Most Inspirational Moment
Both the wildlife and culture made this for me, this is such a fantastic trip.Spending an hour with 13 amazing gentle giant gorillas, a pride of lions feasting upon a fresh kill, cheetah’s with cubs, fantastic birdlife, floating over the Mara in a hot air balloon, AND of course thanks to JJ our tour leader’s help my long awaited viewing of that elusive Leopard!!Meeting the kids on the orphanage/school trip, kids with nothing but loads of smiling happy faces that so look forward to these visits and to whom we make so much difference in their little lives, long may Exodus continue to incorporate this tour into their schedule.I could go on endlessly as there is just so much more to look forward to within this tour, just about everything in fact - nothing disapointed!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
What can I say, JJ our group leader was a real delight to travel with, as were the 2 other great members of our crew ‘Q’ our driver who along with JJ kept us safe with their excellent driving skills and of course not forgetting Bernard our fantastic cook who had us terrorising just about every 'surprise' meal!!These guys are a real credit to the Exodus team, they were always cheerful and smiling and their happiness was infectious and filtered through to the rest of us on the truck.JJ is a guy who has such great people skills, and coupled with his personality and his love of local knowledge he was able to make each of his clients feel special in their own way, whilst keepng each and every one happy and well informed throughout the whole tour regarding the history, culture and nature of the areas we passed through.JJ dealt with any problems arising quickly, efficiently and in a very professional manner but most of all when sadly it was deemed necessary in a sensitive, caring and compassionate manner, and in doing so he was able to keep his customers content and enjoying their holiday at all times.I just hope that if I ever get to do another trip of this kind then my group leader and team will be as professional and good to travel with – JJ you have set new and higher standards for me from now on!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t over pack you do not need as much as you think you do, there are opportunities to do a bit of washing along the way!If travelling with a partner or friend consider cross packing at least one full change of clothes, if travelling alone pack a change of clothes into your hand luggage, Kenya Airways do not have the greatest record for getting your bags to follow you to your destination – however fortunately it appears it does not normally take too long for them to reunite you with your luggage, mine was returned to me later the same day for another on our trip it was returned the following morning.Take plenty of insect repellent containing a least 50% deet, hand sanitizer, sunscreen & baby wipes you will need them all.Be prepared to use the ‘bush toilets’ often there is no alternative, ladies if feeling ‘modest’ about this then maybe consider keeping a short sarong close to hand which may quickly wrapped around your waist may eliminate this problem for you, although at the end of the day we are all in the same ‘truck’!Be prepared for a couple of long days travelling on the truck (in our case the comfy Isabella) during which time you can enjoy seeing the ‘real African village’ way of life. Remember you are in Africa and anything can happen! the roads are NOT necessarily built to western standards, they can be bumpy, dusty or flooded but your crew are used to this if you are not! and will deal with any given situation as it arrises. Remember patience can be a virtue and enjoy the experience. You will be able to charge your camera batteries, phones etc during the day when travelling but do take plenty of memory cards space as you will find yourself taking far more photo’s than you anticipate but DO remember to take your photos and then take time out to ensure that you ‘don’t miss the moment’ by spending all your holiday behind the lens of a camera!!When challenged to find me a sighting of a wild leopard JJ rose to the occasion and delivered! Of course this can not be guaranteed on every trip, but if you have a particular wish or dream then talk to your tour leader, if they are anywhere near as good as our guy JJ they too will do everything they possibly can to deliver!Most of all ENJOY.