Expert Insights

October 02, 2013 In Search of the Snow Leopard

Read time – 2 minutes Ladakh in winter? With sub-zero temperatures and cut off from the rest of the world by the snow?! Yes – the Hemis National Park is as pretty in winter under snow as it is in summer and is home to one of the most elusive cats on the planet –...

October 02, 2013 Penguins, Penguins, Penguins!

Heading south for the winter would normally mean lots of sun, a nice sandy beach and a chance to get a tan in January. But that depends on how far south you go. When I left a very cold and rainy London last December I had packed my thermals and woolly hat. There’s no chance...

October 02, 2013 An Iceland Adventure

Read time – 2 minutes After travelling across the moon-like landscape of the Rekjanes Peninsula we headed to the south coast. As the dark Icelandic landscape of lava gave way to green pastures we spotted some Icelandic horses, unique for their five gaits. A word of warning though: don’t refer to them as ‘ponies’ or...

October 02, 2013 Leader profile: Ana Kunstek in Croatia

Read time – 1 minute Born in Croatia’s capital city of Zagreb in 1973, Ana was always a keen sportswoman, playing handball, skiing, synchronised swimming and of course cycling. Introducing Ana Ana has been leading groups for Exodus since 2007 and sees the role as much more than simply a job. She always has everything...

October 01, 2013 Darwin’s Galapagos

Read time – 3 minutes I spent my first night on the islands with an American who sailed our main Galapagos boat, the Cachalote, from Florida across the Caribbean and the Panama Canal to its new home. He talked about pirate attacks off Haiti and other exciting tales en route, but I only had one...

October 01, 2013 Views of the Matterhorn – Switzerland

The Matterhorn is one of the most easily recognised mountains in the world, sticking out above the surrounding peaks like a giant, jagged fang. Whether you are seeing it for the first or the umpteenth time, its appeal is undeniable… Seeing it for the first time The Matterhorn Dave Richardson, Sales Next time you...

October 01, 2013 My Kilimanjaro Climb on the Rongai Route

I arrived home and flopped down to some mind-numbing soap opera when I suddenly realised what I’d agreed to. “I’m going to climb the tallest mountain in Africa!” I told my kind and supportive flatmates, who all burst into laughter. The next day was the first of many spent in preparation for Kilimanjaro. It became...

October 01, 2013 High society

It had been 15 years since I’d last looked upon the Nepalese Himalaya. Flying into Lukla was the perfect, hair-raising springboard into the Khumbu Valley, anticipation building for the next 22 days of serious trekking. A day in Kathmandu gave time to finalise kit and meet the expert guide Kangbu Sherpa. The expedition started in...

October 01, 2013 Reasons to visit Amalfi

Read time – 3 minutes Amalfi Amore The sun’s rays caress my eyelids as I sit back on the terrace and allow the floral aromas of a crisp white wine to gently unfold on my palate. I open my eyes in the knowing bliss that the holiday has begun, and that there’s a week of...

October 01, 2013 Sailing Down the Nile

Read time – 2 minutes The sun is setting now. A gentle wind sweeps through my hair. I am content here. Sayed, our leader, knew today’s early morning visit to Abu Simbel would tire us all, and that a felucca ride on the Nile would be the best way to end our day. He was...