Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Hmmmm.....topping out on Toubkal was great as it was the main objective and it was superb to see my wife Susies happy wee face having climbed it - very proud of her, but I also really enjoyed Toubkals South Summit as I was the only one on it and the day after we bagged Ounakrim which was more challenging and quieter - our group being the only ones there instead of the 50 or so people on the summit of Toubkal the day before.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Couldn't have asked for anyone better. Abdullah was knowledgeable, professional, very experienced and you couldn't meet a more likeable guy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

These things are all relative depending upon your previous experience but, if you are a competent UK hillwalker comfortable on the higher UK mountains, you should be OK. A lot of the terrain higher up is loose and can be steep - think the Scafells, the Mamores Munros, Ben Nevis from the Carn mor Dearg side rather than the tourist path. My Susie has done around 60 Munros and isn't a fan of heights and she managed fine. Doing this the long way around gives plenty of time to acclimatise and get used to the type of terrain you will encounter on summit day. The trip is well supported and you only carry your own daypack. Plenty of food - more tending to veg than meat and typically Moroccan - though we also got chips in the high hut which was good.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking round the crater summit of Vesuvius and looking down over the thousands of houses that would be engulfed if Vesuvius erupts again.  With only three days' notice and no main route out, the possibility of a catastrophe is very real.  However, trying to race those elderly people up to the summit didn't come easy, but going down was much easier.  If you are lucky enough to have the same guide as we did, you get the privilidge to walk around the whole of the crater.The hospitality of the family run hotel and the friendliness of the group made the holiday for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alfred led us on some mighty walks!  Punctuality and his friendliess were his forte and he certainly had our safety at the forefront when we were confronted by a forest fire.  Although this meant turning back and retracing our steps, the staff of the hotel came out in the middle of the day to drive us by road nearer to our destination thus avoiding the fires.  We nicknamed one of them Emerson (after the racing driver) because he knew how to take every bend in that well run route!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit and can cope with lots of steps.  I know the trip is graded leisurely/moderate - it certainly falls into the moderate category taken at a leisurely pace.  I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with knee, hip or foot problems.  That put aside, the views are spectacular  and so is the food.  Although the hotel does not have a pool, which is a shame, take a swim suit as you do get the opportunity to swim in the sea - which you have to negotiate the hot pebbles to get to!

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing panorama of the Matterhorn and the surrounding mountains as you round the final bend on the Europaweg in Mattertal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leaders did everything possible to support the group achieving the goal of completing the Haute Route and with a relentless sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure that you are fit enough, particularly having recent experience of strenuous walking uphill. There are days which involve 5 hours of walking uphill!Don't underestimate the possible drop in temperatures with altitude and at night in camp when packing. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The Masai Mara was better than we could have hoped for, we saw everything we asked for! and more...Balloon flight is worth every penny Masai Village was greatListening to the hippos as we lay in our tents!Bungee ( head first into the Nile River) and white water rafting at JinjaLittle Angels School in Uganda was very emotional, happy kids that only want you to play with them. Meeting Duncan who has set up the school, hes an inspirational young man.And, of course, spending time with the gorillas was magical, the quickest hour of the holiday...And not forgetting all the like minded gang on board the truck...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often was a fantastic guide, he went above and beyond anything asked of him to make sure everyone had the best time possible.Benard was our cook, who never gave a straight answer to a question! he made us laugh constantly, the rabbits (vegetarians) had to go to the table first, then the lions (meat eaters) had to come and 'terrorise' the food.  Ben if you read this Gayle says Hi xxPattson was our learner driver, this was his first trip, although you would never had known it...always with the biggest grin and laugh.A fantastic trio who definitely helped make this the best holiday we have ever had. A credit to their profession.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A sense of humour helps with the early starts, some long days travelling and most importantly with the toilets!!Pack for all weathers, we had dry, wet, warm and cold. You can get a bag of washing done at Jinja for $5 so pack lightA good head torch, wet wipes and toilet roll are essential!Leave some space in your bag for souvenirs, you will be tempted..

Most Inspirational Moment

So many inspirational moments :In the Masai Mara seeing a lioness with three cubs just after eating a kill, watching a cheetah posing for 15 minutes for us;  Every time we thought it couldn't get any better, it did!The Little Angels children's orphanage in Uganda brought a tear to the eye. So many under priviledged kids, who still manage to smile and be happy - most of our group sponsored a child or made a donation.Having warthogs on the campsite at Lake Mburu Park, and baboons everywhere at Makalia Falls in Nakura Park made for some memorable nights in the tents. The mountain gorilllas in Rwanda were awe-inspiring - to be so close to such magnificent animals is worth the cost alone.  One hour never went so quickly, but some superb memories and photos.The Genocide museum in Rwanda, although sad/challenging in some respects, is essential to appreciate what these people have gone through.The balloon trip over the Masai is definately worth the expense, and the champagne breakfast afterwards is wonderful.Fishing and catching a Nile Perch at Jinja.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often was outstanding - he was patient, took care of everyone, was a fantastic wildlife spotter, and still managed to make us smile after driving along some dodgy roads for a full day. I would recommend him guide to anyone - he is a star.Benard is the greatest cook - he strategised the meals, and we terrorised the food!  Green peppers will never be the same again........I could not believe it was Patson's first trip - he looked like he'd been doing this trip for years.Three of the best crew, who helped to make this trip outstanding.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget a headtorch, wet wipes, and spare dollars (although there are a couple of ATM's along the way), and most importantly a sense of humour to help you through some very early starts.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day features the ascent to the tallest peak in the range.  We decided to tackle it scrambling up the ridge as opposed to walking up the path and it was exhilarating.  It was also great to realise how fitter we all had become at the end of the week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was passionate about her country and keen to explain to us traditions and backgrounds.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks are tough but you do not need to be a mountaineer, you can build up for it by visiting your local gym.  Additionally if you did not feel up to walking to the summit, most walks had points were you could stop for instance by a beautiful mountain lake a few hundred meters below the summit and wait while the rest of the group walked to the top and then down again.

Most Inspirational Moment

Constant views over the mountain range - emptiness - apart from a few yaks, sheep, goats, and tea tent people.  Great museum in Hemis monastery - with very interesting pieces about history of the place and old photos of frozen rivers. Loved Leh for all the local tiny side streets and general life there.  Made me really wonder what it's like when all is blocked off in winter.  Must admit to loving the colourful clothes and stone jewellery - everything is simply beautiful - if you like the tibetan nepalese type things.  And it is an opportunity to share a chat and a tea in several places.  Very interesting to hear about how Ladakhi people are living now, learning to make the most out of visitors and seemingly retaining their identity - hopefully will stay this way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oh - where to start???  This lady is the most professional, knowledgeable, patient and dedicated guide I ever came across.  Her knowledge of buddhism is encyclopedic - and she keeps all information really lively and interesting. Her knowledge of the area is amazing, so is her dedication to the Ladakhi people, and clients alike.  She is working relentlessly to improve life for the Ladakhi, which is an enormous plus point in my book - and am very glad Exodus is supporting this.  She makes sure that drinking water is available in all tea tents, works with others to train people how to use solar power, UV water filters etc.  Every day she made sure all of us were ok in terms of coping with altitude, giving all the necessary advice at all times.  Some of us did struggle a little with altitude - but thanks to her recommendations it was a great experience.  And she keeps her sense of humour at all times.  I think she is a solar powered green modern buddhist deity ;-)  Better add her name - Valerie Parkinson.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Having read other reviews, I did not think it was that hot - but yes - a wide brimmed hat is crucial - and 50+ sun cream and lip salve.  Absolutely follow the advice to drink lots of water - 4-5 litres a day a must.  If you are concerned about the altitude - you can consider taking Diamox 2-3 days before the trip.  But not a must - I took some on day 2 after arriving and was fine after that - but everyone is different.  Do take all the things on the packing list.  The level of fitness required was less than I expected - but maybe because the pace was always slow enough to cope with the altitude.  Expect a lot of temperature changes - you will need warm trousers or leggings and thick fleece - as well as thin T-shirt. There are some steep-ish ascents - but short ones - and 1-2 slightly slippery but again brief descents - but mainly the paths are really easy.  A walking stick comes in handy when crossing rivers.  Take 2 big 1 litre bottles with you that can cope with hot water.  Camel back water bag also handy.

Most Inspirational Moment

Friday spent in Funchal

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bruno was funny, experienced, knowledgable and helpful.  He had a lot of responsibility looking after people who hadn't ever walked in the moutains before.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Please read the details of the walks carefully and decide if it is suitable for you.  Remember to take into consideration the temperatures.  Don't forget to take a fruit knife as you nearly always take a pack lunch.  If you don't like changing accommodation every other day read the details carefully.

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to Vesuvius, Pompei and Ercolano.

Most Inspirational Moment

In a trip filled with so many experiences, it seems churlish to pick just one.  So, I'll pick three and even that's difficult: cycling through the villages in the jungle meeting locals, visiting the family who live in the Exodus built house and sunset at Sigiriya rock.My daughter's favourite three were: visiting the turtle hatchery, going elephant riding and snorkelling in the Indian Ocean. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was brilliant.  He was very well informed and worked tirelessly to make sure our trip was a success.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If the elephant orphange trip is still just an option when you do this trip, take it.