Reviews

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

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52 Reviews

4.9 out of 5

Steve and Lynn Tamplin

Reviewed October 2023

Brilliant experience

A trip/experience that delivers in every sense – environments, variety of wildlife, varied scenery. So many opportunities to get close to wildlife. The trip does involve a lot of travelling and very early starts, and, apart from the last day at Victoria Falls, probably not too much « free » time. That said, the journeys are all enjoyable, interesting, and much wildlife can be seen. Described as « leisurely » in the trip information, the overall trip or travelling/walks/heat and early starts does require some stamina (perhaps more so with age!). That said, this commitment delivers both in terms of what is presented and it’s variety. During this trip the group ( a really good group of people and a real bonus) saw a great range of animals (including the big 5), some stunning scenery and really all we could have hoped for. Food and accommodation throughout was of a good quality and comfortable. The accommodation offered a good variety of comfortable experiences and all provided tea/coffee making facilities and , importantly, hairdryers!

Most Inspirational Moment

It is hard to pick. Staying at the Delta and the optional helicopter ride, were memorable, but all the major visits in their own right had much to offer. Being so close to the wildlife at the camp, hearing lions, hippos and elephants during the night and seeing the night sky, was truly memorable. Walking close to rhinos in Motopo was amazing. Seeing the stunning Victoria Falls was a great conclusion to a trip that kept on giving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Onary, our guide, was professional, well organised, hard working, knowledgeable and enthusiastic; an all round pleasant guy. We can not speak highly enough of him and his efforts were a significant factor in making this trip such a memorable experience. He is also a great cook! Indeed, some of the best food was cooked on the camp fire! Such sentiments also go out to the group who contributed to making the two weeks together a real pleasure. Staff in the hotels, various guides, the polers and others we had contact with during the two weeks were all invariably pleasant, helpful and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We used our bank cards sparingly, taking with us US$ in mostly small denominations, which worked for us especially in Zimbabwe. Others within the group seemed to use their cards with no problem. We would advise against $100 dollar notes as change is not plentiful and people were pleased to receive small denomination notes. One piece of advice is to have all footwear readily available on arrival (perhaps pack a spare carrier bag) as there are three foot and mouth stations in which you need to dip all your shoes in Botswana, the first being soon after arrival. Also take at least one Botswana plug adapter. If travelling as a couple, it would be advisable to split your clothes across baggage as luggage can/ did go astray (something we’d never thought of before!). Optional visits, such as the helicopter ride over the Delta, the meal at the local produce restaurant at Victoria Falls and the sunset cruise on the Zambezi, are well worth it. The optional night safari in Hwange was perhaps a bit expensive for what it delivered, but who knows on a different occasion?

Bridget Thomas

Reviewed September 2023

Fantastic trip

This was an amazing trip, we saw so much and thanks to Onary our guide, also learnt so much about the animals, the people and the way they live. Shortly into our first game drive we saw a male leopard up a tree with a kill and a female on the ground below. Camping in the Okavanga Delta was a great experience, as was the walking safari to see rhinos, which we did. Everything was so well organised and although the drives were sometimes long we saw so much on the way that they weren’t boring. Just a fantastic experience, absolutely loved it

Most Inspirational Moment

There were lots of inspirational moments!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Onary was a fantastic leader, nothing was too much trouble and he thought of everything

Advice for Potential Travellers

Head torch, safari hat, don’t forget your double entry visa for Zimbabwe, mosquito repellent

Bethany McNally

Reviewed July 2023

Dream come true! JUST GO!!!

WOW. What and absolutely epic trip this was! It really was the trip of a life time, so many amazing opportunities to get super close to all the wildlife. I picked Botswana and Zimbabwe for the fact they have the largest population of African elephants found anywhere, WOW I was not disappointed. Thousands of elephants everywhere I looked, it was an animal lover’s paradise! not only elephants but an abundance of birds, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, giraffe, hippos galore. Impala, buffalo, wildebeest and so much more! The countries themselves were absolutely beautiful and so different in terrain. Some of the most genuine and nicest people I have ever met anywhere! The accommodation was spot on and the food was absolutely delicious.

Most Inspirational Moment

There wasn’t just one moment but SOOO many unbelievable moments. -Day one watching a pride of lions try and take down buffalo -Spotting the elusive leopard on a nighttime game drive -Watching a cheetah take down an impala and feed it to her cubs -Camping in the Okavango delta, what an experience this was! one of the last remaining wildernesses left on the planet! it was epic!! The helicopter ride over the delta was amazing!! Dancing around the camp fire listening to the local music. - Rhino spotting on food in Matopo NP. -Bumping into a grumpy elephant at night trumpeting at us! -Spotting a group of African wild dogs on the hunt -I must add dancing with the local tribes, this was brilliant!! -Whitewater rafting in the Zambezi!! This was epic! Honestly the list goes on.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant!! Adonia was superb, he was so knowledgably about the local areas and wildlife. He always told us in so much detail what to expect in the coming days. He was so enthusiastic his passion really shined through. He was a genuinely lovely guy and nothing was too much trouble! Couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Sifiso the driver was also amazing, brilliant driving on such bumpy road. His knowledge of wildlife and the local areas was spot on too! Thanks guy without you this trip wouldn’t have been as good!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

JUST BOOK IT! BOOK IT NOW! Must pack your torch, pack loo roll for the delta, pack snacks for long drives and books. Must book the helicopter over the delta!! river cruise on the final night in the Zambezi with your new travel friends. White water rafting, if you are up for an adventure. Take a good camera, because wow you will take some epic pics!! and binoculars!

Johanna Barraclough

Reviewed July 2023

Amazing variety & opportunity to see Big 5

The organisation from Exodus was first class, they were quick to answer any questions prior to the holiday. This trip includes a lot of travelling, but that offers a wide variety of experience and a fantastic opportunity to see numerous animals. We were very fortunate to see all of the big 5, including witnessing a Cheetah hunt an Impala through to capturing it. There were numerous animals which were within a couple of metres of our vehicles/boats. The staff were amazing and very knowledgeable instilling great confidence in us. We would particularly like to thank our Group Leader Adonia and Driver Sofiso, who both went above and beyond their standard duties to ensure our group had the best experience possible.

Most Inspirational Moment

Camping in the Delta gave us a first hand insight into the lives of the Polers, as well as bring us face to face with nature. We were able to witness lions and elephants in action, not just standing, but the highlight of the Safari was having the opportunity to watch a Cheetah hunt an Impala through to capture.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group Leader Adonia, was fantastic. He was very approachable, extremely knowledgeable and nothing was too much for him to do to make our Group’s holiday unforgettable.

Jeanette Hambrey

Reviewed April 2023

Just wow !

There is so much packed into this itinerary, The different landscapes and wildlife you will see is amazing. This was my 1st solo holiday, I particularly picked it because I wanted to be with a mixed group of couples and solos alike and it worked well for me. There is a lot of travelling involved in this trip but I believe it was worth it to see the landscape change so very much. Motopo national park was so beautiful and we literally crept up on 3 rhinos. The peacefulness of the delta and the milky way was magnificent 👌 (The bushy bushy was something to be desired but I survived)

Most Inspirational Moment

For me it was climbing the rocks to world's end ...the view is spectacular and I can see why Cecil Rhodes wanted to be laid to rest there. Also walking through long grass in our hunt for rhinos, just magical

Thoughts on Group Leader

ONARY ...what a wonderful man. He was professional , friendly and kind, he made each of us feel special and included.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Oh yes...... Make sure you take : South African and English adapter plugs Power Bank Head torch I am the type of person that normally goes to 5 star resorts, so if I can do this trip and love it so will you! If you fancy a bit of adventure just go for it

Christopher Witt

Reviewed January 2023

Botswana and Zimbabwe Lodge Safari

This trip trys to pack in too much to the time available and therefore fails to deliver the normally high quality experiences that other Exodus trips have done. The only wild dog sitings to be expected (according to the guide upon arrival) are at the rescue centre, much appreciated but not actually on the official itinerary. Chobe is great for wildlife and getting up close to rhinos in Mtobo on foot was a great experience. The wildlife walks in the Okavango Delta likewise were a great way to experience seeing animals rather than from a jeep. Otherwise the Delta element was a bit dissapointing, too much wasted time. The long, hot journeys in a mini bus (AC seemed poor) that was really too small for the group spoilt some of the trip. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans was not handled well, a waste of time that could have been utilised for a longer time at say Hwange. Depite being told of the large lion population the apparent lack of radio communication between jeeps meant we saw none. Another day would have been of benefit. Overall some great wildlife views and Victoria Falls, but the structure of the trip fails.

Most Inspirational Moment

Chobe, seeing lions eating a kill in the early morning game drive. Elephants crossing the river again in Chobe. Getting up close to severla rhinos in Mtobo on foot and Victoria Falls.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide seemed a bit distant at times and was not too concerned about the well being of the group. The safari trip in Mtobo is quite long and hot. Despite taking our own water it soon ran out and the local guide had only a small supply. The Exodus guide had been on this trip before an knew the situation but failed to brief us to take more or ensure enough water was available.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suitable convertor for South Africa plug sockets required. The general populace are nice and friendly, but very poor, so tip heavy! Take the flight over Victoria Falls. Take more water at Mtobo! Consider just a safari in Botswana as that seemed to have the best wildlife as this trip falls short.

david sylvester

Reviewed October 2022

An amazing adventure

This trip was ‘not a holiday but an adventure’ – the itinerary includes excellent game/national parks, lodges, and wildlife; a good mix of game drives both in a vehicle, boat/mokoro & on foot, which resulted in finding the big 5 and much more; including on the last drive a cheetah sighting. All accommodation was comfortable, providing good food and in spectacular locations.
We did cover over 2,000 kms to be able to visit the parks, however, while we had a couple of long days, we would not have been able to visit the parks, see all the animals etc. and the travelling was made much easier by the great team of Onary, our guide, ably supported by Sifiso who both contributed to an enjoyable, well organised adventure!

Most Inspirational Moment

So much was inspirational as we were very lucky to see so much wildlife, however the walking safaris and being on the ground with the animals was amazing…. especially being 15 metres from a rhino and her baby.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Onary did a great job; he was knowledgeable, always available, well organised, with a very friendly and welcoming demeanour.

Anushta Sivananthan

Reviewed October 2022

Highly recommended this trip

Opportunity to see plenty of wildlife in different settings. One day is extremely long (driving the route) . However the different environments of Botswana and Zimbabwe give a great varierty of opportunities to see wildlife in different settings. The trip is well planned. The activity days are full on but there is time to rest. The accommodation is varied however everywhere is spotlessly clean. Food is plentiful and there is variety even if there are dietary requirements.
The guides-local and tour leaders are extremely knowledgeable.
The wild camping in the Okavango delta is spectacular. The support staff and guides are amazing.
Would recommend the helicopter flight over the delta .
I would highly recommend this trip to people who don’t want just a safari. It’s a great adventure.

Most Inspirational Moment

The mokoros and camping in the Okavango delta was magical. Seeing rhino in Matopos was humbling. The dinner cruise on the Zambesi is a agreat end of tour dinner- especially as you get to see wildlife too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Onary lacked confidence to begin with. I understand he hadn't done this tour before but had done elements of it. After the first 3 days he became more confident. It helped having Sophiso to support Onary to begin with. Onary was extremely knowledgeable about wildlife,plants etc. He was a great chef in the Delta. He was kind and solicitous and ensured solo travellers were supported. He was open and honest and answered all questions- even political ones.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is only one long travel day. However need to be agile enough to get in and out of safari vehicles. The heat adds extra physical stress so travellers will want to consider this if you have underlying health issues.

Charlotte Thomson

Reviewed October 2022

Amazing

I had such a great trip. From start to finish it was well organised and having the guide and driver meant we were well looked after. Every place we stayed was brilliant and the camping was well set up (just don’t forget your head torch like me!)

Most Inspirational Moment

Camping in the Okavango Delta. Despite being very anxious it was unbelievable. The sunsets will be forever remembered.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great, very helpful and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember your headtorch!

lucy pollard

Reviewed October 2022

everything we had hoped it would be

We first booked this trip for Sep 2020 but due to the pandemic we postponed it twice. It was well worth the wait! As a child I watched all the David Attenborough wildlife documentaries and so I had always wanted to visit Botswana. To me words like Chobe, Zambezi and Okovango were shorthand for the most beautiful and wildlife rich places to dream of visiting. This trip more than lived up to all my expectations. Botswana was absolutely teeming with wildlife – you literally see giraffes and elephants regularly along the highway, right up close.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were lots of stand out moments but if we have to pick one it would be the game walks in the Okavango Delta. There were so many animals (hippos and elephants mainly) just a few minutes from our camp. The whole journey to get to the wild camp was peaceful and a fantastic way to build up the anticipation of visiting this magical environment, drifting along the waterways being steered by our poler. Even though we saw Vic Falls in the dry season this was still absolutely spectacular. I had originally considered a trip just to Botswana but I'm really glad I chose this combination trip instead, seeing the rhinos and the falls in Zim. We had also considered seeing the falls from Zambia - its way better from the Zimbabwe side.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adonia (Ado) was great fun and made a real effort to get the group to gel together. He was open and realistic about his homeland (Zim) whilst passionate about its future. He had already done this tour 4 times this year before my trip, yet his delivery was fresh and his enthusiasm for what we would see and how much we would come to love both countries matched ours. Ado told us about the painted dog sanctuary and given how unlikely it is you will see one in the wild, the group wanted to visit. It was really interesting, and we all agreed it should feature on the official trip. The food he cooked for us in the Delta was great, and he tried really hard to cater for everyone's preferences. It was clear that giving us the best possible experience from the holiday was his number one priority. That was also true of our driver, Sefiso, who helped with booking up trips and told us where to get some great Biltong.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to be more "off grid" than most other holidays - electricity and wifi don't often coincide with free time. Buy plenty of water before visiting Matopo as the lodge there is pretty remote and only had tap water Buy a south african plug adapter (not part of a universal adaptor) Take something to read when you pack your small bag for the O Delta - this part of the trip does have a reasonable amount of free time, and not a lot to do between game walks

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