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!
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14179 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Carmen Geyer
Reviewed December 2024
Love love love Sri Lanka!
Definitely an incredible experience! This trip is a fantastic introduction to Sri Lanka, covering all the must-sees in the regions visited, but at a good pace with some down time to explore in between.
Accommodation is good, staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. Local food is absolutely delicious, with loads of vegetarian and vegan options.
Can’t wait to visit again!
Most Inspirational Moment
The visit to the Dambulla Cave Temples and close the encounters with wild elephants.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and in his words, he loved 'adding colour' with little stops and extras along the way
Robyn Long
Reviewed December 2024
A Must Do Trip!
This trip is simply wonderful! It has everything you could ask for- wild animals, amazing culture, wonderful people, beautiful landscapes and stunning food and drink. I have always wanted to go to South Africa and thought this trip was a great way to see so much of it but it has exceeded all expectations.
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching wild animals roam in their natural environment will never get boring!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader Petro was exactly what you would want in an Exodus leader! She is caring, passionate, knowledgeable and made it her absolute mission to make sure the group saw the best of South Africa and had a once in a lifetime trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Simply put just book! You won't regret it :)
Other than that, add on some extra nights at the end of the trip in Cape Town as there is so much to see and do!
Margaret Jean Flanagan
Reviewed December 2024
Great overview of Vietnam
This is a busy fast paced trip that covers Vietnam from bottom to top. My husband and I loved the journey. The cycling was fabulous though challenging at times with the heat and humidity. The morning starts are early, and the day quickly fills with many “xin chaos” from the children and the sights, sounds and smells of a vibrant country that is undergoing rapid change. If you are looking for physical activity, jungle scenery and have an interest in the history of Vietnam this may be the adventure for you.
It was a pleasure to meet our fellow travelers and as Canadians we found the British accents exotic to our ears! The group worked well together and there was always a sense of camaraderie and team support.
Most Inspirational Moment
We really enjoyed all the cycling routes and even coming down from Hai Van pass in the monsoon like rain had its own beauty. My favorite afternoon was cycling through the small paths through the rural areas dodging the water buffalo.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lam Nguyen and all the support staff were exceptional. This trip has many moving parts and an itinerary that includes bikes, buses, boats, trains, and kayaks.
The fact that 17 people were seamlessly guided through 2 weeks for this with a minimum of chaos speaks to a lot of behind the scene organization.
We really appreciated that the check in at the hotels was prearranged and within minutes of our arrival we had our room keys in hand.
The cycle breaks were frequent, well timed and there was always plenty of the signature ice cold lemonade, snacks and fresh fruit.
We enjoyed Lam's ever cheerful Xin chao and " short stories" that explained the next leg of the trip.
At first I was concerned that I might find the time in the bus long but usually I was happy to sit in the AC and rest while I took in the passing countryside. Lam was also good at giving us some information and insight into the parts of Vietnam we were seeing. Thanks for that Lam!
Advice for Potential Travellers
We did the Angkor Wat/Cambodia extension before the cycle trip and I would recommend both the trip and doing it before you start cycling to get some time to acclimatize to the climate and time zone.
As Canadians we required a visa to get into Vietnam. We had done this at home and it is simply a matter of sending in the information and $35. What we did not notice however that despite sending a copy of his passport, two letters in my husband's name were inverted. On noting this the Cambodian airline staff would not let us board our flight from Phnom Penh to HCM city. We were able to get a "15 minute urgent visa" for my husband from a business in Hong Kong and catch a later flight but all this was stressful and very expensive. So just a tip that if you need a visa for Vietnam triple check the spelling of your name.
As others have mentioned if you have the time arrive in HCM a day or so early and spent some extra time in Hanoi at the end of the trip otherwise you really won't have time to see much of either place.
Once again if time allows and you have the interest try and read a bit about the recent history of Vietnam. I was born in 1958 and as a child growing up heard a lot about Vietnam but never really understood what the conflict was all about. Thanks to this trip I now can put this information in context. It makes me wonder if in 50 years someone will be standing in a museum In Kiev listening to school groups tour through and marvel at the absurdity of war.
Andrew Crocombe
Reviewed December 2024
November trip
A great blend of fun and nature in amazing scenery.
Most Inspirational Moment
Many. Experiencing humming birds buzzing past our heads. Seeing dolphins on our sea trip. Zip lines. Watching monkeys swing from tree to tree. Beautifully coloured birds.....
Thoughts on Group Leader
Absolutely excellent, identifying all the birds and animals we saw, amazing knowledge. He also provided lots of extra little visits en route
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't go in November, we had incessant rain for much of our time (but still had a great time). ideally go after Christmas. In any event take an umbrella, it was down as optional but I would make it essential.
Nigel Eaton
Reviewed December 2024
Wild Sri Lanka
This is a well planned and managed tour. We liked having the two days at the coast either side of the five days inland. Our tour guide Lucky was very good and it was very useful having Dineth, the naturalist, with us to help find and identify wildlife. The bus was very spacious and the hotels good. We didn’t see whales and leopards and, if that is a must for you, then this is not the right trip. However, if you enjoy wildlife generally then this is an excellent choice. The countryside is very beautiful and interesting, and the walks and game drives enjoyable. We saw lots of different birds and a good selection of mammals and reptiles.
shaelene Chapman
Reviewed December 2024
INCREDIBLE TREK!
This was, without a doubt, the best trek I’ve ever done! Starting with two days in Cusco, a city that’s not only beautiful but full of history and culture – I loved having the time to explore, and our guide offered fantastic recommendations for delicious Peruvian meals.
The Inca Trail itself was incredible. Every day brought stunning views, and there were soo many Inca ruins along the way! Day 2 (Dead Womans Pass) was definitely a challenge but so rewarding once reaching the top!
I was surprised by the quality of the camping, it was far better than expected. And the food – wow! The chefs prepared three-course meals that were absolutely delicious, and on the final night, we were treated to fresh-baked cake and mulled wine to celebrate – it exceeded all my expectations!
Overall, the trip was perfectly planned from start to finish. An unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to visit Machu Picchu!
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking up to the Sun Gate!
Thoughts on Group Leader
AMAZING! Holger was such an incredible guide – he truly made the experience unforgettable. His knowledge of the Inca Trail, the history, and the surrounding landscapes was exceptional, and he shared fascinating insights that brought the entire trek to life. Not only was he incredibly knowledgeable, but he also had a fantastic sense of humor that kept the group energized and in high spirits throughout the trek. He was always patient, making sure everyone was comfortable and at their own pace, and his personable nature made it easy to connect with him. Holger went above and beyond to ensure that we had the best possible experience, making him the perfect leader for this adventure.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Definitely rent the trekking poles!
Janice Holmes
Reviewed December 2024
Everyday a wonderful treat
Fabulous mixture of nature, animals, birds, scenery dotted with adventure
Most Inspirational Moment
Coming up close with all aspects of nature
Thoughts on Group Leader
Armando was a wonderful group leader. He was funny, kind and considerate. His knowledge about all aspects of nature was amazing and had a great way in explaining. He was a fab leader.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip was a treat every day. Such a variety. Regardless of the weather Costa Rica has a lot to offer.
Laurie Dunk
Reviewed December 2024
Patagonia Highlights - Recommended
We had a great experience in Patagonia.
Most Inspirational Moment
Arriving at the base of Torres del Paine - thanks to J.P. our guide!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Luciano was great. Very knowledgeable and he always had a solutions to unexpected issues, such as several of our group removed from our flight from Ushuaia. He also had many great suggestions for activities.
Bethan Evans
Reviewed December 2024
Windy but wonderful
Amazing scenery, good food and wine (at very reasonable prices) and I laughed every day. The group was the usual Exodus mix of interesting, well-travelled people who love cycling. The long straight roads in strong winds were a challenge – even on e-bikes, but I thoroughly enjoyed the climbs (apart from one on what I think was the hottest day and trying to conserve my battery) and the downhills were very enjoyable, especially down to Barrydale with dramatic storm clouds on the horizon. Passing an ostrich was also a highlight for me. We didn’t race – it was static in a field.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were a few: Fransshoek Pass most definitely, both the climb and the long, winding downhill; the last day from Simonstown back to Capetown was wonderful and I really didn't want it to end; the coffee stop at a pretty village called Elim (the lady who served us was lovely) and watching the Wales v S Africa rugby match in a bar in Hermanus, even though Wales lost. Everybody was very kind and so very involved. I will also always remember the wise but sad words of Craig, our bus guide on Robben Island.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Peter stepped in at the last minute and I loved his attitude, humour and knowledge of history, language, books etc. Both he and Ende were wonderful company and made the trip for me.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Unless you're very fit, go for an e-bike. Not so much for the hills but to battle those incredible headwinds. I read a few novels based in S Africa and written by South Africans beforehand and on the way, which really intensified the South African experience for me. They varied from the light and amusing Tannie Maria novels by Sally Andrew (based in the Karoo) to the much darker Life and Times of Michael K by J.M Coetzee. I bought some trinkets (Christmas decorations, small animals from recycled materials etc) from street-sellers from Zimbabwe and Malawi on the way (they really need the money) and now wish I'd bought more. Oh, and look out for passing snakes - beautiful creatures.
Andrew Longden
Reviewed December 2024
A superb trip - an Exodus classic
A very comprehensive tour of the Galapagos, staying on all four of the populated islands. We saw a great deal of wildlife both in and out of the water. The snorkelling was superb – a vast number of fish, turtles and sharks. The land based activities were also fascinating, whether exploring volcanic landscapes or conservation centres. The pace was perfect, with a little time to explore the generally superb local restaurants. As you might expect, seafood is excellent, plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Surprisingly the islands have a few microbreweries producing exceptional ales!! The hotels were all comfortable and very friendly – we had one night in an exceptionally noisy room but our guide arranged to move us the following day, so not a big issue. The boat transfers and trips were exclusive to our group and of a very high standard – particularly on the last full day.
Most Inspirational Moment
Probably swimming with playful sea lions, but the entire trip was energising and memorable. Not to be ignored, the tour of Quito was also interesting, and our group were able to extend our local tour by paying the bus driver a few dollars to drive us to local points of interest.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Iva was calm, knowledgeable, efficient and friendly. The logistics of the trip worked flawlessly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You will snorkel most days, so consider taking your own mask if, like me, you need corrective optical glass (it makes a huge difference if you normally wear glasses). An underwater camera would also be useful. The hire of good quality snorkel gear is included, and it is possible to pay a modest charge for a wetsuit - I didn’t, and I wasn’t cold, but you are in the water for up to an hour at a time. We broke our outward journey with a stopover in Madrid, which is something we’d thoroughly recommend as it is a very long journey. Tight flight connections increases the risk of baggage being mislaid - luckily ours went missing on the way home but were delivered home within 3 days. We got a very good deal on business class flights which are worth considering as each main leg is 11 hours overnight.