Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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The trip was a wonderful way to see some of Southern Africa, we enjoyed the safari’s and boat trips. We had wonderful accommodation across the whole itinerary. The people were very friendly and the food and wine along the way was of good quality and plentiful. The coastline is amazing and the weather in October was pleasant. Our group was small , but it meant we had the opportunity to get to know one another quite well. Our guide Marco was very knowledgeable and good company.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to pick any one place, but the boat trip from Hermanus was the best. We saw a mother and calf Right Whale which was fantastic. It was magical and we were lucky that they stayed near our boat for quite a long time.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was Marco, he was an excellent guide and provided the group with lots of information and details about the places we travelled to and stayed at. He knew a lot about the local customs and cultures and helped us understand the different groups of people who lived in both East and West South Africa. He was extremely helpful and very patient also willing to go the extra mile when necessary. I would highly recommend Marco as a tour guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you haven't travelled to South Africa before, this is a good way to see it. Some of the activities are slightly challenging, but if you are able bodied then there is a lot to take part in.
This trip honestly wowed me from beginning to end. I left feeling inspired, more connected to South Africa, and genuinely excited to keep exploring. A huge part of that was because of our guide, Marco Olivier. He went above and beyond every single day—whether it was finding the best views, sharing thoughtful recommendations, patiently answering all our questions, or giving us the kind of stories and insight you can only get from someone who truly loves their home. His leadership didn’t just make the trip fun; it made it meaningful. What could’ve been just a vacation turned into a deeper, more authentic cultural experience, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
Most Inspirational Moment
Honestly? Pretty much everything. The diversity of each experience made the whole trip feel special. We also had such a great group, and Marco did an amazing job bringing everyone together, which made it all even better. If I had to pick favorites, I’d say Addo Elephant Park, Schotia Safaris, Table Mountain, and those incredible coastal views.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marco was honestly incredible. He went above and beyond every single day to make sure we had an amazing experience. His passion for South Africa—its people, culture, wildlife, and landscapes—came through in everything he did. You could tell he genuinely wanted us to understand the heart of the country, not just see the highlights. He created moments for learning, connection, and seeing things from a real local’s perspective. His enthusiasm was contagious.
Great trip which was well organised with a brilliant guide
Most Inspirational Moment
The safari at the Private Game Reserve near Addo was amazing Hermanus whale watching Everything about Cape Town Also enjoyed being in Port Elizabeth for the extra day and visiting Cape Recife and the SANCCOB rehab hospital for penguins
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marco was an excellent guide! I have been to South Africa many times to see family who lived there and have visited Cape Town and the Garden Route once before, but I learnt so much more from Marco about South Africa than I ever learnt from them! He was very well organised and I think it was brilliant that, even though he was the driver, he had a system so that we could ask questions and provided lots of information to us.
Very good varied and well organised itinerary. Guide (Petro) was excellent – we were very well briefed for each day, she had great knowledge of everything from places we visited, wildlife/birds/flowers to life in South Africa as well as being fun company with us all making it a very enjoyable trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the wildlife (Addo, Scotia and Hermanus whale watching) were the key highlights for me-we were very lucky to see so much on this trip. Other highlights were Table Mountain, Boulders Bay, Cape of Good Hope visits.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Petro was excellent - a first class guide, well organised, very knowledgeable, good company and great fun.
All of our experiences with Exodus have been positive and we really enjoy the itineraries that are available.
Most Inspirational Moment
Whale watching in Hermanus, game drives, wine tasting in Stellenbosch, Storms River - it's honestly hard to choose highlights because everything was so good.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Petro is one of the best guides we've ever had, and we've been on almost 20 small group tours. Her enthusiasm, organization, and knowledge were just fantastic. I would go out of my way to travel with her again.
This tour was well paced and a great introduction to South Africa, especially for travelers who enjoy exploring the world and finding the unexpected. One of the biggest surprises was the food. The cuisine was so unique and, as our guide advised us, plentiful. Paired with excellent South African wine, you are completely spoiled. Don’t hesitate to try new things such as Bobotie or ostrich.
All of the areas we visited were beautiful. I particularly loved Hermanus with its charming vibe and a spectacular whale watch, and I will dream of Tsitsikamma for a long time. Gazing into tide pools and spotting a beautiful octopus was incredible. Of course, a big part of Africa is the wildlife and this tour gives you plenty of exposure to many of the animals you hope to see. The elephants at Addo felt like something out of a movie. Cape Town is also fascinating. I had no idea the Cape of Good Hope was so vast. The beauty cannot be surpassed. We were lucky enough to have a perfect view at the top of Table Mountain, as well. The people are incredibly kind and friendly wherever you go and it we enjoyed experiencing the mixture of cultures.
The accommodations on this tour vary, but we enjoyed them all. The guesthouse in De Rust was so special as the hosts cooked incredible meals for us each night and treated us like special friends.
All in all, the time in South Africa was something I will never forget. The people, the scenery, the animals, the food…all of it was so much more than what I expected.
Most Inspirational Moment
Meeting a beautiful octopus in a tide pool and being surrounded by giraffes on a game ride.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Petro felt more like a friend than a group leader. She is so proud of her country and it was inspiring to see it through her eyes.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Being prepared will make the trip easier. Load the Uber app if you don't already have it. Pack some flashlights and a backup phone charger. I am so glad I followed the trip notes because the power was out a few times. Layers are your friend on this trip because the weather changes quite a bit. Enjoy!
I have never been so close to the wildlife, from Addo National park to Harmenus – I been with the nature and the its amazing creatures. This trip is a must go if you want to experience good food, comfortable journey, natural beauties and off course the wild life.
Most Inspirational Moment
In middle of the sea with the Mother and baby Whale at Harmenus. The dolphins chasing our boat and the scenic beauty. It was mesmerizing for me all together.
Thoughts on Group Leader
She was very good, informative and jovial. She had tried her best to give us all the comfort and guide us through out the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack you bag with lots of energy, a binocular, some sunscreen, hat, sunglass and off course do not forget to take extra layers as some places were very windy and chilled. This trip have moderate walking but have few long travel too.
This trip is simply wonderful! It has everything you could ask for- wild animals, amazing culture, wonderful people, beautiful landscapes and stunning food and drink. I have always wanted to go to South Africa and thought this trip was a great way to see so much of it but it has exceeded all expectations.
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching wild animals roam in their natural environment will never get boring!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader Petro was exactly what you would want in an Exodus leader! She is caring, passionate, knowledgeable and made it her absolute mission to make sure the group saw the best of South Africa and had a once in a lifetime trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Simply put just book! You won't regret it :)
Other than that, add on some extra nights at the end of the trip in Cape Town as there is so much to see and do!
This was an amazing trip on so many levels.
I have come back feeling energised, invigorated and really sad to leave…testament to a great hol!
I was travelling on my own and apprehensive. I needn’t have been. My group were so welcoming and friendly. We got to know each other quite quickly and had such a laugh together. We are hoping to meet up again in the New Year.
The itinerary was so varied, there was never a dull moment. Ideally 14 days would be preferable as you are packing so much in.
Animals and birds- so much to see, recommend doing Schotia game drive and whale watching. Penguins at boulders beach were brilliant.
Flora-beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees and a chance to visit the botanical gardens in Cape Town.
Food-Wow…such a variety , huge portions and cheap. Recommend the ostrich, but so many other dishes to choose from( meat or veg)
Wine-fabulous and cheap. I loved the chenin blanc. I enjoyed the afternoon in Stellenbosch too.
Landscape-absolutely stunning..Tsitsikamma, Cape of Good Hope, ocean drives and more!
Activities- so varied and you have the opportunity to choose the activities you want to do at various locations.
Guide- Marco was great on every level. He was informative, professional, catered to everyone’s needs and kept us safe.
Accommodation – I particularly liked Tsitsikamma oceanette as right by the ocean. Got woken up at 5.30am by baboons jumping on the bin outside:-). Loved House Martin and the Windsor Hotel.
Cape Town-beautiful. I visited Robben Island, 2nd half of this tour was particular good as we were shown around by an ex inmate. I didn’t get the chance to go up Table Mountain as I had to leave early. There is so much to see and experience that I will definitely return.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were lots...game drive in Schotia, whale watching in Hermanus, staying in the oceanette cabin in Tsitsikamma; looking out at the beautiful ocean and stars, the romantic meal at House Martin with yummy home cooked food. Cape Town, so vibrant and beautiful. Really enjoyed the last night at Mama Africas..the music and dancing. Meeting my fellow travellers and Marco and sharing this wonderful adventure together. We laughed, danced and quizzed!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marco was our group leader and he was amazing, so kind and thoughtful. He looked after us all and kept us safe. He was extremely knowledgeable about the history, geography, flora and fauna and the political situation in SA. He was very professional and informative. On nights off he would give us great recommendations for dinner. He would always go the extra mile to ensure everyone was ok. I'd give him 10/10 :)
Advice for Potential Travellers
Some power outage in Tsitsikamma in the day, power on again at 5.15pm.
I took layers as weather can be changeable.
Be prepared to wait for some meals...guide has this covered, we would order, wander and then come back.
Don't stress if you have a car park view at one hotel as you are hardly in your accommodation.
Take motion sickness tabs if you get seasick for whale watching and Robben Island
