Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Achieving some of the climbs was a personal challenge. However the local people throughout the country were beautiful and welcoming. Seemed so happy to see these crazy people on bikes!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Radu was superb. Informative, professional, sociable and with a sense of humour and such patience! He managed the whole group so well and we were all looked after.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip was at the beginning of Feb and it was a lot colder than aniticipated, even in the accommodation so do ensure you take enough warm layers. I would also suggest £100 is not enough for the week and £200 is a more accurate figure.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day had something or several things but the mountain scenery and roadside scenes were amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kind and willing to fit extra requests into the schedule. Very considerate and proactive if there were any problems.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view of the river from the Kitulgala hotel - the tranquility, lots of locals swimming/washing and enjoying the water.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take UK or European plugs - Worldwide plugs are not in any of the hotels, as usual in that part of the world

Most Inspirational Moment

Ski ing down through the forest with a blue sky and sunshine beneath the wonderful pink tinged rocky cigs of the magnificent Dolomites

Thoughts on Group Leader

David Davies continues to be an inspiring leader: great fun ,keen to get us trying techniques and subtly and supportingly helping those who struggled to find the right level of participation : a crucial attribute of a holiday leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be put off by snow reports: though this was the year of least snow and it was melting away in the town, our leaders found us good tracks up the valleys just short bus rides away.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many enjoyable moments, with best fun when whole group struggled with cross country ski downhill. Snow shoeing the 10k bear trail with great vistas and tough climbs on last day was very memorable end to the holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Henry was passionate, very professional and extremely helpful. A very good communicator, expert at coaching all the sports and great fun!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a travel kettle! The clothing provided meets the needs of the week but a good quality snood, lip balm and sunglasses ( useful in early Feb despite advice otherwise) are all useful!

Most Inspirational Moment

The spectacular scenery throughout the country, but particularly in the Simien Mountains, together with the smiling and friendly faces of the people of Ethiopia, most of whom had so little.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gebre was an exceptional tour leader who was always helpful and patient with us. A man who truly loves his country and wanted to convey that to everyone who would listen.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although this holiday is rated as a 2, travelling in Ethiopia is never easy with some very long and tiring days. Two whole days were spent travelling to Axum and Lalibela and so travellers should be aware that most of these days will be spent in the bus. Also remember to be patient as things generally take longer to happen and comfort standards can vary considerably.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many it's hard to know which one to pick - probably the friendliness of the all the local people we met and saw - whether it was the staff at the hotels, who provided service with a smile, or the kids on the roadside who all waved and smiled to see our jeeps go by them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter and Davies - lovely men, who know their stuff! They gave us lots of information about the animals, and were able to spot animals hiding in the bushes - their expertise definitely helped us to get the most out of our holiday. As they are local guides, they also gave us insights into Kenya, and life there.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take more money than you think you'll need - the cost of bottled water starts to add up when it's 30 degrees! Also, only take Kenyan schillings - you can spend US dollars, but only taking one currency is easier, and occassionally I think schillings were preferred. Our guides advised us to change our dollars to schillings as soon as we arrived. Be prepared for some long drives.

Most Inspirational Moment

The conditions were particularly challenging for cross country skiing and finding some lovely soft snow to move through was wonderful. At times I felt challenged but the support of both the group and leaders really helped me along. Skiing with like minded individuals with a sense of fun lead to lots of laughter and a sense of achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ilse took the lead in the first few days and was superb. She always had a positive outlook and comment - even when you were upended in the snow! Her sense of fun shone throughout and without her support and coaching I would not have achieved half as much as I did. Mary then took over with her knowledge of both wildlife and the area added to the work started by Ilse. I am particularly enjoying the excellent photos taken by both leaders which bring back happy memories of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Merino base layers are excellent. A thermos flask and sit mat are all important for a lunch break in the snow. It is well worth working on your fitness especially for sojourns uphill.

Most Inspirational Moment

Constantly feeling on top of the world looking out over mountain tops in every direction.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gabre, our tour leader, was exceptional. Sensitive, patient, good humoured and very knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The travelling can be hard and long - take snacks and music!

Most Inspirational Moment

Many. The cycling was a joy. The landscapes were stunning. Great night skies. Diving with sharks. Table Mountain and Robben Island. Franschoek and Tradow Passes and up to Chapman's Peak; Great Karoo; Cape Argus and Whale Coast;

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent: knowledgeable, friendly, amusing, caring, extremely hard-working and attentive to the needs of all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was glad to have brought my own saddle, saddle bag and clip on pedals. I spent a lot less than Exodus suggested. Great snacks and water at breaks- no need to bring your own, unless you like energy drinks. I saved a little money by booking my own flights direct with the airline- this also enables you to select (better) seat much earlier.