Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The best moment was taking part in an impromptu salsa session in the main plaza in Trinidad around midnight and seeing a meteorite shower that went on and on and simply took our breath away.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was a likeable and engaging guy who whilst dealing with challenging issues at times, such as finding hotels had been double booked at the last minute, needed better organisational skills particularly in such a large group.  A number of people came down with what in hindsight appeared to be heat exhaustion and there did not appear to be an awareness of the significance of this.  Starting cycling in the midday heat after spending a few hours in an air conditioned bus is not a good idea, neither is spending the whole day on the road in 'undulating' conditions and being over 8 hours between breakfast and lunch.  Insufficient stops for water at times did not help and overall I did not think that Jose had a real awareness of how potentially hazardous this could have been (despite one of our number having to be hospitalised for a time due to severe dehydration).  Overall I just do not think that Jose had a real 'grip', which we acknowledge may have been in part as a result to him not firing on all cylinders due to his medical condition.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take 2 water bottles with you so you alweays have a spare.  Take a few packs of hydration tabs you can put in your water bottle and put one in each time you fill up.  If you have a headache, sore eyes etc  - chances are you are dehydrated so take plenty of water at the end of the day together with tabs or hydration salts if you have.  If you are cycling in Summer and tend to use up lots of energy on a bike then consider taking some protein shakes with you (for example 'for goodness shake')  as it will quickly 'kick start' your recovery.  If you want a break on the bus then take it and don't let the guide persuade otherwise - you know yourself better than they do. Finally if you are dehydrated, unlike me don't go daft on the cocktails and Bucanero!!

Most Inspirational Moment

So many...The Walk of the Gods, Positano.  Taking the boat from Positano to Amalfi at the end of the trip to see where we hiked from a different perspective.  Smaller wonderful local moments--having lemon soda at Antonio's local restaurant after our first day of hiking.  visiting Pompeii and hiking around the rim of Mt. Vesuvius--walking to the town square and attending the local comedy festival in front of the beautiful church and enjoying the electrifying wonderful emergy of the Italian people and realizing it didn't matter that I did not understanding a word of Italian when the comedians did their routines!  Ripe tomatoes, fresh pasta, lemons, fresh fish.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic, first-rate, encouraging, funny, thoughtful and very kind

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sign up for this amazing adventure!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching 5,286 meters - very challenging, but very rewarding and exhilarating.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie was fantastic - she knew the area and people so well.  She met all our needs, including our numerous ailments.  She even arranged for a pony for me to finish the trek when I could not walk too well due to blisters!  She also told some great stories and kept us entertained.  Even under pressure (missing passport incident at Leh airport), she was still smiling.Our guide was also good fun - he was even still smiling when I pulled him into a river during crossing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I had never been at altitude before and found it and the heat (35 degrees) pretty challenging - there is very little you can do to prepare yourself for this, but, despite all of that, I still had a great time.  I think I would just be a little more aware of the length of time distance takes next time I hike at altitude (now that I have done it).  Take plenty blister preventative treatment if you are prone to blisters - the heat really made my feet swell. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Every minute of every day was inspirational. Just being in the natural environment of the mountains, enjoying the fresh air and exercise with a fun-loving group of people. Particular highlights were soaking up the wonderful scenery from the alpine passes and the close view of the ibex on the final day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Frank, was excellent in all respects. He was knowledgable about the geography, history and culture of the area and provided us with plenty of extra information. His daily briefings were concise and accurate so that we knew what to expect each day. Frank understood the needs, strengths and weaknesses of each person in the group and acted upon this information so that everyone could enjoy their holiday to the fullest extent. A great sense of humour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Are you capable of completing this trek? Exodus grade the TMB as moderate/challenging; I would grade it as moderate for the following reasons: Although the average walking day length is about 8 hours we found that 2-3 hours per day was rest time. Morning and afternoon coffee stops are usually scheduled at mountain refuges and the lunch stop can be about one hour. (If you are on the slow side then these times may be reduced for you).There was no difficult walking terrain. All of the walking is on paths so no technical skills required beyond being careful in where to place your feet. The short chained and laddered sections of the paths present little difficulty for the typical walker.There is only one "long" day (Les Contamines to Les Houches) - about ten hours in total.In our mid fifties we found this walk to be quite easy and feel we have a few more treks ahead of us!If in doubt, go for it! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you plan to quadbike then bring gloves and a sports bra!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing my first wild giraffe!  The lions, the elephants right by the safari vans - it is hard to find which was best.  Listening to hyena in my tent at night in Kruger.  Stunning views from the house in Drakensburg. Zip wiring at Hazyview.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The 3 group leaders were excellent.  They did us proud on the feeding and were hilarious to be with!  An excellent team and they really looked after us all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is a must  - but a little practice is needed for hills and the altitude takes your breath away - literally!

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many, it's difficult to pick one! The highlights were the experience we weren't expecting and which were off the beaten track. Trekking through tea plantations and spotting a wild elephant, meeting tea pickers, exploring Fort Cochin washing ghats, fishing nets, fish market, Jew Town and finding the best chai of the trip, experiencing monsoon downpours in Munnar, sampling local food in Madurai, cookery class in a traditional Keralan home in Thekkady, being in Allepey for the annual Snake Race and partying with the locals, chill time at the end of the trip at Varkala and Kovalam. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Charls could not have done more to make our trip the best possible experience. He checked out our interests at the start of the trip and taiolred the experiences accordingly. He was positive, fun, informative, managed our expectations and ensured that we had a truly local experience, especially in his home town of Madurai. Charls is a great ambassador for India and for Exodus. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep your camera charged as there are so many photo opportunities, don't forget mosquito spray, waterproof jacket if you're there during monsoon, hand gel and loo roll!

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed the sweeping vistas of the steppes dotted with Gers and herds of fine horses.   It was good to see that customs and traditions are being maintained.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was helpful and sociable.  His English was very good (one of his many languages).  We were able to visit a couple of sites that were not on the itinerary because of his suggestions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is not a physically strenous trip as there are few opportunities for walks; however, the long journeys on really bumpy and dusty roads are bone jarring and tiring.   The food can be challenging especially if you are a non meat eater.   Be prepared to eat a lot of carbs and chocolate bars (for desserts!).   The picnics were not well done.     If thinking of arriving early I'd pick a hotel in the centre of town.  Our tour hotel in UB was  inconveniently located a long walk from the centre and its facilities were poor.   

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of the climbs, and arriving in Santiago on the last day of the trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

Can't imagine a better leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring your own pedals and bike shoes if you want to clip-in.

Most Inspirational Moment

The countryside was pretty amazing.And that we cycled the whole thing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was very knowledgeable and passionate about his country and adept at communicating this to us.  He was extremely good in stressful situations and was able to re-organise the itinerary quickly and effectively to our benefit.  He was also able to mix with the group socially and enjoy the 'banter' (mainly from the Aussies at his expense!).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take small toiletries and possibly old clothes to give away to locals along the route.