment

It is hard to pick. Staying at the Delta and the optional helicopter ride, were memorable, but all the major visits in their own right had much to offer. Being so close to the wildlife at the camp, hearing lions, hippos and elephants during the night and seeing the night sky, was truly memorable. Walking close to rhinos in Motopo was amazing. Seeing the stunning Victoria Falls was a great conclusion to a trip that kept on giving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Onary, our guide, was professional, well organised, hard working, knowledgeable and enthusiastic; an all round pleasant guy. We can not speak highly enough of him and his efforts were a significant factor in making this trip such a memorable experience. He is also a great cook! Indeed, some of the best food was cooked on the camp fire! Such sentiments also go out to the group who contributed to making the two weeks together a real pleasure. Staff in the hotels, various guides, the polers and others we had contact with during the two weeks were all invariably pleasant, helpful and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We used our bank cards sparingly, taking with us US$ in mostly small denominations, which worked for us especially in Zimbabwe. Others within the group seemed to use their cards with no problem. We would advise against $100 dollar notes as change is not plentiful and people were pleased to receive small denomination notes. One piece of advice is to have all footwear readily available on arrival (perhaps pack a spare carrier bag) as there are three foot and mouth stations in which you need to dip all your shoes in Botswana, the first being soon after arrival. Also take at least one Botswana plug adapter. If travelling as a couple, it would be advisable to split your clothes across baggage as luggage can/ did go astray (something we’d never thought of before!). Optional visits, such as the helicopter ride over the Delta, the meal at the local produce restaurant at Victoria Falls and the sunset cruise on the Zambezi, are well worth it. The optional night safari in Hwange was perhaps a bit expensive for what it delivered, but who knows on a different occasion?

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