Reviews

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

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40 Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Fredrick Schaff

Reviewed September 2016

MADAGASCAR DISCOVERER

Although an awful lot of driving — plus two internal flights — it was a “Discoverer” trip and we certainly did see — and do — a lot and, OMG, having been on many trips/tours, Madagascar was more “In the Past” than I have been on before but, while extremely poor, peoples seemed well-fed and were invariably pleasant and always putting forth their best effort to keep things neat and clean (where dirt and dust was everywhere)

Most Inspirational Moment

At age-83, having survived the hike-in, the climbs/etc to the Peaks, the bridge, and back-out at Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Taskmaster who put it all together to do the most, see the most -- often with special events -- in a region where Mora-Mora rules everything and Mel was able to overcome it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

if you wish for unique exposure to nature and people different from almost anything you've ever seen -- DO IT !!

Catherine Grimes

Reviewed September 2016

Madagascan Discoverer

This was my second trip to Madagascar, I wanted to go somewhere that I have not been before so I thought that going to the west of Madagascar would be a good idea and I was not disappointed. The Tsingy was amazing with stunning views and the “Alley of Baobabs” at dusk was stunning.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the Tsingy, it was better than I ever imagined. I had not been to Anja park before and I was pleasantly surprised to see the ring tailed lemurs enjoying themselves in a natural setting. I have never seen so many ring tailed lemurs in a single tree as I did here. Walking in the Isalo National Park was stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Sol was very good and he was very helpful when people had problems.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't miss out on seeing the spiny forest at Ifaty. It was very sunny so take some good sunscreen, I used factor 50 and didn't burn.

John Matthiessen

Reviewed July 2016

Madagascar Discoverer

What a sensational trip! Broad in extent; deep in experiences in this fascinating country. Covering an amazing and surprising diversity of landscapes, wildlife, plant life, cultures and endless moments of ‘what’s next around the corner to amaze the senses?’ Just immerse yourself and be deeply rewarded!

Most Inspirational Moment

I was just blown away by the whole experience. Obviously the wildlife (lemurs, chameleons) and the baobabs are something very special, and I really loved the 4WD trip to Tsingy and back.

Thoughts on Group Leader

In a word: exceptional! Armel ('Mel') was so knowledgeable, informative, caring and an absolute bundle of fun - and, above all, just so thoroughly professional. I simply cannot speak more highly of this terrific guy!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it!

Harvey Trop

Reviewed July 2016

Discovering Madagascar

This is a fantastic trip! The scenery is quite breathtaking at times, and the wildlife encounters were better than I expected. You get to see a lot of what is a very big island, and you can get a peek into Malagasy culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

My number one highlight was the hike through the Tsingy; it had dramatic scenery, wildlife, technical hiking and bouldering all in one day. Number two would be hearing the Indri location call from just a few feet away.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sol (Solofoniray Razafimahazo) was outstanding. He was a great ambassador for the Malgasy culture and his patience and calm under all conditions was really inspirational. He always prepared the group for what we were likely to expect the following day, so we were always properly dressed. Little things like that can really add to the enjoyment of the experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be sure to lock your rooms and your valuables (especially money) at all times, especially at night. At one place, my roommate was robbed by a thief who entered our room while we were sleeping! Avoid the local Malagasy wine; it's reputation as swill is well deserved; the imported wines available at the restaurants were of good quality and very reasonably priced.

Evelyn Alpert

Reviewed November 2015

Madagascar Discoverer

I loved this trip and would even rate it as excellent, but future travelers need to understand that Madagascar is a third, possibly 4th world country. So there are, as some others have said, days of long drives on bad roads and heavy dust, and days with limited electricity, but it is all worth it to discover the beauty of Madagascar and its wildlife and people. This is a fascinating place, albeit being slowly destroyed, and my hope is that her future can be secured by people interested enough to tour there.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are just too many to list: reaching the top of the Tsingy ( and I recommend an even earlier start than we did), sunset and sunrise over Isalo, snorkeling off Ifaty, the ring-tailed lemurs, having the entire beach to myself in Morondava, Lemur island (which is just too much fun to have the lemurs so up close and personal), swimming in the natural piscine after a long hike, Baobab alley, and on and on!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sol was unequivocally the absolute best. He is patient with everyone, answers every question you might pose (or finds the answer for you if he doesn't know), has the greatest smile known to man, and his love for his country comes through in every thing he shares with the group. I can't imagine having done this trip with anyone else!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for long, hot, dusty days of driving. But use them to look at the countryside and the people and enjoy the scenery. Bring quick drying, moisture wicking clothes, and listen to Sol when he tells you how much water you will need!

Lindsay Challoner

Reviewed October 2015

Madagascar Discovery

A great trip. Be prepared for long, hot travelling days yet the rewards at the end are worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Conquering the Grands Tsingy!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Looked after the group very well. Kept us informed during the trip and worked hard (and successfully) to source alternatives when our Itinerary changed. Even helped to check in online for the flight home for those of us who didn't have the technology to do so!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the long coach journeys and the heat. We travelled during Madagascar's spring and for half of the trip the temperature was +30C including the days walking in the Grands Tsingy and Isalo National Park. Yet the scenery is stunning and it was always worth arriving at a new and wonderful location where we would see more of Madagascar's amazing flora & fauna.

Mark Lawrance

Reviewed August 2015

Magical Madagascar

My wife and I have had Madagascar at the top of our “must go” list (which is a pretty long list!) for many years so it was really exciting to eventually book this trip and then hope that we hadn’t set our expectations of this far away island too high. Before we left the UK, we were a little daunted at the amount that was being included in the itinerary but once we arrived, we recognised that all of this was expertly organised and that we really were going to see the maximum number of highlights in a two week period. But the “glue” holding the itinerary together was our marvellous guide, Solofo (Sol), who calmly and efficiently made sure that we got from place to place, seeing all the key sights and experiencing the real Madagascar. There is something for everyone on this trip – the variety of landscape, wildlife and activity shows off Madagascar at its best. I’ve only had a little exposure to travel in the African continent but this unique island seems somehow different. I really felt that we were explorers seeing the island as it opens up to tourism but also struggles with tough ecological challenges. The welcome we received wherever we went was warm and genuine and that connection to both the people and the island has really remained with me since returning home. I can’t recommend this tour highly enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many..... Climbing the limestone pinnacles in Grand Tsingy National Park, hearing the Indri calling to each other on our morning walk in Andasibe, walking along the pure white sea shore in Ifaty, the peace and tranquillity of the Maki gorge (it really is like paradise) and being just metres away from the cheeky ring-tailed lemurs

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sol was simply amazing. He was our guide, our teacher, our interpreter, our ecologist, our naturalist, our motivator (ahead of long journeys and early starts), our doctor (to a couple of poorly group members), but most importantly our friend. Sol calmly and quietly just gets things done but gives his time and support freely to ensure the total satisfaction of the group. Despite a few challenges that were thrown at him along the way (primarily the Air Madagascar strike) he just smiled and did whatever was necessary to keep the group happy and the itinerary on track.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Despite the fact that the trip is described as "moderate", be prepared for a really intensive and often tiring two week adventure. But rest assured, it's really worth it!! Most days start at (or before) sunrise and there are many days when you don't reach your destination until after sunset but that's based on the curious Madagascar combination of a) fabulous things to see and do during the days, b) terrible roads and slow journeys, and c) short days during the winter season. This is not a "holiday" in terms of rest and relaxation. In fact, there were only a couple of very short periods when we had "free time", but it is a full-on and magnificent introduction to the sights, sounds and experiences of this wonderful island. Booking a few extra days on a beach to end the trip might not be a bad plan....

Reviewed July 2015

Discovering Madagascar

This is an exciting adventure trip that enables you to take in the sights and sounds of this unique island. We were lucky enough to have Sol as our Tour Leader and we felt that we were treated like VIPs throughout the trip. Sol always went the extra mile to ensure our comfort and enjoyment at all times, even when things didn’t quite go to plan. He was lots of fun and we enjoyed listening to his knowledge of the history and wildlife of Madagascar. We were challenged by the Air Madagascar strike which meant that some of our trip had to be slightly altered. However, we felt that both Exodus and Sol did their very best to minimise disruption to our trip and hey, we got to see an extra 1000km of Madagascar at grass roots level that we weren’t expecting to see (thank you to Nerina for expert driving). It goes without saying that this is an underdeveloped country where the roads are poor/non-existent so flexibility and understanding is key. There are lots of benefits to this though as we were able to have plenty of opportunity to meet the local villagers and enjoy the children who at most wanted ‘bonbons’ but usually just wanted their picture to be taken. In all the national parks we were lucky enough to see lemurs and other wildlife. We saw 12 different species of lemur, fossas, reptiles, birds and insects, all in their own habitat. One of our highlights was trekking and climbing in Grand Tsingy which is achievable for anyone who is physically fit and doesn’t have a fear of heights. The view from the top of the limestone pinnacles is absolutely spectacular. We were impressed with the food which although centred around chicken, fish, zebu or vegetarian, was always well presented, tasty and quite creative. We certainly never went hungry with a 3 course meal on offer for lunch and dinner every day, even for our picnic in Isalo National Park. Our accommodation was also of a good standard, always clean and the rooms were large. I especially liked the forest lodges near Andasibe, Grand Tsingy, and in Morondava and Ifaty, both right on the beach. In many places we were often the only group there so great to have the place to ourselves (although sad to see that tourism is a little on the quiet side for Madagascans). There are a few long journeys and always early starts so worth taking some cereal bars or snacks for the journey, although Sol always made sure we had stops for water and snacks where possible. In summary this trip is not a holiday but rather a fantastic adventure to an interesting and inspiring island. See it before it changes too much!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many. Trekking in Grand Tsingy National Park, sitting among ring-tailed lemurs that had come down from the trees to eat earth, seeing the resourcefulness of the local people......

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were lucky to have Sol as our group leader. He was extremely professional and capable and we never wanted for anything on the trip. He was always cheerful, great sense of humour and very knowledgeable about his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not a relaxing holiday as you are on the go all the time with early starts every day. However, the rewards are numerous and the experience is definitely worth it. Take a few snacks with you for the journeys, although there were often opportunities to stock up and the meals are plentiful! Take warm clothing as it is very cold in the desert at night (frosty).

Anonymous

Reviewed November 2014

Madagascan Discoverer

This was a brilliant trip which covered a huge amount of territory and exposed us to many different types of landscape and countryside. There were some very long drives but they were fascinating and comfortable and there were plenty of opportunities to get out and stretch our legs. The accommodation was better than expected and in places absolutely lovely, and generally the food was very good, although the breakfasts were sometimes less than appealing. It was easy to buy good South African wine almost everywhere for dinner, and cold beer was available everywhere. We saw much more wildlife and far more lemurs of many different varieties than I had expected, and there were many good photo opportunities.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up to the sound of the Indris on the first morning and seeing them like giant teddy bears later that morning in the forest. Also going to Lemur Island and having the chance to be very close to the lemurs and feel how soft their hands and fur was and they were so gentle, absolutely delightful creatures. Achieving the climb up the Grands Tsingy was a huge achievement for me as I am terrified of heights and was very scared of the bridge, but I managed it with the help of one of the guides. It was an exhausting but very special day. The Isalo canyon was also amazing, and all the walks in the National Parks were wonderful. The kids were lovely and the people in general were beautiful, warm and friendly and seemed genuinely pleased to see us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armel was very capable and versatile, and able to deal with any problems. He was one step ahead at any time, and when one of our group injured her foot he made arrangements for her to have a special guide to do alternative short walks when we were doing long treks, which was very thoughtful. He also made sure that the people who were prone to travel sickness sat near the front of the bus because there were some very bumpy and bendy roads and organised a lady to come and give us a massage at the Lodge before we went on the Isalo walk, which was great because we were still stiff from the Tsingy. He organised lots of little treats out of the kitty and generally did everything he could to make this a great trip for us. A really good leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you can manage to go shopping in Tulear then do it because it is much better than Tana or anywhere else we stopped. Lots of really good value raffia wares and artwork as well as other touristy things. Be really careful about what you eat and drink and be very aware of hand hygiene as most of us came down with tummy troubles at some point in the trip. Take appropriate medication for diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Although we were warned about anti-malarials, if you take proper precautions with mosquito repellent it seemed that you were unlikely to be bitten. Neither my friend nor I were bitten at all throughout the trip. Keep a couple of small water bottles for the long walks rather than one big one, they are easier to carry. Take a sarong or something like that as a cover up when you are walking, You can put it over your head, over your arms or use it to pad your backpack so it doesn't rub.

Robert Stevenson

Reviewed October 2014

Madagascan Discoverer trip - September 2014

I was in a group of twelve on the 4 September 2014 trip, led by a very popular Malagasy guide (favourably referred to in many reviews) whose very long name was conveniently shortened to “Sol”. Weather at this time of year turned out to be mainly very good – not over-hot in the later stages of the trip. Unfortunately, our first few days in the rain forest were pretty damp – it rained non-stop. This did not prevent us seeing any of the wildlife but some of the initial photos inevitably reflected the difficulty of taking them. Occasionally, as in the Kirindi reserve, the lemurs are habituated to humans and, if you sit quietly, one troupe will come and mingle – especially if you give them some water. (Don’t touch their tails!) Others stick to the high trees and are often frustratingly difficult to photograph because so many branches and twigs get in the way. After the rain forest we flew back to Antananarivo (“Tana”) and, thereafter until the last day, all travel was by road. Apart from splitting the group into four 4WDs for the Tsingy excursion, all driving was in a smallish bus. The bus was reasonably comfortable and air-conditioned but we rarely felt the need for the A/C as long as the fan was on. There are a lot of long driving days but the roads on the circular part of the tour are all pretty good and, if you want to see the country properly, there is really no alternative. Sol made sure we had plenty of stops so the experience was fine for most of us – if not all. The road up to the Tsingy was a different matter and was in serious need of improvement. It will probably get this before too long – graders were already in evidence and tourists will wonder what the fuss was about within a couple of years. Ferry crossings were slow and inefficient but provided a good opportunity to chill out. The worst length of dirt road is probably between Tulear and the hotel north of Ifaty. This requires a lot of patience and will probably not be upgraded anytime soon. Hotels were, as indicated by previous reviews, surprisingly good and pretty clean for the most part. For those who cannot get away from their phones or tablets Wi-Fi is available at most of them – if only in Reception. Electricity is sometimes rationed (e.g. 7-10pm only) and room lighting usually leaves a lot to be desired. One “tented” camp was a bit basic but perfectly acceptable. Meals were good – although menus were not particularly varied. If you like Zebu steak and chips you will enjoy this trip a lot. That said some of the fish is excellent and I had one meal of lobster which was greatly enjoyed. Desserts are mainly fruit so it is difficult to over-indulge too much. As regards health issues I was lucky – being on antibiotics for a pre-holiday infection. I suspect this protected me because everybody else had tummy troubles during the first week, although nobody seemed much under the weather for more than a day or two. Few mosquitos were in evidence – even in the rain forest. I took great care to smother myself in DEET throughout the trip and only relaxed the regime when we returned to Tana at the end – when, inevitably, I suffered several bites. The Tsingy is a strange area of pinnacles and extremely sharp rocks. It is well worth seeing and the climbing element is worth experiencing (not for the faint-hearted but not onerous). We had no problems but it is probably worth making sure that your insurance covers helicopter evacuation (assuming a helicopter is actually available – which may not be the case). To my surprise the scenery on our later circular route did not vary very much – rolling brown/yellow hills with scrub and lots of little square houses. (I had been expecting mountains but we only saw them from a distance in the south). Others have commented on the “slash and burn” approach to agriculture and the deforestation evident, with all the wildlife under threat and confined to reserves. Whilst there is a lot of truth to these observations I felt that most of the scenery we saw had probably not changed much for many years. That said, the change will probably accelerate in the near future so now is a good time to go. Baobabs are nearly everywhere on the west coast and you will get baobabbed out! Tana has some interesting areas and the older buildings on the central escarpment (where the wealthy live) could almost be from an old European town. The lake in the centre of the city is a disgrace – being widely (and openly) used as a latrine and the smell is offputting. Baobab alley was good – although the locals tend to congregate there a lot (some with herds of Zebu) and there were comments to the effect that they spoiled the pictures! Sadly we didn’t get a decent sunset there. Others may be luckier. I think now is a very good time to see Madagascar. Tourism, whilst increasing, has not yet taken off and one does not get pestered to buy souvenirs to anything like the irritating extent one does in so many other countries. I think I would still recommend seeing Ethiopia first but this was a good and enjoyable trip and can safely be recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

The day-long trek in Isola park (including a swim in a natural pool) was exactly the right length and gave us a morning in a shady canyon and a hot walk in the afternoon finished off with a nice swim. I wouldn't say this was inspirational but the scenery was occasionally spectacular and it was a very enjoyable day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sol was excellent - always smiling, always helpful, always well-organised. He well deserves the accolades he always gets!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to take photos of lemurs in the tree tops you will obviously need an up-to-date camera with plenty of zoom capability. (I found 20x was sufficient for the most part but could have done with more.) The nocturnal walks also demand flash and anti-shake technology. A waterproof camera could well be useful in the rain forest. Walking around in the cities (especially Tana) is dangerous - not so much from attention by the locals but because there are a lot of cars and they all seem to be parked on the pavement/sidewalk so you have to venture into the road risking life and limb. Take care! There is no particular problem outside the cities. Depending on when you travel it is probably worth taking water-proofs and/or a folding umbrella. Mosquito nets are often provided - but not always when they are needed (like in Tana). It is still worth taking your own wedge net. The exchange rate means that changing the recommended £400 at the outset means you get a brick of notes. After you have contributed to the tips kitty you will need somewhere to carry this securely. There are very few places where reliable ATMs can be found (e.g. there is a good one in Tulear) so doing a large change at the airport on the first day is the best way. There are still surprisingly few places to buy souvenirs. You will find a few stalls around Baobab alley and at Kirindi but the only other good opportunities are at stops at shops after Andisirabe and in Tulear (where there is a shell market). More excursions are available than are advertised. On the last day (north of Ifaty) you will need something to do unless you like mooching around. In season, whale watching is possible (we were unlucky) but there are also snorkelling trips, wind-surfing and visits to the "Spiny Forest". Bear in mind that transport has to be organised for these. Cost for the day is unlikely to exceed £30. Save your plastic water bottles for the local kids during the driving days - but throw them to people rather than attempting to give them to specific kids. We nearly had an accident when a kid decided to run alongside the bus in order to get hold of a proffered bottle and nearly fell under the bus wheels. The morning gorge walk on Day 10 started early and was surprisingly cold before the sun came up. we didn't take Sol's warnings seriously and regretted it. Take a pullover and gloves.

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