Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

- Tsingy National Park: this was an amazing hike. It was very hot during the day (38C) but with plenty of breaks and water it was very memorable - Wildlife: So abundant and incredible to see, from all the lemurs (ring-tails, sifaka, indri, red-fronted brown, fork masked, mouse, bamboo) geckos, chameleons (lots of chameleons!), fossa, plenty of birds and owls - Isalo and ranomafana National Parks - Alley of the Baobabs

Thoughts on Group Leader

Claudia was amazing and very accommodating of our group. She was always laughing and had a smile on her face, despite all of our questions and different requests. She had plenty different tricks and tips to keep us all happy, including early starts to get ahead of other tours, where best to stop and pick up different souvenirs, and plenty of stories and advice about our travels.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind and take some time to slow down (Mura-Mura!) Madagascar goes on its own time, we never had to wait too long for anything but there was always something to watch or soak in the culture. I would definitely have packed more long sleeves and loose flowing clothing. While it was warm it was also very sunny and the longer clothing was better for the rainforest hikes, night walks and when there was no shade. Make sure to bring your regular travel medications (imodium, motilium, antihisamines, bite cream, electrolytes etc). I used a bit of everything at one point and you're better to have it than need it. Everyone's tummy was a little upset at some stage or another but nothing to cause too much concern. The food isn't too exciting but still tasty - most dishes come with boiled rice and vegetables. Make sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat, head torch and travel pillow. I used these 24/7 and were very appreciated. I also had a small fan to help keep me cool. I had a 70-200mm camera lens. The wildlife gets lovely and close so anything bigger isn't really needed. I stocked up on plenty of batteries and memory cards as power isn't always a given. We had short outages most nights (keep your headtorch handy!) I had a small power bank to keep my phone charged for videos during the days. Some of the hikes are a little tough with some high steps or climbing, so any preparation before with your fitness will help make it more enjoyable. There are plenty of stops for wildlife and water breaks so you never feel too pressured.

Most Inspirational Moment

Whale Island and Ha Lon Bay

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Most Inspirational Moment

On our last walking day we saw a spectacular sunrise from the mountain, Pico Arieiro. We then did a walk to two other mountains - challenging but worth it. The ancient Funal Forest was also quite magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Bruno, was very good - enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather is better than the UK but we did have some rain and it was quite cloudy at times. We did travel in January though! We were there for New Year and the fireworks in Funchal were brilliant.

Most Inspirational Moment

My favourite part of the week was that we got to experience a different terrain/area every day. City, waterside, desert and mountains - there was literally always something new and amazing to see! The standout moments in particular for me were: - swimming in the wadi (I'll never forget that!) - watching the turtle lay eggs on the beach at night - watching the sunset in the desert - seeing the star filled sky from the beach and desert at night - standing on the edge of the canyon The views from lunch at Misfah Old House were also a delight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Qais was a brilliant guide. So knowledgable, patient and friendly. I would recommend him as a guide to anyone travelling to Oman.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This isn't a relaxing holiday due to all of the travelling and scheduled sight seeing, but it also isn't majorly active either. There's adventure in the places you visit, but there isn't much in the way of physical activity (e.g. some walking and swimming but usually optional and nothing more exerting than that). This is a non-drinking country so alcohol is limited (you can only purchase in some hotels). This wasn't a problem for me and Exodus had made everyone aware before arriving, but some of the group were surprised/complained each day that alcohol wasn't an option with meals, etc. (which was quite disrespectful!) So it's worth bearing that in mind if alcohol consumption is something that would impact your trip significantly.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was nice to hike without the crowds. The only people you crossed paths with while in Umbria were the locals harvesting their olives and grapes. The cooking class inspired me to make Tiramisu for New Year's Eve dessert.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nico was amazing, down to earth and was knowledgeable. He was able to keep the group organized and was able to adapt to our group's needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved so much of it, but The Dead Sea, Petra, snorkeling (Mohammed was the best- so kind and knowledgeable He made us feel very safe, was able to do in water snorkel gear repairs, and named all the fish we were seeing.), driving thru Wadi Rum, climbing Mt. Sinai, and seeing the pyramids and sphinx.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra, Wadi Rum, Red Sea Snorkeling and Pyramids

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anas was very friendly and personable. He shared knowledge of the areas we visited. Improvement: His English was very good but a few times I had to listen closely to understand what he was saying. My understanding got better as time went on. Andrew shared his passion and love of ancient Egyptian history and it was great having him with us in the museum. Improvement: I do wish he had more information to share about St Catherine's Monastery, very little facts were shared about the history and the significance of this place. I would travel with both of these leader again

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the vineyards and olive groves really gets you to slow down and savour your surroundings. Harvest season was a little later this year, so we were lucky enough to witness it. It was a unique treat , providing a firsthand look at the grape and olive picking process.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nico was friendly and knowledgeable! He knew a lot of the various trails and routes in the area. He was also full of stories from his vast amount of travels from around the world. It made sitting around the dinner table after our walks very entertaining.

Most Inspirational Moment

Food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As above. Excellent. Went above and beyond to accommodate everyone, share his knowledge and make the trip a real experience. Took time even when he didn’t have to to show us around and organized extra activities. I’m impressed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book your own transportation if you’re not on a group flight. I had drivers not show up even when it was booked and Exodus charges 5x as much as a taxi. (Kovalam: taxi 10 British pounds, Exodus offered me a ride for 55).

Most Inspirational Moment

The homestay and the Kerala houseboat cruise, as well as the cookery demonstrations. The best part, as always, was the people we met and who welcomed us so warmly.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Out group leader Sashith, was amazing!!! Kind, funny, knowledgeable and efficient. He has kept in touch and sent us some great recipes for us to try at homehe really did go the extra mile to make it a great holiday. Special mention for our driver who was very polite, efficient and careful!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is very hot!!!! Take comfortable clothes, sunscreen and mosquito spray!