Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Most inspirational moment of the trip has to be the last day of the hike, it was a nice short walk up to a summit located north east of the Atlas. The day was sunny and warm which meant the views were alot more stunning 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Yahyia was the right person for the group. He obviously knew exactly where he was going in the middle of nowhere, always kept an eye on us and always willing to help. His overall knowledge about Morocco was very good too. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

No matter what season you decide to go, always make sure you bring proper hiking shoes and a warm jacket, even if you go in the summer time, you never know if it may come handy up in the mountains at 2500 metres!

Most Inspirational Moment

Obviously getting to the summit, but also knowing that the work put in on the previous days had made it all possible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joshua had taken up a famous baseball player on his last trip so we felt quite chuffed he was doing us 'normal' people! He was there for you and was the reason I got to the top. His experience meant that we were in good hands and he was also very approachable and you could have a good chat to him about pretty much most things. Overall though he had your best interests at heart which was what counted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You really don't need diamox if you follow the advice and structure of the trip. Just set off at the guide's pace, eat the food even if you don't feel like it and drink lots although not too much or you'll flush out all your salts! The summit night is hard because you have walked to the base in the morning, then you do the summit up and down, then walk to the next camp in the afternoon, with no sleep. It's fine though, just go at your pace, don't dress too warmly, if I did it again I'd have 3 layers on the bottom and 5 on top. Down jackets are not necessary if you layer correctly. Hire one of the sleeping mats as it doesn't count towards your allowance that the porters carry and it gives you a good nights sleep. Also there were a lot and I mean a lot of people whose luggage was mysteriously disappearing at the airport and then reappearing a couple of days later. In the meantime you had to hire all the gear that was missing and it's not cheap, some of the hire costs are higher then buying the kit in the UK! 2 out of the 3 people on my trip had their kit go missing. 10 out of 11 on another. It's an issue that needs addressing as the last thing you need is all your expensive kit going walkabouts when you're about to take on such a challenge.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everything was so good it's hard to pick, but husky sledding through the national park was truly spectacular, the scenery the silence and the dogs were brilliant, something I will never forget

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader henri was brilliant, he had a wealth of knowledge on all activities, was a great instructor, and so informative about the area and it's environment, very sociable great to be around, a great friend.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like outdoor winter activities DO THIS!! You will have a truely awesome time

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing above the clouds on Pico Ruivo and watching them tumble over peaks and ridges. Enjoying a cold drink after successfully completing in beautiful weather the most strenuous walk of the week. Watching the firework display from the roof of our hotel on New Years Eve.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andre was a good and most able leader on the walks. He was very concerned for our well being and safety. He knew the routes very well and shared his local knowledge and knowledge of flora with us. Andre came across as kind and considerate. He was very friendly and easy to get along with. His skills as a leader overall need to be developed. He could improve by giving daily information to the group, making sure that when he did everyone heard it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you read other reviews, people’s views on the level of difficult vary, understandably as everyone’s ability varies. The following might be helpful, nb mileages are approximate. Walk 1 Ponta De San Lourenco, 5-6 miles manmade path several short ascents and descents. Walk 2, Levada Machico 9 miles almost all on level concrete path by Levada, one ascent and descent to cliffs on north coast. Walk 3, Caldera Verde 8 miles mainly on the level by Levada, with a slippery descent, steep in places at the end. Walk 4, Pico Ruivo 7½ miles, many ascents and descents lots of steps. Walk 5, Boca da Corida, 8 miles mostly uphill. I would say the walks were done at a steady pace with only a few stops.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing wild Orangutans was probably unexpected - we had some great sightings. The sanctuary visits were wonderfull too. I also loved the boat trips along the Kinabatangan River - relaxing, but lots of wildlife to spot in passing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lee was an excelllent leader - very knowledgeable (he would often spot animals/birds before the local experts). He was also caring and totally professional in dealing with a varied group. He made the trip a memorable experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of memory cards & a long lense if you're interested in getting good photos - there are endless opportunities!  We were quite lucky with the weather, but a decent light waterproof comes in handy, as do waterproof bags for cameras etc.

Most Inspirational Moment

It has to be reaching Uhuru Point after 6 hours steady climb up in the dark. The timing was perfect as we arrived as the sun was rising on a perfect day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Davis was excellent - as was Johaness, the assistant guide. They were very knowledgable, easy to get on with and knew exactly how to manage a group of varying abilities. They set exactly the right pace and gave us real confidence that we could make it to the top.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Nearly everyone took Diamox and it seemed to help - so do consider this. There is no need to be "super-fit" but you do need to be able to walk for long periods (distances are relatively short - up to 6 miles) - but the altitude slows everything down. Stamina to cope with the climb is very important. Make sure you have the right kit - the list that Exodus supplies is exactly right and don't short cut this - or you will be cold! You will be spending $ everywhere - you only need a very small amount of local currency. Read the other summaries like these - they contain invaluable guidance. Finally, if you want to maximise your chances of making it to the top the longer routes (e.g. Lemosho) will really help. It is worth spending a bit extra if you can - the failure rates on the short routes are much higher.

Most Inspirational Moment

The moment when I reached the first summit- I was so overwhelmed by the achievement and the exhaustion that I very nearly cried. The other moment when I got in the shower when we reached the lodge at the end of it all. Running water never felt so good. I've never done anything on a holiday before where I felt such a sense of accomplishment (and maybe a bit of relief that it was over and that i'd made it!). 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Matthew, the group leader, was a great guide and always there to keep our spirits up as we walked. On the way down from the summit he supported me through a whole section of scree, literally holding me up in parts.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

All the websites seem to recommend chocloate bars like Mars to take as a summit snack. Don't do this! The caramel freezes solid and believe me when I say that there's nothing more frustrating than being desperate for a energy fix and trying to gnaw your way through a snack with the consistency of a brick.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved riding through the small berber villages and Christmas day with the carpet makers in Tiznit.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was really hard working and really put the effort in to make sure our bikes were able to cope with the terrain.  She had knowledge of the area and the routes and encouraged people when necessary.  She was also very accommodating for different levels of experience and confidence.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this trip pretty fit to get the most out of it.  It really is all about the biking, not so much the culture.  However our guide Liz had good knowledge and of course the local support crew.

Most Inspirational Moment

Living in the village gite where things were basic and simple.Exodus has a very responsible role within Tighza by providing for villagers. For us this created a nice enviroment where as tourist we were priviledged to live and visit this small village without the feeling of being too intrusive.The views during the walks were probably the most inspirational !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yahya was a fantastic guide. Genuine person. Always helpful and friendly. Able to explain about morocco and enlighten on Berbor life.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Marrakech in the evenings is a little chilly but only to the extent of a jumper/ sweater. The mountains- light jumper in the day. However on the walks which ascends up to 2700m, one needs a warm waterproof jacket and good comfortable waterproof walking boots (as though you were visiting a ski resort). Morocco is a developing country. Tourist may sometimes dismay or feel shocked at things like the traffic, slightly mad taxi driving, hassle in souks, haggling down prices of hourse carriage rides, rubbish/ poverty in the old town streets etc. I felt a little like this on the first day. However once I realised that we are in North Africa, this is the way it is and the whole point to visiting an exotic place; the holiday proved to be a truly wonderful enlightening experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

The ascent of the second peak beat the ascent of Toubkal as the scenery and variety of the ascent was alot more impressive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, very professional and explained the safty aspects of walking on snow or ice. Perhaps his dry sense of humour was down to spending alot of time with exodus clients.