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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14505 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Jennifer Steward

Reviewed April 2018

Cycling, Scenery and Swimming

The trip is a great combination of cycling in three Central American countries all with quite distinct scenery. The cycling stages are not too long but nonetheless quite challenging given the hills and heat/humidity. Some training – particularly hills – is recommended! There was often time for a swim at the end of the day and swimming one day in the Caribbean Sea and the next in the Pacific Ocean was a highlight. Frequently, there was the opportunity to spot wildlife along the route – sloths, howler monkeys and toucans! A visit to an active volcano and cycling across the Panama Canal are also part of the itinerary.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling a very hilly stage of the tour through breathtaking scenery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The trip leader - Memo - was very sociable, well organised and professional with a great sense of humour. He too k the time to get to know each member of the group and made sure that we were happy, comfortable and enjoying the cycling - offering encouragement up the longer steeper hill sections. Importantly, Memo was quite conscious of the safety of the group on the road. Memo's briefings were comprehensive and helpful and he was always willing to answer our questions - relevant or otherwise! Memo was well supported by the local crew who were also very engaged with the group and made sure our bikes were in good order and we were well hydrated/ fed with fresh local fruits at the cycling rest stops. The trip was well supported by a great team which contributed to the overall enjoyment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The stages are quite hilly so some training is essential. There are a couple of short off road stages so some off road training may also be helpful. Lunch and dinner is at the traveller's cost which can add quite a bit to a two-week trip. No too much time is spent in towns or villages so make sure you have all the essentials with you. There are no too many opportunities for engaging with local people or local culture.

virginia morris

Reviewed April 2018

Fabulous country, fabulous trip...go!!

We did this trip with some fear and trepidation as we would be trekking at altitude for the first time. We were very keen to visit Bhutan before it modernises and we also hoped to see the rhododendron in bloom in the Himalaya. We had done quite a bit of training for the trek and this paid off as we were fit enough for the grade of walk. We loved the country, the people, the Buddhist culture and the government philosophy of ‘improving gross national happiness’. This is evident everywhere and seems very genuine. From the minute you land in Paro you know you are somewhere very special. It is quite wonderful to be immersed in their culture for the whole time you are there. The trek was not what we expected as we had snow every night and had to walk on icy surfaces some days and were perhaps colder than we had anticipated. The excellent trip notes had suggested we bring adequate sleeping bags and down jackets, so we were always cosy at night. We did perhaps miss some of the spectacular views because of the weather and the rhododendrons were only just in bud..so if you want to see them you should plan your trek in May rather than April. However, we were able to be a part of the Paro festival and this was fascinating. Exodus puts together a very good and varied itinerary, in comfortable accommodation, with great guides, good transportation and excellent food throughout. You are well acclimatised to altitude and the trekking is not too hard. We were disappointed to have to share campsites with other groups. There are a lot of trekkers on the Druk path and if you want solitude on trek you should go on one of the longer treks. This is a great introduction to trekking in the mountains and we felt extremely well looked after. My gluten free meals were always varied and plentiful. The main food is rice and veggies and many differing ways of cooking them. Breakfast was always wonderful too. We thoroughly recommend this trip and Exodus as a company. Go…you won’t be disappointed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the highest summit and hanging prayer flags.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Norbu was absolutely fabulous. He was calm and confidant and always with a smile. His knowledge was outstanding. He always helped out if anyone was struggling with the trek or altitude.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take adequate warm clothing and a good sleeping bag.

Paul Corbett

Reviewed April 2018

Sierra de Aitana Trek

This was a really good walking holiday, with challenging walks and spectacular scenery. We liked the fact that it was based in one hotel as it meant you could settle into the hotel and weren’t having to pack up and move on. There was plenty of things of interest and variety of walking in this one area to fill a week. Also helped by the fact that the hotel was very comfortable and the food great. We went to the coast on the free day which provided a good contrast.

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlight was reaching the top of the Puig Campana which although not the highest point reached is a proper peak close to the sea which emphasises the height. Parts of the ascent and descent were the most challenging parts of the weeks walks. There were also highlights on the other days particularly days 3 and 4 where we also reached notable summits, days 1 and 2 were needed to find our legs and get used to the terrain.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose the group leader was great. He has a passion for this area in which he has grown up and this came through in the enthusiasm and information he imparted to the group. He was also good fun and very attentive to everyone in the group lending a hand on the tricky sections if necessary.

Megan Benton

Reviewed April 2018

An excellent tour of a fascinating country

We had a wonderful week in Jordan. The country has so much to offer in terms of history, geography, geology, natural environment, culture and food, not to mention sunshine. The tour was well designed, generally giving enough time for us to enjoy each part of the tour, and the logistics were very good – meals, accommodation, transport, tickets, etc. were well organised. The food was excellent!

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk to the high place above Petra was amazing not just for the view from the top, but also for the beautiful and strange rock formations and colours all along the way and the surprises - tombs, views, etc. - around every corner. (Also, there were not many souvenir shops along the route, compared to along the Monastry walk.) The sunset and sunrise at Wadi Rum were also really special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Samer, was outstanding. One of us has done six or so similar group-based tours with this company and others, and Samer is the best guide he's had. His English is excellent, his knowledge of his country is deep and broad, and his friendly, unflappable disposition was much appreciated. The two coach drivers were also excellent, considering some of the awkward manoeuvres needed at times!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would advise potential travellers to go to Jordan! Also, I would advise them to start to get to know others on the tour sooner rather than later - we really enjoyed our companions.

Phillip Dixon

Reviewed April 2018

4 of the big 5 in Botswana

Of all the safaris I’ve done this is the most wildlife I’ve seen in a small period! 4 of the big 5 in one day.
Then at night enjoy the sounds of the animals beneath more stars than you’ve ever seen.

It is tent based but very comfy, food is amazing – fish & chips + baked fresh bread one night! They even do a bush shower so it isn’t roughing it.

The guides are excellent, wildlife and scenery even more so – this isn’t a holiday it is an adventure.

Most Inspirational Moment

Finding a leopard on the final day in Savuti, perched high above us and so well concealed. Our guide Moses found lots for us to see. Also heading out on the walks and being taught to pole a Mokorro canoe by Hendricks in the Delta - they were great guys and loved showing us their culture and wildlife

Thoughts on Group Leader

Moses was fantastic, he dealt with problems calmly, adjusted plans to fit in with client requests and found us lots to see. Throughout we were sharing jokes as well as details of each area we visited.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The prices listed in the trip notes for optional activities can be quite far out. The Chobe River cruise is 410 pula for instance. If your main focus is Vic Falls then go in wetter months but other areas may be harder to get to, if you want lots of wildlife the drier months bring them to waterholes and the grass isn't so tall.

Kelly Nicholls

Reviewed April 2018

Fantastic experience

Fantastic to see three amazing countries on two wheels, it was an incredible trip and the scenery is just stunning. There are so many highs like cycling around a volcano, the undulating fast rides in Costa Rica were so much fun, riding a long the beach and seeing amazing wildlife. Having a dip in the volcanic hot springs was amazing too. The food was excellent and our leader Memo (Guilermo Sanchez) had the most amazing sense of humour and made the trip even more special. There were a few hard climbs but when you reach the top and see the stunning views – its worth it and there was so much support. If you get a chance to go – do it.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many, seeing the Lava flow in the Volcano, cycling along a beach, hot and cold springs, Memo giving us a history lesson with his amazing drawing skills. Best of all was laughing every day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We have been on a few Exodus trips and Memo, has been the best leader by far. He is incredibly organised and nothing seemed to phase him, he was always there for us 24hrs a day. He is extremely knowledgeable about the countries and the wildlife - best of all he always gave us support and encouragement when it got a bit tough on some of the climbs and we all made. He is a very warm kind and friendly person - I would definitely ask Exodus for him if I do the Costa Rica Coasts to Coast as he is just one of a kind. I miss his sense of humour and stories.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some hill training or spinning classes and pack lite. Definitely take mosquito repellent that has deer and plenty of sunscreen and some that you can carry on the bike as it gets quite hot in the afternoon.

Martyn Stone

Reviewed April 2018

A seamless trip.

From the initial pickup at the airport to being dropped off the organisation and execution of this holiday/ adventure worked seamlessly for us. The information and sights we saw were brilliant.

Most Inspirational Moment

The shear " madness" of the cities and the beauty of the coast and Halong bay give you a insight into the whole country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Khoa was a credit to the company and to the Vietnamese people. He worked tirelessly to ensure we all had a complete and enjoyable trip. His efforts made sure everything worked.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind and immerse yourself in the country.

Iain Black

Reviewed April 2018

Annapurna Circuit

This trip was excellent-the first Himalayan experience, a highly thought-of trek through brilliant mountain and remote scenery in mostly ideal weather conditions with a great mix of fellow trekkers all led by a delightful knowledgable guide. The first week was spent trekking up the Marsyangaki River from to the remote high pass of the Thorong la then the circuit was completed by descending down the deep gorge of the Kala Gandaki surrounded by the high mountains of the Annapurna range. A euphoric feeling developed at the end of the circuit in Pokhara !

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely the crossing of the Thorong-la It’s a big long day with an early start and potential problems are weather and altitude. Just standing by the prayer flags in the sun and snow 17000 feet up with the group and thinking how we’d all got there was very moving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What a cheerful knowledgable unflappable person! Faced with 11 disparate souls from entirely different backgrounds, he led, cajoled, and encouraged us throughout the walk. He was very proud of his country and did a very good job of explaining the cultural differences and challenges of Nepal.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect a good days walking most days. Expect to be breathless on the higher sections -the air though clear is much drier and thinner,and use sunscreens to protect against UV skin damage. Take your time ascending. Expect stomach upsets - some of us got more than we expected! Even with antibiotics

Iain Black

Reviewed April 2018