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Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14317 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

Vietnam is one of the touching Exodus trips I’ve been on, in terms of its history, natural beauty, village life, and potential for change (for better or worse). I highly recommend that people take the opportunity to see it now, as it the pace of change is evident. From sweeping deserted beaches, to luxurious mountain regions, and the ever present farming (land and sea), this country is determined to develop on its own terms. Taking it all in at bike level is simply the best way to travel and Exodus again pulls out all the stops to make it an enjoyable and rewarding trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Many, of course! Cycling through the villages with kids, scooters and buffalo everywhere was a great change from the frenetic and always entertaining city life. The hammocks at every cafe! Vietnamese have the low down on afternoon relaxation. Great hills, both up and down, even in the July/Aug heat. The roads were better than expected, and the lack of car traffic was quietly appreciated (altho the scooters are sure to provide a few anxious moments). Seeing the bus with the home made lemonade ready.... The cooling water spouts half way up the Hai Van pass :-).... The 30km downhill section in the mountains..... The incredible cemetary road.... And the rather energetic Glee performances of our group at every available prompt (you had to be there!!) Halong Bay is an absolute treat at the end of the tour. And the food .... aaah, the food. Fresh and healthy, what more could you want?

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh (the man) truly loves his job and his country, and it shows. His desire to share knowledge and background so we understand the history and what we're seeing is great. Superb organisational skills in a country which I imagine presents some unusual challenges at times, plus little things which made a difference to every one of us. His patience is amazing. The support staff were brilliant, with the quickest tire changes in the East and a helping push up the hills if flagging!

Advice for Potential Travellers

To truly enjoy this be reasonably fit, although you don't necessarily need to be bike fit, it's good to have basic bike handling skills for those little moments of rough road or unexpected scooters. There are some "undulating" days but this provides interest and to some a nice challenge. Vietnam is quite hot this time of year, so camelbaks would be good to carry more water if you are a heavy drinker, but the bus/truck are never far away if you run out between stops. Be prepared for rain on some days. I generally wore lycra which wasn't a problem locally. You may find your own clipless pedals are good for the hills. Those who suffer from sea sickness be sure to take your pills so you enjoy the whole tour experience as there are several excellent boat trips you don't want to miss.

Reviewed August 2012

JOHANNESBURG TO CAPE TOWN

This was a fantastic tour from sights to meals to guides. This was our first Exodus tour and will not be our last. I’m not sure if we were just fortunate but considering the tour was full (16 people) we had a terrific group of people to travel with. My only negative would be the amount of driving we had to do to cover so many miles, that said, it was totally worth it for all we saw and the bus was thankfully air conditioned and comfortable.

Most Inspirational Moment

We are stumped as there is so much to choose from. Lesotho was inspiring, the Rhino walk humbling, Titsikarma breathtaking and, my personal favorite, the Drakkensburg mountains were majestic. A peaceful place I would happily return to. The wildlife we saw included the big 5 and soooo much more!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob, Sufiso, Shawn and Jacob were terrific! Rob was very knowledgable and helpful, interesting and competent. I think he was pulling his hair out at times with such a big group but he managed the personalities and challenges very well. Sufiso is a fantastic driver, always friendly and helpful but quiet and in control. Shawn was also helpful, friendly, fun and interesting. Jacob was shy but very helpful and strong I think physically he worked the hardest with set up and take down but always with a big smile. They all seemed to know what needed to be done and worked well together. Plus their cooking was awesome!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light!! I did not and no one thanked me for it including myself. Have something to do on the bus be it music, books etc. This trip is not for those who are looking to relax, it is busy, exciting and fun but not restful.

Reviewed August 2012

WALKING IN BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA

A fantastic walking trip in spectacular scenery where you’ll most likely meet nobody else, plus the chance for sightseeing in Dubrovnik, Sarajavo & Mostar.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking is reasonably challenging but the views are exceptional - there are some very long days, some very steep scrambles and one very long steep descent all of which can test you when the temperatures are in the mid to high 30's! (August 2012). You do need a head for heights at times with a few steep drops. The ascent of Maglic Mountain (2386m) is a very long day but was fantastic with spectacular views all around, plus the chance of a dip in Trnovacko Lake (in Montenegro) to cool off about three-quarters of the way round.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Samer Hajri? from Green Visions, a local Bosnian company - he and his assistant Damir were everything that you need from a group leader - always there with information and assistance. Helpful, polite and enthusiastic - obviously proud Bosnians who love to show people what their country has to offer.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As you might expect from this part of the world, the inclusive meals in this trip will be quite baisc and some of the accommodation, whilst clean and tidy, is rather small and basic.There is more travelling on buses throughout the trip than I was expecting - most days involved a bus trip both to and from each day walk of an hour or two, plus the transfer days of course. The bus trips to walks and back were also on very rough roads, especially in the nataional park.

Reviewed August 2012

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

A great trip which showed much of the variety of this beautiful country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a huge bull elephant ambling across the plains at Yala - this was particularly good after seein them in peraheras...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sampath was excellent, he was considerate, thoughtful and careful to offer us information about his culture at appropriate moments which meant I understood much more than I would have done otherwise. He was able to keep the group together and on schedule in an unobtrusive way and tried to accommodate the requests of individuals without inconveniencing the group. He was really kind and had a great sens of humour. The tipping kitty and water fund worked well and I liked the way that he used some of this to help those selling fruits etc. and tried, in this way, to spread the benefits of tourism through his country.Prasanna (our driver) and Udithe (assistant) also looked after us very well, Udithe was always ready to shin up a tree to pick some fruit for us to try. They all worked well as a team and the cricket games were enjoyed by all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Royal Lotus was the only hotel that was a littl ropey and check the state of your bike thoroughly before seting off - they weren't maintained very well (broken chain and moving saddle) which made the bike ride uncomfortable - though the meal we had on this day was one of the best!Try to see a local perahera - not just the Kandy Esala spectacle.

Reviewed August 2012

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

Walking varied and excellent. Good use of cable cars and lifts (thank goodness!).Hotel excellent, food wonderful and spa great.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along the scary ridge (cannot remember its name, but we had walked up from Alba that day)Meadow flowers in abundance.Sharing lunch with choughs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert was superb. Encouraging without being condescending (I wish my legs were as long as his...) Knowledgable without being an anorak.A leader with a light touch (he allowed me to skip the rests and move ahead at my - very slow - pace until the group caught up with me).Nothing but praise.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If the flight times are the same next year (and I hope they are not, see below) use the last day to go to Bolzano instead of Venice. You can 'do' most of Bolzano easily in a day, and the museum for Otzi, the Ice Man, is worth seeing.

Reviewed August 2012

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - LEMOSHO ROUTE

very well organsied by the local tour company. By the time we arrived in camp each day our tents were set up and there was hot drinks and snacks ready with hot water for washing

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit after an 8 hour climb in cold windy blizzard conditions, the views of the sun rising over the ice fields just before you reach Uhuru were stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Naiman was very good, all of the guides were excellent - they made a good team, they were constantly checking to make sure we were all ok and took time to get to know us all. When people started to feel ill through altitude sickness (6 out of 13 needed to take Diamox) they made sure that they were well enough to continue - we all reached the summit. Naiman's pep talk the afternoon before summt day was that none of us would fail just because we were tired - and he kept to his word.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes and take the items listed. Dont underestimate the effects of altitude even if you have climbed high before

Reviewed August 2012

MONGOLIAN ADVENTURE

Definitely go to Mongolia-even better go during Nadaam.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hospitality of the nomadic people we dropped in on to visit and trying their camel's cheese, mare's milk, goat and vodka.Encounters with the interesting characters who gather for the Nadaam in Ulaanbaatar.Travelling through vast and varied landscapesCrazy journey to get to the horse racing-never experienced anything like this before.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Erdene was a lovely person and also a good guide.He had a lot knowledge though sometimes he needed a little prompting to give it

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for any sort of weatherSome of the views in the Nadaam stadium are a bit distant, much better for the archery and ankle bone shootingAlthough it didn't seem unsafe,probably wise not to carry unnecessary amounts of cash/valuables around UB at festival time.

Anonymous .

Reviewed August 2012

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

If your looking for adventure rather than a restful holiday this is the one. On the go from start to finish.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many 'Wow's' in this trip it would be hard to choose one but seeing the Great Migration was a particular awesome moment for me....very emotional!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often was simply the best....helpful knowledgable funny affectionate...he is just a great guy to have around ...such a genuine nice guy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for lots of long drives in the truck...sometimes it feels like your living half your life in the truck ...but the end result is always worth it....take your ipod a good book anything to entertain yourself with or simply take in the African day to day life as you travel along.Wear shoes not flip flops to the orphange its a fair walk with lots of negotiations up and down hill.Get a good zoom camera..you will need it to get close up picturesTake clothes for both hot and cold weather....the climate is very changeableMastercard can be a problem outside kenya so get visa ...or you will struggle to get money

Reviewed August 2012

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

A truely awesome holiday that provided plenty of walking variety, great food and company and is based in a really friendly and comfortable hotel with a suprisingly good wellness facility.

Most Inspirational Moment

All the walks had moments that were inspirational, especially the constantly unfolding and paroramic views.Reaching the top of a long & steep climb that Eric had described as a 'short scramble'!Finding that the whole group gelled and that we were all very happy to spend virtually the whole of each day together!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric led Group B and his familularity with the area, his preparation and willingness to adjust routings to suit the conditions and our pace were all first class. He kept us all in good humour without being 'in your face' at all.He clearly had the measure of us all and gradually increased the walking challenge each day as our pace and condition improved.Albert, who led Group C, was equally able & great fun. They made a good team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We walked with in Group B most days as, despite being fairly fit, we found the Group C just a little too strenuous to start with (is was a holiday after all!). Don't think that Group B is for softies - these walks are still demanding, just not as much as Group C!Bring your swimming things - the wellness is a wonderful way to unwind after a long walk.Don't expect to loose any weight - the food is just too good.Add a day or two in Venice at the start or end of your holiday.

Reviewed August 2012

WALKING THE GREAT WALL

One of the best trips I have ever done where you literally get away from the crowds (for a few days at least). Wonderful scenary coupled with being part of the local communities. Great fun – and very cheap beer!

Most Inspirational Moment

Going for an early morning run along a derelict part of the Great Wall with the sunrise just above the horizon. Absolute bliss. No-one around and absolutely beautiful views. Sitting on the wall, with only the group around, having just climbed up hundreds of steps to get there eating the lunch that a local has brought up all the way from the village for us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry (or We We) was excellent. He, like so many other Exodus tour leaders, always put first the group and their wishes. He was great fun and so passionate about his job and China.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not necessarily a trip for the faint hearted. Once you have started on a section of the wall in the morning, with only one exception, can you go back. Sometimes a bit of clambering / climbing is required. A number of people were going on to do other extensions, and if you have never been to China before, this trip is quite limited in what you will see (Beijing and lots of walls).Dont expect to be going on a shopping frenzy - commercial tourism certainly hasnt reached some of the places you will go to.

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