Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the snow leopards , albeit through spotting scopes . Completing some tough walks at altitude and cold temperatures.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Delhi airport arrivals - painfully slow immigration procedure , over 2 hours before being cleared and then collecting luggage. In camp - very cold at night so check if extra blankets / duvets can be hired from local homestay to offset cold ( even with a good sleeping bag temps of minus 23 in a tent at night not to be disregarded ). Wear lots of layers as once snow leopards spotted you then wait for hours to see what they get upto. Standing still means you chill down quickly , also when sun sets late afternoon the temp plummtes. Delhi airport departure to UK - make sure you have copy of itinerary . Airport security (Army) outside will deny you entry to terminal unless you have passport AND proof of flight , either on line checkin screen shots / boarding pass ( even with online check in no boarding pass issued until inside terminal, wifi unavailable to show online checkin ) etc. If someone already inside terminal they may be able to get printed itinerary from checkin desk ,showing name of passenger but then that person unable to leave terminal to pass itinerary to army security guard outside plus waiting passenger. Makes for a stressful time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling down from Ella in the pouring rain and stopping at Buduruwagala to see the amazing gigantic standing Buddhas

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader Ruwan was brilliant. He was a very knowledgeable tour guide and was always pleased to answer our questions. His organisational skills during the whole trip were excellent and he was great fun to be with, always willing to go the extra mile for the group by organising a cricket match and a fantastic barbeque on the beach.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need to go and go now, whilst there are fewer tourists visiting Sri Lanka. You will have a great time! The day climbing up to Nuwara Eliya is very challenging due to the heat and the ascent, but you can always get in the mini bus if it becomes too much.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved seeing the sloths and monkeys, my husband saw over 170 new birds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was friendly, knowledgeable, approachable, patient. His English was perfect. He made our holiday memorable. While on the trip we accidentally left our belongings in a hotel safe when we moved on to another hotel. Eric arranged with the hotel and colleague for us to get them back. He did this in a very discreet, efficient and kindly way. It was also our 50th wedding anniversary, he arranged and paid for a celebration cake and we had a wonderful evening with the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the rain.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the W trek in the company of a great group, fantastic leader and 3 entertaining Chilean guides. We really experienced Patagonian weather at first hand, one moment really strong winds, to sleet/snow and hot sunshine in a short space of time!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Xavier was a fantastic guide, always cheerful, very knowledgeable, great organisational skills and took us to some amazing restaurants. Thanks for making it such a memorable rewarding trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As everyone says, pack light. Don’t take a poncho as some reviews say. Either use plenty of dry bags or have a CLOSE fitting waterproof cover that is securely attached to your rucksack in several places. At the start of the W trek you are given a sleeping bag liner, travel towel and reusable metal water container. There are plenty of places to fill up a water bottle on the trek so you only need one water bottle. Only ever carry a maximum of 1 litre. If travelling for longer in Argentina get a local Claro SIM card.

Most Inspirational Moment

Simply just seeing such a variety of scenery in Morocco

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both group leader and bus driver were very good

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take extra warm clothing for trips run at that time of the year

Most Inspirational Moment

First seeing a wild toucan at Tortugera.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Johnny Villalobos. He was outstanding in every way. He had a very good way with people and, specifically, he was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the wildlife that we had come to see; and proud of Costa Rica’s role in world conservation. We wish to nominate him for the Exodus Annual Leader Awards (Trip Code AHP 230212)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Days in the highlands are wetter, colder and windier than you would imagine. Good walking shoes/boots or trainers are essential.

Most Inspirational Moment

so many: the cape Agulas Kaap de goede hoop the penguins at Betty's the shark diving the coffeestop at Elin

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adonia and Ernesto were friendly people who learned us a lot about South Africa

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beware of crime at the ATM in the city centre of Cape Town, that happened to us before we started the trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to pinpoint. It was just jaw dropping to see and experience how ancient Egyptians created such amazing buildings, structures, art and stories. I was also impressed by the High Dam and implications of that for the success of modern Egypt.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rania was a ball of energy, always helpful, knowledgeable and well organised. Even more impressive given she is a woman in a man’s world.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It’s a fantastic experience so go for it. Be ready for early starts, a busy schedule and high temperatures in Aswan but all worth it for an amazing adventure. Personally I found the optional trip to Abu Simbel was not good value for money as travel took up most of the time, over 8 hours, and we only got 1.5 hours at the temple. Take English pounds/ US dollars where you can as works best in terms of getting best prices. We were told Dec/ January is a good time to do the trip as temperatures and crowds are more manageable.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspirational moments but the mushing was probably the most inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martti was fantastic. Very knowledgeable. Very patient. Looked after everyone’s needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

In previous reviews a lot has been said about the gear provided. It is perfectly adequate but you may wish to bring some of your own stuff e.g. a good down jacket, some snow shoes for getting around the base camp and maybe a ski jacket and trousers if you are intending to spend a day (downhill)skiing in Ruka.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our stay at Esquinas Rainforest Lodge was truly memorable and such an experience being immersed in the rainforest. Wildlife and the sound of nature was around every corner. You can just sit on the veranda of your cabin and soak it all up.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erick was such a knowledgeable leader. His ability to spot and identify birds hidden out of sight from mere mortals was incredible. His experience and input made the trip so special and without his guidance and insight, we would have missed so much.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Even though we went in the "less rainy" season, it still rained. At some locations, it was cold, especially in the evenings. As advised, we took a poncho to keep the rain off, but in fact you need something a little more robust and perhaps warmer! That said, other locations were steaming hot, so you need a bit of everything really! Also, even though this trip is classified as a level 1 (leisurely), don't be fooled into thinking this will all be on flat ground. Some trips were quite strenuous and when combined with high altitude, it did make for some challenging walks. But the wildlife made it all so worthwhile.