Reviews

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

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63 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Anonymous .

Reviewed October 2012

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Two highlights of the trip, the masi Mara and the gorillas. Both equally amazing in their own rights. Before we booked we read lots of different views about which is the best way round to do this trip. We did Kigali to Nairobi and found the experience amazing, it would have been nice to spend the last night in a hotel but as it worked out camping was no hardship and it meant as a group we were together reflecting on the Holiday more than we would have been had we been in a hotel room which was lovely. Also our lasting memory was the Masai Mara rather than finishing with Kigali and the genocide museum. The only downside to the reverse itinerary for me personally was that you see the gorillas so early on and are then so busy there is little time to reflect upon the experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Balloon ride over the Masai Mara and then walking across the masai Mara surrounded by animals to have a champagne breakfast, just amazing. Especially when you spot lions within a few minutes of getting back in the truck. Makes you realise just how wild the masi Mara is. Having a silverback walk towards me, you really can get paralysed with fear, just amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often and is team we're great, very well organised, approachable and very hard working.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take something to entertain yourselves with on the long drives. Make sure your padlock is quite large, small suitcase ones won't fit the lockers on the truck. Take a small overnight bag with you to transfer clothes from locker to your tent. Book the balloon ride you will never ever regret it and it is worth every penny. Pack light and take plenty of layers. Don't wear you head torch on your head, it attracts all the moths and mosquitoes! Embrace the camping it's great fun but shower and use the flushing toilets at every opportunity (of which there was more than I was expecting). Rip up the trip notes, unless they change them they don't apply once you get there. Don't bother taking pens, pencils for the orphanage in jinja, they didn't seem too bothered about them but do take some old clothes and shoes that you don't mind leaving at the end of the holiday. The local Rwandan beer is best and the local cider is really good, there is a brand you can buy all the way through the holiday I just can't remember it. Finally beware of the local Ugandan food if your team cook it for you.tasty but way too much fibre in it for most of us, especially when you have a long drive the next day!!

Anonymous .

Reviewed September 2012

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Topped and tailed by two iconic experiences – gorilla tracking and ballooning over the Masai Mara, this journey through three countries offered it all in abundance – amazing wildlife, stunning scenery and delightful people

Most Inspirational Moment

-Ballooning over the Mara had the edge over the gorillas for me personally - although it was fabulous to actually be so close to these serene and gentle animals and the moment surpassed my expectations, I cannot get enough of the wide open vistas of the African plains. To float gently and peacefully over the vast landscape as dawn broke will be something I remember for a long time.- Getting lots of hugs from the children at the orphanage was quite emotional. Sitting in on the lessons listening to the enthusiasm of the children, it was apparent that they are keen to learn and are very attentive. However, littlle hands reaching out to hold yours is a big reminder that these small people who have no parents to cuddle them just enjoy being close to someone.Visiting the genocide memorial in Kigali was an eye opener - in particular the mass graves at the site. I recall that we had a fairly sanitized version of events in the news in 1994. However, I was left with an uplifting impression of how Rwanda as a nation has moved on - in particular the cleanliness of what we saw of the country - no litter to be seen anywhere.Other moments - visiting the point where the Nile flows out of Lake Victoria near Jinja, seeing cheetahs for the first time, so many people waving to us on the truck when we were driving through all three countries, looking across Lake Naivasha from the viewpoint on a cloudless day, revisiting the ele orphanage. I could go on...

Thoughts on Group Leader

I was really pleased to see on the joining notes that we were to have the legend that is Often Konzoro as a group leader. His reputation precedes him and he lived up to it! In particular, on the day that we were going to see the gorillas, I fell ill and couldn't go on the trip. Often took me to the hospital (and seemingly bypassed all the queues!) and then to the pharmacy. The following morning (and I still don't know how he did it) he managed to persuade the organisers of the gorilla tracking to let me go with a group so I didn't miss out on my 'special day'! No 'use it or lose it' for the permit on this occasion thanks to Often.Often was kind and caring. A member of our group had an accident which required medical attention and this was dealt with quietly and efficiently. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he certainly went out of his way to make sure that our group of 18 were all happy.He was meticulous about hygiene making sure hands were soap washed, dettol rinsed and rinsed again before meals!Often had an excellent team in Ben (our wonderful driver), Wilson ( who kept us fed and watered) and Onesmes (general factotum and my fellow spud peeler). They worked very well together for our safety and comfort and were always cheerful and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

An iPod is useful for the journeys in the truck, but having said that, the scenery is outstanding and there is always something to see or people to wave at!We had no inverter in the truck but managed to keep camera and phone batteries charged with the truck's extension cable rigged up in the evenings or, at the permanent tented camps - no adapters needed as there were UK plug sockets in all three countries.Staying in the Masai Mara, you can take kit for a couple of days in a small holdall and also take your daysack for camera, binoculars etc.Personally, I'm really glad that I started in Kigali and ended in the Mara (altho my plan to start the trip this way in order to stay healthy to see the gorillas at the start of the trip went slightly wrong...). Just spending some time in the Mara left me wonderfully relaxed and the thrill of the balloon trip was just a superb way to end the trip.Quad biking at Jinja was a fun alternative to white water rafting ( which I didn't fancy too much), We did the two hour trip and all agreed that two hours was just right - we were really getting into it after an hour, and after two hours we had all had enough. It's a great way to see the villages though you are required to steer with one hand and wave at people with the other!For your locker, take a padlock that has a key rather than a combination - it's far quicker than trying to read the numbers particularly at night with a headtorch.

Anonymous .

Reviewed September 2012

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

One of the best holidays I've ever been on. The crew were very friendly & our tour leader Moses really made our trip such a fantastic trip with his exceptional knowledge and friendly persona – he soon picked up the art of English 'sarcasm' and joined in the groups jokes. The holiday itself was everything I had hoped for and more. I packed so much into it but it was relaxing at the same time, most probably due to the African laid-back way of life. I would definitely go back I loved it that much.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was so many it's hard to say. The balloon ride over the Maasai was very awe inspiring & breathtaking - the sheer size of it plus seeing the wildebeest and zebras migrating will be an image I won't forget. Getting up close to the animals - we stopped near a bush and two male lions just wandered out and came right past our truck, I'd never dreamed of seeing a wild animal that close in its natural habitat. Also the fact that I had no idea what to expect in Uganda, but it blew me away - so beautiful. The chance to bungee jump and white water raft in Jinga is another experience I will always cherish. Of course, the gorillas in Rwanda. I'm still speechless now to put it into words what it is like seeing them so close in their natural habitat. Amazing!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Moses out tour leader was exceptional. Any questions we put to him he answered with a lot of pride and knowledge. He always made sure we was ok everyday and tried to make the trip as flexible as possible so we could make the most out of any free time we had. I'd also like to say how good the rest of the crew was - we never had a bad meal once all holiday thanks to our chef and helper, and Jackson our driver most certainly knew how to handle our truck!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with an open mind and embrace the trip. There's lots of opportunities to be had, use your time to get to know the locals where possible and just sit back and enjoy the adventure.

Anonymous .

Reviewed September 2012

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Saw some amazing things along the way but found the trip tiring. Postive side was the trek to the Gorillas was not nearly as challenging as expected. There are porters from local villages and for a mere $10, will carry your pack, drag you up and stop you slipping down! Have one whether you need it or not, it gives them an income which indirectly protects the wildlife and its environment. Think of it as a conservation donation.

Most Inspirational Moment

Balloon ride over the Masi, Rafting in Uganda and of course, the gorgeous gorillas.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julios was great, got us through the borders quicker than I have ever crossed borders anywhere in the world. I wanted to go 'off schedule' a bit and he was more than happy to help me.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dont underestimate the amount of time spent travelling in the bus and the early starts. At least 4 -5 hours nearly every day is spent on the road, during our trip, this was when the sun was shining and by the time we arrived at most places, it was raining - hard!!

Anonymous .

Reviewed August 2012

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Right, so this a trip for some serious animal lovers, game parks make up a majority of the tour and so anyone hoping for a glimpse into the more cultural anthropological elements of a trip to this part of the world should look for something else. There is also ALOT of driving so be prepared. That said was simply one of the best things I have ever done. It was my first trip away alone and was extremely nervous but was blessed with a fantastic group of people who I hope I'll know for a long time and an overall experience unparelled to much of the travelling I have done. The vistas are stunning, the animals plentiful, the tour guide and ensemble amazing creating a truely memorable few weeks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Without a doubt the most inspirational moment was seeing the gorillas. Nothing quite preapres you for the first flash of silverback that you see and the subsequent family of gorillas that you get to spend time with. I cannot stress enough how quickly the time goes, we blinked and they said we had 8 minutes left. Take photos but make sure you give yourself some time to simply enjoy this utterly mindblowing experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ahhhh there are simple not enough superlatives for Often.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't go on this if you are not into animals, I didn't fully engage with the trip notes so was a little surprised by the number of game drives ( my group will smile at this)!Do not take Mastercard!! If you need cash or in fact anything in Rwanda only visa debit will suffice.Avoid the orphanage/ old women morning and stay chilling at the lake was an uncomfortable waste of timeIn terms of cash to pay for extras really you'll just be buying drinks, snacks and souveniers I took $500 and was fineBring a headtorchThey have these foam mattresses to sleep on, I invested in a self inflating jobbie and it was a waste of moneyDownload a white noise app in case of noisy neighbours, amazing!Bring a travel pillow for the bus it was invaluableThere is a really mixed bag of accommodation you are in a little tent for six nights and wasn't as heinous and I thought it would be for those fellow non- campers out there.

Anonymous .

Reviewed August 2012

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

If your looking for adventure rather than a restful holiday this is the one. On the go from start to finish.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many 'Wow's' in this trip it would be hard to choose one but seeing the Great Migration was a particular awesome moment for me....very emotional!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often was simply the best....helpful knowledgable funny affectionate...he is just a great guy to have around ...such a genuine nice guy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for lots of long drives in the truck...sometimes it feels like your living half your life in the truck ...but the end result is always worth it....take your ipod a good book anything to entertain yourself with or simply take in the African day to day life as you travel along.Wear shoes not flip flops to the orphange its a fair walk with lots of negotiations up and down hill.Get a good zoom camera..you will need it to get close up picturesTake clothes for both hot and cold weather....the climate is very changeableMastercard can be a problem outside kenya so get visa ...or you will struggle to get money

Anonymous .

Reviewed August 2012

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Just a great two weeks!

Most Inspirational Moment

- The hot air balloon over the Masai Mara and seeing the migration - The gorillas in Rwanda - Lots of laughs with the group!- Seeing real life in Africa

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often and his team were fabulous. They kept us well informed, well fed, entertained and were there for us 24/7 no matter what.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Using cards can be a problem so bring lots of US $ just in case as they can be kept safely on the truck.Bring things to do on the long truck drives.Bring lots of different padlocks (sizes / with and without keys)!Bring a sense of humour - you will have to camp (possibly in the rain), use disgusting toilets, fight to get to the lockers....... but its all worth it!!!

Anonymous .

Reviewed October 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

The trip of a lifetime – amazing wildlife, fantastic guides, and beautiful scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting close to wild mountain gorillas is really exciting - you can't quite believe you're there and I had to pinch myself a few times. They didn't seem to mind us being in their territory at all and the babies were adorable. The trek up there makes it even more special - scrambling through jungle and up muddy slopes to reach them. A fantastic day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All the local guides were brilliant. Nebert went out of his way to make sure everyone was happy and having a good time, and Charles' knowledge of wildlife was second to none. Albert cooked delicious meals every day and was really helpful with my egg allergy, cooking me a separate meal when necessary. He even cooked in the pouring rain and remained cheerful throughout.In short - the group leaders made the trip!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There are a lot of long trips in the truck, and some very early starts.Don't forget some antibacterial hand wash (the type you don't need water or a towel for), a head torch, and the trousers that zip off into shorts are really helpful to have with you too.

Anonymous .

Reviewed September 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

A photographer's dream come true really, even if you're a novice you're going to come back with amazing photos. Its not just the Masai Mara where you get up close to the animals – Lake Nakuru also has outstanding opportunities to get close to rhinos, flamingos, pelicans and lions, Lake Mburo was brilliant for hippos and birds like the Fish Eagle and kingfishers, and Lake Naivasha was also good for birds. As for the gorillas, well what can I say – you will undoubtedly get very close to them as the trackers and guides go to great lengths to ensure you get the shots you came for, but it's the luck of the draw whether you will see them in the open spaces and hence good lighting conditions, or whether they'll be going about their business in the shady darker parts of the forest where they live.

Most Inspirational Moment

I'm not going to go for the obvious and say meeting the mountain gorillas for the first time - it was seeing a lone cheetah up close in the wild just lying in the sun completely unperturbed by us all, then putting on a show for us as she rolled around stretching and yawning. Completely natural and uninhibited behaviour but a total joy to behold, with all of us completely bewitched.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often was a very good leader indeed, and he was brilliantly backed up by his team of Benard the cook and Patson the driver. All 3 worked very well together and had us all entertained and in good humour for most of the trip, which made a great holiday even better. Often was always kind and curteous to us and handled any potentially difficult situations that arose within the group with tact and charm. He also showed that he is very knowledgeable about the wildlife whilst we were on safari in the truck, as he was inside with us being the spotter and guide. His evident pride in his country shone through and was a great inspiration to us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try to book the Nairobi to Kigali itinerary rather than in the reverse order. This way you start off with camping and finish off with reasonable hotels, which all in our group said they preferred. You also get to finish on a high with the mountain gorillas and are "hardened up" a bit by then for the trek up the volcano to find them. Just as importantly you don't start the holiday with a trip to the Rwanda Genocide Museum in Kigali. I fully understand and agree that Exodus have included it in the itinerary as it really raises your awareness of the human tragedy that occurred, but I just feel relieved that I made the visit to the museum at the end of the holiday to bring you back down to Planet Earth and not at the beginning, which may have kicked the holiday off on a bit of a downer, but this is just a personal feeling. Either way its going to be an unforgettable holiday. If you are into photography, take your longest lens with you. I had a 70-400mm zoom which was ideal apart from phographing the gorillas, where my smaller and much lighter 70-300 mm zoom was just about right. Read the Trip Notes and Last Minute Information carefully - the bit about taking a day pack with you is important. You will need to pack clothes and toiletries for 2 days into it as you will be leaving your kit bag in the truck when you go to the Masai Mara, as you travel there and back in the smaller 6/7 person jeeps which you also use for the safaris. You will also need to take your camera bag with you.

Anonymous .

Reviewed September 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

We would do it all again tomorrow! A fantastic experience

Most Inspirational Moment

The Masai Mara was better than we could have hoped for, we saw everything we asked for! and more...Balloon flight is worth every penny Masai Village was greatListening to the hippos as we lay in our tents!Bungee ( head first into the Nile River) and white water rafting at JinjaLittle Angels School in Uganda was very emotional, happy kids that only want you to play with them. Meeting Duncan who has set up the school, hes an inspirational young man.And, of course, spending time with the gorillas was magical, the quickest hour of the holiday...And not forgetting all the like minded gang on board the truck...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often was a fantastic guide, he went above and beyond anything asked of him to make sure everyone had the best time possible.Benard was our cook, who never gave a straight answer to a question! he made us laugh constantly, the rabbits (vegetarians) had to go to the table first, then the lions (meat eaters) had to come and 'terrorise' the food. Ben if you read this Gayle says Hi xxPattson was our learner driver, this was his first trip, although you would never had known it...always with the biggest grin and laugh.A fantastic trio who definitely helped make this the best holiday we have ever had. A credit to their profession.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A sense of humour helps with the early starts, some long days travelling and most importantly with the toilets!!Pack for all weathers, we had dry, wet, warm and cold. You can get a bag of washing done at Jinja for $5 so pack lightA good head torch, wet wipes and toilet roll are essential!Leave some space in your bag for souvenirs, you will be tempted..

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