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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61 Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Jonathan & Suzanna Grix

Reviewed January 2016

Wheels, Wines & Waves

A great trip; at times the weather was a little on the warm side for cycling. A fun mix of cycling, wine, food and sightseeing and the overall experience was made even better by a great group of people.

Most Inspirational Moment

The natural beauty of this area of South Africa was very inspiring, particularly cycling along the Coast and hearing the crashing of the waves and admiring the power of the sea. Inland, the ride from Barrydale along the gorge was also spectacular. Hermanus was also a main highlight and we will definitely come back here on a future trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Peter was a great leader and quick to change plans when needed - as this trip was over Christmas and New Year, some of the restaurants that would normally be used were closed and he was able to adapt plans at short notice. On Christmas day, as an extra that was not on the official itinerary, he chose the perfect place for us all to have a glass of bubbles together, overlooking Cape Agulhas. He is a kind and thoughtful guide who always tries hard to meet the very varied requests from the group – at times this is an impossible task!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with the flow. This advice goes for this trip and any other Exodus trip – the trip notes should be taken as a guide rather than a rigid itinerary and if anything changes just enjoy it. Some of our best experiences on this trip were changes made at short notice, such as finishing our last day of riding at the top of Signal Hill with a drink, overlooking Cape Town. Apart from a couple of optional hills the riding was not too hard and is accurately described as moderate.

Suggestions

An extra few days in Cape Town would be good – half a day at the beginning and end of the trip is not enough time to see Robben Island, Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront and other attractions.

Richard Milligan

Reviewed November 2015

Cycling the Cape and Winelands

A breathtaking tour of the Western Cape with a drink (or two) thrown in.

Most Inspirational Moment

The fabulous views in the winelands, the Karoo and on the Whale Coast (especially). Each day had a different 'wow' factor and each day I found my ability growing. As someone who does not cycle regularly, the fears of the longer rides, through hilly country and with strong headwinds, grew less and less as the trip continued until the only 'challenges' were the optional climbs that we slotted in on the rest day and at the end of the longest ride.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wynand was a fabulous leader. Full of energy, full of knowledge and a clear love for his country, cycling and the flora and fauna. He made sure that no one was excluded, was a friend to all and ensured that we knew what we were doing, what to expect andmade sure that we were well fed and watered.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with the flow. Relax and enjoy.

Suggestions

The support driver, Sifiso, needs a special mention. A lovely guy with a fabulous sense of humour. Very friendly, helpful and professional.

Gareth Buffett

Reviewed November 2015

Cape and the winelands

A good combination of varied scenery inland and coastal, towns and city and tours
Food and accommodation were good.
Good bus used and bikes ok though I could have done with a lower gearing a couple of times
Rides were too often on busy main roads albeit usually with a cycle lane it isn’t very relaxing or sociable to have too ride single file with fast noisy traffic wizzing past.
Quite often felt rushed with meals and tastings sometimmes due to the leaders having to cook our dinner which was often not ready till quite late. Is it really necessary for them to cook?
Could have done with an extra day in Cape town to fit more in. With only two half days you can’t fit in Table Mountain, Botanic gardens, Roben Island and the city itself let alone shopping and relaxing on the beach

Most Inspirational Moment

The Botanic gardens-Superb

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adequet Good local knowledge re history and flora and fauna Needs to be more formal in briefings and the initial one was far too long Got lost a couple of times but I guess if you don't do the trip regularly that happens Generaaly friendly and helpfull just needs to sort out his communication better

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Jacqueline James

Reviewed September 2015

Cycling South africa

Described as a moderate cycling holiday, although my husband and I have a reasonable fitness level, and coped with the cycling, members of the group stuggled with the terrain, and I don’t feel moderate is a good description for this tour. Enjoyed the holiday in general, good group of people, and guides, weather was not always kind to us, and some of the accommodation was under par.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in Herrmanus and seeing mother and baby whale giving us a show in the bay.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tallis was our tour leader. He was a lovely easy going man, and nothing was too much trouble for him. Any issues or problems he tried to deal with, some were out of his control to rectify at the time. Was a credit to the tour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cycling easy roads once a week would not make you ready to enjoy this tour. You must be able to tackle hills and constant rolling hills, sometimes into the face of the wind, otherwise it becomes a long slog.

Suggestions

Accommodation was in issue in Franschoeke, which consisted of cold lodges, no heating, and weather at the time was cold and wet. Also in Glen Cairn, where part of the group had warm welcoming b & b's, and we plus another couple, had a cold, unwelcoming holiday home, with no hot water on arrival. All group members should receive the same standard of accommodation.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Jacqueline for her feedback, but we are very sorry that some of the accommodation did not live up to her expectations. Whilst we have previously received positive feedback from clients about the guesthouses that Jacqueline mentions, we have discussed her feedback with the relevant guesthouse managements and we will of course also continue to closely monitor client feedback to ensure that her experience is not repeated.

David Sear- Exodus Product Manager for Cycling in South Africa

Tracy McDonald

Reviewed September 2015

Cycling the Cape & Winelands

South Africa is certainly a place you can easily fall in love with. Great wine, great food and perfect cycling on gorgeous long undulating roads. Although there are a couple of short steep climbs they are certainly doable providing you have a good level of fitness. I finally conquered hill climbing without stopping just going at my own pace, in fact Chapmans Peak was so amazing I wanted to go back down and climb it again. Our guides ensured our safety at all times and looked after us very well, from organising lunches to sorting restaurants for dinner in particular our favourite liquorice allsorts snack. If you love cycling and wine then you’ll love this trip!!! Made also great by a lovely bunch of people.

Most Inspirational Moment

The mountainous scenery and whale watching was the most spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Tallis was fantastic ensuring our safety at all times allowing us to enjoy the cycling at our own pace whilst ensuring the group was all together at various points. He was very knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble if you wanted/needed something he would ensure he did his best to provide it. Both he and Seviso cooked for us on occasions depending on the lodgings or lunch stops and this was excellent, they both joined in with the group too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy the ride and the wind!!!!!!!

Suggestions

The weather can be changeable so be prepared for every eventuality.

francis josephs

Reviewed February 2015

cycling the cape and winelands

Outstanding!

Wonderful scenery; mountains and hills, beach and seas, undulating plains. Fantastic food and wines, fascinating wildlife, attractive local accommodation, very few long transfers, time to relax at end of rides. Delightful cycling- at times challenging, but always rewarding. Blues skies and heat! Great group and leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

Many. The cycling was a joy. The landscapes were stunning. Great night skies. Diving with sharks. Table Mountain and Robben Island. Franschoek and Tradow Passes and up to Chapman's Peak; Great Karoo; Cape Argus and Whale Coast;

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent: knowledgeable, friendly, amusing, caring, extremely hard-working and attentive to the needs of all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was glad to have brought my own saddle, saddle bag and clip on pedals. I spent a lot less than Exodus suggested. Great snacks and water at breaks- no need to bring your own, unless you like energy drinks. I saved a little money by booking my own flights direct with the airline- this also enables you to select (better) seat much earlier.

Suggestions

The cycling was graded Moderate, but I thought it was much harder than Indochina, which was also graded as Moderate. But don't let that put you off. Make sure you practice on some hills (and not just in the gym). It was very rewarding to succeed on hills which looked impossible. And you can always rest in the bus.

Sue Richardson

Reviewed February 2015

Cycling Adventure Cape and Winelands

At least in part for the physical and emotional excitement, adventure activities in South Africa offer something for everyone, from first timers to extreme to adventurers. Choices seem to range from laid back stargazing, strolling to serious hiking, cycling, mountaineering and everything in between. It was not a difficult decision for me to press the ” book it” button after reading the trip notes. Famous for its stunning coastline, big surf, blue skies, diverse terrain, sand dune landscapes and breathtaking mountains I had heard from many who have visited South Africa that it is a Country one can fall in love with.
This trip offers all of the above complemented with visits to the winelands and of course the cycling which by the way was arduous at times. Yes it was difficult to leave after this adventure hosted by our energetic Leader Wynard Bezuidenhout with his “co pilot” Sifisio our Driver. A great team that delivered a flawless, well executed adventure from the onset until our final farewell at the airport. The trip was breath taking, my first trip with Exodus and certainly shall not be my last. A small group of 12 like minded people left having shared the most incredible experience together – fun and adventure while sharing travel stories along the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

The feeling of success having completed the hill climbs and being rewarded with the most spectacular views. There are so may memories to mention, wine tastings, delicious cuisine, meeting an amazing a group of people, completing a 90K cycle in one day ! Feasting on Biltong, Photographing the penguins at Boulders. Cycling in the Little Karoo, the coastal cycle route from Gordon's Bay to Cape town magnificent. Cliff Top walk in Hermanus and the last goes on..

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wynard our Leader was a great inspiration and delivered honestly each days expectation. He kept us well informed and unconsciously he kept us to our schedule. He provided terrific recommendations for our " free day" and always had some rather good recommendations of where to dine. He was most knowledgable about the Cultural Heritage, Wildlife Heritage, Activities on offer and even had a few Rather wonderful Culinary experiences up his sleeve.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were fortunate to experience the balmy breezes that the Coast is so famed for. However, in February temperatures were soaring to 28 - 30's, prepare yourself for the heat. Accommodations provided were exceptional although invariably our destination changed each evening with the exception of our stays in Hermanus and Franschhoek ( 2 night stays) so pack light !

Suggestions

Just do it ! and do yourself a favour and extend a few more days to relax on one of the glorious beaches - your deserve it !

Clive Elliott

Reviewed February 2015

Exodus Excellence in South Africa

A varied trip made special by an outstanding tour leader. Great food and wine, but much more importantly challenging but doable cycling through a diverse Western Cape….from spectacular coastal rides to open countryside pedalling, from fast downhill stretches to hill climbs, from long challenging days to shorter rides (all broken into manageable sections).

Most Inspirational Moment

Coastal rides along False Bay and over Chapmans Peak

Thoughts on Group Leader

Truly outstanding. Our fourth Exodus trip and the best leader by a distance. Hard working (including cooking excellent meals), considered and considerate especially in recognising I am a relatively slow cyclist, informative, and engaging.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go! But be prepared for strong headwinds and some challenging stretches

Suggestions

Make sure Wynand is your group leader

THEA TAYLOR

Reviewed December 2014

Cycling The Cape and Winelands

As an Exodus cycling ‘virgin’, I could not envisage a better initiation both in terms of this trip’s varied, action-packed itinerary and the camaraderie speedily-established (and splendidly alcohol-fuelled!). The Western Cape is a land of beauty and fascination and I relished exploring it so ably facilitated and in such merry and stimulating company.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip incorporated many contrasting scenic delights and cycling through the immaculate verdancy of the winelands, the rugged grandeur of the mountain passes and along the wild and sunbaked coast was a joy. The variety of accommodation, some in spectacular locations, some enchantingly quirky, added to the african experience. The essence of the pleasure, though, was sharing all the different experiences within such a friendly group.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Wynand, struck the perfect balance between responsible guide and sociable group member. His detailed knowledge of our route and the cultural/social/historical/environmental facets of the region greatly enhanced our understanding and appreciation. Organisation and safety consciousness were impeccable, engendering trust in his ability to handle all eventualities. He delivered guidance with sensitivity and instructions without officiousness, working tirelessly throughout the tour yet still finding the energy to add to the conviviality of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it!

Gordon Stainer

Reviewed November 2014

Cycling the Cape and Winelands

This was an excellent tour taking in breathtaking views, lovely scenery, hills and valleys, wine and beer-tasting, varied accommodation, ocean-swimming, penguin and whale-watching, history, geography, nature studies and excellent food at exceptionally low cost.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was so much that was inspiring. I loved some of the routes that we cycled, especially along the beautiful coastline, the winelands, and around the Cape peninsula. The wines were universally delicious and such good value, probably the best value anywhere in the world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader met us at the airport and it was immediately apparent that he was jolly and enthusiastic. What more can you ask of a group leader? Well, he did give more. He was hard-working, efficient, caring, knowledgeable about geography, history, nature and all matters to do with South Africa. He was also an excellent cook. His primary aim was always to allow us to have an excellent holiday. The whole group very much liked him and also the African driver who did so much more than just drive. He sorted out food and bikes and was very helpful about letting us know about African customs, culture, languages and history. He was universally appreciated by the group for his warm and affectionate nature.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The rides are excellent and sometimes breath-taking, but they can sometimes be very windy. Nervous or weaker riders may not appreciate the strong winds, but an average rider should have no problems. We rarely had to get off our bikes and push and it was not for more than a minute or two around a headland.

Suggestions

All in all, an excellent and varied holiday which is exceptionally good value for money. I would recommend this holiday to anyone who likes cycling on undulating roads, and appreciates good scenery, good food and wine, history, geography and nature.

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