Reviews

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

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30 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Sarah Morrow

Reviewed December 2017

Chimps and Gorillas of Uganda

This is a really great and varied trip. In addition to the chimps and gorillas, the safari drives in Queen Elizabeth NP and Lake Mburo also gave some super game viewings, including lions, zebra, giraffe, hippo and various types of antelope, although not the proliferation of game as the like of the Masai Mara. The boat trips are both interesting and restful, and we had the luck to see the famous shoebill stork at Mabamba Swamp. Overall this is a fantastic trip for anyone who enjoys wildlife.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlights of this trip had to be the close encounters with the gorillas, but the chimps came a very close second - I was so glad I opted to do the optional second treks, as in both cases, the second encounters were even better than the first, and certainly quite different experiences. It is amazing to observe these primates as such close quarters and the Park staff have done such a good job of habituation, that both chimps and gorillas carried on life, seemingly indifferent to our presence.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was always there to make sure we were well cared for at the lodges and exceptionally knowledgeable of the various wildlife and birds, as well as a brilliant spotter. We would have missed so much without him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip does entail quite a bit of travel and you have to be prepared for some long drives, but there is just so much to see on route, with great scenery and good wildlife viewing, as well as the opportunity to witness local life. The people are so friendly, and try their hardest to please, but do remember this is very much a developing country, without many of the facilities we take for granted.

Rob Pitt

Reviewed September 2017

Gorilla and Chimp Trek

First time I have used Exodus and will certainly be using them again.
Well organised and action packed.
Good condition of transportation vehicles and the guides were simply superb and couldn’t do enough for you.
The Gorilla and Chimp Trek not only exceeded my expectations, but also the other 13 travellers we met on the same tour. Couldn’t fault it. Well done Exodus!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Gorilla's was one of several highlights but the they were the reason for this particular trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

David was fantastic. Always happy, laughing, good language skills and couldn't do enough for you. Benjamin was also an excellent guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Accommodation is of very high standard but you are out in the jungle so expect insects

Jill Moore

Reviewed September 2017

Chimps & Gorillas of Uganda

An amazing holiday, made special by our excellent guides, David & Lawrence. The lodges we stayed in were very comfortable & unique, with helpful & friendly staff.
I cannot begin to list the variety of wildlife seen on this trip & also the variety of ways to view the wildlife -walking safaris, boat safaris, sunset & sunrise safaris.
The highlight was obviously seeing the chimps & gorillas in their natural surroundings & at close quarters.
A wonderful holiday all round!

Most Inspirational Moment

On the second Gorilla trek, observing them as they came down from the trees for breakfast. Being so close as the silverback went by, with his young followers close behind him. Also on our return to Entebbe, seeing the almost prehistoric Shoebill in the wetlands. As someone who is not particularly "into" birds, I found this one fascinating & to be able to observe it at close quarters was truly astounding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

David was an excellent group leader. A very open & friendly man with an amazing knowledge of the animals we saw & where he could find them! Nothing was too much trouble & he was always in good humour. Both he & Lawrence worked extremely hard, & always with good humour, to find as many species as they could for us to see. They obviously knew the area extremely well & had good links with other park workers regarding where animals (such tree lions & leopards) may be. Therefore ensuring that we were able to see as much variety as possible. They were both absolute stars & went the extra mile to make our experience special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is important to have appropriate clothing & footwear for the Chimp & Gorilla treks. we were lucky as all of our visits were dry, but rain had fallen at night, so good waterproofs are needed. I strongly recommend booking the additional visits offered. We all did 2 Chimp & 2 Gorilla Treks. All 4 visits were very different & our second visits gave us better encounters (which could have been coincidence of course!). On our 1st Gorilla Trek the group took a long time to find & the terrain was very steep, so be prepared for tough terrain. The porters were a fantastic help. As well as carrying your rucksack, they help & support you all the way. Well worth employing them & helping the local economy too!

William Grimshaw

Reviewed September 2017

Uganda: Chimps and Gorillas

This trip was extraordinary in every sense of the word. The diversity of the landscape seen in Uganda is breathtaking, and coupled with the various forms of wildlife we were so close to in the wild made this trip unforgettable. From our arrival at the airport we were made to feel welcome by our brilliant guides and although there are some long car journeys on some very bumpy roads, they are all worthwhile once you arrive at the fabulous accomodation. The food is phenomenal and the staff at each lodge are attentive and greet you with a smile when returning from a long day of travelling or searching for exotic animals. We managed to spot a leopard, lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, gorillas, chimpanzees and so many species of primates and birds that I lost count! Truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely reaching the mountain gorillas for the first time when trekking. It is truly awe-inspiring to be so close to such a magnificent and rare creature, and their calmness towards the human visitors means photo opportunities are plentiful. Additionally, another source of inspiration for myself was seeing children while we were driving carrying heavy bags, but once hearing or seeing the car a smile lighting up their face to wave. The warm nature of the Ugandan people is another aspect of this country I will never forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

David was a superb leader and with his partner Laurence I am sure we were graced with the most knowledgable pair in Uganda! Both men were wonderfully funny and kept spirits high while also being informative of the areas we were visiting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this trip now!

Yvonne Storr

Reviewed March 2017

A superb trip which will stay with us for a long time...

A fantastic trip with almost daily opportunities to see a huge range of game, wildlife and birds. The chimpanzee trekking was great with two very different encounters, the safari park game drives were superb and the gorilla trekking in Bwindi was absolutely amazing, again with two very different encounters. The chance to see these incredible creatures close up really is a once in a lifetime experience which we thoroughly enjoyed. Uganda is a really very beautiful country and our fellow travellers, leader and guide all worked together to make this a incredibly memorable holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Almost every day held magical moments of some sort, chimp trekking was a great start, gorilla trekking was just amazing - being able to get far, far closer to this beautiful animals than we had ever dreamed, and having the time to be able to watch them interact with their family was just incredible. Watching lions in the early morning, having zebras outside our window, watching monkeys swing around the swimming pool, watching the sun go down over the savannah, being caught in the middle of an incredible storm, eating by torchlight, the boat safari seeing elephants and hippos, and the amazing variety and range of bird life - superb. Taking time to chat the very friendly locals, especially our visit to one of the orphanage schools in Bwindi. The penny dropping that the reason the bell boy is introducing us to the toilet, basin and shower in our ensuite bathroom is because he doesn't have one at home and can't imagine that you do either.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader and guide, David and Benjamin were fantastic, doing everything they could to make sure we had a great trip. David's daily briefings were superb and made sure we knew exactly what we would be doing when, what we needed to wear, how long the day in front of us would be and how much extra money, if any, we might need. Benjamin has a truly in-depth knowledge of wildlife, birds and animals and an incredible number of 'contacts' to ensure we got the very best out of our holiday at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some of the lodges provide mosquito spray for the rooms, some don't - you will probably benefit from taking your own so you can spray your room at night as in most locations (not Bwindi) mosquitoes and other insects are rather persistent. A good personal anti-muzzy for your own skin is also essential. Working out how much money to take and how much to exchange from the trip notes is a challenge - you do need cash, there are next to no ATMS or banks anywhere on route. We took $500USD and changed $200USD into Ugandan schillings - we could probably have done with another $100USD on us to buy a few more souvenirs, or if you want to drink a lot more Nile Special in an evening. David and Benjamin organised a group kitty for us for tipping purposes which worked brilliantly, you'll need $50 per person to contribute to this for the entire holiday. The gorilla trek porters costs $15 plus $5 tip (the only tip you pay yourselves if you do a kitty) - but you can pay them in almost any currency, including Ugandan of course. When the trip notes say 'basic' they mean basic - you will be living out of your bag for most of this holiday with nowhere to unpack even if you had time! In two of the lodges there is electric light in your room, but no power sockets, charging is done in reception, however be prepared for relatively frequent power cuts - bring fully charged spare batteries and don't expect there to be working WiFi all the time. Gaiters are a useful addition to your walking boots; they prevent your laces getting caught on undergrowth in Bwindi and prevent ants from getting in your pants elsewhere. I was really surprised that gluten free can be done (in the main, not pudding!) by most places - make sure Exodus and the group leader know what you can and cannot eat. There are no snacks anywhere, so take your own if you can't live without. Be prepared for some very long days in the 4X4 jeeps - if you have a bony bum, you may want to bring something to sit on.

Adrian Hockney

Reviewed September 2016

Chimps and Gorillas Uganda

A wonderful trip which will remain with me forever.

Most Inspirational Moment

It has to be the gorilla trek. Despite having read all the favourable reviews before my holiday the trek exceeded my wildest dreams.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent nothing was too much trouble for them and they always had a smile on their faces. They were also very knowledgeable

Advice for Potential Travellers

Add three days to the trip and visit Murchison Falls.

Adrian Hockney

Reviewed September 2016

Chimps and Gorillas Uganda

A wonderful holiday with unforgettable experiences.

Most Inspirational Moment

It has to be the gorillas at Bwindi National Park. Despite having read very favourable reviews before the holiday the gorillas were way above any expectations I had.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Were always accessible and cheerful. Nothing was too much for them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do an extra thre days to Murchison Falls. The Red Chilli company do an excelent package.

Jennifer Ollerhead

Reviewed July 2016

Chimps and Gorillas of Uganda

Had a fabulous time on this trip. Chimps and gorillas were the highlight for me, but the boat trip on the lake was amazing as well as we saw many hippos, elephants, water buffalo etc along with a variety of bird life.

Most Inspirational Moment

Trekking chimps and gorillas. It was a real life experience getting so close to them in their natural environment. Magical moments that I will never forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was knowledgeable. However, communication wasn't his strong point, and we were often just driven and dropped at places with no idea what was happening next or what the plan was. I think there should be a driver and group leader on this trip as it is a lot to expect someone to drive so many miles each day on badly made of unmade roads and lead and guide a group at the same time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a long car drive on arrival at Entebbe. We expected a 5 hour drive, but it turned out to be nearer 9. Also there is a lot of driving throughout the holiday, although scenery is amazing and some of the miles covered where as a safari drive.

Paul Legg

Reviewed July 2016

Chimps and Gorillas of Uganda

This trip was truly an adventure including our encounters with chimps & gorillas. Both the chimps & gorillas were on the ground & plentiful. We purchased permits for a second day for both & would highly recommend doing so. You will get to see different families, each with their own character. The safaris were incredible, as were cultural events where we met children at an orphanage/school, a pigmy family, and many more. Uganda has a diverse landscape including rainforest, savannah, & steep mountains. It was all so beautiful – friendly people with a very different culture than ours, wonderful places, breathtaking scenery, & of course a diverse & delightful variety of wildlife – especially the primates.

Most Inspirational Moment

Of course, the chimps & gorillas were the stars of the holiday - so humanlike & gentle. I got the impression they were looking at us considering our likeness' & differences just as we were with them. However, the people of Uganda left an impression we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. They are incredibly hard working people living a much different lives than our own. It takes so little to be happy!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Five out of five stars. Our group leader was fluent in many of the 31 languages/dialects of different areas of Uganda. This trip would have been very difficult without their expert guidance.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We would suggest bringing a few items to give to the children at the orphanage/school and communities you will get to visit. The children and adults treasure them - pencils & pens, crayons, coloring books, paper, toys such as balloons, beach balls which are compact & light to carry, clothes - just about anything. Remember, however, you want to please them with these gifts without unintended insult, so ask your group leader to help you know when, where, & to whom they should be given. He/she will know the customs of the people. Also, during your travels, please be courteous & ask people before you take their pictures. As a side note, if at all possible, we would recommend avoiding Kenya & Delta Airlines on the trip there & back. Emerates or Ethopian Airlines were recommended by people who have traveled extensively in Africa.

Richard Vernon

Reviewed March 2016

Chimps and Gorillas of Uganda

The main objective of the holiday was to see chimps and gorillas. The local organisation was well set up to see both of these and we had excellent sightings, and while nothing is certain, one would be very unlucky not to see them both. In addition we saw a lot of other animals including lions, giraffes, elephant, buffalo and various antelope. While this was not a dedicated bird watching trip we nevertheless saw and identified almost 170 species including such specialities as Crowned Crane, Finfoot and the weird, but much sought after, Shoebill Stork.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was no just one special moment! Being so close to gorillas, seeing a pair of Shoebill storks rise out of the marsh yards from us, getting to within a couple of yards of a Malachite Kingfisher....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jude, our leader was outstanding - as good as they come. His knowledge of animals and birds was exceptional and his ability to pick up distant birds enviable. He new where we were likely to see key species, and regularly checked with locals, resulting our seeing giraffe and lion, species not so common in the area we were visiting, and missed by other groups around. I doubt we would have seen the Shoebills without his knowledge and determination In addition to all this he was very caring and incredibly hard working all helping to make this and exceptional holiday

Advice for Potential Travellers

The gorillas live in demanding terrain - steep sided valleys - climbing down and getting back up is strenuous! No problem for anyone who goes hill walking regularly, but if one doesnt do much walking of any description, it will be hard work (but worth it!). There are porters available to carry ones pack (local lads who appreciate the cash) importantly they will also give you a pull up on the steeper bits if you need one - much appreciated by some members of the party -so hire one and couples, hire one each if you both think you might need a pull!

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