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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14433 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

VICKI NUNN

Reviewed December 2018

We were left wanting ...

… wanting more of a South African experience! The area around Cape Town is lovely and definitely worth visiting – upon reflection, however, we wish we’d have taken a car tour in South Africa and cycled somewhere else. The reason we take cycling holidays in different parts of the world is to experience a country in an active way and really see, hear and feel the country. We enjoyed the whale watching, Cape Point and Boulders Beach visits but there was definitely scope for more South African experience. We learned about the history and botany of the area but would have liked more of modern South Africa, the relationship between black and white and how they now live side-by-side post-apartheid, etc, as it’s such an intrinsic part of the area. Often with these trips there are extras that are not mentioned on the trip notes which really enrich the holiday and make up for the inevitable slightly dull bits of cycling – there were none of these interesting extras! There were many times when we could have been anywhere slogging our way up yet another hill. If you are a stats person (how far, how fast, how high, etc) who wants some warm cycling when it’s cold in UK (please see note below tho!) you’ll probably have no problems with the trip (although I would recommend Morocco’s Great South for more stunning mountain scenery). Every day you are pushing up a hill, against the wind (it is always windy in this part of the world it seems!) or both!! I would question the grading of this trip – we have taken a few moderate trips and this was definitely harder. By the same token I have taken a moderate/challenging trip and it was easier! At one point my husband said we should have saved ourselves a lot of money and just bought a turbo-trainer – it did sometimes feel a bit like exercise for exercise sake and not a holiday!

Most Inspirational Moment

Whale watching and seeing a megapod (300-500) of common dolphin (which apparently are not so common!) swimming alongside us. A walk up into the hills behind Hermanus on our day off. Staying in in Cape Town for 4 extra nights at the end of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Warren was very personable and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for it to be cold!! It caught us all out when our first two days' weather was like the Scottish Highlands rather than South Africa!!! Evenings are cool too! Take binoculars for whale watching and Bontebok NP. The sea looks beautifully inviting but you probably won't be swimming as it's absolutely freezing!!! The swimming pools are unheated so they are not very appealing either! BOOK EXTRA DAYS IN CAPE TOWN BEFORE OR AFTER!! There is virtually no time in the city within the trip and it is definitely worth seeing!!

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Vicki for her feedback, although we are sorry she felt the trip left her wanting more from her experience in South Africa. We were pleased to read that Vicki enjoyed the whale watching and visits to Cape Point and Boulders Beach; we regret, however, that she found the trip would have benefitted from a more integrative local experience. We do endeavour to offer trips that provide a full experience, taking into account the culture, history and geography of the areas we visit, and we endeavour to do this in a positive and responsible way. We also feel it is worth mentioning that out of 43 reviews on our website, clients have given this tour an average of 4.5 stars out of a possible 5 (on the date of publishing) and we feel this is reassuring and demonstrates that the trip is described accurately in our tour literature. Based on the feedback from our local team and previous clients, we are confident that the activity level assigned for this trip is appropriate, although we acknowledge this is not Vicki’s view. We are, nonetheless, genuinely sorry that Vicki’s experience was not so positive. John Penge – Product Manager

margaret crisp

Reviewed December 2018

What an adventure!!!

Had a wonderful trip around Costa Rica, on the delightful ‘women only’ trip. We were led by a very knowledgeable and informative guide, in Katia, and whilst I avoided the zip wires, I thoroughly enjoyed the suspension bridges, the boat trip in the mangrove swamps and the geo-thermal baths. We saw birds of all kinds, including the quetzal, racoons, crocodile and caiman, an armadillo, sloths, turtles and monkeys! We started as a group of strangers on the same trip…and ended up feeling a family!!
The only downside was the return trip…so thorough is the security at Houston, that a two hour gap between flights is barely sufficient and i had to run to catch the second plane!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the tree roots seen on the boat trip round Tortuguero…..

Thoughts on Group Leader

Awesome!!!! Very knowledgeable and an inspiration!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you can, avoid Houston airport....or be prepared to keep looking at your watch and hoping!!!!!

Monica Ozwoeld

Reviewed December 2018

Vietnam Adventure

I have not been on a group tour in over 35 years and was anxious how it would be traveling with 16 other individuals and a tour guide. I am quite independent when I travel. I was also the only American in a group of 16 people, the others being from England, Scotland and Wales. My fears were put to rest almost immediately. These people all became friends over the two week period – a very cohesive, easy going and adventurous group. Our tour guide, Cong, was amazing – very organized and on top of every little detail, making sure every one of us knew exactly what the day’s schedule would be. Exodus is a very conscious tour company and Cong, whenever possible, made sure our activities supported the people of Vietnam in cities and the rural areas. I learned and saw so much, and though it was at a bit faster pace than I might have gone on my own, it worked. What an amazing country. Each place we visited was different and offered unique insights into the Vietnamese culture. I would highly recommend this tour and Cong, our guide, gets an A+.

Most Inspirational Moment

On our bike ride when we were in Hoi An visiting with the veteran from the war with Cambodia. Hearing his story, listening to him sing and watching the awe that our bicycle guide had on his face as he listened to him sing was very special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cong was excellent. As said previously, he was extremely organized and kept a close check on each member of the group, making sure we were all doing okay. His attitude was always positive and he gave us insight into the Vietnamese people and culture. His love of his country and his people was evident in all he did and said. He made sure that whenever possible we visited and ate at places that supported the more needy in Vietnam. As I stated, I am used to traveling on my own and pretty independent. At times this may have been a bit difficult for him, but I felt I had enough time on my own and he worked with me allowing me the freedom at times I needed. A wonderful kind and caring guide.

Amanda Patton

Reviewed December 2018

Very aptly named trip!

A fabulous introduction to India for a first-timer. India surprised and delighted me in so many ways; the vibrancy, the people, the architecture, the culture, the food – I was constantly reminded of the line in Best Exotic – something along the lines of “how could you not love this country, all life is here”.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first sight of the Taj Mahal through the windows of the Red Fort in Agra reduced me to tears - it just shimmers on the horizon and is so incredibly beautiful. But also Bundi, an absolute delight and assault on all senses, and we were lucky with a late Diwali that meant we caught the beginnings of the camel fair at Pushkar which was huge fun!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was just amazing, his knowledge, enthusiasm and kindness made him the perfect guide. He knew the best places to eat, from a palace on the shores of the lake at Udaipur to street food (and the best samosas ever); he organised fireworks for Diwali, tuctucs in Udaipur, a trip to a Bollywood movie, going out of his way to give us all the best experience possible, and adding in extra elements when he discovered our interests.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take existing clothes to be made up in hours from local material - I didn't know about it so didn't take anything but wished I had! I took a daily pro-biotic but on the one occasion I felt a bit dodgy it was sorted with some charcoal tablets that one of the other ladies let me have.

Marion Tuck

Reviewed December 2018

Vietnam Cycling

Fantastic trip: great support, excellent bikes, food, hotels and most importantly a fascinating and beautiful country. The Vietnamese are an amazingly calm and friendly people.
Highly recommend.

Most Inspirational Moment

That's an odd question, but if anything the calm and generous nature of the people gives much food for thought. In our society everyone is rushing about their business trying to get from A to B with no consideration for others, getting wound up in traffic jams, road rage etc. In Vietnam the traffic flow is something to behold! Unnerving at first, but the mopeds merge and move like a flock of birds or shoal of fish and it all works - no one gets cross and there seem to be few accidents. (And its fantastic cycling through it all -other than in Saigon and Ha Noi which are much busier.)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was a great group leader, kept us informed (amusingly so at times, due to his accented English!). Dealt with issues arising such as disruption to schedule caused by adverse weather and the odd mishap along the way calmly and professionally. Friendly and very good humoured, very much part of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would suggest arriving a day or so before official start date as little time to explore Saigon and likewise a couple of days at the end as no time to explore Ha Noi. Be aware that the days can be fairly long, necessitated by the distance to be covered. Worth it though!

Denise Young

Reviewed December 2018

Discover Sri Lanka

An excellent holiday with a good tour leader, excellent driver and helper and fun holidaymakers.

Most Inspirational Moment

The optional excursion of the mangrove swamps

Thoughts on Group Leader

He tried his best.

Joanne Hart

Reviewed December 2018

Perfect Petra

A very interesting week, lots to do and some amazing places to see….

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the souk and walking out to see the Treasury

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was good and friendly and knowledgeable. I did feel that we could have had longer at certain places and I felt rushed on a couple of occasions to get to the hotel. When we were at Aqaba we only had 3 hours at the resort and this wasn’t long enough to relax properly... we had to eat lunch all together on a set menu and I think we could have got our own lunch when we wanted it and then we had to leave at 2pm and go to our hotel with nothing to do in the afternoon. We should have stayed at the resort for the day or been given the option to get a taxi back to the hotel.... I also felt our time at the Citidel in Amman was rushed - there wasn’t enough time to walk around the site which is disappointing as we could have stayed much longer. The Citidel is incredible

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book the trip - you won’t be disappointed... But I’d say get a taxi back to the hotel and stay at the seaside resort in Aqaba all day....

David Netherwood

Reviewed December 2018

Tough in places, but a great holiday

This is a really good holiday with chance to see some very different bits of India, from the illuminated palace of Mysore to the tigger reserve (we saw a tigger), to the 36 hairpin bends on the mountainous road to Ooty (1200m accent), the glorious tea plantations (that actually smell of tea), then Kerala itself, with its palm trees, beaches and backwaters.

If you are worried about the recent flood (2018), don’t be everything is open, schools, roads, hotels, pools, etc. In fact there is no trace of it at all and we stayed in places that had flooded.

You do need to be prepared, some parts (especially Mysore) are dirty, smelly and noisy. The driving in India is downright scary – you will find vehicles coming round bends on the wrong side of the road, but it all somehow works,and speeds are lower that the UK.

The food (I’m vegetarian) with very few exceptions was outstanding. Worth booking for the food alone.

The bikes were perhaps not maintained as well as I would have liked, and were a little heavy, but were mostly up to the job. Some sections of the cycling are tough! We had rain in the mountains were it got quite cold, but left it behind as we descended.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the top of Ooty hill, at last. Spotting a tiger on the jeep safari The hindu temple at night, with dancing, fire and elephant. Swimming in the brakes of the Arabian sea The food! The glorious tea plantations, they are so pretty

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Put in a bit of training. Pack warm clothing too. Bring a pen! Book it.

Rebecca Fawcett

Reviewed December 2018

Amazing wildlife

A fantastic holiday, you see and do a lot including the two main highlights of the trip (Orangutans & Komodo Dragons) in a beautiful country. The trip is very well organised so it’s not too hectic or tiring but full of great experiences.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Orangutans. There was a moment when a baby was one tree away from it's mother and the mother reached her hand out for the baby to take before helping her swing into the other tree. It was such a human-like moment between a mother and child, wonderful to spend time with such a beautiful species.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elly was brilliant, every things she did was to ensure we enjoyed the trip and made fantastic memories. She kept an eye on us all when snorkelling, ensured we had the best photo opportunities and gave us ointments to put on sunburn when needed!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a t-shirt / rash vest for snorkelling, the sun is incredibly strong and it's very easy to get burnt.

Russ Brimelow

Reviewed December 2018

Spectacular wildlife, wonderful crew and great fun group

What a week! Everything you might wish for and more. We spent time with whale sharks, mantas, stingrays, turtles, and all reef life. Also had a great laugh in a beautiful place – lovely group who looked after each other, crew were attentive and focussed on all the details of wildlife spotting and safety. A big bonus for me was the diving. Shafi was truly superb as dive leader (and ships captain). Did 4 memorable dives with him.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many. Swimming with the whale sharks, the pirouetting of the mantas, following turtles across the reefs, floating above 15 to 20 sting rays, laughing all through dinner, breakfast with the sunrise etc etc

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kamey was a great guide and combined great knowledge with an easy and supportive manner. He pointed out countless sights on the reefs we would not have spotted while quietly supporting the lesser swimmers. Shafi was a great captain and dive leader. He has a sunny personality and huge skill and experience in all of his roles in managing the boat. He has done 4,500 dives and is completely first class at managing a relatively novice diver like me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Rash vest and go pro/tough camera are musts! Bring loads of sun cream. A travel towel was great as an addition to my bed sheet as the air con is efficient. Bring your favourite shampoo, conditioner and shower gel as only hand soap provided. Also - let the crew tell you what the best opportunities are on each day rather than hark back to the itinerary. You will see more and better wildlife that way! And maybe have a party night too!

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