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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

14432 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Andrew Hosegood

Reviewed April 2014

Everest Base Camp - Expedition Trek

An oustanding 18 day trip with amazing mountain scenery and friendly Sherpa people. This was a tough trek at high altitude. But hugely rewarding and one of the best holidays I’ve ever booked. I would thoroughly recommend this trip to any active person with a mind set to do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The no.1 experience was the walk up to the summit of Kala Patther and then reaching the summit of Kala Patther, even though the evening before, I was unsure if I would have the energy to do it. No.2 experience was the final walk into Everest Base camp, and the 2 days camping at Everest Base camp. No.3 the mountain scenery above Loboche, towards Gorap Shep and Base Camp was amazing. It was a priviledge to just be there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Lapka Lama went over and above the call of duty to make sure everyone was happy. He was supremely conscientious, and his knowledge of the mountains and the sherpa culture was second to none. If anybody need medication or was suffering from the altitude, he was there to help. Nothing was too much trouble for Lapka, and he was always patient and had everybodys interest at heart.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes...You need to train and get fit for this itinerary. There are some long walks, with 5 days walking at high altitude. That said, anybody who is reasonably fit can do this trip, if they are determined. Drink plenty of water (4-5 lires per day). At higher altitude when it is cold, it is tempting not to drink cold water, but you need to drink plenty of liquid and force it down if necessary. Finally the exodus kit list is fine for the normal trek, but if your on the expedition trek with 2 days camping at Base camp, then you need to factor in how cold it is (-15 at night), and a standard 4 season sleeping bag may not be warm enough.

Lucinda Smith-Lenander

Reviewed April 2014

Delhi to Kathmandu

What and interesting an amazing trip and one I will never forget. The sheer madness of India and then the peacefulness of Nepal. Both countries where special and great in their own way and I loved every minute.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every moment was inspiration from seeing the first tuk tuk in Dehli, visiting the Taj Mahal, the mosques in Jaipur and the amazing times on the Ganges in Varanasi. The sunsets and sunrises where amazing, early mornings but it was so worth it. I loved the peacefulness of Nepal and I loved Chitwan, Pokhara and Kathmandu, each had its own beauty and the mountain ranges and scenery was truly magnificent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pacham was a gem, an amazing person with so much knowledge of the countries and with a friendly smile no matter when you saw him. He was helpful throughout the trip and made the trip more special. We had so many laughs as a group and Pacham definitely had a few good jokes and stories. He deserves an award :-)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Have a great time as I know that you definitely will!!

Diana Maynard

Reviewed April 2014

Exceeded expectations

This trip exceeded all my expectations. I wasn’t even particularly bothered about seeing Petra, which for many is the highlight of the trip, but I was very glad I did! A relatively easy-going trek but walking on soft sand is harder than it looks, nevertheless. The wild camping was fabulous, and there are plenty of interesting things to see and do to keep you from getting bored, despite a lot of sand!

Most Inspirational Moment

Nothing was inspirational as such, but there were plenty of fabulous moments: scrambling onto the rocks on several nights to watch the sunset, sleeping under the stars, scrambling on the Burdah Arch, seeing Petra form high up above, and even just sitting round the campfire at night chatting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair was very knowledgeable and sociable, and looked after the group well, going the extra mile on numerous occasions, although he occasionally did talk a bit too much! He was tolerant of a group who didn't always make life easy for him, but occasionally the cracks did show through when he got frustrated with people who faffed about or who didn't listen to him. Unlike many non-Western guides, he interacted very well with the group, however, and socialised with us throughout the entire week, entertaining us on a frequent basis with stories and jokes. He set a decent pace and expected high standards, but perhaps was not so tolerant of those who liked to dawdle. He should perhaps have made it clearer that he wouldn't wait for those who did.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You do need to be relatively fit and happy to "slum it" a little as the camping is pretty basic. Do your research beforehand, especially if you've never been wild camping. Torch, wet wipes, blister plasters etc. LIghtweight walking boots. Be prepared to get sand in your boots constantly though (trousers or gaiters would help, but it's really too hot for that!). In April the weather was surprisingly warm at night and many of us had far too many clothes - I never even needed a sleeping bag let alone my 3 season one, nor did I need my thermals or lightweight down jacket. In winter, I suspect you'd need all these things. It's essential to wear walking boots in Petra as you'll be clambering around on the rocks. Also a torch is useful for the "Petra by night" walk (and trainers or boots as you walk around on rocky surfaces and it's a long walk). We also never needed anything to cover heads, shoulders or knees, even in Petra. Do the hammam in Petra, it was wonderful to be scrubbed clean after a few days in the desert! If you don't like caffeine at night, take herbal teabags with you. And take a mug (they do lend you mugs but they can disappear very easily!) Also take a good 2 litre water bottle or (preferably) hydration system - it's easy to underestimate how much water you need and to run out during the day. Take a book for the siesta time after lunch and the evenings.

Jonathan Grix

Reviewed April 2014

A wonderful trip

A great holiday, tiring in parts, that gives a wonderful insight into Jordan. You cover the whole country and pack a lot into this trip with all of the major tourist sites covered. The cycling was relatively easy with a couple of days of long descents (with a few uphill sections thrown in!).

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was more magical than we ever expected – A long time on our hit list and to finally see the Treasury and the rest of Petra was amazing. Sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum and Jerash were almost as special. In fact none of the sights on this trip failed to be inspiring!

Thoughts on Group Leader

He did his job – not one of the best ones we have had and he needed to be clearer with his briefings. The cycling guide and mechanic were good and looked after us on one of the tricky downhill descents.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for two very tiring days at Petra and expect to walk approx. 20kms each day – the two climbs up to the Monastery and Place of Sacrifice are worth the effort. If on the last night in Amman the guide suggests you go to Tawaheen Al-Hawa restaurant (also known as Wind Mills) don’t bother. The place is like a canteen with busses of tourist groups and no alcohol. Also your guide might advise that the cheapest place to buy Dead Sea products is at the shop where you stop to bathe in the Dead Sea – it’s not, the cheapest place is at the airport on your way home.

Reviewed April 2014

Great time in the Atlas Mountains

Exodus came up trumps for my spur of the moment trip to the mountains. Walking in high valleys and hills was well paced, not strenuous (I am in my early 70’s) , and enjoyable. The food and accommodation were both fine. The group was amazingly good company and friendly. Down time in Marrakech was a good mixture of organised visits and free time to spend in the souk and cafes and gardens.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting with the group and our guide round a carpet enjoying mint tea and tagine and bread 3000 metres up in the hills after a full morning's walk up from the gite.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great company, very friendly, intelligent, and highly professional in a pleasant way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Give this trip a try.

Anna Cheer

Reviewed April 2014

A Week in Jordan

It is the sheer variety of experiences and landscapes that amazes me when I think about Jordan. Huge Greek – Roman complexes and modern cities; hot, sunny and cold, windy weather; eating in a 5-star restaurant and in a desert cave; epic-scale arid wadis and green fields; camel riding and 4×4 adventures; Biblical landscapes and the holiday resort of Aquaba; a fabulous balconied suite overlooking the Red Sea and a desert campsite; snorkelling over fish-covered reefs and floating in the, literally, Dead Sea. How did we pack it all into five days? Because the other two days were in Petra, wonderful, glorious Petra, two of our best days of walking ever. The extraordinarily coloured, beautiful Petra rocks made the trip worth it on their own: as an abstract photographer, I was in my element!

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking out from Mt.Nebo over the River Jordan, Jericho (I may be particularly ignorant, but it had not occurred to me that Jericho might still exist), the Dead Sea and the Occupied Territories - Biblical and modern history in one astonishing, totally unexpected view. Camel riding in Wadi Rum: we feared this might be a bit of a tourist racket, but it was a magical way of seeing the desert, the wonderful motion of the camels, the peace and warmth, it contrasted beautifully with the exciting 4x4 trip the previous evening. Petra: the first view of the Treasury from the Siq. It's a classic, of course, but genuinely awe-inspiring. Petra, full stop! Oh, and the best char-grilled lamb I have ever tasted!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny was superb. His knowledge and passion for his country and history shone throughout the trip. He is one of life's fixers and worked hard to make life easy for us, sorting the tricky issue of tipping in a country where it is ubiquitous, lunch meal packs and evening meals, including a really special Bedouin cave dinner and a traditional Jordanian feast. He saved us all a lot of money, giving us very firm instructions about how much to pay for things! The final afternoon trip when he took us round the 'old' Amman was unexpected, enlightening and a real departure from the standard tourist trail. We loved it, and the local street-food delicacies to which he introduced us. He went the extra mile all week, organising extras such as Little Petra, not on the itinerary but well worth a visit and arranged the organised outings and free time perfectly so that we never felt nannied or abandoned! He was fun to be with but completely professional, a rather difficult balance to achieve. Danny really showed how invaluable an experienced local guide is. Exodus should hang on to him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We needed everything from fleeces, waterproof jackets and walking boots to shorts and sun hats and not necessarily when we expected. Sitting in the open-topped 4x4 trip in Wadi Rum was bitterly cold - take a hooded, windproof top and wear trousers. The Red Sea, too, was, literally, breathtakingly cold after jumping off the boat where we had been basking in the sun. I teased my husband, who feels the cold, mercilessly for taking a shortie wetsuit, but he really could not have gone in the Dead or Red Seas without it at this time of year (March-April) and only wished he'd taken a full wetsuit and I’d have loved the shortie! Do go on the boat trip at Aquaba. Only a handful of our group went on this lovely outing, with all our transport and lunch arranged, a posh boat, sunbathing and visiting two snorkelling sites. Not everyone swam, but everyone had a great afternoon. Comparing notes afterwards, those that chose the beach option had a lot more hassle and, overall, it cost the same as the boat trip. It really is worth taking walking boots for Petra. You could just walk up and down the valley, but you would miss so much. We covered over 26 miles. Don't worry if you can't manage the rough terrain and steep climbs, you don't have to leave the valley but, if at all possible, explore the hills around. You won't regret it.

Lisa Hutchison

Reviewed April 2014

Galapagos Islands

Truly the trip of a lifetime. It exceeded my expectations in every area.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was a privilege to be in such a unique environment amongst wildlife that, far from being bothered by our prescence, would, more often than not, be curious enough to come and say hello. Seeing the courting displays of frigate birds and blue-footed boobies on the final morning was a real highlight, but I completely fell in love with the playful sea-lion pups, who fully lived up to our guide's description of them as 'puppies in wetsuits'.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Darwin was wonderful. Extremely knowledgable about all that we saw, and always friendly and helpful. The crew on the Cachalote were also exceptional. They really added to the quality of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take biodegradeable sun-lotion to protect the fragile marine environment when swimming/snorkelling.

Jacqui Cottom

Reviewed April 2014

Cycling in nGreece

This was a most amazing trip filled with beautiful scenery, Greek archaeology and fantastic Greek food and traditions. The cycling was quite challenging (for me because I find hills difficult!!!) although I didn’t have to get off and walk or push so it was ‘do’able. However, the reward at the top of spectacular views and the tremendous exciting descents made it all worth while! Greek achaeology was everywhere, hotels were great and the food delicious. It was the perfect time to go as I have always visited in August before so we saw a Greece that was green, lush and covered in wild flowers of every colour imaginable. The aroma from the orange blossom should be bottled!!! Altogether, very enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is hard to pick the best thing about the trip but the best day had to be cycling from Mycenea to the Corinthian Canal - Beautiful countryside, a visit to a winery, undulating country roads, scenic views as we dropped towards the sea and watching the Corinthian Canal open to let a ship through. The highlight of the day was a picnic on a hump back bridge followed by an invite by a passing local family to drink coffee and biscuits in their garden (all 18 of us!!) to celebrate a Greek tradition of welcoming and respecting travellers. This was a true reflection of the Greek hospitality.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christiana couldn't do enough to please us. She worked tirelessly to accommodate our every wish, from choosing the perfect restaurants and menus, finding fabulous picnic spots, arranging a Greek Music and dancing evening to telling us all the local history. She was brilliant and a real asset to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a camera!!! Cycle a few hills before you go!!! Go in Spring, not summer. Don't expect to lose any weight despite cycling- the food is in abundance and too delicious to resist!!!

Andrew Baker

Reviewed April 2014

Walking in Tuscany

An excellent trip with breath-taking scenery in a quiet corner of Tuscany. Food simple, plentiful and very tasty.

Most Inspirational Moment

Snow shoeing for the first time on the ridge of a mountain was great fun. Exploring Castelnuovo the local town was brilliant - a scene from a Puccini opera at every turn. The exceptional group leader Sara Bull.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara Bull is simply outstanding as a group leader. I have done a number of Exodus trips now and although they have all been led effectively, Sara stands head and shoulders above the rest. She is calm, friendly, totally professional and inclusive. Walks were tailored to individual needs and those that just needed a bit of encouragement were supported. She entertained us with stories from her vast experience. I would love to walk with her again.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take clothes for every season. In April the weather was perfect for walking but I certainly needed the waterproofs as well as the sun hat. Wifi is virtually non-existent. In short, forget about home for the week!

KIM Payne

Reviewed April 2014

Brilliant Experience

The Western Cape area of South Africa was so different to my first experience in the Kruger area. Outstanding scenery, well organised, fairly easy cycling, homely accommodation. The only negative would be the food and wine was INCREDIBLE so there is no chance of weight loss on this trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely Tallis (our guide). Otherwise it would be cycling with different scenery and getting a 'wow' moment every day. The Braai we had near Bontebok National Park would have to be a true South African experience washed down with ice cold Amarula Gold. The accommodation in Barrydale (where?!) with Leon and Dennis our hosts would have to be the favourite on the trip. It is so unique and we felt so valued to be guests here that it didn't matter there is nothing to do in Barrydale… except climb a fabulous hill.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tallis was outstanding. I have many Sth African friends but none of them have as much passion as Tallis about his country, the wildlife, people, history, fauna etc. It was so nice to have someone so excited about sharing their country with us. His culinary skills were faultless, excellent organisation, we never saw him upset and he always had a smile on his face while showing outstanding professionalism. An asset to Exodus for sure.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a 'cycling' holiday. So it is good if you can cycle at least 1 hour without stopping and an average of 20-25k per hour. The feedback on the bikes that people have commented on is rubbish. Exodus have brand new bikes and they are in excellent condition. Tallis is a bit of a bike nazi so he wants to keep them this way. Definitely hire when you get here. Bring your own pedals if you can as there are a few hills. I have done a Croatia Exodus Cycle trip and the accommodation was rubbish compared to Sth Africa. I thought it was an excellent standard.

Prev 1 … 1,061 1,062 1,063 1,064 1,065 … 1,444 Next