Reviews

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

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14315 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Elizabeth Cranfield

Reviewed March 2023

Atlas Panorama in February 2023

This was an exceptionally cold trip with snow in the mountains and rain in the lowlands – something that was outside the experience of our group leader and other ‘locals’ that we met. There was just 4 days of snow and it coincided with our 4 days in the mountains! A guided tour of the old city of Marrakesh, and free time to look further, at the start of the trip, and more free time in Marrakesh at the end, with a good ‘filling’ of 4 days in the High Atlas Mountains, is a great sandwich to give an experience of this part of Morocco. Abdullah, our group leader, recommended excellent restaurants from which we were able to look out over the central square. It was unfortunate that the snow in the mountains curtailed our activities there. However in addition to the walks to and from the riad, we were able to make some enjoyable excursions. One to the top of one of the neighbouring mountains before there had been much snow, and an interesting morning walk along the valley when there was 6 inches of snow on the ground. We spent a day and a half confined to the riad when the snow storms prevented walks, and the group spent time reading, playing cards and scrabble, and participating in a ‘pub quiz’ compiled by one of the group. Despite the weather, it was a very convivial group. We were also able to take advantage of the Hammam. The riad has limited heating. However the riad staff made sure that the gas space heater was always on in the communal area when we were there – and they managed to find a second one as it was so cold. A gas lamp was also provided during the two power cuts. Despite fire wood being very limited in that area, the staff willingly provided sacks of wood for the upstairs woodfire. We also took advantage at night of the additional blankets available. The food prepared by the riad staff was excellent – and even though towards the end supplies were limited due to the roads into the mountains being blocked, they still managed to provide nourishing meals. All in all it was a great trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The time in Marrakesh, mainly because Morocco was warm and sunny then! It was interesting to see the souks and craft market and watch the skills of the craftsmen as they made the goods they sold – skills that are lost in our country. The glow after the Hammam The many insights into Berber life that our group leader provided. The walk back from the riad in warm sun where we passed sheep and goats being herded and were able to see the gorgeous countryside. The generosity of the riad staff in making sure that we were as comfortable as possible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was great and provided a lot of local information making our trip more interesting. He warned us in our group welcome of the forecasted snow, thus preparing us for any unexpected situations. He took care to ensure that our mountain walks were designed to take into account the conditions and the group’s capabilities. However what made him outstanding was his calmness and his ability to sort out the issues regarding our leaving the High Atlas Mountains. We did not know until we were back in Marrakesh that the roads into the area had been blocked. Communication was difficult. Abdullah spent a lot of time on his satellite phone with limited connectivity sorting out transport etc, for our journey back, making sure that only reliable companies were used. It was a different route back to Marrakesh - in the dark along a hairpin pass with snow and rock falls part blocking the road - as the main pass was closed to us, and the driver is to be congratulated on getting us back safely. Abdullah made sure that we were well looked after at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whatever the conditions – Enjoy the trip. Morocco is a lovely country and this is an interesting and contrasting holiday. Winter can be chilly, even in normal times, and I would recommend taking several thin layers in case. I took a hot water bottle and was the envy of my fellow travellers.

Nick Bolton

Reviewed March 2023

Excellent trip, with spills and thrills!

I was new to mountain biking and saw that this trip was challenging, however, I foolishly assumed it meant physical only. It hadn’t really occurred to me that the biking itself might be technical (I know, naive!) The first two days saw we go over the top of my handlebars three times and it could be hairy at times but by day three, it was the descents were less rocky and I was getting a feel of the bike. My enthusiasm wasn’t dented though. Like others in the group we walked a few short challenging parts and cycled everything else and it was a lot of fun. The ascents (which is what I had assumed the Challenging related to before I went) were frequent enough to be great exercise and to not make it all a gravity based ride but not so frequent as to make it a slog. I enjoyed these ascents overall as they always give me a sense of achievement. We had 10 in the group which was a great number. Small enough to know everyone and big enough to have variety. Great people and all decent cyclists without any being killers! The guides were exceptional – kind, funny, warm, attentive and very professional. It was always a relief to arrive at lunch after a long ride and see their tale stacked with grub. A couple people were on the trip for the second time and whilst I doubt I would do any trip two times, I can see that this is one that would lend itself to this as it is more about the cycling and not visiting well-worn sites and places to but souvenirs you’ll never need! Great trip! Thank you everyone involved.

Most Inspirational Moment

Bonding with the group was my highlight. They were a great collection of well-travelled, intelligent and avid cyclists from whom I learned a lot and had fantastic conversations. Much of biking was quite similar (not in a bad way) and so there are no major standouts but I enjoyed it all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abde and Hassan were excellent. Intelligent, attentive, caring and inspiring in their fitness. They know their stuff!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are new to mountain biking, as I was, it ain't a stroll in the park but with a bit of caution as the better part of valour (and a willingness to fall!) you'll be OK.

Valerie Burden

Reviewed March 2023

Wonderful wildlife

This trip packed in a great variety of wildlife locations each with its own range of habitats and communities of organisms. Overall, the accommodation and food was good.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Tortugeuro boat trip, cloud forest walks and everything about the Osa Peninsula. We also enjoyed the coffee farm tour much more than we expected.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alehandro Rodrigues has excellent knowledge and good communication skills. He was extremely enthusiastic and had a great sense of humour. He was helpful in dealing with individual problems and needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is ESSENTIAL to bring $US in small denominations as hardly anywhere will accept a large note. 'Bring a warm sweater for the cloud forest in the packing list is the understatement of the century. You need really warm clothes for the early morning bird watching, including a woolly hat and gloves. You also need warm clothing for the hotel in the evenings. The temperature variation between day and night is huge.

Chris Denning

Reviewed March 2023

Wow, simply wow…!

With the pandemic, I had to wait 4 years to go on this adventure. My expectations had a long time to build up and yet they were all exceeded. This trip combines incredible cold mountain desert terrain in the heart of the Himalayas with unique wildlife and crossroads of many cultures. Thanks to the hard work of the spotters who go out at 6 am every morning, a cook (Johnny) who kept our bellies full and a truly inspiring leader (Val), we saw 6 snow leopards, 2 wolves, 1 fox, countless mountain goats, golden eagles and so on. Combined with the amazing frozen landscape and culture, this makes for a truly unique experience and long lasting memories. Thanks to the whole team for something really special.

Most Inspirational Moment

On our first full day in the high mountains, we saw a female snow leopard with her two cubs, which were about 18 months old. The terrain they were crossing was insanely steep and yet the cubs started to play fight - what a privilege to see a window into their world. The golden eagles were numerous too, and some kind enough to do low level flybys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

In one word - inspiring, but equally I could say passionate, fun, friendly, knowledgeable, professional, experienced, calm, helpful, kind, compassionate, interesting, engaging, interactive, inclusive Val’s ‘bedtime stories’ were truly inspiring - what an amazing woman reaching the summit of an 8000+ meter peak without oxygen and being within a whisker of the summit of Everest, yet knowing when to call time to save lives. Val’s knowledge of the region is encyclopaedic so if history and culture lights you up, you’ll enjoy hours of chat

Advice for Potential Travellers

Three bits of advice: 1) This trip takes you to the realm of the snow leopard. We saw 6 snow leopards and 2 wolves across 4 days, at a distance of between 500 and 1200 meters. Do not expect a zoo or petting farm, but do bring good binoculars or powerful camera lenses (1000mm equivalent or more). The spotters have superb scopes and will happily take smartphone pictures down the eye piece - they are good at this..! 2) The wildlife is truly wild. Depending on where sightings are made may mean short or long / challenging treks at altitude (3800 to 4500 meters) are needed. This is very different to African safaris where spotting is easy and close… so bring realism and adventure into your expectations 3) Camping for 5 nights at 3900 meters in temperatures of down to -25oC is hard unless you have the right kit - such as merino thermals, multiple layers, down jacket and expedition sleeping bag (which can be hired). I often wore 7 layers in the evening and early morning.

James Hutchison

Reviewed March 2023

Excellent Trip

The trip was fantastic thanks mainly to the group guides Andonia and Ernest. The accomdoation along the way was OK mainly but very poor in the Aanhuizen Guest House in Swellendem

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding Chapman's Pass.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andonia was brilliant - he could not be faulted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take Immodium with you and drink only bottled water at all times.

Glenys Davies

Reviewed March 2023

Cambodia Adventure

A fantastic insight into this wonder country of vast contrasts. The people are warm and friendly. The towns and cities are vibrant while the countryside is quiet and tranquil – time for reflection and contemplation. The trip is extremely well organised and the staff we encountered were helpful, friendly and very supportive.

Most Inspirational Moment

it would be impossible to single out one moment. The visit to the Genocide Museum and subsequently the Killing Fields will stay with me for ever. The temples of Angkor Wat were astounding as was the history and stories behind them. Most warming for me were the people. Most have very little in life but they smile, cannot do enough to help you or tell you of their country - their pride and humanity is astounding. I loved Kampot, especially that lovely hotel (the Columns?) and the insights we had into the life, skills and crafts of the local people. The food was amazing throughout - I tried most things (avoided rat and frog) and loved all of it. The hospitality skills throughout were very generous at all levels of society. This was a trip that lifted me out of my own worries and those of the world - it was life affirming and I am so pleased to have been a part of it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fila is quite a guy. He is warm, fun, a proud Cambodian and family man. He had such an excellent knowledge of all the places we visited and if he was unsure of any of our bizarre questions he went out of his way to find out what we want to know. He met all our requests, including Happy Hour at Raffles in Siem Reap, and guided us into a diverse array of restaurants and bars, from authentic tourist locations, to "local local" establishments, including a home dining experience which, without exception, we all loved. FIla's English is good and getting better as he is determined to learn. His pronunciation lead to some minor humorous misunderstandings at times, though overall it was excellent. At times Fila tended to over explain and illustrate his point, but I think this was to ensure that we understood his thinking. Overall, he was the best of excellent guides.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dont hesitate to take this trip if you are curious. There is so much to see and do, lots to learn if you are that way inclined, and overall it offers a great range of activities and experiences. We found Cambodia to offer an insight into "old Asia" as well as the more modern aspects - a mid may between Thailand and Malaysia ,and northern Vietnam for example. The food is amazing, the landscapes are beautiful and the palaces and temples quite exquisite. The recent history of genocide in this country needs mentioning, as its echos are still heard in the country today. An extra day in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap would be a good idea at each end of the holiday.

Richard C

Reviewed March 2023

Very good recomended

Enjoyed the trip – good mix of walking / nature / social / food. Was in February so there was snowy conditions on the summit.

Most Inspirational Moment

The variation of landscape and climate on one small island

Thoughts on Group Leader

Th intended leader was great

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for changeable weather - in Jan / Feb the summit will have snow

Jim Watson

Reviewed March 2023

Two fantastic weeks

My trip lasted two weeks. The first week was grade 4 with Michele. The second was grades 3 and 4 with Michele and Alex.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many enjoyable moments over the two weeks. Probably the most inspirational was skiing from the top of Prato Piazza to the bottom of it. The conditions were the best I've experienced there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele and Alex are both excellent leaders with different personalities. This is one of the things that makes a two week trip really interesting. I spent the first week with Michele and most of the second week with Alex who was doing the grade 3. With both of the weeks being high grades the teaching was rightly limited and appropriate. This was done really well as you expect with Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try it! If you're new to cross country skiing go on a grade 1or grade 1 and 2. The teaching you'll receive will be appropriate for your lack of experience and you will develop skills over the week and be ready to book another trip. Even if you're at a beginner grade you need to ensure that you have a decent fitness level. You don't need a heavy skiing jacket. You should bring layers you can take of and put on during the day. Merino base layers are ideal.

Patrick Keating

Reviewed March 2023

Atlas Descent!

Excellent Adventure!

Jill Cartwright

Reviewed March 2023

Wonderful walking trip

This was our first organised walking trip. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with such an interesting group of people who were great company – they were inspiring and entertaining! The walks were accurately described in terms of difficulty and the scenery was stunning. Hotel Due Torri staff made us feel welcome and served us delicious, home cooked , authentic Italian food. The guides who led us up Vesuvius and round Pompeii were knowledgeable but imparted their knowledge in an interesting way, adding humour to their commentary. Our main guide, Veriano, who accompanied us every day was superb.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being taken to Veriano’s special places which were beautiful and serene.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Veriano was born and bred in the area and was therefore passionate about all aspects of our trip, from the stunning scenery to the local customs.. His extensive knowledge and great sense of humour made the trip informative and enjoyable. He was very patient when some of us occasionally struggled to keep up and was very encouraging. We were all sad to leave on the last day!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip info carefully. Take plenty of cash for tips. Check flight details up until the day of departure in case the departure terminal has changed - you will not automatically be notified by text or email.

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