Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14208 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed August 2011

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

This trip succeeds in maintaining a good balance between physical activity and cultural experiences. It packs in an awful lot witout ever seeming rushed or overwhelming. I thought I would be exhausted after two weeks of constant moving but I didn’t want it to end.

Most Inspirational Moment

The smells of the Vietnamese countryside - tea leaves laid out on the roadside to dry, the sweetness of banana groves, jasmine, all overlapping one another.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joe is a very professional and competent group leader. And he has a sense of humour. And he's very patient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack a gel seat because there are some long days of cycling. If you see something you'd like to buy along the way don't defer the purchase because you may not get another opportunity to get it. Go on the optional trip to the Cu Chi tunnels outside Ho Chi Minh City.

Reviewed August 2011

Magnificent Mara - photographic safari

I’ve been going on safari since I was 6 years old, but the wildlife sightings on this trip (both in terms of variety and number of game) surpassed everything I have ever experienced; I now worry about how/why I will ever go anywhere other than the Mara to photograph wild animals. Add the exclusive position of the migration camp, the fabulous guides, excellent food, the wondrous photography opportunities and the infectious, nay, rabid, enthusiasm of our great leader… well, it was off the scale!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the felines of Africa is always a highlight, and we had sightings every day including a thrilling cheetah kill (just in front of our vehicles), two attempted lion kills, a successful lion kill and a leopard on a hunt. The Mara was one big lion nursery with many tiny cubs cavorting in the sunshine – even climbing trees. A particular highlight was to see a lion cub estimated at just two or three hours old. To be the first people to see this cub stagger out of its den to feel its first rays of sun was an incredible privilege, a moment to treasure. We also witnessed the most spectacular sunset I have ever seen. For me, the most extraordinary and inspirational moment was the migration crossing at the notorious Cul de Sac on the Talek River. It was an utterly visceral experience: true drama played out right in front of us as some of the estimated 2 million migrating wildebeest struggled across the river, dodging crocs in the water and predators waiting on the other side. The river turned into ‘wildebeest soup’ as the animals thrashed their way across and then came to an abrupt halt as the steep banks of the river barred their way up to freedom. I could have sat there for hours … oh, I did.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have never been told off quite so much on a trip before… mostly justified as Paul was always faster than me to get his camera ready for action. But – no pain, no gain: I have also never taken as many good photographs before. And I have never guffawed so much either: one particular morning’s barrage of filthy jokes had me weeping with laughter. Paul’s boundless energy, his passion for wildlife and his love for the Mara are all incredibly inspiring; his mission was to make sure that we got the best sightings, the best positions and had all the tools and tips we needed to get the best photographs possible (slow-panning shots notwithstanding!). Mission accomplished.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I had a Canon 7D with a 300mm lens and I hired a 1.4 extender (via lensesforhire.co.uk) and that served me very well. Also I had a 70-300mm zoom plus a wide-angle lens. A laptop for downloading pics is advisable: I took more than 3000 photos in a week (now edited to a manageable 400)! Take a spare camera body as swapping lenses is a pain and the dust gets everywhere. My main camera body developed a fault just before the big migration crossing, so these photos are sadly kaput. Fortunately I was taking wide angles with the spare 400D body so I have something other than just memories. Take layers as it is chilly in the mornings, and the temperature can plunge if it rains heavily. Take a scarf/bungie so you don’t end up with a fright wig instead of hair. Sweetie supplies are appreciated – wine gums particularly. Try to arrive fully rested as sleep is not really on the agenda! Oh, and bring a thick skin and a few good jokes that would rate on a smutometer!

Reviewed August 2011

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

A truly well organised experience of a lifetime holiday. Very well looked after in all aspects – the food was just superb – I am not a camper but nethertheless tea in bed in the mornings certainly helped!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The enthusiasm of the guides and their encouragement - "getting to the top is a piece of cake" - I quote

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent - well experienced, knowledgeable, caring, considerate with super interpersonal skills

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a nail brush

Reviewed August 2011

WALKING IN BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

I don’t often write reviews but this time I felt the need to!! This was the best Exodus holiday I’ve been on in a while, I loved every minute of it and I could have stayed longer.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many great moments including the hike up Maglic which was made extra special by the fantastic weather which made the views spectacular, and our visits to both Sarajevo and Mostar which were made particulary special by the insights and experiences of our guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both of our guides were very professional and showed awareness of the needs of our group members. They helped to make the trip special, especially as they were prepared to answer all of our questions and share there personal experiences of Bosnia's recent history. They were knowledgeable and informative about all of our walks and the culture of the area. I rate them among the best guides I have come across in the 14 years that I have been going on Exodus holidays.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to enjoy yourself whatever the weather!

Anonymous .

Reviewed August 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

This was the most awe inspiring trip of my life!

Most Inspirational Moment

* Trekking to see the awe inspiring mountain gorillas in Rwanda (and having a silverback breathe on my neck) * The genocide memorial and museum: 1994. 100 days. 1 million people. The world stood by and watched it happen.* Spending my bday in the Ugandan bush drinking champagne and toasting marshmallows by the campfire surrounded by warthogs and very noisy hippos.* Hot air ballooning at dawn over the migrating wildebeast in the Masai Mara.* Sleeping in Nakuru National Park as three lions prowl past our tents and rangers need to fire warning shots* Seeing the beauty of lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, impala, water buffalo and wildebeast up close and personal xx * Having a David Attenborough view of a python eating an impala....ewwwgh!* Spending the morning in a rual Ugandan primary school and joining in the song and dance* Meeting amazing and inspiring people and some friends for life. Endless smiles and gut-busting laughter every day. This trip has changed my life xx

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emias is one of the loveliest people I have met. He is incredibly knowledgeable, sensitive to group and individual needs, generous to a fault and very funny. He always has a beaming smile that brightens even the earliest of early starts. Emias, Leo and Francis were a cohesive team and clearly enjoyed working together. Leo is a fabulous chef (his guacamole is to die for and how many people can make a delicious lasagne on a BBQ?) and I enjoyed our nightly banter over the dinner menu ("food" was the only answer I could EVER squeeze out of him!). He also made me a beautiful cake for my birthday. You will definitely not go hungry on this trip. Francis did most of the driving and if you ask him nicely he will 'fly' over the bumpy parts of the road. Nothing is too much trouble: if you left your tent open during the day and it starts raining, you wont come back to a wet sleeping bag, if you're sick he'll bring you tea and he's always good for a chat. Nakupenda sana, Emias, Leo and Francis. Thank you for making this such a great trip xx

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have any doubts over going on this trip, don't! It's amazing and you will have the time of your life. Don't worry about going on your own either. I'd never been away on my own before and everyone was so friendly. I had an amazing roomie who I'd definitely go away with again.Things worth thinking about:* You really need a decent torch. My duck torch (affectionately known as Dermot) did not cut the mustard one tiny bit!* Take two smaller bags. It would have been so much easier, especially when camping.* You can never have enough antibacterial gel, wipes and loo roll (and maybe even a peg for your nose!)* You will take thousands of pictures (spare batteries, SD cards and lenses are a must)* If you get sick in Nairobi I would definitely recommend the medical centre there (don't wait, go). It is stunning: immaculately clean, gorgeous medical team and amazing facilities. They took great care of my roomie so she was able to get on the flight that night and even gave her a present as she left.

Reviewed August 2011

NAMIBIA LODGE ADVENTURE

This trip was excellent value for money. We saw a lot of Namibia, the game park was brilliant and our guides were first class. If you want a trip to get a good snapshot of Namibia this will easily meet your needs.

Most Inspirational Moment

We saw 30 lions in one day at Etosha - and some were very close to our vehicle! Also, the ancient rock art and petrified forest were pretty amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronnie and Joseph were excellent - very professional, good cooks, very good at spotting animals and great fun to be with. They worked very hard and looked after our party of 11 extremely well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Depending when you travel to Namibia be prepared for cold nights - the trip notes are very accurate in this respect. Also, Swakopmund is probably the best place for gifts - there is plenty at the craft market on the last day, but if you want to use gift shops Swakopmund is best.

Reviewed August 2011

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

I didnt expect to love every single day of the trip. I expected to struggle at times but I can honestly say it was all amazing and an absolute pleasure.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was most special feeling getting to the summit. It was so beautiful up there as the sun rose.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guides (African Walking Company) were brilliant - fully responsible for getting all 12 of our group to the summit. They knew exactly how fast to go, always had our safety and well-being in mind. We were never left wanting, from tea/coffee at our 6am wake up calls to information about every day's itinery.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its true - you dont have to be particularly physically fit to do the climb. However you have to really want it mentally.Take Diamox to stop altitude sickness.Invest in good kit (or hire it) as it makes such a difference to know you have a warm coat, sleeping bag, good boots, a water bladder etc.On the summit day, wear everything, as many layers as possible! Also hand warmers that you can wear inside your gloves -these saved the day for me. Go on safari and zanzibar afterwards!

Reply from Exodus

Porters are paid significantly more than the $3 a day mentioned in this review, in fact Exodus pay significantly more than the recommended daily amount set by The Kilimanjaro National Park and the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators.

Our porters are also expected to have suitable mountain kit. We have regular inspections to enforce these standards. Porters missing items of kit have to report to our office on the next Monday morning to explain the reason. The porter then has to demonstrate they have the correct kit before they get further work. Within the Tanzanian culture it is very much the norm that porters might get a good quality item from a client and sell it locally for cash. We not only expect our porters to have suitable kit but as there are no manufacturers of such kit in Tanzania we regularly bring in suitable kit from England. Over the years we have distributed to our mountain crew at least 200 gortex waterproofs, 80 pairs of walking boots, 350 sleeping bags, 100 pairs of gloves, 50 sleeping mats, 100 warm hats.

Nick Nikolsky – Product Manager for Tanzania.

Reviewed August 2011

THE AMALFI COAST

This was our first trekking holiday and our first trip with Exodus – both were great. The Hotel Due Torri was a perfect base for some wonderful walks. It was confortable with lovely food and very friendly and helpful staff. We felt like we were tourists sharing in a part of ‘real Italy’, rather than holiday Italy. The guide was superb with loads of local knowledge and heaps of infectious enthusiasim. The walks were tough in places (for leisurely/moderate grading) especially in the August heat but they were well worth the effort for some spectacular views. In addition, you get to visit the amazing ruins of Pompeii and peer into the (active) Vesuvius volcano. I would thoroughly recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing to the top of the mountain and looking down above the clouds to the sea below.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabulous - enthusiastic, knowledgeable, fun, and very professional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the heat if you go in August!

Reviewed August 2011

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

The trip was a lovely relaxing trip with great food, a very knowledgeable guide, and it was taken at a great pace. I really enjoyed myself.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment was the opportunity to go to the bear hide, that was wonderful to see such majestic creatures in their own environment; one of the last wildernesses in Europe!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was incredibly knowledgeable, although did not push too much information onto us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beware, and prepared, it can RAIN!!!! We got soaked one day!

Reviewed August 2011

GALAPAGOS & AMAZON

When booking a trip to the Galapagos one immediately thinks of Charles Darwin's adventures and the shift in thinking they caused. How could such a trip to these isles ever compare to such grand impressions of them. Is it even remotely possible to see what Darwin saw or even begin to imagine what he felt as he walked on the islands? The answer is yes, if you book with Exodus!

Most Inspirational Moment

On our final full day we were travelling between Isabella and Santiago. The trip had already been far more than I had wished for. We had seen the many changing faces of the islands and several of their charismatic inhabitants such as the inquisitive sea-lions, ancient tortoises, slovenly marine iguanas and the downright ridiculous blue footed boobies. The islands had decided however they would throw us yet another surprise. As our boat the Cachalote broke the waves, rocking back and forth in the now familiar rhythm, a cry was heard from our guide Darwin - "dolphins!". As the sight I had seen so many times in nature documentaries of dorsal fins breaking the waves became more and more numerous, the excitement grew. Suddenly one of the pod broke the waves and revealed itself to the boat load of gasping tourists. They then began to ride the bow wave of the boat occasionally leaning sideways and eying the smiling faces almost falling over the sides of the boat trying to capture a glimpse. Fully lost in the moment and mesmerized by the sight of the creatures it took a while for Darwin's comment to actually register, "OK, so we can try and swim with them if your grab your stuff". As the words sunk in I left the side of the boat and ran to grab my snorkel, mask and flippers. Within what seemed like a few seconds about half of our group were aboard the small panga boats and gliding along the surface of the ocean surrounded by our new friends now riding the much less impressive bow wave of the panga. We slowed and the cry of ‘GO’ was heard from Darwin. I let go of the side of the boat and rolled backwards, met with the usual sight of a mass of bubbles which cleared quickly to reveal the far more unusual sight of 4 dolphins staring straight at me. Three of them slowly swam into the blue whilst one, holding what seemed to be some sort of starfish or sea sponge in its mouth came closer as if to show me its prize. After exchanging eye contact for what seemed like an eternity it turned too and swam into the blue. Our group then slowly swam after the dolphins who occasionally turned, swam past us and then away again as if almost expressing surprise in our clear inability to swim with any sort of gracefulness. Eventually the pod, which in total must have consisted of between 20-30 individuals, began to disappear into the distance. We then climbed back aboard the pangas and once the engine was running and we were again surrounded by dolphins. Again we dived in, exchanging glances and momentarily forgetting the endlessness of the blue beneath us. This routine was repeated about 5 times until we were truly exhausted and had taken on a good few pints of sea water. We returned to the Cachalote. As we began once again to sail, the pod resumed riding the bow wave and glancing at us for another 5 minutes or so as if to wave us off. Then one by one they returned to the expanse of ocean to which they are so perfectly suited and I was left with one of the most moving experiences of my life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Darwin thankfully made a great first impression which was fully justified. As soon as we arrived on the Galapagos we were met by a smiling, enthusiastic and welcoming face. Throughout the trip he taught us much about the islands often derived from personal experiences and impossible to gain from the Internet, books or documentaries. It felt a very personalised tour. Darwin quickly realised the aspects of the islands that interested our group the most and talked more about these. This kind of treatment is what separates a great guide from a good guide. It was clear that he was as enthusiastic about the wildlife as we were and he seemed to love seeing our enjoyment of the islands as well. Darwin certainty had his work cut out living up to his name but it is a challenge he most certainly rose to and the trip would not have been half as enjoyable were it not for his knowledge and guidance throughout.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Personally on the jungle portion of the trip I did not find long trousers necessary. The paths are well cut and maintained and the amount of actual trekking is minimal. I suppose insect numbers and weather conditions vary and it is certainty worth packing them but I found it much more comfortable to trek in shorts. Washing services are available in the jungle and Quito and easy enough to perform yourself on the boat so don't fill up your case with endless clothes. Bird/wildlife guides are a great idea to take. I have never been a twitcher but recording my sightings in the Galapagos gave me great enjoyment and I was thrilled with my final count of 176 species. The only other piece of advice I would offer is don't forget your camera charger and after-sun. Although if you do I am sure you can borrow from the group if they are as obliging as mine was.

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