Reviews

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.

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14212 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed March 2012

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

Had a brilliant time. The leader was superb and the tour all encompassing.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was inspirational so much to see and do - still trying to take it all in. Coming down from Lions Rock in a tropical storm soaked to the skin but warm; being brave enough to do white water rafting - only grade 3 but enough for me! Riding an elephant , seeing crocodiles in Yala, friendly locals waving as we drove past, the excitement of seeing the golden casket in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and so much more.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujan was an excellent leader - very knowledgeable, friendly and kept us in order!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of loose cotton clothing. There's only one cool night and the hotel offer you hot water bottles. Insects weren't a major problem at least not with 50% Deet insect repellent. Some of the coach journeys are long and winding so take travel sickness tablets if you need them.I changed £160 at the airport and a further £60 in Kandy - that was plenty unless you want to buy jewellery in the gem factory! Do as many of the optional extras as possible and have fun.

Reviewed March 2012

CYCLE MOROCCO'S GREAT SOUTH

A great chance to see spectacular mountain and coastal landscapes, away from the crowds of the big towns, and generally on quiet roads with little traffic apart from the occasional donkey!The trip gave us a good taster for Morocco, and left us wanting to come back again to discover more of the country.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had the chance to talk to members of a womens' cooperative near Essaouira, who were producing products from Argan oil. This provided them with a level of independence unusual in the traditionally male dominated Moroccan society.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andy, our leader, made sure that at all times, all members of the group were ok, and quickly sorted out any issues relating to bikes or accommodation.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was my second trip with Exodus, and both times my expectations have been exceeded-if you have not used Exodus before, do so soon-you will have a great time, and many memories to treasure.

Reviewed March 2012

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

A TRUELY GREAT EXPERIENCED, SHARED WITH A GREAT BUNCH OF PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE, WE COULDT HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER CROWDFLIGHTS WERE GREAT AND ACCOMADATION WAS FANTASTIC, JUST WISHED WE HAD AND EXTRA DAY THERE AT THE BEGGINING TO REST AFTER THE LONG FLIGHTS, AND AN EXTRA DAY AT THE END OF THE TREK TO RELAX MORE PRIOR TO THE JOURNEY HOME, FOOD WAS GOOD TOO ALONG

Most Inspirational Moment

UNDOUTABLY THE PORTERS, THEY WERE ALWAYS SMILING EVEN WHEN THE GOING WAS TOUGH, AND A CUP OF COOFEE FIRST THING IN THE MORNING AND A WELCOME WAKE MADE YOUR MORNINGS,AFTERNOONS AND EVENINGS

Thoughts on Group Leader

GREAT GROUP LEADER WHO WAS BACKED BY A GREAT TEAM OF GUIDES AND MOST IMPORTANTLY GREAT PORTERS, THE LEAD GUIDE WAS ALWAYS CLEAR WITH HIS BREIFINGS AND KNOWLEDGE AND VERY HELPFULL AT ALL TIMES, NO JOB WAS TO DIFICULT FOR HIM TO ARRANGE AND HE WAS IN FULL CONTACT WITH THE US CLIENTS AT ALL TIMES, ESPECIALLY ON SUMMIT DAYS WHEN HE WOULD CHECK US ALL OVER TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL WAS WELL, TOP BLOKE IN OUR OPINIONS WOULD ASK FOR HIM AGAIN FOR SURE

Advice for Potential Travellers

THE EVENING BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR KILI HAVE A FULL KIT CHECK BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE MOUNTAIN, TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE ENOUGH AND ADAQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR THE TREK, IF YOU DONT YOU SHOULD HIRE, THINGS GET TOUGHER AND COLDER AS YOU GO HIGHER SO GO PREPARED WITH PLENTY OF WATER PROOF GEAR AND WARM GEAR, TOP OF THE LIST A PONCHO, GOOD LIP BALM AND FLIP LOCK POLES WITH SNOW BASKETS FOR SUMMIT DAY, A PEICE OF PARA CORD ABOUT 4 METRS LONG MAKES A GOOD DRYING LINE INSIDE YOUR TENT AND CAN BE USED FOR REPLACMENT BOOT LACES SHOULD YOURS BRAKE.IF YOUR THINKING OF RUNNING UP THIS MOUNTAIN AND WANTING TO BE AT THE FRONT OF THE PACK AT ALL TIMES DONT, REMEMBER YOU ONLY GO AS FAST AS YOUR FORWARD GUIDE, WHICH IS SLOWLY SLOWLY,POLEY POLEY,REMEMBER SOME ONE GOT TO THE TOP MANY MANY YEARS AGO SO YOU AINT GONNA IMPRESS ANYBODY.

Reviewed March 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP

Adventure, excitement,and a challenge, parcelled up with stunning scenery. A bit like living in an Indiana Jones film.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sunset on Nuptse.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ace!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't wait. Remember my motto..... Adventure Before Dementia.

Reviewed March 2012

GORILLAS & WILDLIFE OF UGANDA

Amazing experience with the gorillas that will stay with me forever.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery and wildlife was beautiful but the gorillas were the highlight and a real privalege to spend time with

Thoughts on Group Leader

Helpful, pleasant and accommodating

Advice for Potential Travellers

Uganda seems almost new to tourism so chill and go with the flow

Reviewed March 2012

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

This is a fantastic and unforgettable trip, made a pure delight by the kindness of the guides/porters and the humour of my fellow travellers. It is tough but that is what makes it feel like such an achievement.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to pick one moment. Personally, I loved the summit climb. I was lucky that I didn't really feel any ill effects from altitude on that day and I knew from around 5,000m that I was going to make it. The guides are the most inspirational aspect of the trip. You have to walk at your own speed and they will support each individual. I had to go ahead of my sister but you KNOW your loved ones will be looked after so you can concentrate on your own journey. It may sound selfish but you will only have enough grit to get yourself up and being able to utterly trust your guides makes that decision easy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Passian was our guide and I trusted him completely. That said, ALL the guides were lovely. Diglan, Christopher, Richard, Ronald and Nelson were our team, and they were all great to chat to. They will solve literally any problem you have, with bags, poles, sunglasses... They were always there to hold things, help with things - and let them! They are much better at this than us so be gracious and appreciative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is lots to think about but mostly, as everyone says, listen to your guides and take things slowly. I was surprised that the walk/altitude is hard RIGHT from the start. Definitely take some snacks. We had isotonic sachets for the summit night which were great as you don't really feel like eating. Remember sunscreen - particularly on your hands! I would also say don't panic if you start feeling the ill-effects of altitude. Most of us felt terrible at some point but most of us made it up. Just discuss everything with the guides. I felt very nauseous at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m) but after drinking ANOTHER 1 litre of water and a rest I felt better. I was offered Diamox and I took it because I didn't want that nausea to come back and I never looked back!

Reviewed February 2012

IN SEARCH OF THE SNOW LEOPARD

Very hard, very demanding, very cold, VERY REWARDING. The first view of a snow leopard, like my first encounter with a tiger, was highly emotional and, unashamedly, induced tears !

Most Inspirational Moment

That first sighting of one of natures most elusive animals. The terrain is difficult, the camouflage is one of the best in nature, the sighting call from the guide and resultant "fast" hike is heart attack provoking at that altitude but you have to do it and when you see the leopard no city fat cats bonus could buy it ! The homestay was really humbling, why do people live at this level of subsistence ? Why are they so friendly and accommodating when the temperature range is -5 to -20C, the world is white, the only transport available is pony, everything is frozen solid and you have to wear 5 layers of thick woollens to keep warm ? I would have liked another day at the homestay as we didn't have enough time with our host/hostess to get to know them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie was excellent. Very experienced and a great judge of individuals and group interactions. With her knowledge of Delhi she was a brilliant guide to one who would have stayed in the hotel for dinner ! Her trekking and climbing experiences showed in the pace she set for acclimatising us in Leh and the practical advice she administered on how to stay warm or recover after a long spell looking for that elusive snow leopard. Many of us suffered during the "holiday" in one way or another and Valerie knew how to cope with each case, how much advice to offer and when to just let us get on with it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is a hard "moderate" and you need to know your own capability and/or listen to advice given by the leader. I hadn't been to altitude before and was lucky in only suffering a little breathlessness and lack of appetite. I'm 63 and only of average fitness but managed to get to all the sitings and viewings but in my own time. There are spare porters/helpers for those like me who needed time or assistance so don't be afraid to ask.

Reviewed February 2012

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

The best holiday I have ever been on! The trip was perfectly organised from start to "Finnish", Basecamp Oulanka is a wonderful place to stay, our leaders at Basecamp were super, and we had a great group of Exodus travellers.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the husky sledding, it was a great experience. The owners of the husky farm, Marika and Lauri without a doubt love their dogs and look after them so well. The trip out through the wilderness was fantastic, all you could hear was the dogs panting and the "pad pad pad" of the dogs feet on the deep snow. The scenery was beautiful, so much so that I had to pinch myself a couple of times to make sure I really was there - it felt like being in a David Attenborough programme!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Henri and Hanna were both superb - great leaders, always happy to help out with questions, extra clothing, advice on activities. They both have a great sense of humour and did everything they could to make us all feel at home.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own base layers (I used merino wool and didn't have to change them all week - it's miracle stuff!). When you go out for the husky sled it might be a good idea to take a slightly warmer jacket as you will not be moving around as much as during the other activities.It is very quiet at Oulanka Basecamp - no TV, no music, no wireless, no internet, which I think is great as it is billed as a get-away holiday and that's exactly what it is - perfect!

Reviewed February 2012

JOHANNESBURG TO CAPE TOWN

Jo-burg to Capetown – a great intro to S Africa

Most Inspirational Moment

I love the Exodus "surprises" which happen along the way. The best one on this holiday was the visit to the cheetah conservation park (there are several, sorry I can't remember the name of this one) where the tour round included the chance to pet an adult cheetah (the biggest cat whose tummy I have ever tickled!) and a pair of adorable 6 week old lion cubs. Ok, perhaps a bit twee for some. Other highlights: the roar of the waves crashing onto the shore only yards away from the tent flaps at Tsitsikamma. The astonishing abundance of stars viewed from the balcony at Sungubulu(?) camp. Seeing Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain on a magnificently sunny day. Haggling with street vendors when buying souvenirs (ok, I'm a shopaholic, I know this now).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob Stubbs, ably aided and abetted by the wonderful Sifiso, was a wonderful tour guide. He rarely found himself unable to answer questions (and with a tour group like ours, that's saying something), was unfailingly courteous even when under pressure, was well organised himself and organised us so well that we always ended up where we were meant to be. Quite a feat for a fairly young man herding a bunch of middle-aged, independently-minded seasoned travellers around!And as for Sifiso's braais ... just great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I thought the most disappointing part was Mozambique. Prices are much higher than you would expect, and quality much poorer.Be aware that there are vast distances to be covered, and heads-down hard driving is the only way to do it.The street market at the Three Rondavels viewing spot is the best you'll get until you hit Capetown. And the prices are v good too.

Reviewed February 2012

ANTARCTICA, FALKLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA

Holiday of a lifetime, which will never be forgotten. Had an absolutely amazing time from start to finish. This holiday was beyond our expectations!

Most Inspirational Moment

King Penguins and their chicks, so funny! Gentoo chicks laying on my lapUp close and personal (about 8-10 feet away) from humpback whale swimming towards us - Awesome !Abundant wildlife behaviour to watch and photographFantastic scenery, weather and itineraryAmazing icebergsWatching Adelie penguins stealing stones from other nests, and looking so innocent when caught, just like on 'Frozen Planet' hilarious!Educational presentations by the Quark staff were so informative and very helpful, learnt so much.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shane was brilliant and did everything he could to get us ashore, and succeeded as we managed 21 landings and zodiac cruises. At the briefings he was inspirational in telling us to "put down our cameras and feel our surroundings, watch the animals, take photos with your mind", he was so right! Shane even surprised us with a cruise round Cape Horn (which was unexpected).

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you thought you might like to do this trip, dont think anymore, DO IT! You will have a life changing experience. Wildlife in abundance, be on the first zodiac out and the last one back! Don't be tempted to have your eyes permanently stuck to the camera lens - just sit and watch it all happen around you ! Take a tri-stool like we did and just sit and take it all in.

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