Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

We were part of a group of fourteen, and it was a pleasant surprise to find that all group members were completely co-operative with the leader and arrangements, and that the group gelled perfectly. The friendship, rapport and empathy within our group exceeded our expectation.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Andre Pontes, was excellent. He was a great character, and provided much interesting and useful commentary on the walks, covering history, geography, geology, and even extending to some recipe hints. He was very entertaining company, concentrating on our safety and welfare in the walks at high level, and provided much useful information for us to make use of on the rest day. His local knowledge led us to excellent restaurants and cafes for refreshments and meals during the walks and in the evenings. He had a good and expressive use of English.

Advice for Potential Travellers

At this time of year be prepared for a chance of heavy rain at high levels, as well as for more gentle conditions generally. Most shops / cafes etc take bank cards but smaller shops and cafes, particularly in the countryside, may only take cash (Euros). English is widely spoken to a good standard, which we found helpful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Best leader evet

Most Inspirational Moment

There were two of us, so we have two. One was reaching the top of the 20km climb to Nuwar Eliya, which is a really challenging climb on a bike and the other was our visit to Buddhuruwugala where there are several statues of Buddha carved into the rock. Climbing the Lion Rock was also an excellent experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was simply excellent - a hugely experienced tour guide and worked tirelessly to ensure we all had a great trip. He was incredibly knowledgeable about Sri Lanka and its history, and the challenges it currently faces. He dealt with all the issues and it was excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this trip if you have the chance!

Most Inspirational Moment

Ha Long Bay, Cu Chi tunnels, Marble Mountain, small, local cottage industries.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanh Vu in Vietnam was an exceptional leader. He was informative, considerate and attentive. He ensured that the needs of all the group members were met, whether dietary needs or activity preferences. He was always on hand to offer advice and we felt very well cared-for and respected. We were with Theavy in Cambodia for only a short time. She was very knowledgeable about the temples at Angkor Wat. , however, she was not as attentive or readily available to solve problems, i.e. delayed flight home and its impact on taxi arrangements.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of insect repellent for the mosquitos! Although we were advised that it would be cool in the north in January, the temperature was in the low- to mid- 20s. Take US dollars in larger denominations as this will enable you to obtain a better exchange rate with the local currency. Also be warned - in Cambodia, old, dirty or torn dollar notes are not accepted (or some will accept them at a discounted value).

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling the final 11 miles through beautiful countryside reflecting on just how good this trip had been. I had a real sense of satisfaction and achievement of completing the cycling, tinged with a little regret that we were now, sadly, reaching the end of this memorable trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding! I've been on a number of Exodus trips and generally found the guides to be of a very high standard but Roberto is up there with the very best. He kept us all informed and his support and guidance was always excellent. He ensured we all had anything we needed and had great systems for ensuring we were always focused on simply enjoying our trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware January is very hot, although the cycling is managed accordingly. Bring plenty of sun cream, bug spray and keep hydrated.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting a local family and visiting their home Seeing Leopards in the wild Having a family dinner served in banana leaves The abundance of wildlife

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was outstanding and for sure has spoilt us for future trips! His passion and enthusiasm for his country, his humour and banter with the group, his organisational skills, his numerous "little extra touches" - all of this meant that the trip was truly stress free and hugely enjoyable. He even arranged our transport for us when we were travelling onward after the trip and checked that we were safely arrived home at the end of our holiday. I cannot imagine how anyone could be better which is a real challenge for the poor leader when we go on another tour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take sterling cash with you as much easier to change than using card and incurring excessive costs. 3-pin plugs always available so no need for plug adaptors Mosi repellent an absolute must!

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on the summit of Mt Toubkal!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Organized. Great sense of humor.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get in shape. Climb will test you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Just being there, with the target of 4167m

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lahcen was great. Very focussed and hardworking to make the trip work. Kept an eye on everyone on an individual level. He loves his work and shares his feelings on many topics to educate everyone. He paced the walking so everyone achieved. His deputy guide in the mountains, also called Lahcen, did a grand job making sure we all stayed together and were safe

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bare with me but I hope this may give some insight: Exodus supplied food (with own cook) was really abundant and really nice Moroccan style whether breakfast, lunch or dinner. Hotel and Gite were grand. Mountain refuge (Mouflon) at 3200m was enjoyed by all on my trip but it had basically minimal to nil hot water in showers plus no hot sink taps. Minimal low wattage lighting so need head torches everywhere. No heating apart from the single eating / lounge room. No drying room. Dormitory bedroom is one big deck rather than separate beds. Extra thick blankets are freely available. Recommend sleep in warm clothes and a 3-4 season sleeping bag. Our Group took large bottles of water from Marrakesh on all the trip so we were self sufficient and purification not required Our group was 3 girls and 7 boys ranging in age from 23 to 69. I consider myself quite leg fit and had trained with weighted rucksack on steep ascents and descents. Overall most physically active folks can easily do this trek without too much effort?. Guides do pace it well. There was not as much snow as I would have expected. Possibly 60% rock, 40% icy snow from 3200m upwards. Crampons worn nearly all of the two summit days. Ski resort in far far distance was closed... Weather was bright, calmish, clear on the 4 days, including trekking up and down to from Lmlil. Pretty breezy on one summit with -20C windchill (that’s cold), next day calmish and forecast said -6C (very pleasant) Summit days, for me was medium weight walking trousers and goretex salopettes. On chest was 2 Helly Hansen type stocking tops under a Buffalo fibre pile/pertex top. Summit strong wind did need a goretex top to stay warm. Beany under helmet kept me warm. Fibre Pile lined gloves with thin liner gloves did work but at times I did get cold fingers. Others seemed fine. I think mitts would be better. Descending a summit you really do warm up, unlike the slow steady going up when you feel comfortable or cool. Ascents largely in the shady side of mountains but descents tend to be in sunshine. Trekking poles on valley paths did not seem necessary for myself, as generally level ground?. Once crampons on, its ice axe in hand, so poles not required Altitude sickness – personally I did not notice anything. However I didn’t sleep well at Lmlil (2000m) and first night at refuge (3200m) but after Mt Toubkal summit I slept like a log, as I did after that. I had trained beforehand walking up and down UK hills but above 3800m my legs did feel quite weary going up and down, which was a surprise, to myself. My fellow colleague’s in the main fared ok with just a few headaches and poorish sleep. A couple, said they did notice more effort to breath but not enough to be concerned. Marakkesh – a lovely diversion at the end. Overall felt safe once embarked out and about, with my colleagues. Locals are nice and easy. Accept that souk sellers and central square entertainers/food merchants are eager for your business but do back down with a decline or laugh it off. How much money is needed- well I spent £280 UK airport to UK airport - trip 4 meals out, trip group tips, trip group water, a tourist taxi tour, couple of local taxis and a bit of souvenir shopping. Two course meals about 200Dh each, taxi from hotel 50Dh, group tips and water 550Dh each, coffee/soft drinks 20Dh each

Most Inspirational Moment

This is a tricky one, too many moments... the trekking was beautiful and exhilarating at every turn, especially as this was the first trip since the virus outbreak so some trails required a man and a machete - I felt very intrepid. Madurai and it's incredible temple complex was stunning, jostling and serene all at once, the slow churn along the Backwaters a golden treat and the people - so calm, cheerful and welcoming even in the tightest of motoring spots. Ooh and the wild elephants and mongooses, all a bit special really.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were blessed with San (Santosh Kumar) a top leader and top fixer of a man. We never had to ask for anything, he was always 3 steps ahead correctly anticipating and organising everything to make the trip interesting and memorable. He lead us with intelligence, integrity, generosity and good humour, loving to impart his vast knowledge of India and Keralan culture in particular. Plus his use of the English language would put most of us to shame. I must also mention his selection and support of the local guides who were all terrific (carrying and serving our delicious lunches up and down hills each day) and our splendid camping crew and patient, giggly driver Bijou - all a delight

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just to read and re-read all the Exodus blurb and take everything suggested, they know what they're on about. Also why not try to go without paper sometimes, the water method is pretty efficient once you get the hang of it.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many great moments. Cycling through rural communities in the middle of the country, enjoying the scenery and exchanging "hola" with the locals felt really good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto is an excellent leader. He is warm, friendly, fun and very efficient. His briefings are very clear - he uses WhatsApp to communicate details of the day on the evening before the cycling and then verbally explains things each morning before you set off . Each day he put an elevation plot for the route on the side of the bus. This has planned stops marked. I loved this as I knew where I'd have to put a bit of hard work into the pedalling. Everything went very smoothly but this is because he has everything so well organised and anticipates your needs in advance of you realising. Nothing was too much trouble. He has excellent knowledge of the country and imparts this is an interesting way. He's a real ambassador for Costa Rica. Gracias, Roberto!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You'll get hot at times cycling so will need to do some laundry: After 1 week there are laundry facilities at the hotel. Use this - they charge by the kg , not per item. It's good value. Take a plug for the sink as there aren't any in most hotels Don't attempt to wash clothes in a hotel which hasn't got air conditioning, it won't dry overnight (NB most hotels do have air conditioning)