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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14259 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Paul Watling

Reviewed January 2024

Disappointing

This was a trip that is advertised as a culture trip but is most definately is not. There is little emphasis on culture and it should be more accurrately advertised as a nature and photographic trip. While i enjoyed the contrasts bwteeen different parts it was not the trip i thought i was getting.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the majiestic Patagonia mountains and the Lake Grey Glacier

Thoughts on Group Leader

My opinion of the Group leader was very mixed. He did a fantastic job when my luggage got lost on an internal flight, and dealt admirably when our flight got cancelled, but equally continually changed the advertised itinerary and delivered what he had been told to deliver by the local office. There were too many many stops and attempts to add more to an already packed timetable, meant that at times the basic and advertised trip was not delivered. His delivery of the trip was aimed at photographic opportunities directed at the fauna and Flora, rather than delivering a cultural trip, whic may have suited some members of the group, but did not deal with the cultural aspect of theis trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are going on this trip to learn more about the culture of Chile, its history and its people, then this trip is not for you. If you want amazing photographic opportunities of the contrasts between the Atacama desert of the north and the panaramic south of Patagonia then do it. But be prepared for an awful lot of travelling, waiting at airports and the subsequent risk of flights being cancelled or delayed, that does eat into the itinerary. Be prepared to deal with changes in the weather from the +30 degree heat of the northern deserts to the minus tempertures of Patagonia, high altitude excursions and very little downtime. The food is amazing and everything is geared around fish, Lamb and wine.

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank Paul for his review and were pleased to learn that he enjoyed Patagonia and the Lake Grey Glacier. On the other hand, we were disappointed that he felt there was not enough emphasis on Chilean culture and too much on nature and photography. Chile is of course known for its varied wildlife and stunning scenery and many of our customers appreciate the opportunity to capture this on film. That said, any photography stops should be incorporated into a group’s schedule and should certainly not impact the delivery of the main itinerary. Upon reviewing the feedback submitted by Paul’s group, we are satisfied that this trip was delivered in keeping with our expectations, despite the unfortunate travel disruption they encountered, however our customer services team are in direct contact with Paul to try to address his concerns.

Troy Glennon, Product Manager

Angela Parry

Reviewed January 2024

Namibia camping

An interesting trip with fantastic landscapes and good wildlife viewing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching a Kudo at night following a Cheetah and sending out warning signals to other animals. This was on an optional extra charge game drive

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was professional and friendly. With good knowledge of animals. Some more information on the rock formations etc would have been good. He did not accompany us if we had a specialist guide when at times it would have been useful. He had a difficult time with the other 2 men who were the driver and cook however he tried to keep this from the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take good hiking shoes and be fairly fit for this trip

Reply from Exodus

We appreciate your review for this trip, Angela. We are encouraged to view your comments of your tour leader’s professionalism, which has been shared, and that you found the overall trip to be interesting with good wildlife viewing. However, we were regretful to read that you were displeased with some aspects of your trip, especially your arrival transfer. Regrettably, your transfer details were incorrectly added via our system on your Final Joining Instructions, but pulled through correctly on the information sent to our local team, and they, therefore, attempted to meet you upon arrival to provide the service you will have expected. Unfortunately, no one in the Exodus team picked up on this error, meaning that the transfer driver was not aware you were making your own way to the start hotel, and while this is a very rare error, we sincerely apologise that it happened.

As you have mentioned, this is a full-service camping trip, and we are very sorry if you felt pressured in erecting and taking down your tent. Having looked into this, your tour leader advised that the general procedure occurred where groundsheets are opened and all that is required of guests, is to place their bags and mattresses on the ground cover and the local team do the rest. On these trips, it is not uncommon for customers to choose to participate in the camp set up, but this is never expected.

Pertaining to accommodation used in Etosha National Park which is run by the local government; we generally receive better reviews regarding these sites but have recently noticed a trend on more negative feedback regarding the upkeep during the busy month of December. We choose to stay inside the park as it provides better access to the waterholes and, unfortunately, the government have a monopoly over accommodation within the national parks in Namibia. Our local manager has raised this with the park management, though, as I am sure you can appreciate, we have limited influence on government run establishments. That said, we do find that customers enjoy staying in these sites despite the slightly lower standard compared to other accommodation on the tour, given their unique setting.

We were regretful to learn that you found the food to be subpar, the truck to be too cramped and the cook and the driver to be unhelpful; this was naturally concerning, so we asked our local manager to look more closely into it. They have confirmed that the feedback they received from your departure was particularly positive regarding meals and dietary options provided and that further positive comments were made, in general, regarding the driver and that it was a 14 seater truck for a group of 12, which we find reassuring.

We are sorry that you felt some parts of the tour could have been improved, but please be assured your comments have been shared with the local team. Moving forward, we will closely monitor future feedback, and should we receive comments of a similar nature to yours please be assured these will be followed up on accordingly, as it is always our aim for our customer to have the best experience on their trips with us.

– John Penge, Exodus Product Manager

Kristin Koblis

Reviewed January 2024

Once in a Lifetime Trip

This trip combines the history and archaeology of Egypt with a stunning boat trip down the Nile. Learning more about the history of the Egyptian Pharaohs and seeing the relics was amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed the Nile cruise. The boat was fantastic. We were well fed and it was great to sit on the roof top deck and watch activity along the Nile.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Karnak Temple and learning about Hatshepsut and seeing her temple was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rania Ankl was fantastic. She helped to make this a memorable trip. Her enthusiasm was contagious. She made sure we understood what we were seeing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect some very early mornings for transport. Abu Simbel is amazing, but the 3 1/2 hour transit can be brutal.

Sarah Dennis

Reviewed January 2024

Beautiful country

Loved this trip it had a fabulous mix of places to visit and activities. From visiting serene temples to racing down the rapids in a raft everything was well organised and reasonably priced. A wonderful tour guide who attended to everyone’s needs efficiently and with fun, a great group of people and stunning countryside. I would recommend this trip to everyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

A toss up between Asian elephants walking past our jeep close enough to touch and watching the sunrise over the Indian Ocean whilst the stilt fishermen worked hard to catch a the day’s bounty.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujan our group leader was excellent. He was very perceptive to individual peoples needs whilst delivering an amazing time for the whole group. He had a great understanding of people and therefore everyone in the group of 18 felt looked after and listened to. He had a fantastic knowledge of Sri Lanka and if he didn’t know something he would research the answer and tell us later. He had a great sense of humour and really helped to make the tour special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of mosquito repellent as they loved to have a nibble of us all. Take a jumper for the mountains and be prepared to eat a lot of curry.

Ruth Bass

Reviewed January 2024

Just Brilliant

What an amazing trip this is, one of our best trips ever. Costa Rica is stunning and to experience the many different ecosystems and habitats and see the matchless variety of bird, animal and plant life was memorable. The itinerary is perfect, allowing one to see contrasting areas and top highlights, also to get off the beaten tourist trail aswell – the stay at Esquinas lodge and the visit to a farming family are good examples. Tourism is wonderfully well managed in Costa Rica and the hotels were all of a good standard, a nice varied selection. Special mention for our guide, David Vargas, who made our trip beyond incredible, see more below. Regarding tips for fellow travellers you will find many in these reviews, such as taking a rain poncho ( downpours tend to be short lived and a poncho fits over your day pack) it’s a good idea to take some US dollars. Credit Cards are widely accepted. We took some Costa Rican Colones aswell but you will easily get those from ATMs as required and at least you can use unspent US dollars on a future trip. Prices are slightly above European I’d say, not cheap for Brits taking into account the pound against the US dollar. Take quick dry clothing, humidity can mean difficulty drying thicker fabrics, and casual walking type gear fits most of the activities. Heavy walking boots would be overkill – waterproof walking shoes or trainers are more than enough. We would also recommend doing the hanging bridges at Monteverde despite the high cost, everyone on our tour took it and agreed it was unmissable. My husband and I also enjoyed the optional trip to the hot springs at La Fortuna with dinner included afterwards. Finally, I’d say if you are considering this trip, don’t hesitate, just do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The cloud forest at Monteverde and seeing a Resplendent Quetzal at Savegre

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, David Vargas, who made our trip beyond incredible. We’ve had some really great guides with Exodus but David united and captivated our group from day one. He is a kind, likeable person and made us laugh, a lot. He was professional, hard working and organised, he never missed a beat, everything ran like clockwork and any challenges arising were magically, promptly and quietly sorted. Many of us understood the hard work that must have taken but he never missed a beat. David has a wealth of experience, extensive training and vast knowledge of his country, its nature and the environment. Above all what really shone out was his passion for the birds and wildlife. His enthusiasm was so infectious that few of us could resist joining him on pre-dawn walks to spot yet more rare species - his expertise and knowledge were second to none. A truly special holiday and guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

See above.

stephanie clay

Reviewed January 2024

Fantastic

A great holiday that really shows you the range of Costa Rica’s climate and wildlife.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Aurora on her farm and running barefoot on a Pacific beach tie for first place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dedicated, knowledable, funny, really helpful and untiring

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take warm clothes for the cloud forest, you might want a light down jacket. Don't buy smal value items with dollars, you'll get ripped off, beer is expensive in the hotels, take a travel plug as many washbasins don't have a plug. Take icaridin based insect repellent, less harmful to the environment than DEET and just as effective

Reply from Exodus

We are very grateful for your review, Stephanie, and are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the variety on offer in Costa Rica. On the other hand, we were sorry to learn of your disappointment with the service and cleanliness at the Savegre Hotel & Spa, as this is not the type of feedback we expect to receive. The Savegre is our usual property for nights 12 and 13 of this tour and it is generally well-received by our groups, however, we would certainly not wish to downplay your review, which we have put to the hotel’s management. They have offered their sincere apologies for the unclean bedding and have followed up with the housekeeping team to ensure it is not repeated. They have also explained that the slow catering service may have been due to high occupancy during the holiday season, however, their staff will be better prepared ahead of subsequent busy periods and the head chef will endeavour to improve the menu. We realise none of these improvements will change the experience you had, but we trust it shows that we have taken your concerns on board for the benefit of future Exodus guests. We, nevertheless, remain apologetic for any impact your stay at the Savegre had on your overall enjoyment of your holiday.

Sarah Ahern, Product Manager

C Knights

Reviewed January 2024

Do this trip if you want a sense of adventure and don’t mind testing yourself on the hills

Our group had a fantastic 2 weeks cycling through the back roads (and a couple of busy roads) of Sri Lanka. There scenic views of course come with some hills and harder days but the bus was always available for those in need of a rest. Food was varied and safe (no real GI issues despite consuming salads and ice) and excellent especially if you love curry and usually consisted of a varied buffet at each meal which often included western options as well. I can’t eat gluten and there was no problem with options on this trip. Vegetarians also seemed to be well catered for. We saw endless monkeys, lizards, birds, fruit bats and much more and explored temples, coastlines, went in safari in search of leopards and elephants and stopped frequently for tea and local snacks. You’ll never go hungry on an exodus trip and this was no exception! While Sri Lanka has had some tough times in recent years, don’t let that out you off. The locals are friendly, the areas visited felt safe and Ruwan our guide was exceptional in his knowledge and leadership

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan was excellent all round

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it!

martin Morris

Reviewed January 2024

Challenging and rewarding trip

An amazing and very challenging trek to Gokyo, over the Cho La Pass and on to Everest Base Camp. We were blessed with good weather for most of the time and the views were breath-taking and the arrival at EBC was very satisfying.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Gokyo Ri for the amazing views and arriving at Base Camp and seeing the Khumbu ice fall and summit of Everest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dohje and his team (Nobu, Angelu and Mingma) were amazing, and they managed to cope with many incidents and problems that will always arise when you are spending such a long time at 5,000 meters and above. They were also very friendly, helpful and informative, I learnt a lot about Sherpa culture and history.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a tough challenge but don’t be put off, its is well worth the effort.

John Coppock

Reviewed January 2024

What an amazing holiday

One of the best holidays I ever had, with a wide range of differing experiences, wildlife, scenery and guest houses. The trip superbly blends the best that South Africa has to offer, from the game reserves with the Big Five, to the beauty of the Garden Route and coastal footpaths, the rugged interior, and then into Cape Town. Very well put together with something for everyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

The elephant park and game reserve, the cliff paths, then the penguins on Christmas Day, followed by Table Mountain.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Petro is beyond awesome; a superb guide, great organiser, excellent driver, and the hostess with the mostest.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a proper camera rather than relying on a phone - you'll need it for the long shots, particularly for the animals.

Alan Gray

Reviewed January 2024

Outstanding holiday

This trip was outstanding throughout – very well organised prior to leaving and kept fully updated, and with continuous excellent organisation and service throughout the trip from Mikhled, our local contact and guide for the trip. All days were very well scheduled and were very well planned in advance, with our guide continually liaising with the cycle team, support bus, police in attendance, and with all snacks and lunches available on schedule. Mikhled, our guide, was also extremely knowledgeable on all sites visited and had obviously studied them in considerable detail. He was also very well trained in presentation techniques, ensuring we were given all necessary information while avoiding overloading us, but still being able to respond to any queries. We had a great introduction to local culture, with Mikhled advising on and accompanying us on evening meal trips, and also introducing us to and liaising with a variety of local people who were very happy to share their life and experiences with us.

Most Inspirational Moment

Very hard to pick select, as all sites visited gave us a detailed and informed insight on a wide variety of experiences. Petra was an obvious highlight, and was far more extensive than I had expected. Wadi Rum was beautiful and peaceful - and additionally for us as, after our daughter's partner asked Mikhled for advice, they became engaged in the Bedouin camp, in the desert, under a full moon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mikhled is the best group leader I have met! He is extremely knowledgeable about all the sites visited, and continued providing advice during the bus journeys on the areas passed through. He is very proud of his heritage (Jordanian Bedouin) and was very happy to share detailed knowledge of his lifestyle as requested. He also appeared to have a wide range of local contacts throughout the trip who he encouraged us to befriend and interact with, while liaising as required. I am also very impressed with his dedication to his group - although being with us throughout, I became aware that he was also in constant liaison with Exodus, and with all support personnel (cycle team, drivers, police, accommodation and meals providers). He also fully managed on our behalf the ongoing daily expenses including appropriate tips - all done transparently and very efficiently, removing and doubt or embarrassment from us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Trust your Exodus group leader. Also trust Exodus prior to your trip - they have excellent local people on the ground who will safely advise on and manage the trip. It was very disheartening to see the effects on the local people of extensive tour cancellations, apparently due to concerns of the Israel/Gaza situation, which was very distant and had minimal effect on us (just a relatively mild heightened security)

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