Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming face to face with a white Rhino whist walking with our knowledgeable guide, John. The evening cruise on the Chobe river was truely amazing with a wealth of animals and birds at close quaters.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rowan was fabulous as was Safiso our driver. My only critisism would be that he did not ask far enough in advance if anyone wanted to fly in a helicopter over the Okovango Delta, this could also have been arranged by exodus in advance back in England. This meant we missed out on this but we did manage a plane flight.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes take a warm hat in winter months, this should be added to the kit list. Long jonhs or legging were useful too and a pair of gloves would have been welcome first thing in the mornings.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many moments to choose, from standing close enough to rhinos to be able to hear them eat in Matobo, to watching an elephant walk past our camp in the Delta, and experiencing the exhilarating Victoria Falls up close. We also met some truly inspiring people who are very proud of their country and do amazing work to protect the natural landscape and wildlife. The two nights camping in the Okavango Delta were very special, made even more so by the kindness of the locals who looked after us so well. We were genuinely sad to say goodbye to them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin was simply brilliant and made sure this trip was as special as possible for everyone. He was our group leader, driver and cook and managed all this very well and would never accept any help. His insight into Southern African culture and wildlife really helped us to get the most out of this trip and gain a good understanding of the way of life in this part of Africa. He clearly has a good relationship with the local people and guides which was shown through the high level of service we received from everyone. We hope to be lucky enough to come across him again on future trips!

Advice for Potential Travellers

As someone else already said, just go! Yes, there are some days when you spend a fair amount of time on the bus, but there is always something to look at and otherwise you can use the time to catch up on some sleep from the early morning safari drives... There are also regular stops. If you travel in their winter months, from May on-wards, do bring a fleece or coat as the early morning drives can be cold especially when sitting on an open sided safari truck.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many...hard to choose! 1. The Okavango Delta, the absolute isolation and peacefulness of wild camping, swimming amongst the water lilies and the fireflies spectacular light show at night whilst listening to the lions roaring and the elephants splashing in the water just yards from my tent. 2. Walking to track Rhino in Matobo and removing a poachers snare and the superb Hermits lodge with a great sundown dog walk with the zebra chasing the dog off! 3. The wonderful Hwange National Park. Superb game drives and even thought the landrover broke down, it meant our replacement vehicle had got wind of a leopard and we were lucky enough to see one descending from a tree. 4. Wonderful Hwange Safari Lodge hotel overlooking the waterhole, and a superb tracker guide who found us a cheetah with 3 cubs, a huge herd of elephant with a close encounter never to forget with a herd of 150 elephants doing what all elephants do best all around us. Just when we thought we had seen it all, he found us a pride of 16 lions right by the side of the road for an amazing encounter with some very relaxed and well fed cats! 5. Superb dinner cruise on the last night with great food, wonderful live music and the most amazing sunset. So emotional, it brought tears to my eyes, a perfect end to a perfect trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sheridan was very young and inexperienced and had her work cut out with some 'older' seasoned travellers. She was pleasant and helpful but didn't really add much to the experience as she didn't give us much information about the country or the wildlife. She spent a lot of time on the game drives asleep. Sometimes communication was not as good as it might have been. But I am sure she will improve with experience and has the enthusiasm to learn.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are some very long drives on dodgy roads with strict speed limits and very few stops. The estimated timings were a long way out, 4/5 hrs was often nearer 6/7 so there was little down time. A significant amount of walking too on safaris so need to be reasonably fit, especially with the heat as some days were 40degrees. Zimbabwe is still quite corrupt, we had a few issues with police stops, it also has little cash so take small notes and don't expect change. If you are prepared to take old clothes, these can be bartered for goods. Things are expensive in both countries so take plenty of cash/credit cards. Don't expect luxury and its Africa and thatched accommodation so be prepared for bugs and meeting the outdoors.

Most Inspirational Moment

One of my highlights was watching a herd of female elephants and their calves run towards a watering hole to join the males who were already there. The 30 or so elephants drank, bathed and sprayed themselves with water with obvious joy. Seeing this close up felt like a real privilege. But every single day brought new delights, from seeing a white rhino and her two daughters during a walking safari and enjoying the polers' harmonious singing around the campfire to seeing a wide range of gloriously coloured birds, San rock art and rich sunsets.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leaders, Mira and Marco, were outstanding, enthusiastically sharing their knowledge with us about both countries and their wildlife. They were unfailingly hard-working and well-organised, as well as being great cooks, conjuring up a variety of delicious meals on basic equipment. Their love of their jobs constantly shone through. The guides in the national parks were equally passionate about their subjects and always committed to giving us the best experience. I suggest that you take more money with you for tipping than is suggested in the trip notes, as you will almost certainly want to reward the outstanding service that you receive throughout your trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Of the optional activities on offer, I recommend the flight over the Delta (120 US $) to get a sense of the Delta's vastness. And in Victoria Falls I wholeheartedly recommend the lion cub interaction (75 US $). This chance to stroke and walk with lion cubs is part of a conservation project and an incredibly special experience. I felt totally safe throughout the experience and given that the 'cubs' were 22 months old, that's really saying something! The Zambezi dinner cruise (78 US $) is also definitely worth doing: a delicious five course meal, watching an elephant on the bank and hippos in the river, bathed in the warm, golden light of the setting sun. It really did feel as if life could not get any better.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many, but the four Elephants crossing the Chobe river, one after the other, snorkelling, then climbing on the back of the one in front as they arrive at the more shallow part of the river. Being so close to the Black and White Rhino, (sadly they have been de-horned) for their protection against poachers. But still guarded 24 hours a day. Sitting in the jeep looking at a 10 strong pride of Lions, relaxing in the shade The photos that I have from the sunsets are for me a great reminder of this wonderful, exciting adventure.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader(s) were Marco & Mira, a husband and wife combination from South Africa. Really nice people. Always in control, whether driving or cooking or simply managing your day. Both extremely knowledgeable in respect of all the creatures that you might see and only to happy to tell you about them. I would be delighted to see them on any future tour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do not be put off by the 2 nights wild camping, bushy-bushy loos are not so much a problem. July in Botswana and Zimbabwe during the night and early morning is cold and I mean cold. Make sure that you have packed some warm layers, you will need them. When I did the optional early morning safari in Victoria falls (which i would not have missed for anything) I could not believe how cold it was until the sun came up. be prepared, its worth it. Hot tea/coffee and biscuits helped, followed by a cooked breakfast, while observing feeding Horn bills. Yes there are a couple of long drives, don't fall asleep !! Be patient when you arrive at immigration in Zimbabwe, it can be very slow.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being punted through the Okavango Delta like a memsahib. Gazing into the eyes of a White Rhino from 15ft, who decided we were too boring to bother with and went back to chewing the grass. And the Victoria Falls -- words can't do them justice.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marco and Mira showed the professionalism I have come to expect from Exodus tour leaders, and were quietly keeping on top of the whole show without the clients knowing anything was happening. Very impressed they got us to the Delta despite extensive flooding when other tour groups didn't manage to reach it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're not experienced at camping, get the advice of someone who is to ensure you take the right things to the Delta -- I forgot a torch. The spray at Victoria Falls is considerable and it is impossible to keep everything dry. As the return to the UK is not long after, think in advance about what to wear and carry.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching a moon rise over the Delta / getting up close with wild rhino/ tracking lions with the Pola / the Mokoru canoes - all of it really!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant! Good fun, enthusiastic, very friendly and also very caring to ensure all his guests are well catered for.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a couple of days of very long journeys by road. It can't be helped as it has to be done to get to the next destination. Take a good book to read.

Most Inspirational Moment

The three days camping in the Okavanga Delta was an amazing memorable experience. Being amongst the wildlife and under a blanket of stars made this trip one to remember. From tracking Lions to watching Hippos from a canoe was just a small part of this adventure.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Andrew made everything run smoothly and enhanced our holiday experience 100% with his passion and drive. A great group also made this a trip to remember.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I cannot recommend this enough. Although a lot of travelling is involved, this is necessary to cover so much in two weeks, finishing at the amazing Victoria falls.

Most Inspirational Moment

Flight over the Okavango.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment has to be the elephants in Hwange N.P. But, this is a difficult question. The whole of our trip for us was inspirational without a doubt. Every day had its own little gem, we could have stayed another fortnight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Andrew Lindsay, was amazing. His cooking was faultless, knowledge exceptional. Great sense of humour, all in all you couldn't fault anything. A lovely guy with a great personality. Can we book him again.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, if they are going the same time of year, plenty of light weight clothes. And a battery operated fan. And a good tent light when in the delta.