This was my first time taking a holiday with Exodus, perhaps it will not be my last. However, I must complain about the horrible 7 hour stopover at Sau Paulo airport. This is just far to long, and I think Exodus should think about using a different airline for the second leg of the journey. Once arrived on the second day at Hotel Baiazinha lodge, we all had an amazing time though, and I think this was exacerbated by the wonderful guide Tony, very eagle eyed and knowledgeable about all of the wildlife that the Pantanal has to offer. I like my wildlife photography, and this trip proved to be amazing. We did get to see a number of Jaguars, I will always remember my first sighting in the golden hour which made for some incredible photo’s. Memories that will last a lifetime is what I take back with myself.
Kenya Safari Tours
Our Best Kenya Safari Tours
Kenya Safari Tour Highlights
Masai Mara safaris: Undoubedly one of the best locations for an African safari holiday, the Masai Mars National Reserve is home to Maasai communities whose rituals and ancient traditions remain an integral part of their everyday life. Once fearful warriors, their life is now dominated by the need to tend and protect their cattle: proud Maasai men in bright-red cloaks carry long spears to lead their herds across the vast grasslands in search of water and pastures. And then there are the animals…
Lake Nakuru safaris: A large soda lake carpeted with thousands of pink flamingo, Lake Nakuru is an awe-inspiring sight made even more spectacular when the birds take flight, forming a great pink cloud above the shimmering water. A Kenya safari tour to Lake Nakuru National Park will live long in the memory. An important sanctuary for the black and white rhino – often be seen at rest near the lake shore and under acacia trees – Nakuru is also likely to offer up sightings of huge herds of zebra and buffalo, prides of lions and wandering giraffes, and possibly a lone leopard…
The Sacred Realm of Mount Kenya: Africa’s second highest peak, Mount Kenya is regarded as the sacred realm of Ngai, the god of the local Kikuyu people, and known as the ‘place of light’. It’s an inspiring sight best viewed at dawn when illuminated by the sun’s early rays. Kenya safari holidays don’t have to just be about wildlife. Trekking fans will be drawn to the challenging granite cliffs and volcanic rock of Mount Kenya’s snow-capped peak.
Life on the Great Rift Valley: Step out onto the Rift Valley’s open plains and you’ll feel a million times smaller than you ever have before. Drive by a pride of lions in a 4WD safari vehicle, watch a herd of elephants from the back of a horse, or spot some of the 400 species of bird-life around the sparkling lakes of Navaisha and Nakuru.
Michael Brooks Land of the Jaguar
Ivan Pinto Land of the JaguarOn a positive note we had a great wildlife experience seeing five jaguar, giant otters, tapirs, ocelot and hyacinth macaws amongst many others. Tony, our guide, was one of the very best guides I have had. He spotted just about everything going and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the birds and animals of the Pantanal. The not so good was when booking, the connecting flight from San Paulo to Cuiaba was booked from a different San Paulo airport to the one I was due to arrive at from the UK. Speaking to the Exodus rep when booking I questioned why the arrival airport had a different code to the departure airport and was assured the two flights were from the same airport so booked. I was not comfortable and quick online search showed that this was not the case. Fortunately it was sorted out when I then raised the issue again but no apology for what was a basic error. Following the two reviews from 2023, the connecting flight is now a 7hrs wait. While baggage is checked through to Cuiaba you must collect your baggage in San Paula and go through immigration control and customs. You can then drop your bags off at the Latam desk 4hr before your flight to Cuiaba. This info is correct as of July 2024!
susan bowler Primates & Dragons of IndonesiaI had booked this trip to visit Indonesia and see the Komodo dragons which did not disappoint. On the whole the trip was very well organised and the guide was exceptional.
However both the outgoing flight and transfer at Kuala Lumper and the return flight had very tight connection times. I have given some feedback to Malasian airlines as I do not feel that I should have had to run through a very large airport with bus transfer between international and domestic terminals to make my connection. The airline, knowing many ( at least 20) people needed this connection, should either have put on direct transport or guaranteed the flight be held to allow us to confortably get to the flight. Whilst reasonably fit,at 65 I expect this even without a 7Kg backpack I would struggle!!!
I also feel a little more time to acclimatise to the humidity and rest after the long journey before the first hike in the Jungle would have benefitted some of the group including myself. The Ecolodge at Bukit Lawang was anything but eco other than cold water which could easily heated by means of solar panels non of us could find anything eco about it. Whilst it was convenient for the jungle there were many other hotels close by that may have had better washing facilities. All the group felt a warm shower with sufficient water to actually wash, rather than a dribble , would have welcomed us to Indonesian heat better than this lodge.
On return to Medan there was bearly time to enjoy the pool at that hotel and to enable more sleep and avoid another early start, I wonder if there is not an airport hotel that would be more suitable.
There was one American lady on this trip who did not have the fitness required to be able to complete the trip without putting others at risk. Her deafness also caused some issues as she would rudely overtalk the leader and failed on many occasions to hear the istructions needed and Elly would constantly have to repeat them.
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