Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking down onto Kvitavatn from the top of some of the ski slopes, and knowing we'd climbed all the way up there on skis!Gaustatoppen in the morning sunlight is an uplifting sight, and the stars on a clear night are stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Mary and Ilse are absolutely first class. They are patient, friendly, good fun, utterly professional and kind enough not to laugh too hard when you're floundering in the soft snow! Their knowledge of the local area, skiing and obvious experience taking groups out means you can relax and enjoy your holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you get plenty of exercise beforehand as being reasonably fit will allow you to get the most out of this holiday. A small plastic box to put your lunch in may be useful too.If you get car sick it would be worth taking some motion sickness pills for the bus - it is a long and winding road, but definitely worth it when you get there.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final ascent and reaching Gilman's point at 5.06am, fantastic feeling you are almost there and most important the group you ae with, it is a team effort, we all help & support each other.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was okay, direct and reminded us all "Pain is only temporary"

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train very hard and start months before you depart, insist your GP gives you a prescription for Diomoxfor the altitude, tese are a must have to prepare for the ascent, other group members who started taking them before we even started faired much better

Most Inspirational Moment

This was my first ever trip where i have travelled alone and the sense of personal achievement was enormous.Watching a glacier calveThe captain of the Vavilov turning around to extend a whale watching encounterThe stillness and beauty after climbing a mountain ridge for phenomenal views...quite humbling!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely fantastic. Demonstrated a professional but relaxed manner with all guests and always striving to maximise the experience with flexible itinaries

Advice for Potential Travellers

I had some "wobbles" before i went re- travelling alone mostly, but i would say to anyone who is hesitating to go for it. The comradeship between passengers is heartwarming and there is nowhere on earth quite like it. I would go back in a heartbeat. By far the most stunning place on earth i have ever seen!The ship is warm and comfortable so take some light clothing for the evenings. I almost overheated in my thermal gear ;-)

Most Inspirational Moment

The best part was the ascent of Mt Ouanoukrim. This is both visually and technically a far more interesting peak than Mount Toubkal

Thoughts on Group Leader

This is the second trek I have been on which has been led by Mohammed. He is an experienced and thoroughly professional guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes do not hire equipment from 'trek hire'. I hired both crampons and a ice axe. The ice axe had a very short strap on it making it difficult to put your gloved hand through and hold the head comfortabley. Each time we changed directions I had to stop in order to swap hands instead of being able to comfortabley do it on the move.The crampons were of a poor quality they kept slipping under my boots , and yes i , the guides and several other persons on the trek attempted numerous times to adjust them and secure them to my boot. Non of us managed it thus making everyday of the climb dangerous. The anti balling plates kept coming off , making my descent of Ouanoukrim potentially very dangerous as i constantly had solid balls of ice underneath both my boots. I feel Exodus should take some responsibility for this as it is your company that recommended the link to this company.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from the tops onf the mountains were just superb

Thoughts on Group Leader

Karl was a great leader who looked after our individual needs and was a font of knowledge and good humour

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of layers of clothing rather than thick bulky items. You get quite warm while walking in the sun up the mountains but it can be quite cold while tucking in to the packed lunches and enjoying those fantastic views from the summit

Thoughts on Group Leader

My group leader was the rigth person for the  trip, his knowledge was very good he could always answer our quiston, but on  my first day in Marakesh we had a different person guiding as thorugh the city if I am right his name was Mohamed. His knowledge wasn't very good about the town, I have read more in my guide book about Marakesh than he told me, mostly he was talking about politics whish I wasn't interested at all I woulod have liked to hear more about history. I would advice exodus not to use him as he was a disapointment.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wonderful views from the Acroplois on top of Mount Kliosi on the first day - especially after a rather tricky scramble up!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thano was so knowledgeable about the history and culture of this beautiful island - his talks added so much value to the trip. We had very variable weather and Thano adjusted the itinerary at short notice so that we did as much as possible. Thano took us to a different taverna every day where we sampled as many of the wonderful local dishes as possible! He was a very entertaining host.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a map of the island with you so that you can track where you are visiting. The museum in the town opens on Sunday mornings - something to do on the last day.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is so difficult to pick one moment out of such a wonderful experience and we all said 'How are we going to describe our experiences to our friends when we get home.' Ice berg alley was just fantastic with such colour as well as grandeur and crossing the circle was a very special moment. Seeing albatross flying behind the ship and of course the wonderful penguins, seals and whales was truely amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely fantastic. Woody made everyone feel special and was so caring as well as enthusiastic, encouraging and great fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on the expedition as soon as you can and enjoy every moment.

Most Inspirational Moment

Each time we saw a tiger was incredibly moving. But my favourite moment strangely was a leopard sighting. We were the only jeep and the leopard walked down a rock and drank in a pool right in front of us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Harish was excellent. His drive, enthusiasm and organisational skills were amazing and he has so much knowledge about the local wildlife.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring plenty of patience. You may have many hours of game drives without seeing tigers - they are endangered after all! And don't forget that it's not all about tigers -  enjoy the rest of the animals and birds in the parks too!  In the winter months it is incredibly cold in the mornings - I was wearing 5 layers and a blanket! So remember your warm clothes, gloves and hat.

Most Inspirational Moment

Summitting at Uhuru Point at 1pm having set off late from camp and hence having the whole summit to ourselves.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guides were fantastic, Mathew was more than just a guide, camp manager for the team of 40 support staff plus the 10 clients, how they didn't leave anything behind I will never know.  Our assistant guides were also fabulous and looked after us extremely well, our morning routine of tea in bed followed by washing water was certainly a treat.  I have to add a particular thanks to Amos our favourite assistant guide who could talk more than me, an achievement, and talked so much whilst climbing that you didnt even realise you had been climbing for 6 hours at a time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its a challenge, but you can do and you will love it!