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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Reviews

Anonymous

Reviewed November 2011

MADAGASCAN DISCOVERER

It was an interesting trip, with rather a lot of travelling on poor roads though we saw some interesting sights, a wonderful town market, where we were perfectly safe, and a village which thrived on illegal stills. To an extent the hotels were better than I expected in a poor African country.  I liked the food, particularly the Zebu steak, and the sea food. Plenty of lemurs being charming. Too large a group for the nature walks. It seems a shame that the State seems to be going down hill. Rather too much of a security problem in Tana to walk about. Some lovely craft work to buy, particularly the marquetry. The leader Solo was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

There really wasn't enough of walking. There were two excellent ones. One superb one in the Grand Tsingy in the limestone cliffs being harnessed as well, challenged me as an 'elderly person' but I survived!! We had two excellent, knowledgeable guides, who spoke good English. An excellent canoe trip in the early morning seeing a nest of Egrets, lots of birds, and the tombs of an ancient people, and a good, rather hot  walk in Isalo national park to a natural swimming pool, and then unfortunately the hot walk back.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Solo was excellent, he knew his country, was unfailingly patient and helpful, with excellent English. The drivers were all good too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring your handwash-you have to be absolutely immaculate over hygeine.

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Anonymous

Reviewed November 2011

MADAGASCAN DISCOVERER

I did the "Madagascar Discovery" tour and I thought it was a great experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the colors, sounds and views of the country, they were different and very beatiful. All the species of lemurs that we saw, such a variety of wild life, sounds of the forests, smiling faces of local people and especially kids, pictoresk views on our hikes, sunsets on the ocean and on the avenue of Baobabs - all of it was spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Solofoniray Razafimahazo, was amazing! Myself and all of my tour-mates were of the same opinion, that he was one of the absolutely best guides that we have ever had. He was very helpful, kind, positive, was always smiling, a genuine, not spoiled, not corrupted, really good person, very intelligent and knowledgeable. A lot of info on the local life, traditions, nature, flora and fauna.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I can recommend this trip, but please, be aware that this trip requires you to spend a lot of time in a bus, from one upt to 3 days in a row.

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Reviewed November 2011

THE ZAMBEZI VALLEY

An absolutely brilliant trip and our guide TK was superb – that’s from someone who isn’t easily impressed! 

Reviewed November 2011

EVEREST BASE CAMP

This trek exceeded my expectations.  Although very exhausting and a test of endurance and stamina it was an absolutely fantastic achievement to reach Base Camp and Kala Patar.  As our leader says this is a "Life time experience, not a holiday’ He was absolutely right and I can’t wait to go back and do the Annapurna Circuit.   

Most Inspirational Moment

Landing in Lukla is something I'll never forget!! Stunning all round scenery.The whole trek was an inspiration and you don't really appreciate what you've achieved until it's over.  Our group, our leader and his team were a great bunch of people, we had many laughs.I'll be going back.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pasang was an inspirational leader, ensuring everyone in our group got the best possible memories out of their holiday.  Pasang was very sociable and friendly.  We were all very well looked after, there was always something in his medicine bag to help us out with any health issues, and there were a few!!  Pasang and his team worked extremely hard to make our trek, enjoyable and rewarding. Hot tea to wake us up, even when it was 5 am sometimes!! His knowledge of the Himalayas, the culture and the history was second to none.Pasang introduced us to local dance or he tried to after we all had one or two beers, I don't think anybody was quite getting it right but we sure had a laugh trying.  Great after trek party. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a life time experience of a trek.  It's a grade C so most people would expect it to be difficult at times.  A certain level of fitness is recommended as trekking for 12 days back to back is very exhausting, and with the advice from Pasang everybody had the legs to achieve their goal.  "Slowly, slowly, slowly take in the scenery and take your time".  Altitude can affect any body whether you are fit ot not, listenening to the leader's advice got us through it.   

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Reviewed November 2011

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

India and this trip far exceeded my expectations. If I had to convert friends to do a cycling holiday, this would be the trip to convince them, as it is mostly door-to-door riding with so much to see and experience. Brilliant! This was my 7th cycling trip and was up there with the best. Don’t hesitate – book it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Everyday offered a moment of inspiration! Overall, the colour and energy of India is so inspirational. The place is so full of life and character. This trips offers one the opportunity to have a sticky beak in the daily life of people in southern India. I was totally amazed when we started to explore the remote lane ways outside Guruvayor. This day made me realise how much work and thought went into the planning of this trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Vish, was good and very knowledgeable about history. However, he didn't love cycling as much as the group ;-) Joseph - the cycle leader was absolutely wonderful. He had a lovely nature and was very interested in the lives of people in the group. At the end, he circulated a comments book which he and the driver (Shibu) keep as a memento of their travels. Usually, you'd think it was hum drum for them but it made me realise that these trips enrich their lives too.Shibu was an awesome driver and bike mechanic. He was always up bright and early tending to our bikes. His amazing, happy smile was always a great start to our day!  Shibu was always helpful and if we asked for anything, he was quicky to help us.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a gel seat! The bikes were fantastic but the seats were the slim-lined types which hurt your butt after a day. Try the semolina pudding with cashews and sultanas (called Kesari). It is served for breakfast at the lodge we stay at Bundapur National Park and totally rocks!! Semolina has never ever tasted so good and it was my stand-out meal.

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Reviewed November 2011

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Excellent trip. Well-paced, great routes, wonderful scenery and delicious food!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved the long ride and climb to the top of Sri Lanka. A challenging but rewarding day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Well-organised and friendly. Good leader who was willing to cater for all abilities within the group, providing challenge for those wanting it, and leaving others to their own riding preference. Peter was always happy to talk about the country and its culture, which he is clearly passionate about. Peter mixed well with all members of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be fit enough to enjoy the mileage and ascents!!!!!

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Reviewed November 2011

TRAILS OF VIETNAM

A rapidly modernising country with a wealth of culture, history and architecture. Wonderful food, friendly people and a scenic country, but sadly not much wildlife – it’s all been eaten or caged.

Most Inspirational Moment

The boat trip and kayaking in Malong Bay, a World Heritage Site.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was organised, supportive and wore his heart on his sleeve. He was conscripted by the communists to fight in the army and was made to fight in the jungle, where he saw dreadful atrocities and lost some dear friends. Thankfully, he's now happily married with two daughters. He demonstrated that despite the dreadful times he'd suffered, the human spirit shines though.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you bring a spare bag, or some room in your main bag. I'm not a shopper, but the quality and price of made-to-measure clothes in Hoi An is something one can't pass up. I got two beautiful suits made for work, and some of the ladies on the trip got some great leather boots made for them.

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Reviewed November 2011

THE AMALFI COAST

Our first walking holiday, our first holiday with Exodus and a really enjoyable experience. A good mixture of excellent walks, fantastic food and good company.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking into a deep steep gorge on our second day, surrounded by enormous cliffs and following this narrow path wondering where we were going next.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine was a really good guide, a great sense of humour, who kept everyone together and who was always willing to help when needed. it was nice when we came across refreshment stops that she was greated by the owners very much as a local and all the members of the group were made to feel very .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do get yourself ready, the walks are quite hard work but manageable and provided you have got reasonable walking shoes there should be no problems. A pole is useful but not essential and it is worth doing some practice walks which involve a bit of steep up hill.Above all don't worry about being the slowest, you probably will not be and even if you are people are happy to wait for you and still allow you time for a rest.

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Reviewed November 2011

ATLAS PANORAMA

Marrakech as advertised. Felt safe and plenty to see and do. Walks in the Atlas mountains just right. The village absolutely charming and the Gite clean simple and well run. Food excellent. People so friendly and welcoming.

Most Inspirational Moment

Taking tea at a house in Tighza. Hearing about the project in the village.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan is one of the best. Very experienced and capable. Dry sense of humour. He Judged the group well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take waterproofs. It can rain and be very cold at 8500 feet. Know what price you are willing to pay before you start haggling. Beer about £9 a pint in hotels.Take ear plugs. Hotel Hadnna in Marrakech is noisy. Unlike Premier Inn there is no guarantee of sleep. The nightclub in the basement  runs from midnight till 5am.  Moved up to 4th floor at 3am on first night. Second night of broken sleep, so spent it in the basement. It's not quite Rick's place in Casablanca. Beer £12 a pint, Hubble Bubble pipes and sort of cabaret.Don't bother trying to use the fire escape. Corridors blocked solid with beds and assorted tables etc. [Check out the 'fire' for the pipes on the stairs just below reception!] There are better places to stay in the area.

Reply from Exodus

Please be assured that Exodus ensures all hotels used meet health and safety regulations and these are regularly checked by our local operator. Thanks to Mr Thirkill bringing this to our attention, another visit was made immediately after this trip and they have assured us that all fire exits have been cleared, after they completed a thorough clean of the hotel.

Since the increase of tourism in Marrakech over the past few years, it has been difficult to find characterful hotels near the centre. I would like to assure you that Exodus is working hard on this issue and currently completing safety checks on a variety of alternative hotels which we hope will offer a better stay in the wonderful ‘Pink City’ and a lasting and positive experience of Morocco.

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Reviewed November 2011

PICOS PEAKS & GORGES

An energetic, but not exhausting, week in a beautiful area of Spain. The new guide, Alvaro, made sure that we were safe and had an enjoyable time

Most Inspirational Moment

Just being outdoors in both the high lush pasture and the craggy limestone with memorable views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro was very enthusiastic about his patch of Northern Spain. He looked after all members of the group, providing just the right amount of information about The Picos de Europa.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As with all Exodus trips, just be prepared for some itinerary changes - it's part of the fun. On this trip, there was some change to the order of the walks.On at least three of the walks, there were opportunities for those who wished, to shorten or simplify the route. Consider taking a knee support or two if your knees have a combined age of over 100 yrs! ...just in case.The Hotel Torrecerredo is basic, the owners Pilar and Jim will look after you well and the food is good. Some great Riojas on the winelist.....try the "Muriel" one. Had two great evening meals in the village too.

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