Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were lots of things but the Vietnamese people were lovely. The way they drive for a start. Traffic is manic and chaotic but they are not aggressive and aware of everything around them. Despite the apparent chaos it all worked and whilst I was cycling I never felt nervous or threatened by other road users. Unlike some experiences at home. Whenever we came into contact with locals it was clear the love they have for their families and friends. We saw so many examples of people working tirelessly on the land and sea with a smile and a twinkle. They answered our stream of questions with patience and in turn were inquisitive about where we had come from. They were all proud of their country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We have been on several Exodus trips and leaders are always good however Loc Phan was exceptional. His anticipation of everyone’s needs was spectacular. He was organised and sensitive with a great sense of humour. The group also had a coach driver, truck driver and mechanic. They were all very good however it was Loc who set the tone and led from the front setting the standard. There is a lot to fit in this trip and days have to keep moving otherwise it is clear that you could get to hotels late however because the team worked so well together we never felt rushed or unable to stop to take a photo.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes give distances and amount of time spent on a coach and this was pretty accurate. Most days our alarm went off at 5.30 for breakfast at 6ish to set off at 7.00 or not long after. There was very little down time so if that isn’t you then this trip would be a challenge. We were lucky with the weather but did get wet a couple of times so quick drying clothes are helpful. I wore trainers to cycle in but a few in the group had robust sandals with toe protection which I shall be purchasing for my next trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Machu Picchu, of course. But meeting a native community and having a native style lunch was a wonderful afternoon. The floating islands and meeting the native people who lived there. The rain Forrest was incredible. The boat ride on Lake titcacca was enjoyable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

William was fantastic, went above and beyond. The trip was in advance of my wife’s birthday and William made sure local bands serenaded her at a couple of meals and twice hotels had special desserts awaiting us. We felt such a great bond with our fellow traveler, William and our guest guides.

Most Inspirational Moment

When I realised that Vietnamese scooter drivers are generally patient and competent. Loved Whale Island resort and the 31kms descent from Dalat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Son Nyugen. Great balance of good-organisation, attention to safety and group enjoyment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the Trip Notes. They are comprehensive and accurate.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day seemed to have a number of Wow moments, but perhaps the most awesome and memorable for me were, firstly, viewing the mighty Victoria Falls, an absolutely incredible sight. Took a helicopter flight over them which was well worth doing as you could see the enormity of the entire Falls. Secondly, the waterhole at Okaukuejo in the Etosha National Park was amazing. There were so many animals around, but there were at least three herds of elephants at one stage, & watching the little ones playing with each other and the interaction between them all was so, so special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gift and Petrus were brilliant - so friendly, helpful and caring as well as really great company throughout the trip. They were constantly working, whether cooking, driving or helping out the group generally and all the while ensuring that we saw and experienced as much as possible. Gift was an exceptional group leader, happily sharing his knowledge and experience of the places we visited, as well as being great fun, kind and a fabulous cook, conjuring up a variety of very tasty meals. Petrus had many long drives, along straight, dusty, non-tarmac roads, which must have been so exhausting, so kudos to him for that. Thank you so much Gift and Petrus! You were fabulous!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a good camera! My camera wasn't brilliant so I've relied on my generous fellow travellers for sharing their wonderful close-up photos of the wildlife.

Most Inspirational Moment

From a distance the Cho La Pass looks impenetrable! As you get closer you see the route emerge and then you are climbing up towards the top. We left in the dark and cold and could see our destination way ahead bathed in sunshine on the top. We literally emerged from the dark and cold into the light....... truly inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I had already had the pleasure of Dorjee leading my Annapurna trip. He is an outstanding leader. He was organised, encouraging, sympathetic and totally dedicated to the group. He was also great fun which is important when energy levels are flagging, bringing humour and laughter to the trek. We all also commented on how well respected he is within the local communities. At Lukla airport he pretty much took control to ensure the right people got on the right planes at the right time!! Thank you Dorjee.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The best practice is not to walk for miles on end but to find a steep hill and go up and down it a lot! The tube escalators are ideal. You need good knees. Mine are cranky so I used poles all the times to take the pressure off them. Take lots of layers. It can be very cold at night and you will probably dive straight into your sleeping bag fully clothed! Eat plenty, you will work it off! You can buy everything at Namche so don't worry if you've forgotten anything or need more of something. Leave enough time to recover from your flight before the trek departs Kathmandu. My turnaround was too tight and the first two days were consequently very tiring. Be prepared for the post trek blues when you get home........

Most Inspirational Moment

The cycle up and down both of the passes for me was a total winning show stopper . Views were just out of this world . Also the peace and serenity of Halong Bay and the history of Hue and the colourful Hoi An. Whale Island was a welcome beach oasis and so glad we got to go there . I personally enjoyed everywhere we visited and it was all an equal high !!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suong was everything you could want in a leader. He had a great sense of humour, got us organised , arranged amazing local places to eat , and was a font of knowledge on all things Vietnam. He had a large group (18 of us) and he must have felt like a school teacher sometimes trying to get us all where we needed to be . He was a superstar ⭐️ as were the whole back up team with their amazing ice cold lemon drink at every stop !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a gel seat ! As the only one to do so I certainly cycled in comfort . Also travel light - it’s so cheap and easy to get quick turn around laundry done .

Most Inspirational Moment

the moment we found the quetzal. an incredible (and rare) bird which also brought home to us just how dedicated the tour leader was to giving us the best experience possible. his patience, passion, and knowledge of habitat finally paying dividends. Swimming with a hawksbill turtle is also an experience I will treasure for a long time!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jorge could not have been better. Passionate about his Country, the Culture, the wildlife, the sustainability, he went out of his way to ensure the group had the best experience possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own travel towels. not needed in the hotel/lodge pools but useful for sea swimming. Patience is required to see the wildlife. It is all there and you need to trust the guide to find it, but it can sometimes take a while. That said, you WILL see lots of wildlife and the experience will be amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the first day downhills - they made me sing. But also climbing up Llogara pass on the last day trying to use as little battery as possible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julian was wonderful. Great sense of humour and always did all he could to make us all happy. Good knowledge of Albanian culture, history, songs, language etc, which is something I enjoy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some insect bit me in my hotel room in Gjirokastra. So close your windows! If you want to buy gifts/souvenirs, Gjirokastra was probably the best and most convenient place to do some shopping. Try and learn a couple of greetings in Albanian for when you pass locals on the way. Making an effort goes a long way. You need to be cycling fit - even on an ebike, it helps.

Most Inspirational Moment

I’m not sure I could choose only one moment. There were so many that were uplifting! Every day that I stood (or sat) on the shore – whether in Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma or Hermanus – I spotted dolphins and whales out on the water, even down to seeing some dolphins wave-surfing when the tide was high. It was like being in a nature documentary! In Hermanus, we were fortunate to see Southern Right Whales – a mother and calf – come in really close to shore. We also got a much closer look during a whale watching trip, despite it being close to the end of the season.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour driver and guide was Marco Olivier from Mask Expeditions, and he was amazing! He made the trip run smoothly down to the very last detail, all with a great sense of humour. He ensured that we were comfortable, and went the extra mile to help with details like optional activities and other arrangements. Travel days were broken up with adequate rest and scenic stops, and even a fun quiz. His knowledge of nature, wildlife, culture and history is impressive, and he happily shared it with us. We absolutely peppered him with questions – and he answered them all. We could not have asked for a better guide. It felt like travelling with a friend!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take high-factor sunscreen and a hat. A pair of binoculars would also very handy. The water is mostly safe to drink, but Marco also had an ample supply to refill water bottles if needed. Internet and phone connectivity was poor for parts of the trip. It’s a great way to switch off! Laundry facilities are available at De Rust. If you're interested in whale watching (and who isn't?), make sure that you visit during the season. We were in Hermanus at the end of November, and were fortunate enough to see Southern Right whale mother and calf, but were informed by the guides that these were the stragglers and that the majority of the whales had already returned to Antarctica.

Most Inspirational Moment

Taj Mahal

Thoughts on Group Leader

Naveen helped make this a memorable trip