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.

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14423 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Graham and Julie Dobbie

Reviewed September 2019

Fascinating History

We really enjoyed our introduction to these three countries.

Most Inspirational Moment

We enjoyed the medieval feel of Tallin, the art nouveau buildings in Riga, and really enjoyed getting a feel for the history of the countries.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rima was excellent. She imparted her knowlege and love of the countries. She always made sure everyone in the group was taken care of. Good restaurant choices too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Much more European feel in the three countries than expected. We visited mid-August and the weather was warmer and drier than our native Scotland, but pack appropriately (a couple of warmer layers are essential for the early/late part of some days or the rainy days).

Paul McGuire

Reviewed September 2019

A trip of a lifetime

We did the TMB in July – 14 trekkers from Canada. John and Emily were our guides and they were amazing. I can actually say I learned how to walk again in the mountains with John’s careful guiding instructions. By the end of the trek, we were able to trek straight up 4 km with a verticle of 1500 m. There is no way we could have done this without our amazing guides. I cannot say enough about Exodus and the people who work with this amazing organization. They are truly professional and we are well into planning our next group trek for July 2020 to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Can’t wait!

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to Brevant at 1500 m on the last day and looking down into the valley and seeing Chamonix, realizing that we had done it. Easily one of the most challenging treks I have ever done!

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was amazing. He is truly a gifted leader and I would recommend him for any group planning a trek in the Alps. Very wise and experienced, a really amazing leader and teacher. Emily was wonderful. The two of them worked together as an expert team. They were both what made the trip an incredible success.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You certainly need to train for the TMB. Once you have done this please listen to your guides, they really know what they are doing and you need to listen and trust them. Exodus has chosen well and their guides are truly amazing.

Sanjukta Dey

Reviewed September 2019

Why Gorilla and Masai Mara Reverse Camping is Better.

This is a trip that’s worth every single buck. I’ll list the pros and cons though.

Pros: Gorilla tracking is physically demanding. So is waking up very early every morning, travelling long distances and camping. Wildlife in Masai Mara is fantastic, no other national parks measure up to it in terms of sightings during this trip. When at the beginning of the trip energy level is high, better to do the gorilla tracking etc. Then in the end of the trip be rewarded by extraordinary wildlife viewing in Masai Mara.
The crew was really great (except one) but Albert (chef) requires special mention because he was funny, kind and fed us amazing food. Stoney (driver) was very helpful and was always helpful with information.

Cons: In some camping sites there is no Wi-Fi or internet, if we were informed before could tell our family not to worry if they didn’t hear from us on certain dates.
The truck was too old and dusty, some of the windows were difficult to open and close. We even had a breakdown close to Lake Bunyoni and that was only the beginning of the trip! Although Gilbert arranged alternative for reaching the campsite soon.
On the days of long drive, why we stopped for lunch (sandwiches) which required preps and thus wasted time is beyond my understanding. There were days when we were given packed lunches (when went on game drives). Why couldn’t the same be done which would have saved time and effort of the crew? Especially as bread in Uganda was horrible.
The water pump was the most inconvenient thing ever! After a certain level it required one hand to hold the bottle, one to hold the neck of the pump and another to actually pump water! I’ve only two and one of crew member who was basically Man Friday, got annoyed because I was asking for help. He also tried to sell me wildlife photos (I’m a photojournalist and was travelling with pro cameras) but I didn’t encourage him.

Most Inspirational Moment

Of course the highlight was watching the gorillas up close. However that wasn't all for me. Watching all wildlife in their habitat is a joyful experience. Visiting new countries, learning about their culture, cruising near Murchison Falls and Lake Victoria, hot air balloon in Masai Mara. All unforgettable experiences!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gilbert our group leader was very knowledgeable and proud of his culture, which was wonderful. He tried to solve any issue intelligently and swiftly. If it was possible, he tried his level best to get it done.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Those who an to buy additional gorilla permit must know that both happens in two different areas of the Virunga Massif. One in Bwindi and another in Mhinga (sorry about the spelling). The second one has more slope and physically exhausting. Bwindi has heavier growth and thus clear sighting maybe a problem. Unless very sure about being able to handle the climbs and physical exhaustion on two consecutive days, pause before buying the second permit. If someone plans to buy tea, try some in Uganda (my parents are loving it) but Kenyan coffee is better. Locals sell souvenirs in some places (but not outside Masai Mara), they are much cheaper than the souvenir shop they stop in. They sell some of the same stuff at double the price. DO NOT forget insect repellent, they will feast on you no matter what! I forgot my anti malaria pills, so Gilbert took me to a pharmacy in Uganda, where bought weekly tablet pack.

Graham Ritchie

Reviewed September 2019

Great trip!

I generally go for a more active holiday but I enjoyed this cultural trip. The rest of the group were very pleasant and our guide (Megle) was very efficient and informative. There were complaints about hotels but I have to say I was perfectly happy with my accommodation. My one complaint would be the Monday spent in Riga (day 6) – the trip to the beach at Jurmala was nothing special, besides it was too cold to swim and you would have had to wade out about 2km to get water deep enough. The boat trip along the canal and river was no great shakes and the free afternoon in Riga was somewhat spoiled by all the attractions being closed (as they are every Monday). It was rather a waste of a day and would be better being omitted altogether – either spending it elsewhere (Klaipeda or Vilnius?) ar cutting the whole trip short by a day. That however is my only grouse and was overall very happy. Up to the usual Exodus standard.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking over the dunes near Nida (I skipped the boat trip).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Megle was very good. She explained where we were going and what we would see. Her restaurant recommendations were generally good. She was well organised and good at skipping the queues! She was very knowledgeable about all three countries.

Advice for Potential Travellers

nothing in particular.

Brian Weetman

Reviewed September 2019

The Ups and Downs of Albania

A brilliant week. I have done many grade 3 trips which are very much a holiday with cycling but this grade 5 trip is very much a cycling trip plus a holiday. You will need to be pretty fit or a cyclist to get the best out of this foray into the mountains. Nevertheless you can easily tailor your trip with the odd trip to the broom wagon bus. It will be well worth whatever level of challenge you accept the scenery is stunning beautifully rugged and remote. Cannot fault the accommodation, food or guides Both junid the guide and Tuni the driver did everything they could to make this run smoothly and it did.

As usual with exodus trips the group make the difference and I was lucky to hit on a fabulous mix of lovely people.

Most Inspirational Moment

I should say getting up the climbs but really some of the descents were awesome. The availability of superb cold Albanian beer at the instant we finished each day and the discovery of mayonnaise sachets at day 4 picnic also stand out!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great guy and did a great job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go life is too short to miss out :-) and go now before Albanian gets full of tourists.

David Denyer

Reviewed September 2019

Madagascan Discovery review

This trip fulfils its promise of seeing Limas in their natural environment. However the country is extremely poor. All the sealed roads are riddled with potholes and the dirt roads are rough. Electricity is hit and miss and there are no street lamps even in the cities. Piped water is a rarity, Meat is butchered locally and sold from wooden huts (no fridges). If you survive this trip without diarrhoea then you are extremely lucky

Most Inspirational Moment

Lima watching

Thoughts on Group Leader

Generally excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take extra care of hygiene

Anne Wenlock

Reviewed September 2019

Everything I could have hoped for.

This was my first holiday abroad for several years as well as my first booking with Exodus. My initial contact with the company was very positive and as soon as I booked my excitement began. The Agriturismo Braccicorti was idyllic and food was both plentiful and delicious (and washed down with Braccicorti wine). As for my fellow travellers, you couldn’t have chosen a more like-minded group. I can’t wait to start planning my next holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Mount Prado, the highest peak in Tuscany. The views were incredible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was a brilliant group leader. She was knowledgeable about the local area, an excellent Italian speaker and an experienced mountain leader. She went out of her way to ensure that everyone was happy during the climbs and considered everyone's abilities. Liz made train, taxi and restaurant bookings for us. She certainly seemed to go above and beyond!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes very carefully, consider how fit you are, wear technical clothes in summer, make sure your insurance is good enough for this activity - you will be asked to note down if you are covered for a helicopter evacuation. Get a good rucksack which is comfortable to wear for the whole day.

Beverly Eastwood

Reviewed September 2019

Wonderful week

I have recently returned from this holiday and can honestly say it was one of the best Exodus walking trips I have done.
The area itself is unique and stunningly beautiful.
Every day was different and incredibly well organised by Michela , our leader who was excellent.
The week was busy but never felt too much and was a really comprehensive tour of the Ligurian coast.
The hotel was lovely with good rooms and a great breakfast buffet.

Most Inspirational Moment

This is very difficult to say as each of the walks had its own breathtaking moment - - whether it was a view as we walked into one of the towns or the silence of the forests. We also all took a boat trip on our free day and the views from the boat were amazing - sailing into Portovenere was stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michela as I have said was excellent. There was so much thought that went into everything she organised. If someone did not want to do all the walking or wanted a day off she was so helpful and detailed in regard to other options. She was incredibly knowledgeable and interesting - not only with exploring the area but with restaurant recommendations. The food was fabulous. Nothing was too much trouble and there was genuine concern that we should all have a wonderful holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some of the walks are challenging as they are steep at times with many steps .... definitely worth it for the views , and you don’t have to be super fit but a reasonable ability to walk up and down hills is definitely advisable.

Anna Anderson

Reviewed September 2019

Don’t leave it to chance

Amazing experience seeing gorillas and chimps but make sure any extra gorilla permits are booked when you book as you will be disappointed otherwise.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tracking through the impenetrable forest and spending an hour in the company of a gorilla family. We won’t forget it.

Katy R

Reviewed September 2019

Amazing insignt into a fabulous country

This trip was FULL ON. The activity level maybe doesn’t reflect the amount of actual physical exercise taken on the trip, but it does reflect the pace. It was completely non-stop from touchdown at Hanoi airport, to hikes and village walks through the hills of the north and absorbing all the culture of Hue and then down to Saigon and the beautiful Mekong Delta. 6am starts and late nights made for a lot of naps required on the bus but to pack this inspiring and amazing country into 16 days was a definite success!

Most Inspirational Moment

Halong Bay has got to be up there as an all time highlight, the kayaking was brilliant too! Along with the guest-house in the Mekong delta and the cycling tours through the countryside Hanoi on a Saturday night for tired, jet-lagged brits who had only been in the country a few hours was a bit overwhelming but Saigon was a dream!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Unfortunately this is where the trip fell short of 5 stars. Having travelled with exodus before and only experienced amazing, intelligent, organised and inspiring guides full of knowledge and humour, perhaps I was a little spoilt. Linh was both disorganised and overly-regimented in his planning. He constantly failed to tell us vital information regarding the days structure ahead which meant that an already packed trip was full of confusion. He was indecisive but at the same time failed to take on suggestions from the group about what they wanted to do. We were given very little freedom or flexibility with regards for activities and he had a very odd idea of time eg City tour in Hoi An was supposed to take 1 hour, ended up taking 3 hours then straight to dinner then another tour after dinner = very tired tourists. He also showed no interest in conversing with any of the group and preferred to lecture us in the coach (very interesting if a little egotistical at times) yet was not open to any two-sided discussion over dinner. In my experience, exodus guides have been quite the opposite and this is just a one off (for anyone reading who has now been put off!). I was also under the impression that Linh did not often take the 'trails' group and usually did the cycling tour - perhaps that is his real forte!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes lots! When going to the home-stays with the village tribes, pack lots of clothes and socks (you will need them) and also all the young girls in the villages were desperate to have their nails painted! So bring a pot, it won't take up much space and will really brighten their day! (Wish I had had this advice before going) There won't be many opportunities for buying souvenirs etc so make sure you take time in Hoi An to do that. If you're at all travel sick then stock up on pills - the coach journeys have wonderful scenery but that comes at a cost! You don't need to bring many clothes either, laundry services are cheap and quick and so are the clothes if you need an extra t-shirt or something. The food has a reputation for being dirt cheap, however the places we were taken to were cheap compared to British standards but don't go expecting dinner to cost £5 If you go in August it is constantly hot and sticky, lots of sun cream, lots of DEET, expect to be a sweaty mess most of the time!

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