Reviews

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

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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14460 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

James Smith

Reviewed May 2019

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek TNS

Original trekking itinerary was changed and notice was given just several days before we began the trek. We did not trek to Annapurna Base Camp due to snow, avalanche danger, and damaged structures. An alternative was provided that included climbing Punhill and also Khopra in Ridge. For me it was a physically challenging trip, partially due to my age. I felt I did well in spite of my replaced knees. I was offered encouragement at times which helped. The weather was not the best as a pre-monsoon weather pattern prevailed particularly during the latter part of the trek. This trip for me was primarily a time to bond with my son, Kevin, and I think we did a good job at that. Food was somewhat bland, but new dishes allowed us to get a real taste of what Nepalese eat. Ten years ago, I did the Everest Trek to base camp and Kala Patar. I would say this trip was every bit as physically challenging even though we did not achieve high elevations. The scenery did not include as much high alpine, but this trip traversed through rhododenron forests that were in full bloom.

Most Inspirational Moment

Views from Punehill and Khopra Ridge, of the high peaks jutting up above the clouds. Crossing the long spectacular suspension bridge near Jhinu Dandara.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Milan Tamang did not impress me at first. However, with the passing of each day, I realized that first impressions aren't always true. Milan was truly interested in me as a trekker and an American. I can say now that I have high regard for him as a group leader and an administrator of other guides. He's a man that's true to his word, has empathy for others, and is simply there in times of need. I don't believe our group had any negative incidents such as injury of health problems that he did not know how to successfully handle.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Call two weeks in advance to find out if there have been any changes in the itinerary. My son and I were disappointed that we could not trek all the way the Base Camp.

Shelley Napper

Reviewed May 2019

Amazing Adventure

It’s hard to put into words how amazing the Exodus’ Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari experience is. I knew this would be a trip with a difference, but this African adventure went beyond my wildest dreams.

Most Inspirational Moment

The two nights wild camping was, for me, the most daunting part of the trip and ended up being my absolute highlight – elephants water-crossing near camp, wild dogs playing and of course the smooth relaxing, mokoro trips. However, wild camping in the Okavango Delta is only one of a multitude of highlights that this trip has to offer -every day offers something amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

While I’m sure any trip in Africa could be amazing, it was the Exodus team members that made our extraordinary trip what it was – unforgettable! Rowan (our leader) and Sifiso (our driver) went above and beyond to ensure that this once in a lifetime experience was beyond all expectations. Their wealth of experience was demonstrated through their expansive local knowledge, smooth organisation and the ease with which everything was accomplished. Rowan’s energy, generosity and wide array of interests meant that many experiences had a personal touch – just one of many examples being the drone footage he generously took and gave to our group, recorded memories of something so special I cannot thank him enough. Sifiso’s calm, friendly nature and superior driving skills made comfortable and safe driving days and provided the relaxed atmosphere a trip like this deserves. Rowan and Sifiso, I cannot thank either of you enough!

Jane Jewell

Reviewed May 2019

First trip with Exodus

We had a thoroughly enjoyable varied trip though the walking was more challenging than we anticipated. The uphill and down dale rocky walking was harder for us as we are both in our 70s and these days we have not done so much of this type of walking. Nevertheless, we had an excellent guide in Liz Proctor who made sure that we paced our walking and with her knowledge of the countryside and terrain through woodland, olive groves and vineyards combined with a good humoured small group of 6 persons made our walking very enjoyable. The wine tasting and classes were very informative and fun. On the city days in Sienna and Florence we had excellent guided walks and an in-depth insight into the culture and history ofthese 2 beautiful cities both of which we have visited twice before.
The weather was more chilly than expected and the farmhouse although welcoming was not warm enough in the morning or when we came home each evening.th

Most Inspirational Moment

The beautiful Tuscan countryside and the Agritourism which has enriched the Tuscan landscape and allowed the families to develop their hardworking but enriching way of life. The natural ecological way of living which is a model of living to aspire to.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, very personable, calm and extremely knowledgeable. As well as acting as a extremely competent driver as well as the guiding. We really appreciated the good planning and timing that went into everyday and we trust that Liz is remunerated fully for this double role and responsibility.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read fully the excellent guidance notes sent by Exodus

Sophia Spurgin

Reviewed May 2019

Fabulous Holiday

I had a fabulous holiday to two inspiring places – Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. Although the journeys were long and tiring everything worked like Clockwork. We were lucky to have like-minded fellow travellers who we got to know really well by the end of the holiday. The Galapagos was particularly good and the boat ad it’s crew were excellent. We were well looked after with hikes, snorkelling and excellent food.

Most Inspirational Moment

I particularly enjoyed our trip through the Mangrove with turtles and penguins and taking photos at every opportunity.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two group leaders who were exellent : Adolfo Salazaq who looked after us in Peru. He was always cheerful and through his contacts, always got us where we needed to be. He joined us to meals and answered our questions well. We liked him very much. Berny Jacome in Galapagos was superb. He was extremely knowledgeable and very pleasant and confident in his job. His skills as a guide were impressive in someone so young. I would highly recommend you use him wherever possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go!

Linda Kirby

Reviewed May 2019

Excellent

This was a joint celebration of our 70th birthdays so we wanted it to be extra special. It was an amazing experience, with a wonderful group of people, led by an extremely professional, knowledgeable and proficient guide, Johnny Villalobos. Thanks to Johnny’s extensive knowledge of bird calls and habitats, we were able to see a huge number of birds, including the elusive Quetzal. Johnny also had a wide knowledge of the many mammals we encountered.
Apart from overnight stays in San José, we stayed 2 nights in each destination which was enough to enable us to explore what each habitat had to offer. Johnny ensured that we maximised our time in each location, though you always had the choice to opt out of an activity.
Each location was well chosen in terms of being a representative sample of what Costa Rica has to offer, from hot steamy jungle, to cool, high altitude cloud forest. The accommodation was excellent in each place but we particularly enjoyed the remoteness of Esquinas Lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the forest, especially the frogs. An added bonus was the stream fed pool and later, a night walk in the forest, led by a guide from the lodge who was able to identify the many frogs contributing to the incredible cacophony of frog calls.
We were given a warm welcome in each location by the hotel/lodge staff and served some delicious food. However, crucial to the success of this holiday, was Johnny’s enthusiasm for what his country had to offer and his exceptional knowledge, organisational and people skills.

Most Inspirational Moment

Experiencing the huge diversity of flaura and fauna in such a relatively small country. Seeing the vital work being done by Costa Ricans like Johnny, to protect their environment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We couldn't have wished for a better group leader. Johnny Villalobos was extremely professional, very knowledgeable about birds and mammals and was passionate about caring for the environment. His enthusiasm for his country, it's people and Costa Rica's biodiversity, was infectious. He ensured that every aspect of organising our travel about the country and the transport of our luggage ran most efficiently. Johnny was attentive and caring to two group members who felt unwell. Also, he did his best to maximise our experience of Costa Rica and often gave over and above what was reasonable to expect from a group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a good poncho, insect repellent (We used Picaridin), binoculars and a camera. Make the most of the time you have there, the plants and wildlife are amazing.

Peter Woodward

Reviewed May 2019

Would I go again? Yes I would.

From tropical beaches, through steaming jungles to Scottish moorlands Sri Lanka has it all. Where else can you grow where they grow pineapples, coconuts and cashew nuts a few miles down the road from tea, potatoes and leeks? Fantastic scenery, great food and wonderful people.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a 5ft water lizard at our first road side stop after leaving the airport. Just a taste of what was to come.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader had a great sense of humour and loved his country. Standard answer to any question was usually "90 minutes" and he wasn't far wrong.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with the flow. Sri Lankans don't like to hurry and preparing fresh food takes time.

nicole jordan

Reviewed May 2019

good

The home stay was awful, it would have been good to have an option to have a stay at hotel instead.
It’s not my idea of a holiday being a strangers house.

People nice enough.

Some environmental issues that were offensive, think Exodus should be insistent that the locals improve on.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery was beautiful and cycling the back waters was magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was good, his english was not brilliant so hard to engage with him but he was attentive, thoughtful and did everything to make us have a pleasant time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a sheet or lining for the home stay and expect the worst and you will ok.

nicole jordan

Reviewed May 2019

good

The home stay was awful, it would have been good to have an option to have a stay at hotel instead.
It’s not my idea of a holiday being a strangers house.

People nice enough.

Some environmental issues that were offensive, think Exodus should be insistent that the locals improve on.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery was beautiful and cycling the back waters was magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was good, his english was not brilliant so hard to engage with him but he was attentive, thoughtful and did everything to make us have a pleasant time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a sheet or lining for the home stay and expect the worst and you will ok.

Thom McKee

Reviewed May 2019

Beware of the Altitude

Only rated as good because my wife and I were only able to complete the rain forest part. The trip notes mention consulting your GP about the altitude sickness pills. Ours advised against. As a result of the jump from rain forest to Cusco on a 1 hour flight, my wife ended up in hospital for 6 days due to altitude sickness and a pulmonary edema.
We really enjoyed the rain forest and have previously enjoyed many holidays with Exodus.
It’s a pity the trip notes do not stress how it is really essential to take the altitude sickness pills – this is what all the doctors in Peru also confirmed. The situation also wasn’t helped by the hotel in Cusco with cold rooms and showers that took for ever to get warm. The night before ending up in hospital my wife had endured a freezing cold shower and then went to bed shivering until she fell asleep. It turns out this also did not help her condition and was very likely a significant factor in the edema developing. Thankfully Smithy, our guide, was quick to spot the symptoms so medical attention was brought in fairly early.

Most Inspirational Moment

Travelling along the river in the mist.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Smithy was good company, knowledgeable and did his best to accommodate us. There were only 4 in the group so he was able to suggest and arrange alternative activities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Unless there is a medical reason not to, take the altitude pills. Otherwise, find another route to start the Inca Trail. Machu Pichu itself should be fine at about 2,400m, it's just getting there without the sudden increase to over 3,000m that Cusco entails is the problem

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Thom for his review, although we remain very sorry that his wife was unwell during the tour. We hope they both felt well looked after by our local team during the team’s daily visits to the hospital. We recognise the risks of travelling to altitude and on our tours which reach high altitudes we do try to be clear about these risks in our trip notes, and as we are not medical professionals we, as is the case for most tour operators, direct clients towards medical health professionals when it comes to medical travel advice. We are very sorry, however, that Thom received advice which he and his wife do not feel was correct as we recognise that this must have been incredibly disappointing.

Lucy Crabb – Exodus’ Customer Services Manager

Angie Morgan

Reviewed May 2019

Fantastic walking and cultural combination

This holiday exceeded my expectations. The walks were stunning and our guide Severio’s knowledge and insight into the region made for an action-packed, superb holiday. Sharing this holiday with a sociable group fondly referred to as the Walking talking heads made the holiday complete.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Walk of the Gods to Positano

Thoughts on Group Leader

Severio was very knowledgeable, fun and accommodated all levels in the group really well. He went above and beyond to help us get the most from our holiday even taking the trouble to give us a suggested list of places to visit and how to get there on our free day in Capri as he wouldn't be with us. What a gem!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This holiday is hard on the knees and shins initially as your body adjusts to the huge number of steps most walks involve. The holiday really gives you a great overall walking experience of the Amalfi coastline and the opportunity to also visit the main attractions of the area eg Vesuvius, Pompeii, Herculaneum and Capri. I thoroughly recommend it.

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