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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14469 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

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.

Sharon Britton

Reviewed November 2015

MOC 151118

I am not in any way a cyclist and only ended up on this tour as I joined a friend who had already booked. I had not even been on a bike for approximately 15 years. Was I nervous, yes very much so, and was worried I had bitten off more than I could chew.

I need not have worried as I had an absolutely fantastic time. The support given was superb and it was very well organised, the guides (we had 2 Chai and Nat) and all the support crew were friendly, helpful, and a good laugh. I cannot praise then enough. Chai managed to sort out an incorrect double room booking into the correct twin room booking for the entire trip in a blink of an eye.

The route passed a variety of scenery and the roads were on the whole very good. The route was mainly flat although there were some hills. You have 100% support in Thailand, as the support vehicles can follow the same route, in Cambodia as most of the cycling was for site seeing and between the temples it’s not really needed although the refreshment bus follows so if needed you can jump on it. In Vietnam as you are cycling through villages the support vehicles cannot fit but you meet them at set intervals throughout the day, around every 10-20km, depending on the area.

My only grip would be the trip notes, as I have never done this kind of tour before I relied heavily on these and purchased a repair kit, bike pump, bottle holder, cycling snacks etc. It turned out I did not need any of it, as it was all provided with the support teams (snacks come out of a tipping kitty which you pay into, and are delicious). Even in Vietnam one of the support team who cycles with you, carries these things, so I feel it was a waste of money. I donated most of it to my tour leader and my friend at the end of the trip. Also the price for the optional tour to cu chi tunnels is well out it was more than double, I did not do the others so not sure how accurate these are.

Would I do a cycling holiday again, yes. Would I book with exodus again, yes. It was amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, seeing how happy the people are even though some have so little, there are smiles and laughter everywhere, the kids come running shouting hello as you cycle past and a hi five is greatly received. Everyone I met was very friendly and welcoming. At one stop a group for children cam got see us selling there goods and one boy had a live tarantula, I freaked, and his response.....don't worry lady I will not come close if you do not like. How refreshing in the UK the kids would probably throw it at you. It's made me this about life and money really does not buy happiness.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chai and Nat, were both fantastic. Always there to help, friendly and knowledgeable. I could not have asked for a better leaders, they are both an asset to the company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lots of sunscreen, and memory cards.

Jackie Moys

Reviewed November 2015

Amazing British Columbia

This was my first holiday with Exodus and also my first small group holiday. I need not have worried on either account. From beginning to end the organisation was first class thanks to our amazing Group leader Heather and a more diverse and relaxed group of fellow travellers would have been hard to find. My concerns about my age, (there were several older than my 65 years) and the amount of walking involved were quickly dispelled and I was able to opt out of híkes to sketch and paint instead.

Most Inspirational Moment

The wildlife was truly amazing. We saw Grizzlies and Black bears catching salmon, Orca whales hunting seal and a sea otter family playing on the jetty near our hotel. No oportunity was missed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Heather was exceptional in every respect. She was a first class driver, knew how to pace out the day, and joined in with us for dinners and excursions with genuine pleasure. When any kind of incident occured she dealt with it swiftly and efficiently.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wildlife is not guaranteed on this trip. We were very lucky with the abundance of wildlife that we saw and also with the weather.

Martin Christlieb

Reviewed November 2015

Mount Toubkal - nearly winter!

Excellent Guide, great trip, a few admin niggles.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking to 4167 m in the snow

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great - confident, knowledgable and sociable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get your boots checked out. I am fairly experienced as a hill walker and I have good quality Mindl Boots, but they would not have got me to the top if the walk had been icy. You really need properly stiff boots, or wearing crampons is hard work.

Karen M

Reviewed November 2015

Sicilian Volcanoes

Great combination of hiking, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere on the islands and the Sicilian cuisine.

Most Inspirational Moment

Facing the strong, sulfurous wind on the edge of one of Etna´s craters, above the clouds, was a special experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Federica did an excellent job; she´s energetic and friendly, and very knowledgeable of the geology, fauna, flora, history and gastronomy of the islands, and gave some good tips on what to do in our free time (for example I got a detailed written description for a hike to the observatory on Lipari, and those of us who stayed an extra day in Catania got a map with a proposed walk along the sights of the town). Her resilience was tested when we couldn´t sail out to Stromboli because of stormy weather at sea and she had to arrange an alternative program for us that day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I read some reviews saying the hikes were much easier than they expected; I thought they were more than challenging enough, be it that these are not day-treks and only take a few hours up and down. Be prepared for quite a lot of free time on Lipari - Lipari town where we stayed is only so big; doing a hike on your own or a boat trip is recommended. Also remember things don´t always go as planned: force of nature did not allow us to go to Stromboli, which for most of us was supposed to be the highlight of the trip.

Liam Curran

Reviewed November 2015

Excellent sights let down by poor guide and hotels.

This was my second time in Jordan. I’d previously done this tour on a bike with Exodus but this time I was on 50 seater coach. There were 20 people on the tour and it didn’t really feel like the “small group” holiday experience I usually get and expect from an Exodus trip. The sights are amazing, Jaresh, Dead Sea, Petra and the boat in Aqaba are real highlights.

Most Inspirational Moment

Completing the long climb to the Monastery in Petra. You'll need to be fit and if you're not get training!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Awful. We were always late and then rushing to fit everything in each day. Poor communication on what we were doing each day and what to expect. On the day we went to the Dead Sea we didn't arrive until about 4pm and it got dark at 5pm It meant the whole experience was very rushed and disappointing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It gets COLD in the desert at night in November. Be prepared!

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Liam for his review, although we are sorry that he was disappointed with aspects of the trip’s leadership; we are currently assessing the performance of the tour leader on this departure so that we can ensure he lives up to our high expectations.

Anonymous

Reviewed November 2015

Cycle Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama

Excellent trip in all respects. Very well run by Guillermo and his team, standard of accomodation and food was very good, and the cycling was great! A wonderful way to experience parts of Central America with lots packed into two weeks, both in terms of cycling and other activities (boat trips, swimming, optional zip-lining, scuba diving etc).

Most Inspirational Moment

I especially enjoyed cycling through the villages in Nicaragua and the cycling stages in Panama after Bocas del Toro. The day off at Bocas del Toro was a perfect time to break off the cycling stages with a day on an empty, white sandy beach (lots of other activity options there as well).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Guillermo and his team did an excellent job all the way, making sure everything ran smoothly and that our bikes were in good conditions every day, and looking after us very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the heat and humidity - it's really really hot and humid (October)! Very helpful that sports drinks (powder) was provided throughout the trip by the accompanying bus.

simon Charlesworth

Reviewed November 2015

Vietnam-laugh your way across Vietnam with Danh!

Well, where do you start? Danh (‘Jan’) is the most happy, knowledgeable and friendly person you will meet. As a guide you will never surpass him. We had such a brilliant time with slick organisation making travelling in a hot climate so enjoyable. Cycling, culture, history and great food are wrapped into this brilliant 2 week trip that you cannot fail to enjoy it. We did the Atlas descent last autumn and whilst harder technically the higher temperatures in Vietnam make it tougher than the level 3 would suggest!
We traveled as family of 4 with 2 teenage girls (17/19) and had very different expectations of a holiday, but ‘Jan’s’ personality and abilities engaged everyone on all levels.
If Exodus would like a small tip-stick some semi-slick tyres on the bikes as there was no need at all for knobbly MTB ones, the roughest terrain was a sandy road.

Most Inspirational Moment

Many but 'kayaking'( and swimming!!) in the lagoon within one of the islands in Halong Bay. On a boat on the river at night with floating candles In Hoi Ann.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Exemplary-an awesome asset to Exodus!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its hot. If you have a favorite saddle take it!! The hotels were all brilliant , a very high standard but breakfasts are weak unless you like pork noodle soup! No need to take any snacks.

Sara Poultney

Reviewed November 2015

Vietnam is Wonderful!

A fantastic opportunity to meet and travel with like minded souls through a beautiful country, of constantly changing scenery. The locals were amazingly happy and friendly despite many living hard, hand to mouth lives. The history of the war was brought to life by visiting the tunnels, and put in perspective by the marvellous tour guide Lingh.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being welcomed into the local way of life up close and personal. And Han long bay was just stunning!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lingh was absolutely fantastic! Everything was brilliantly organised. Nothing was too much trouble - from retrieving forgotten shampoo from previous hotel, checking each room after we had left and checked ourselves, sorting taxis, where best to buy specific gifts and often going himself to ensure best deals, advise on when and how to barter, selecting amazing lunch venues, ensuring a glass supplied with cans of drink, I could go on...... Lingh was entertaining when informing us about Vietnam, it's people, culture, ways of life, and he was very knowledgeable on a huge variety of topics - war, religion, regional work, crops, education..... He got the perfect balance between educating us and leaving us to soak up the atmosphere or sleep! Lingh ensured we understood what was planned each day, how far we would cycle, how hilly, when we would stop for breaks, eat, so we could decide whether to cycle or bus a stage, although we all chose to cycle as he inspired us with his just do it positive attitude. Whilst our group was a very friendly supportive bunch of people, Lingh was certainly the glue that stuck us all together in the background or leading from the front as appropriate. He made a great holiday into a fantastic one!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some training for a couple of months beforehand if not a cyclist already. There are a couple of days with stages that are quite hilly and challenging. Other days maybe flat, but up to 100 km, in heat. So a good general fitness, bum sore savy I.e.take your own seat if familiar and liked, and a good pair of padded, lightweight, cycling shorts is very useful.. Cream up! Mosquitos not a major problem if sprayed up. Rehydration tabs worked for me cos boy do you sweat! Although salty snacks, fluid and fruit is plentiful at each break! Don't need own snacks, water bottle holder. Do need cycle bag to carry camera, own water bottle. Also ruck sack bag to leave on bus so can have creams, money, change of clothes.....

Claire Lewes

Reviewed November 2015

Absolutely Superb!!

Just book this trip!! A superb trip, fantastic guide, great variety of different styles of accommodation, excellent choice of food and a nice group who all got on very well and helped by great weather (very little rain on the 24th October – 7th November 2015 departure), so much so we only missed one afternoon walk (which was an extra that was organized by Eduardo our guide) due to the torrential rain. This did not stop us doing anything as most of the group sat outside our rooms bird watching and trying to take more photos of humming birds!!

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it......!! I can not pick out one moment as the whole trip ran so smoothly due to the efforts of our guide Eduardo...... Tortuguero - an enjoyable boat ride, great lodge (although quite busy with other groups), lovely swimming pool, excellent food from the buffet, the Caribbean Sea (which you can not swim in due to the rip currents) and superb bird and wildlife sightings from the boat - not covered so make sure you wear a long sleeved shirt and trousers otherwise you will get sun burnt (even though it is a 530am and 3pm excursions). Arenal - the hotel is situated a 2 minute walk from the main square where there are restaurants and souvenir shops (and a good coffee house behind the church). A good walk in the forestry and across the lava field to see the views of the Volcano and Lake followed by a very cooling swim in the river below the waterfall. Eduardo changed the order for today so we did the walk when the weather was cooler and before the rain was likely to come and then we swam in the afternoon to cool off!! Monteverde - We did a group walk in the morning and then Eduardo offered to take us up to the viewing tower (extra) before lunch. Followed by the (optional but worth doing) "canopy trail - suspension bridges" - even if you are apprehensive of heights, just go for it as the bridges are in good condition and stable! It was great seeing the trees from above instead of getting neck ache looking up the whole time! Most of the group also visited the Orchid Garden (optional) and did a night walk which were both very interesting. Manuel Antonio - prepare yourself for humidity, heat and a busy town of other tourists!! That said, we did a walk from 7am (the time the park opened) and got ahead of the crowds and the heat too! Saw lots of birds and iguana and the beaches were relatively empty until about 10am when we finished the group walk. We then had the rest of the day free to explore the park further (I walked all the other available trails and got back to the hotel about 3pm - make sure you pack plenty of water and snacks with you), swim in the Pacific Ocean which was very warm, chill out and watch the great sun set!! Golfito / Esquinas Rainforest Lodge - was an excellent lodge and location set in a very peaceful area. A couple of walks over rough, wet and muddy terrain (you need walking boots although wellington boots are available to borrow) but we saw lots and really felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. Probably the best lodge on the trip for remoteness!! Savegre Valley - a very different lodge, but very pleasant with good views and you can sit outside your room and the birds come to you! We were lucky enough to have 2 sightings of the male and female Resplendent Quetzal bird (very shy) but we did leave the hotel at 530am to get ahead of any of the other groups. We also had our "Last supper" at this lodge School and farm visit - an enjoyable morning and the children made us very welcome - so pleased to see us!! Eduardo translated for us but the children did all try speaking English too. The farm visit was very interesting too and we had some very tasty food provided too!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo Caravaca was a superb leader with more than 15 years of guiding experience and is a very keen naturalist too - his knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for Costa Rica are huge and this comes across to all the guests the whole time. He is obviously very proud of his country and loves sharing all his extensive knowledge. He has "eyes like a hawk" so rarely missed any birds, mammals, reptiles and was keen to share sightings through his scope with us. So much so we saw more than 120 different species of bird (and we were not on a bird watching departure), 2 & 3 toes sloths, monkeys, snakes, frogs and the very shy "Resplendent Quetzal" bird. He arranged a 530am walk most days as he was so keen to go out and look for wildlife himself and always asked the group members to join him - that is dedication to the job!! He was extremely well organized, caring, on time, explained everything to us about the optional extras and the day to day schedules for us. He suggested various restaurants to us, for when meals were not included and generally we all ate as a group at his very good choices - plenty of different dishes to choose from etc. His inter-action with the school children and with the lady at the farm / house visit was great.... the children were so engaged with him and were listening to everything he was saying and you could tell that Eduardo was having a great time too!! This was my 36th group holiday with Exodus and various other operators and Eduardo is one of my top 6 guides (who are all equal first!!) - so much so I have nominated him for Guide of the Year. The driver, Walter was excellent too and took great care when driving, the vehicle was very comfortable and in good condition with plenty of space too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you pack plenty of memory cards and spare batteries as you will take thousands of photos. The plug adapter required is a 2 pin flat type and there were plenty of sockets available in most of the bedrooms for charging. Water is drinkable from the taps and drinks coolers and no need to use purification tablets. Salads and fresh fruit are readily available too with no problems. A waterproof coat is a must and potentially a poncho is better as it covers your camera and ruck sack and when the rain comes it is very heavy and the weather conditions become humid too. Walking boots are a must as some of the terrain in the national parks is very rough and muddy. Warmer clothing, (a fleece) for the coolness of the air-conditioned transport, the Santa Elana Cloud Forest (Monteverde) and at the Savegre Valley which is at 2208m above sea level is also required. Although driving days are about 4-5 hours, there is plenty to look at en route and we stopped for photos, "comfort" breaks, coffee stops etc! All the hotels / lodges have free Wi-Fi and connections are generally very good. Pack some pens, pencils etc for taking to the school but make sure you give them to the head teacher who will distribute them accordingly. You can also donate to the school for buying equipment in the future. Just book the trip!!

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