Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

 Each day seemed to offer something special , Even the short 1.5 hr is trip  from Marrakech was exciting as the White, Snow covered Atlas mountains could easily be be seen on the horizon as we drove through Marrakech down the fantastic  Avenue Mohammed VI roadway despite the group enjoying the warmth of the Winter Sun. The adventure and highlights needless to say racked up when we arrived in the Mountains, where we were met with lots of smiling faces and copious amounts of Sweet Mint Tea. This was also our first insight to the wonderful Mountain food  that would keep us fuelled for the next few days ( and a few days more!). Indeed every activity seemed to be punctuated by fresh food and tea!.The first morning we trekked up from the Gite to the Refuge and enjoyed lunch  before we had our first “crampon” walk up to a  wonderful ridge (some groups seem to do this on the last day but I think  our option was best – it filled the afternoon and made the last day more enjoyable) . The Next day the plan was to  Summit Jebel Toubkal 4167m /Toubkal West 4030m .. just in case the weather closed in .. which it didn’t ! ….. This was paced by our wonderful guide just perfect … and it seemed , like every other day he had ordered the whole mountain to ourselves ! We had wondered what the next day would bring, and felt rather odd that the key summit had already been conquered but in reality the trek to Timesguida Ouanoukrim 4089m  and Ras Ouanoukrim 4083m was even more interesting and varied – involving a small amount of safe ( but exciting for those that hadn’t done any ) scrambling in crampons followed by a wonderful decent down a steep gully in deep snow.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group Leader , The Mountain Guide and our Chef ( who provides  all the food at both the Gite and Refuge) were a great team and made us all very welcome. They had the experience and expertise to spot a loose crampon at 100m and when to stop and drink some more tea!  They were wonderful characters who  were a credit to a wonderful Country –The country, its lifestyle  and its people were so much better than I had ever expected.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip isnt that hard - if you can do Snowdon ( not via the train ) Nevis etc then you should cope with the trip - Altidude isnt much of an issue as you dont stay high for very long ( albeit you might huff and puff a bit more at the top than you would otherwise do)Take Wet Wipes !! - You would have to be very brave to Shower at the refuge!  They are also useful close to the nose when visiting the basic toilet area.Take a book /ipod etc and a warm sleeping bag  ( though our room actually got quite warm at night with 8 people  warming it up !! ) which reminds me - EAR PLUGS !! I didnt hire any kit but those that did - the quality was good ( indeed NEW I think)  Dont miss the opprtunity of the local  Hammam after the trek - A highlight and much fun!   We took a long route back to Marrachech - I would suggest you insist the same - wonderful views and peaceful!   

Most Inspirational Moment

After the first days walk where we sat down, alfresco, at the small bar in town and drank some refreshing beers and watched the world go by.  A very relaxing moment. The other inspirational moment was the fantastic trip to Pompeii.  The place just took my breath away.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suzy was a very organised and conciderate guide.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will need a good pair of hiking boots as some walks are hilly and rocky.

Most Inspirational Moment

A great hill-walking trip with several notable features, the first of which to be mentioned must be the scenery.  We were lucky with the weather.  Rain on the first and last days but sun in between, which made for great views.  The optional horizontal cable car journey which traverses the Alps near Mont Blanc is a must and a great way for a walker to get a sense of the technical areas of the mountain range.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Second point is that we had a first class leader, a lady called Mel, who was very experienced in the Alps and highly knowledgable as to flora and fauna.  Mel kept a very reasonable pace which kept everyone on board during the steeper climbs.  She was also good fun.  Mel made the trip memorable in her own right.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Because this is a camping trip and the campsites are in the valleys, there was an uphill and downhill climb each day, which explains the 'challenging' label.  The terraine itself is quiet straight forward.  However, the campsites varied in quality and some forebearance is required.  Most were good and acceptable to a non-camper like me, one was rough but located in a beautiful valley, and one had terrible bathroom facilities.  Oddly, that last campsite was in Switzerland, one of the wealthiest countries in the world.   My main complaint was the absense of recliner chairs at the end of a long day!

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlights for me were magical Machu Picchu, Amantani on Lake Tititica, the history of the Incas, the colourful markets and, of course, experiencing the high sand dunes - have never screamed so much! 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group of 18 was extremely friendly and I can't speak highly enough of our wonderful guide Juan - such a great ambassador for Peru!  Thank you Exodus for giving me a great trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up on the last morning of the Inca trail to find that llamas and alpacas had invaded the camp. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

This was our first package tour so have no comparators, but Rene Calancha did a great job - way above our expectations. He was a mine of information about each area we visited and was always willing to help whatever the issue, and even "rescued" me when my fear of heights got the better of me! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Three things: prepare your stomach for all eventualities - begin a course of pro-biotics before leaving;book a couple of extra days in Lima at the beginning or end of the trip; andif you're doing the Inca Trail, or similar, "train" for the long  ascents and steep descents before leaving so that you can devote your energy to dealing with the challenges of altitude.  

Most Inspirational Moment

Oooh tough one to limit to one moment.  As a student of geology the variety of volcanic scenary in the trip was fantastic. From choking gasses and parakeets as we peered into the masaya crater to panoramic calderas and a littering of volcanoes throughout the trip. Hot springs in Fortuna with compulsory Pina Colada's :-)The wonderous day off exploring Isla Colon, red frog beach, dolphins around bocas del toro.Clocking 48 Mph on a crazy 12 mile downhill ride from cool cloudforest to blistering hot plains in Panama.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob was fantastic most memorable guide on a holiday for a long time.  For example I was the one unlucky sod that had my luggage not arrive (thanks AA!), the problem was taken out of my hands straight away and everything organised to ensure my holiday enjoyment continued while behind the scenes my luggage caught up with me.  Or the words of encouragement during the tougher days. Or the knowlege that our guide was a ex-paramedic.  We simply couldn't have been in better hands.I'd run out of space if i had to list the superlatives describing the support team who looked after us for the two weeks. All the team were great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get hill fit beforehand ! There are few days without some sort of hilly challenge. The fitter you are beforehand the more you'll enjoy the holiday.  Pack a couple of days essentials in your travelling companions luggage, it will save your life if american airlines mislay your luggage.When eating out, don't expect to get your starter before your main course. Things can get a bit chaotic at group meals.The trip was pretty intense with little or no off time or dual night stays in same location until Bocas Del Toro. So expect to be repacking your bags and moving EVERY day! plan ahead.... a full to the lid suitcase is hard to repack  ! Laundry service in la Fortuna (mid trip) is great you can plan on it while packing If you are curious about stuff ask rob! the trip doesn't have much in the way of formal visitors centres or local history you are on the go. Just ask rob he's pretty knowledgable or will find out ;-)    Play with Alfonso's bike bell ! (alf on our trip gave it to him after he kept ringing it)

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at Uhuru Peak, the true summit, was overwhelming. Alongside the enormous sense of achievement, it gave me the opportunity to reflect on how impressive our planet truly is and has left me still with a renewed perspective on life. 'Hakuna matata'....no worries!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Meke, our head guide, was a natural leader, not through dominance, but through people naturally looking to him for his calm, steering influence. Knowledgable and motivational, it was a real honour to be supported through this trip by him and his team.It was evident that the staff were happy to work for Exodus, who support the local community financially and educationally. This heavily influenced my decision to book with Exodus. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to listen to the guides' advice! They have climbed Kilimanjaro so many times that they know what they're talking about. 'Pole pole', meaning 'slowly, slowly', is very important to embrace, as it increases the chances of summiting and also provides the opportunity to enjoy the awesome natural beauty of the climb. In addition, invest in good quality drinking water bottles/systems as continuous hydration is essential.I have never felt so cold as I did overnight at the higher altitudes, so do remember thermal base layers and some wool socks!Digital cameras may stop working at higher altitude due to the cold, biut I carried mine inside a 'bum bag' around my middle which kept it warm enough to keep working all the way to the summit. A manual camera is a good back-up plan, since it is essential to bring back the proof of your success for all those sceptical friends and family!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Watch out for bag snatchers mounted on scooters

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many, but possibly just slightly in the lead was the husky driving - what an experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hannah was fantastic, nothing was too much trouble, definitely went the 'extra mile'. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

They really do provide everything you need.  The cabins are well heated, plenty of hot water.  Food is good and plenty of it. Energy bars are a good idea to bring, just to take you over from lunch to dinner. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling fast down the avenue of Cedar Trees and noticing the group leader managing to cycle one handed and video in hand capturing the moment. The experience was good for the soul.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are ready for some very steep long hills, but the exhilaration of reaching the top and free wheeling through some of the most breath taking scenery is well worth it.  Wouldnt have missed it for the world.