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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14510 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Lois Pope

Reviewed March 2018

Lois

The tour leader Jamie really went out of
his way to show us the best of game life.
We got really near to the Big Game. He
was a very good driver too on difficult
terrain.

Our cook Mellow produced wonderful
food and always greeted us back to
camp after a game hike, with a smile
and the kettle always boiling!

The trip to Salt Pans was a waste of
time as there wasn’t much to see and
2 days of long long driving to this area
and then all the way up to Victoria Falls.
The lodge at VF was a disgrace, showers
in appalling state and toilet with no
plug to pull only wires sticking up!
It wouldn’t stop running.

The game life, food and tour leaders
direction made this trip worthwhile
but all in all, not good value.

Most Inspirational Moment

Game life, food, tour leaders knowledge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good

Advice for Potential Travellers

Nothing to add to above

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Lois for her review, although we are sorry that she was disappointed with aspects of this trip. The salt pan excursion is included in the itinerary as it is on route to Victoria Falls, and feedback in the past has suggested that it is a welcome break from the cross-country drives. Regrettably, late localised rains on this trip made it impossible to fully explore the pans, and it was not possible to make alternative arrangements at such short notice. We regret that Lois found the Victoria Falls accommodation to be disappointing; we would like to genuinely apologise for this and we have discussed the concerns raised with the management team to ensure that improvements are made for the future.

John Penge – Product Manager for Botswana

Howard Mapley

Reviewed March 2018

Walking in Andalucia (grade 4 week)

We spent a week walking In Andalucia as a group of 7 based at the Cortijo Rosario in Algamitas, about 1.5 hours from Malaga airport. Algamitas is a rural town in beautiful scenery. The accommodation, Cortijo Rosario, in in an enviable position high above the valley with fabulous views. The hosts, Cartouche and Joked, are helpful, warm and friendly. Roger, the chef provided superb four course meals in the evening and the packed lunches were tasty and well balanced. Doug provided extra assistance as the ‘knight in shining armour’, by driving us to the cortijo when our flight was 3 hours late, (proactively arranged by Miguel). The rooms are very clean and the communal areas cosy. We didn’t use the pool which looked great but it was March!

Most Inspirational Moment

So many. All the varied walks especially the suspended walkway on the gorge walk. Seville - the cathedral magnificent, the palace great, the tapas bar recommended by Miguel a revelation and the flamenco show breath-taking. We saw Griffin vultures close-up which was a real bonus. The view from the pool (not actually in the pool as it was March!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Myself and Cath have been on numerous Exodus holidays - the leaders have always been good. Our leader, Miguel (Michael) Newcomb, leader was excellent. We missed the group transfer by 3 hours due to a late arrival at Malaga airport and Miguel had proactively arranged for a lift for us from Doug from the cortijo. This was brilliant and because of the previous leaders I've experienced, I hoped this would be the case but didn't expect it and it was a great start. Passionate. Enthusiastic. Safety conscious. Resourceful. Miguel has an encyclopaedic knowledge of local & broader history, culture, flora and fauna and shares this with verve and a sense of humour. An excellent leader up there with the very best.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The grade 4 moderate/challenging rating I would say is only moderate in my opinion. This holiday is up there with all the holidays I've been on and I'd highly recommend, as well as La Palma and Picos de Europe.

Lisa Brollo

Reviewed March 2018

Extraordinary Holiday

I had the most amazing and extraordinary holiday and most of that was down to the lovely people in the group and our wonderful guide Sam Benjamin. From start to finish it was out of this world. The holiday proper started at our hotel in Cochin and ended there two weeks later when I actually felt very emotional – it was all over! The trek and camping were just incredible- our cook should be on Masterchef. Food was out of this world.

Most Inspirational Moment

When I had to use the hole to do my toilet in! 😂😂😂

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam Benjamin was the most inspiring and thoughtful and decent young man ever, he made the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep your expectations low! 😂😂😂😂

CLIVE PENWARDEN

Reviewed March 2018

I really wanted to see a Tapir!

Our third visit to Costa Rica was everything we expected and more (sadly we didn’t see a tapir – but that was the only disappointment!). The trip is full on – if you participate in all that is offered, you don’t get much time to read your book! Early starts were the order of the day (not too difficult, due to the time difference between there and UK.) Some days there were longer journeys, but these were always broken up with stops for food or to see things of interest. The Costa Ricans are friendly and very keen on their eco-tourism. The lodges and hotels were of a good standard, with the meals (whether from the accommodation or from restaurants), were very acceptable. A holiday that starts and finishes with stays in lodges that can only be reached by a lengthy boat trip has to be very special.

Most Inspirational Moment

One of the highlights of the holiday was our visit to a small locally run restaurant in Sitio de Mana. A large wooden terrace/balcony in a little village, sited on a mountainside, with spectacular views (which gradually appeared as the mist lifted), was almost surreal. The food was fantastic (including a chocolate cake that they had baked) was all prepared by the local village ladies, on very primitive looking cast iron stoves. While eating we were able to watch humming birds and toucans at very close quarters. Another highlight was snorkelling at Cano island - a profusion of multi coloured fish flashed by, as a turtle slowly made its way to the surface within six feet of me, before disappearing into the depths again.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Jonny Villalobos was excellent - so good that while with us he heard that he had won Tour leader of the year (2017) - voted by Exodus customers. His depth of knowledge is huge, whether it be re birds, flora, history or general knowledge on Central America. He found some very good restaurants for us and dealt well with the minor medical problems that arose.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do go on this trip - it complements the Exodus costa Rica Discovery tour. Do take plenty of sun protection - it is very easy to get burnt on the boat trips. Don't forget your camera, and if you have a waterproof one take that as well. Ensure that you have waterproof bags to line your day bag and protect your cameras etc.

Brian Kite

Reviewed March 2018

Fantastic Wadi Rum and Petra

Fantastic walk through the Jordanian desert made famous by the exploits of Lawrence of Arabia. We had expected sand but not the beautiful sandstone hills / mountains which changed colour during the day and showing incredible orange hues at sunset.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it! The initial walk over a huge dune to the Bedouin camp and walking back for the sunset. The Bedouin cooking and especially the zarb were highlights. All of the walks were enjoyable especially the climb - and descent from - Burdah Bridge. The walks were well paced with frequent water stops. (On this trip plentiful water refills were available.) Issa took us into Petra via an interesting walk past a Neolithic village site and the mountain which was one of King Solomon's Mines. This meant our first view of Petra was the Monastery. By the time we were ready (after lunch) to explore the rest of Petra the bulk of tourists were just arriving and struggling UP the 400 steps. We had the luxury of descending.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Issa had a clear love and enthusiasm for his country which he shared at all times. He arranged appropriate stops on the drive to Wadi Rum. He looked after us well in the desert ensuring people always had water and opportunities for water stops. He chose camp sites with opportunities for spectacular sunsets and star gazing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had taken sterling and US dollar notes to exchange to Jordanian Dinars. The bank we stopped at would not accept our £20 and £10 notes. They said they could only accept £50 notes. Fortunately, we were able to use the ATM.

Sonya Bartley

Reviewed March 2018

I amazed myself every day!

Learning to snow shoe was simple, but for the first two days I also had to learn how to pick myself up. My feet felt huge.
The walking was exhilarating and the views spectacular. I began to understand the mountaineer’s drive to be in that terrain. At times I was overwhelmed with the effort it took for me to reach my destination but always felt happy to be participating. Different group members were warm and encouraging.
Our guide was OUTSTANDING. I was a teacher and I appreciated all of the incentives Sara used to help me not only finish my walk but enjoy it too.
A fantastic and memorable week!
Thank you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along a vertiginous mountain track and realising I'd almost completed it without calling for my husband.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara always described what we would be covering each day. She instilled trust and confidence and loved and knew the mountains. She gave clear instructions and was able to help us with old and new injuries. Sara was OUTSTANDING.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I feel you have be cardio fit to do this week. Arms and legs are utilised all day!!

Sonya Bartley

Reviewed March 2018

I amazed myself every day!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along a vertiginous mountain track and realising I'd almost completed it without calling for my husband.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

I feel you have be cardio fit to do this week. Arms and legs are utilised all day!!

Sonya Bartley

Reviewed March 2018

I amazed myself every day!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along a vertiginous mountain track and realising I'd almost completed it without calling for my husband.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

I feel you have be cardio fit to do this week. Arms and legs are utilised all day!!

Sonya Bartley

Reviewed March 2018

I amazed myself every day!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along a vertiginous mountain track and realising I'd almost completed it without calling for my husband.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

I feel you have be cardio fit to do this week. Arms and legs are utilised all day!!

barry tylee

Reviewed March 2018

Discover Costa Rica or bust

What an exciting adventure this trip proved to be. From the very first day to the last it was just so interesting and exciting. Whether you are interested in exotic flowers, birds or mammals it is non stop viewing. Like so many adventurers I am becoming a veteran of trips. Every day brought something new. The beauty of the bird species can only be described as “flying iridescent rainbows”. Every new destination brought great delights. This is not a trip to miss, miss it and you will regret the decision.
One of my fellow adventurers logged a total of 150 different birds.

Most Inspirational Moment

This would be a very difficult question to answer, because every destination had its own moment. Could it be the siting of a Sloth, Howler Monkeys calling to awaken you in the trees above your lodge, Bearded Monkeys walking along the wires or the plethora of beautiful birds viewed from the hotel windows. Don't lets forget the Humming birds as the hover in front of you. Viewing is not confined to the final destinations, on the way is just as exciting. Frequent stops offer another opportunity, wildlife is everywhere around this beautiful country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was our tour director. A great organiser. A proud Costa Rican and an enthusiastic wildlife expert. His knowledge seemed endless. Nothing was too much trouble, any questions, just ask. He was there to make sure that you achieved the most from your trip to Costa Rica. Alex is a great asset to the Exodus team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I travelled in March. The so called "dry" season. Don't believe it, it frequently throws it down for long periods. Make sure that you have a, Poncho and an umbrella wouldn't go amiss. There is no malaria in Costa Rica, but there are mosquito and other biting insects, insect repellent is essential, (there are specialists in ankles and lower legs). As you move around the country, temperatures will vary, especially on the final destination. You will get up early for a special surprise viewing, be warned after the heat of the Pacific it is very cold in the early morning, be sure to pack a warm fleece.

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