Reviews

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

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32 Reviews

4.1 out of 5

Dave Stroud

Reviewed September 2018

A comprehensive and very enjoyable trip in this incredible country!

A thoroughly enjoyable trip!

This trip is pretty full on and many hours are spent on the bus, travelling from place to place. However, as the scenery is constantly changing this adds to the whole experience.

Whilst not as wildlife rich as some other countries I’ve visited it still had it’s wonderful moments. I didn’t expect to see so many hyena’s, an animal which I’ve never understood the reaction of many people; that being “they’re so ugly”. I’ve always found them to be beautiful! Lions eluded us but we did manage to see a leopard and African painted dogs, which felt very lucky indeed. Also spotted two young male giraffes squaring up to each other and practice fighting. That also felt like a rare privilege to see.

If you want wide ranging experiences from a holiday this is definitely for you! I loved it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Exploring the Drakensberg mountains, where we did a small walk. I could very easily spend a whole week (or longer) in this one area alone. I actually felt this way many times during the trip so pinning down a single inspirational moment is an impossible task for me. As South Africa is such a large country, this trip was always going to a taster for me. I will definitely return and hopefully spend more time in the areas I most liked.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Petro was a fantastic guide and was always there to help; full of information, particularly that of South Africa's history, ensures that you'll always find the longer journeys interesting. I must also mention Joel, who was not only the driver but did many other jobs such as preparing the meals, particularly the braais (South African barbeque). We never went hungry! Even people who didn't like certain foods were catered for! Both guides worked extremely hard and I often felt that especially after the long drives the group could easily have eaten out. This would have meant that the guides, after the long driving days, wouldn't have to cook for the group!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I travelled in August and underestimated how cold it was going to be, particularly in the coastal regions. I should have packed a couple more thicker jumpers and some thicker trousers too.

Lizzy Hannah

Reviewed February 2018

An awesome experience!

I was so excited about this trip and was not disappointed as I thought it was outstanding. The pace was good, the scenery very varied, there were a lot of new experiences especially viewing the wildlife, and every day was different. The accommodation also varied but never disappointed. I loved the feeling that we were often away from the main tourist routes, even when we weren’t, however there are a lot of long driving days with breaks to stretch our legs and take photos. The accommodation was very comfortable and every place we stayed was different, sometimes even with a fridge and kettle or occasionally a swimming pool. It was exciting arriving at each new place to explore what was special and different.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many moments it is hard to pick one. I woke up in a tented camp one morning to loud birdsong and heard a rustling beside me. It was a pair of zebras grazing. Seeing a snake eat a huge toad was exciting, and seeing a family of hyenas on the road in the Kruger National Park. Later we saw a pair of lions mating. I also loved the penguin colony at Betty's Bay and the seals lying about by the fish market in Cape Town. The view from our cottage looking out of the Drakensberg Mountains was stunning as well, especially watching a storm brewing up and then clearing later.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two group leaders and they were both great. They had so much knowledge about everything, the wildlife, the scenery, things of interest, bits of history. They were so dependable and good to be with, making sure everything went smoothly for everyone and keeping us well informed about what was going to happen day by day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a lot of travelling and I was pleased I had plenty of audiobooks so I could listen and look at the scenery at the same time. I was also glad I took my hiking shoes as some of the hikes were on rough ground and they were more sturdy in wet conditions too.

Penelope Westmoreland

Reviewed March 2017

Johannesburg to Cape Town AZJ

The game drives were fun as we never knew what we would come across, e.g. white rhinos crossing the road and elephants with calves… There were beautiful national parks but different highlight(s) every day with ever-changing scenery – amazing views e.g. at Cape of Good Hope and panorama from Table Mountain. Swaziland was charming.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing hippos play-fighting in Lake St Lucia.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marvellous - Petro was hard-working, fun, patient and more, ably assisted by Andrew, equally good, and both good cooks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We drove well over 4,000 kms so, some days, long hours were spent in the rather small seats of the minibus but I wouldn't have wanted to miss anything we did see - luckily reference books and drinking water were provided, and stops fairly frequent. It was hot and humid in almost all regions we visited in February (fewer mosquitoes than I'd expected, lucikly) but there would no doubt have been lots more vehicles in the game parks in the dry, high season when there is less vegetation in a few months' time, so pros and cons. A couple of optional walks were tough-ish (I later heard) but I had opted out as there were alternative easier walks to do and nice places to wait.

Geraldine Yates

Reviewed December 2016

Johannesburg to Cape Town

A great trip, having thoroughly enjoyed the Cape Town to Victoria Falls some years ago, I was keen to experience a different part of South Africa. I was not disappointed. This was a great trip saw and experienced so many different and wonderful views of wild life including whales, good walking , a variety of accommodation and great food.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing leopard on one of our first game drives.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin was great he has been leading this trip for many years and his knowledge of the countries the people and the animals was amazing. He kept the trip running smoothly and never seemed to get tired despite the early mornings and long drives.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a lots of early starts.

Susan Gorman

Reviewed March 2016

Jo'burg to Cape Town

We travelled almost 4500k around Southern Africa; with wonderful scenery and experiences, knowledgable guide, fabulous cook. Highly recommend it as a great way to see loads and get a feel for the various regions and peoples. Lovely place to finish (Cape Town). Felt very safe throughout the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Scary - being 3 metres away from 3 rhinos (on foot). Thought provoking - visiting Lesotho and staying in the lodge which supported the local community. Different prospective - guide at Rookes Drift with his insight and knowledge Ahh moment -stroking a full grown cheetah, as a surprise visit! OMG - so many fabulous elephants, and a massive herd of 3/400 buffalo!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabulous, very well organised, caring and knowledgeable. Always ready to answer questions, give advice etc...... Cook also needs mentioning as she was able to feed all of us with amazing meals three times a day! Her morning fruit salad was always different and fresh (better than many hotels).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do this trip! Don't take sleeping bags, not needed, but take. Swimming costume as you will swim in some amazing places.

Philip Hill

Reviewed November 2015

JO'BURG TO CAPE TOWN

The trip was everything we hoped it would be. Loads of animals, birds, wonderful scenery and fantastic people. The success of a trip is is dependant on many things but we were fortunate to have a great itinerary, a group of like minded travellers and, most importantly, outstanding guides.
It is a trip full of superlatives.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many high points. There was a good set of walks included on the trip with the option of others at several of the stops. In particular we enjoyed our stay in Lesotho, the game drives, seeing the big 5, the beauty of the Garden Route and of course Cape Town and all it had to offer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin, David and Fiona were 'awesome and amazing'. Nothing was too much trouble for them. They worked so very hard making sure we got the maximum from our trip, even visiting places not on the itinerary (where possible). Fiona provided a exceptional range of meals which were plentiful and tasty. Their knowledge and enthusiasm added greatly to the enjoyment of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the brochure carefully. Some of the days were long but they were always split into more manageable blocks with stops for meals, shopping, border crossings or 'mini visits' but don't be put off by the trip notes. Experience the scenery, smells, sights and people and enjoy this fantastic trip. + be prepared for inexpensive, amazing food in the restaurants.

Alan Chapman

Reviewed November 2015

Jo'burg to Cape Town Oct/Nov 2015

An excellent trip involving 8 nights camping. The camping is being replaced by lodges/chalets in 2016 so the venues may be the same in some wonderful locations such as the shoreline at Tsitsikamma but the experience will be different. Some long drives in order to cover 4400 kms in less than 3 weeks but the roads are very good with adequate toilet/coffee stops at petrol stations and supermarkets for stock-ups. Great variety of wildlife, scenery, history, and people. Borders crossed quickly.

Most Inspirational Moment

On a night-drive in Kruger, seeing a leopard walk past the vehicle, lie on the road and then move when two hyenas approached. On a night-drive in Swaziland, two lionesses and two cubs walked past the vehicle as though we weren't there. In contrast, the visit to Robben Island guided by two former inmates, and the scenery and people at Malea-lea in Lesotho.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin Barr of Mask Expeditions was excellent; couldn't have been more helpful, sociable and knowledgeable. Fiona, the cook, provided a great quantity, quality and variety of food.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the occasional disappointment such as no whales seen from the cliffs at Hermanus although a few were seen on the boat-ride. Take sunscreen for the many hot and sunny days but also rain-gear for the occasional day when the heavens open. Be prepared for some early starts and long days on a very full but extremely interesting and enjoyable journey, and be rewarded with some spectacular scenery.

Catherine Naya

Reviewed February 2015

Johannesburg to Cape Town

This was a wonderful three week trip full of variety, travelling down through most of the eastern side of South Africa. Nearly 4500km over three weeks takes some doing so there are some long driving days. It covers beautiful scenery as well as the wild animals and varied plant life.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspiring was the Berghouse cottage in the Drakensburg, away in the hills, with its peace and tranquility. Other memorable things were the animals in Kruger and Swaziland, especially elephants coming right up to our vehicle on a game drive and the 8 rhinos in the early morning by the pool at the Ndlovi campsite in Swaziland; stroking a wild cheetah; going up Table Mountain on a clear day without a cloud in the sky.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wynand was a fantastic leader - full of energy, always very helpful and considerate and lighthearted. He is an absolute encyclopaedia of information and there was very little he did not know about, of relevance to our trip. Together with our driver, Sofiso, they both worked tirelessly to make our trip comfortable and we were able to relax after a long day whilst they put up camp and cooked food. Sofiso was also a very good careful driver and at no time did we ever feel nervous, despite a few quite bumpy roads.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes were very accurate so they give you a pretty good idea of what to expect. Although the days were often long on the road they were broken up with fairly regular stops for loo/drinks/food, to see the view or watch animals/birds. I think having had experience with these kind of long distance driving holidays is a help. Very early morning starts have to be accommodated and it helps to have had some experience of camping.

Sandra Barrett

Reviewed October 2014

Fantastic experience

This is a most fantastic trip with plenty of wildlife viewings (although not as many in numbers as the Masai Mara).
Lots of travelling through beautiful countries – South Africa, Lesotho & Swaziland – where there are some tremendous views. This is a trip where you really NEED TO READ THE TRIP NOTES. So many of our group were not prepared for the long days travelling or the many nights camping. One person hadn’t even brought a sleeping bag with her!! If you want luxury lodges this is not the trip for you. The more you read up before travelling the more you get out of this trip. The campsites were in some superb locations with tremendous views and most had excellent shower facilities and most even had places to charge batteries.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspirational moments on this trip but for myself it was myself spotting a leopard at the side of the road in the Kruger and the driver backing the vehicle so that we could take a photo. I just managed to get one in the scrub but then it was gone. St. Lucia would have been better if there had been water but there had been water shortage for several weeks so washing with wet wipes was needed. The time in the Drakensberg was superb with excellent views yet again.Camping in Tsitsikamma was fabulous on the sea front in an excellent campsite watching the dolphins close to the beach and Whales further out and of course the sunsets. In Lesotho staying in a Rondevel and going on the walks to the gorge and the Bushman's caves with the locals. Even children sang for us in the Echoing cave. Whale watching in Hermanus was an experience especially as the sea was so rough on our return. We quite liked Cape Town but would have preferred a better hotel. The flora was incredible as was the scenery. Too many moments and I must have missed loads. GO AND ENJOY

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wynand our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. If he couldn't answer a question he would willingly research it for us. He had a lot to put up with on this trip with people complaining about camping, long distances etc. and not having read the trip notes. Sofiso the driver was excellent, never felt worried about his driving, very good at spotting animals and always so helpful, full of fun. Joannel trainee guide was super company, had a good sense of humour and a very good wildlife spotter, a delight to be with. Should make a good guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

READ THE TRIP NOTES you really must read the trip notes, this is a camping holiday mainly with small hotels as well. Lots of driving to be expected as we were covering a large area from Johannesburg to Cape Town, via Swaziland & Lesotho. Be prepared to be flexible, this isn't a luxury holiday but one to be really enjoyed being one with nature. One thing we weren't told is that in Lesotho the people would appreciate any clothes, also feminine products and schoolbooks and pencils. We were able to stock up on the latter items before we entered the country and some of us left clothes behind. In Cape Town, the hotel only has European charging points as its owned by a German, this some people found rather annoying when you have travelled all the way with SA plugs. Fortunately I threw in a worldwide plug at the last minute.

Reviewed August 2013

JOHANNESBURG TO CAPE TOWN

An excellent trip slightly ruined by the lack of support vehicle which added hours to already lengthy days and meant we nearly always arrived at new places in the dark having spent whole days on the bus on occasion. It is clearly a trip which involves long journeys but at least 2 hours were added onto the normal journey times which is not acceptable on an expensive trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Township visit in Cape Town; Cape Peninsula; camping at Tsitsikama; Lesotho - could have spent much longer there; walking in the Drakensberg Mountains; rhino walk in Swaziland; seeing a baby rhino in Kruger.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob was an excellent leader - he coped very well with being let down by his company (Mask expeditions) who failed to provide a support vehicle after the original one broke down at the start of the trip. It was out of respect for him that we didn't kick up a fuss about the extra hours this cost us on the bus which was not suitable for the weight it had to pull (us, all our bags, all the tents, all the food etc). He is unfailingly upbeat and calm and has a wealth of knowledge about southern Africa.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Insist that Exodus/Mask provide appropriate vehicles for what is an expensive trip.

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