Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to say. Nicaragua was much better than expected, really friendly and helpful people, lots of music and laughter and very colourful. Costa Rica had great variety of landscapes and was more prosperous and Panama also surprised us with its really attractive scenery, both inland and coastal, and Panama City was a definite highlight. But the best moment was coming from Caribbean towards the Pacific and cresting the continental divide so you could look back to the Caribbean and ahead to the Pacific. Probably not everyone's choice but I am a Geographer!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, informative, well organised, very social and socially aware. Really good e-communicator and very amusing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some rough bits of road especially if there has been heavy rain which can leave large puddles on dirt roads and remove bridges and fords. This is no issue for keen mountain bikers but not so easy for road bikers.

Suggestions

One of the most enjoyable trips I have taken even though I am a road cyclist and find heavier mountain bikes hard work. Got up all the hills okay though.

Most Inspirational Moment

Excellent variety of wildlife environments visited.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding, enthusiastic and well suited to the role as a specialist wildlife guide (Glenda). Good rapport with experienced driver and wildlife spotter (Carlos ‘Charlie’ Fernandez) and local guides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It will rain, quite a lot at times so be prepared to protect photographic equipment etc. Air conditioning not available in some locations so drying washing not always feasible

Suggestions

Best holiday of this type that I’ve done in ~30 years.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's impossible to name one - the wildlife sightings of course (elephants, leopard, blue whale come top for me, plus the many beautiful birds). But also the people - they were so welcoming and pleased to see us. At Kithala Resort we had a welcoming ceremony, we all lit candles and the manager wished us a long life which was very touching.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nalaka 1 was at least joint best of any tour leader I've ever had. He gave us lots (but not too much) of information about his country during the bus journeys, and nothing was too much for him. He made sure everyone in the group was happy, and didn't forget a couple of things we asked him to arrange for us. He worked brilliantly with Nalaka 2, our naturalist guide (also extremely helpful). Between the two of them we got to see almost everything we could have done, including the main draws.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Although I think it will be some while before tourist numbers reach pre-covid levels, it won't stay as quiet as it is for long, so if you're thinking of going, go soon. Exodus advise taking binoculars but I would say they're a must to get the most of the wildlife sightings, especially the birds.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of the tour it was absolutely incredible seeing so much wildlife and especially being extremely fortunate to see a Quetzal which is one of the birds I really wanted to see.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Glenda is outstanding with all her knowledge on nature and wildlife and answered questions on other subjects the group asked about the country She is a huge asset representing Exodus positive, enthusiastic, extremely passionate about nature and wildlife and was informative with facts with every discovery we found which was alot.We were the lucky group thanks to Glenda finding so much wildlife. We have experienced the best guide ever who is compassionate in all respects looking after us in in a very professional way with a lovely sense of humour excellent organisation /communication skills, and ensuring the group are one big family. Charlie our lovely driver always smiling and happy also extremely passionate about nature wildlife spotting wildlife too again Charlie is a Asset to Exodus.They are a great team work brilliantly together. Nothing is too much trouble for either of them and will go out of their way to assist /help in anyway they can.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Maybe in my case not do first optional night walk its very long and after doing two other activities walk in morning on hanging bridges and zip wiring found it too exhausting...could of been though didnt sleep to good night before bit anxious re Zip wiring. Would thoroughly recommend zip wiring if your anxious ask for staff member to be with you this put me at ease on day and wasnt afraid just super excited and ended up doing some on my own it was absolutely incredible. Second optional night walk Esquinas Lodge I personally thought better.

Suggestions

This is my first trip with Exodus and what a trip it was.Would recommend highly and if you can get Glenda and Charlie then you will be in for a massive treat they are the best. Will be looking into another trip with Exodus in the future very impressed with itinery and professionalism of the company Thankyou team Exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

The animals which thankfully weren't budget orientated. Of the big 5 we missed out on cheetahs and lions. But that was more to do with organisational issues. As well as having 3 separate vehicles for our trip. Not including the safari jeep also an extra expense.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both leader & driver were very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes this is the second trip whereby the trip notes are badly (years) out of date. No excuses..... since covid Exodus has really gone done hill as far as its people knowledge of the trips and its trip notes were always wrong when it came to things like currency values and even simple things like having to buy your own water...... to a stop being a permanent camp no light bulbs.... in fact no other guests for months but supported by EU funding (10 years ago perhaps) that was not worth a 8 hour drive to arrive at night and leave in the morning.....??

Suggestions

Unfortunately I have 2 further trips deposits with yourselves.... but you really need to get your staffs knowledge up to date as trips like this (especially the cost) are meant to be once in a lifetime.

Most Inspirational Moment

How do you pick one when comparing the sunrises, so mny sunrises; over the Taj Mahal, the Ganges at Varanasi, white rhinos in the wild, Lumbini, The Annapurnas , or a flight over Everest. I have never done so many things before breakfast!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We have come to expect great things of Exodus tour leaders and Jatin was no exception. He was punctual, knowledgeable, and sensitive to the needs of every traveller. He was challenged by many changes in the trip since it was last undertaken pre-covid and he provided a professionally and positive response to each one.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The road-building challenges were very difficult at times. We spent many more hours travelling because of slow moving traffic and the endless landslides and potholes. This led to many bruises, headaches and backache! It also left some travellers with coughs and sore throats because of the dusty conditions. I would have delayed the trip for several more years had l known the extent of the upheaval and disruption. The trip was amazing but the travel did detract from the experience at times.

Suggestions

Given the road conditions l would like to extend a huge thankyou to the drivers along our journey. Skillful and determinedly navigating the diggers, aggregate and cows!

Most Inspirational Moment

Going over the Laurebena Pass, very cold, as early start, but spectacular

Thoughts on Group Leader

Doyce Sherpa was amazing, only 26 years old but had fantastic leadership skills.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trekking is tough. But the most challenging aspect of this trip is the accommodation. Be warned they are very, very basic and cold, the toilet situation is pretty grime… having to share one squat toilet with 16 other people, where water has frozen and unable to put water down it, the stench makes you gag, you need to be prepared for this. After a long day of walking this can be pretty demoralising.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wadi rum is probably the best bit but enjoyed snorkelling in the Red Sea, which was an extra for us

Thoughts on Group Leader

Really good and helpful, very well informed. There was an expectation we would want to do everything but did accept we needed some down time from the hectic schedule

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a full on trip. Not sure it can really be described as leisurely.

Suggestions

If it was 2 days longer I think this would be a perfect way to see Jordan