Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to say what the most inspirational moment was, on the way down i sat and cried but that was exhaustion, i also cried a little when one of the guys got out a bottle of gin once we were back down. It was a bit too short to have any real inspirational moments, if i could do it again i would do the 8 day trip instead.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Out group leader was Abdullah, and he was great. Even when one of our group decided they knew better (there's always one!) he dealt with her in a very calm way. Very professional. Abdullah dealt with the fears that one of our group had dealing with asthma coming up the mountain, all in all he was excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You can buy water along the way for 12-15 dirhams for 1.5L but that gets costly since you can consume a lot in a day. Also its really really rocky, i keep emphasizing this as i read the trip notes and wasn't expecting it to be as bad as it was. the trip notes state that some paths are stony when in reality over 5 hour of climbing and 6 hours of descending were via rocks, not small ones either, which had a higher impact of my knees than i was expecting.

Most Inspirational Moment

We took the optional trip to walk on a glacier. Once geared up with crampons, ice axe, harness and rope, we were taken on a stunning two hour walk on the glacier including descending through an ice cave. Our guide for the trip was a young Nepalese man who told me he had climbed Everest 9 times - can't accuse him of lacking mountaineering experience!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Asbjorn was an excellent host and guide. Having climbed up the mountain, he would produce tea and coffee that he had carried up with him, and small mats for everyone to sit on. He also loved to tell us stories about the area and its history. A wonderful man. I hope I'm as fit as he is when I reach his current age!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather can be variable, so make sure you pack both tee shirts and shorts, and something much warmer. Gloves and hats are essential for some of the walks. On our last day we walked at around 1,400m elevation and the temperature was only just about freezing with a brisk wind blowing.Z

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk of the Gods. Looking down on beautiful Amalfi coast. " Ancient mule tracks wind through lemon groves and gorges. Truly the path of the Gods. "

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader, Eduardo, was key to the success of our holiday. He was a superb organiser, remarkably good at interesting and amusing children and keeping everyone involved and happy. We cannot praise him enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No- just book the holiday!

Most Inspirational Moment

The folklore evening was probably the best evening I've ever spent on an Exodus trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorian was an enthusiastic and energetic walk leader, thinking on his feet and doing his best to cater for the interests of each member of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to enjoy copious amounts of local feta cheese! Food generally is not greatly inspiring, especially for vegetarians.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day of the walk was fantastic. Myself and 6 others did the second highest peak which was so much fun and a real challenge

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very knowledgeable and really helpful. He answered our questions and helped members f the group who were struggling

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take small notes and change to buy water and lots of snacks!

Most Inspirational Moment

I actually had several inspirational moments. When we gathered near the church in Stromboli before our climb began, I realized that I was about to embark on an amazing trek. Being on the summit of Stromboli under the beautiful stars, sitting on the edge of the crater and watching the volcanic eruption bursts was so surreal. I was so excited to be on that part of the earth! Climbing on the summit of Mt. Etna and seeing the lunar landscape was also extremely inspirational and very unique. Just realized another moment--being on the boat on the coast of Salina and seeing the incredibly landscape and imagining what Odysseus saw.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Federica Fassari is an amazing guide and a wonderful caring very enthusiastic person who represents Exodus extremely well. Of my three Exodus trips, Federica was my favorite guide. She was always there for us and stayed with us even on her day off. She was also extremely knowledgeable and a tremendous amount of fun. All of Federica's restaurant suggestions were outstanding.

Advice for Potential Travellers

DO THIS TRIP!!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The summit days of Mount Vihren, Mount Malyovitsa and Mount Musala were exceptional walking days. They were challenging but very rewarding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vladimir was an excellent group leader. He had a comprehensive knowledge of the mountains and was clearly very proud of his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you train for day after day of hill walking for this trip and that you have a high level of fitness for this holiday. We walk regularly walk in the Lakeland fells and we found the walking challenging, especially the summit days.

Most Inspirational Moment

The accomplishment of managing the hikes in 32 degree weather! The views were beautiful

Thoughts on Group Leader

Helicopters was a fabulous leader. He was helpful and available and he always made sure everyone was looked after.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have enough water as it was hotter than we expected

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing to the top of Mount Toubkal!

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very nice and thoughtful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Have to say there were two. The first has to be the gorilla interaction in which I had a silverback charge down the hill, end up sitting next to me, breathing on me, and the two of us looking at each other multiple times, eye to eye, before he moved on. There is no question we are related! The second was viewing the great migration from the air. It was like watching a giant swarm of ants move across the plain. Must have been what the great buffalo herds of the American West were like. When we then moved down to ground level, the entire picture was made whole. I have a new respect for Mother Nature and her great plans for her creatures.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jakob was outstanding! With a wry sense of humor and great local knowledge, he led us through this fantastic journey. He was a leader, fellow traveler and friend. His interest in being sure we all had the best individual trip possible was obvious. He was always there for us. Can't say enough about our driver, George! Can't imagine how he drove that giant truck over so much difficult terrain and through crazy areas! Hats off to him. The meals Daniel made were always a delight. The fresh vegetables local, crisp, tasty and delightful. Lots of variety and fresh fruit all the time. You will not go hungry. And, last, but not least, Alex, our guide in training. He did it all, from assisting with meals, to truck repair, tent placement, set up, portage, etc. Anything anyone needed, he was there, and always with a great big smile. He is going to be a great leader very shortly. What a crew!!! They were all like family to us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some hiking for the gorillas, but don't let that put you off. Definitely worth the effort and there are individuals who will give you a hand with gear (or just a hand!) if you need it. Go with an open mind, be flexible, and be prepared to smile a lot!! Also, the more you "chip in" with the chores, the more you will enjoy your trip and bond with your "vacation family". This is a "must do" trip.