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 September 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

A truly outstanding trip – two weeks of amazing sights, fantastic wildlife and emotional moments spent with some great new friends and a terrific crew. Without doubt the best holiday I have ever had.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many inspirational moments :In the Masai Mara seeing a lioness with three cubs just after eating a kill, watching a cheetah posing for 15 minutes for us; Every time we thought it couldn't get any better, it did!The Little Angels children's orphanage in Uganda brought a tear to the eye. So many under priviledged kids, who still manage to smile and be happy - most of our group sponsored a child or made a donation.Having warthogs on the campsite at Lake Mburu Park, and baboons everywhere at Makalia Falls in Nakura Park made for some memorable nights in the tents. The mountain gorilllas in Rwanda were awe-inspiring - to be so close to such magnificent animals is worth the cost alone. One hour never went so quickly, but some superb memories and photos.The Genocide museum in Rwanda, although sad/challenging in some respects, is essential to appreciate what these people have gone through.The balloon trip over the Masai is definately worth the expense, and the champagne breakfast afterwards is wonderful.Fishing and catching a Nile Perch at Jinja.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often was outstanding - he was patient, took care of everyone, was a fantastic wildlife spotter, and still managed to make us smile after driving along some dodgy roads for a full day. I would recommend him guide to anyone - he is a star.Benard is the greatest cook - he strategised the meals, and we terrorised the food! Green peppers will never be the same again........I could not believe it was Patson's first trip - he looked like he'd been doing this trip for years.Three of the best crew, who helped to make this trip outstanding.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget a headtorch, wet wipes, and spare dollars (although there are a couple of ATM's along the way), and most importantly a sense of humour to help you through some very early starts.

Anonymous .

Reviewed August 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

An excellent introduction to East Africa and its wildlife.

Most Inspirational Moment

The gorilla trek was quite amazing. To get that close to such magnificent animals was an emotional moment. We were also lucky enough to do the balloon trip over the Masai Mara. Looking down over tens of thousands of wildebeest was breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emias was a star. Nothing was too much trouble. He was very well organised. Skilled at dealing with a disparate group of people. Did his job calmly and efficiently. Hugely knowledgable and enthusiastic about all aspects of the trip. Leo and Francis (cook and second driver) were equally as skilled and as personable. Together they made a great team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take as good a head torch as you can get, we used them a great deal. Quite cool in the evenings, need a fleece or similar. You will take loads of photos - have enough memory cards. Truck has charging points, so batteries are easily recharged. Some long days on truck over rough roads but plenty to see.

Anonymous .

Reviewed August 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

This was the most awe inspiring trip of my life!

Most Inspirational Moment

* Trekking to see the awe inspiring mountain gorillas in Rwanda (and having a silverback breathe on my neck) * The genocide memorial and museum: 1994. 100 days. 1 million people. The world stood by and watched it happen.* Spending my bday in the Ugandan bush drinking champagne and toasting marshmallows by the campfire surrounded by warthogs and very noisy hippos.* Hot air ballooning at dawn over the migrating wildebeast in the Masai Mara.* Sleeping in Nakuru National Park as three lions prowl past our tents and rangers need to fire warning shots* Seeing the beauty of lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, impala, water buffalo and wildebeast up close and personal xx * Having a David Attenborough view of a python eating an impala....ewwwgh!* Spending the morning in a rual Ugandan primary school and joining in the song and dance* Meeting amazing and inspiring people and some friends for life. Endless smiles and gut-busting laughter every day. This trip has changed my life xx

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emias is one of the loveliest people I have met. He is incredibly knowledgeable, sensitive to group and individual needs, generous to a fault and very funny. He always has a beaming smile that brightens even the earliest of early starts. Emias, Leo and Francis were a cohesive team and clearly enjoyed working together. Leo is a fabulous chef (his guacamole is to die for and how many people can make a delicious lasagne on a BBQ?) and I enjoyed our nightly banter over the dinner menu ("food" was the only answer I could EVER squeeze out of him!). He also made me a beautiful cake for my birthday. You will definitely not go hungry on this trip. Francis did most of the driving and if you ask him nicely he will 'fly' over the bumpy parts of the road. Nothing is too much trouble: if you left your tent open during the day and it starts raining, you wont come back to a wet sleeping bag, if you're sick he'll bring you tea and he's always good for a chat. Nakupenda sana, Emias, Leo and Francis. Thank you for making this such a great trip xx

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have any doubts over going on this trip, don't! It's amazing and you will have the time of your life. Don't worry about going on your own either. I'd never been away on my own before and everyone was so friendly. I had an amazing roomie who I'd definitely go away with again.Things worth thinking about:* You really need a decent torch. My duck torch (affectionately known as Dermot) did not cut the mustard one tiny bit!* Take two smaller bags. It would have been so much easier, especially when camping.* You can never have enough antibacterial gel, wipes and loo roll (and maybe even a peg for your nose!)* You will take thousands of pictures (spare batteries, SD cards and lenses are a must)* If you get sick in Nairobi I would definitely recommend the medical centre there (don't wait, go). It is stunning: immaculately clean, gorgeous medical team and amazing facilities. They took great care of my roomie so she was able to get on the flight that night and even gave her a present as she left.

Anonymous .

Reviewed July 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

The reverse route for the AYU trip was majestic. We did the reverse because we wanted to make sure we were able to see the gorillas at our best (not tired or potentially sick by the end of the trip). This proved to be a GREAT decision. Although I was not tired or sick by the end, I felt that seeing the gorillas first and then the small scale safaris was a great preview to the epic Masai Mara!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspirational moments on this trip. The lion cubs snuggling with their mama and the stalking and almost kill were amazing. Being out in the wilderness, in the fresh air, with nothing to worry about other than what was going to amaze me next was relaxing and exhilarating at the same time. Visiting with the children at the school/orphanage was excellent. The beautiful walk up the scenic Uganda mountains and meeting Theresa, the 70 year old woman working the potato fields, while chatting away with our guides was a good way to enjoy the morning. Visiting with the children was inspiring. As a teacher in America, I often take the materials I have for granted. Seeing what these teachers have done for these students puts things in a very different light. I can't wait to bring back their stories to my students. We've set up pen pals!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chris....what can I say. Professional, organized, knowledgable, hard working, and funny! My favorite part of the day was always Chris's "talk" at dinner...."Right, so here's the plan for tomorrow". Something very special about Chris was his clear respect for his co-workers. He constantly gave props to our driver Francis and our chef Jonas. He is humble. Francis....you can always expect a smile out of Francis. He is a great pool player! Francis is a good driver and always knew exactly where he was going. We were never lost and got everywhere on time! It took him a few days to warm up and chat with the group, but he always had some fun things to say! Also very knowledgable about his home country of Kenya! Jonas....one of the most caring and respectful people. There were a few food allergies or dietary needs on our trip. Jonas never made anyone go hungry! He was well aware of all of people's needs on the trip. When he noticed I was eating less of the meat (even though I am not a vegetarian), he let me know he made extra vegetarian food that night so I could have some.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. Gorilla Trek: Long pants is a must, BUT long pants with something over them or some extra protection is better. There are prickly plants that had my legs stinging for the rest of the day! There are also these EVIL ants that crawl up your pant legs and bit any skin they find! Tucking your pants in or wearing leggings under your pants would help! 2. It gets VERY cold in the morning and at night...bring something warm. 3. Bring an extra battery or two for your cameras. Although there are places to charge, we had a few people who got stuck with out a battery through out the trip. 4. Head torch is a must. There are many nights where you will need it to fend off wild animals on your way to the bathroom :).

Anonymous .

Reviewed July 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA - Best two weeks imaginable!

An absolutely amazing two weeks, three countries with seventeen other people. I've come away with a ton of memories, and many many new friends.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting perhaps 6ft from the silverback from the Amahoro group, watching him sleepily eat bamboo completly unfazed by a group of muzungu's clicking away. Going to the orphanage at Lake Bunyoni, and playing with all the kids. Well worth going for.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chris was a LEGEND! A great mix of stories, experience and ability to know when to be hands on, and hands off. He's a true credit to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do the reverse route. It builds up perfectly to the Masai Mara at the end we thought!Orphanage, hot air balloon.. Do the lot. It adds up to an amazing holiday.The fleece for the truck is spot on, and bring (an English) sense of humour, good books or card games.

Anonymous .

Reviewed July 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

Amazing experience. We were extremely lucky on our game drives in the Masai Mara seeing more in two days than I have seen in several other safaris combined. The mountain gorillas however were the clear highlights, nothing could compare to that. The scenery is outstanding, Rwanda in particular is stunning, rolling hills, steep winding roads, so that even travelling days are not to be missed and there is always something to see. It's a well paced trip, not too long is spent driving, there are a good few easy days and rest allowed, with strong trip highlights at each end of the two weeks.

Most Inspirational Moment

The time spent with the mountain gorillas. We trekked for almost two hours as they fed then kept moving so that we caught tantalising glimpses before coming across a clearing. We watched as the silverback (Charles) speed up a tree. The rest of his family followed and we stood below slighly disappointed that we did not get to see them up close. Finally they came down and moved directly in front of us, the silverback in the lead. His family gathered around him and sudddenly the group was only feet away from us, the young playing, mothers cuddling the younger siblings and to cap it all the silverback then made a display of his strength to put a younger member in his place. He beat his chest then charged at the younger gorilla in a tree, bending the small tree over and then shaking it madly. Satisfied he had made his point he abruptly stopped then lay down. It was truly amazing even if sl;ightly scary to see. The guides had warned us it was about to happen they read the situation perfectly. The hour with the gorillas flew by.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chris was excellent. Cool, relaxed, knowledgeable and always in control. He allowed everyone to relax on the trip, gave excellent advice and clear instructions. His casual approach makes it really feel like a lesiurely trip, he looked out for everyone, took care of any problems and was very perceptive. This is a full service trip and Chris and his colleagues are the reason why it is worth booking if you want a holiday expereince which also allows you to simply chill out.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I have been on many trips but this one stands out. It really is something special and I am so glad that I did it. If thinking about this trip I would strongly urge you to book and guarantee you will neither regret nor forget this one.

Anonymous .

Reviewed July 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA - June 2011

On this trip you'll travel through three very different countries, see amazing scenery, great wildlife and meet some cool people.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Gorillas are of course very special and an absolute highlight of this trip. The Masai Mara for me was also very special - it kept delivering spectacle after spectacle (just when we thought "it can't get better than this" - the mara proved us wrong). Seeing a small pride of lions with a kill on an early morning game drive was just amazing. Between the Mara and Nakuru we managed to see all the big 5 - plus cheetahs, giraffe and an elusive serval cat. On day one you have the option of taking boat to Elsamere - this is very worthwile, especially watching the fish eagles catching their lunch!The nature walk at Lake Mburo in Uganda was great highlight of the second week - the chance to get on eye level with animals is a truely wonderful experience). The walk is also great for birdwatchers - who'll love the variety of feathered critters.The visit to the genocide museum in Kigali is rightly challenging - but you leave with a good understanding of the events and underlying causes of the 1994 genocide. Oh and drinking Nile Special, next to the Nile, that was quite cool too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chris (leader), Francis (co-leader) and Jonas our cook were great. The guys work so hard behind the scenes to keep us well fed and on track - all the time with a smile and great conversation. Chris shares his knowledge of geography, history and wildlife throughout the trip and I learnt so much as a result.The guys are also great at advising you where and when to change money, what rates to expect and how much to change.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Aside from go ahead and book it I would say:The gorilla trek can be short or long - if you have any kind of condition that may limit your endurance (I suffer a bit with asthma) tell your leader and they will do their level best ensure that you are matched to a walk that's within your capabilities (don't worry - there will be one, a lady of 82 had been to see them the day before us!). Be prepared for the pace to increase a bit once you catch up with your designated family (again don't worry - if I can do it, pretty much anyone can!). Take lots of water with you (2 ltrs or more) you will need it!Again on the gorilla trip if you have gaters or a method of closing the bottoms of your trousers then I'd advise using them - nipping ants can be an irritation. Long sleeved shirts are also highly recomended.Take a stuff sack - it's great for taking ummm stuff from the truck to tent. Also be aware the when you head up to the Mara you leave the truck at Naivasha, so a small bag to take required kit in is necessary.Lake Bunyoni offers a great opportunity to aclimatise to the conditions you'll encounter on the gorillas - the nature walk and the trip to the orphange are great ways to get some practice walking at a higher altitude to normal, in a hilly environment.

Anonymous .

Reviewed June 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

All aspects of this trip surpassed my expectations. From the never ending massive variety of wildlife viewing you get to experience, the activities you get to choose to do during the trip, the great variety of accommodation locations enroute and mainly the fantastic crew made the trip one of my most enjoyable!

Most Inspirational Moment

There are a few moments but certainly visiting the Orphanage in Lake Bunuoni was a fantastic, humbling experience where inspirational, great work is ongoing. It was lovely to spend some time playing with the children and making them smile, although I would probably say they made us smile more than the reverse. Highly recommended optional part of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often is a fantastic tour leader - Intelligent, thoughtful, intuitive, funny and his eye for spotting animals is amazing. Often, Bernard the Chef and Nerbet were a fantastic team and made the trip all the more special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip consists of 7 nights in the temporary tents on some fab locations which does mean only drop down toilets in some instances (2nts) and no showers so people who arent used to camping should be aware of this! Dry Shampoo and wipes and hand sanitiser a must! oh and a head torch!In terms of the optional activities, I would definitely recommend the once in a lifetime balloon ride over the Masai Mara. It offers a difference perspective to the usual driving safari and offers breathtaking views and fantastic photo opportunites with a better than expected Champagne brekkie with a further driving safari back to camp. At a rather hefty USD450 its the most you will spend on your trip but worthwhile save.

Anonymous .

Reviewed June 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

WOW! Talk about a holiday of a lifetime. This has to be one of the most amazing and special trips I have been on. From meeting the group at the airport I knew that it was going to be something special. Often as group leader, Benard and Nebert are fantastic at making you feel welcome and involving the entire group. There is a great bond between them and it was this bond and their fantastic characters that made the holiday so enjoyable for me, they are an ace team. A special mention to Benard as well for his cooking throughout the trip, he always accommodated people and the BBQ steak was awesome. Seeing all of the ‘big 5’ and all the other wildlife in their natural habitat is very special most of all, the Gorilla’s, for which we were incredibly lucky to see the famed Susa group. Most emotional and moving for everyone was definitely the orphanage which is doing such wonderful work, and the genocide museum which really hits hard. Thanks to each of the leaders and the rest of the group for making it such good fun, certainly memories that will last a lifetime.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me the moment that stands out most was visiting the little angels ophanage and seeing what an amazing job Duncan is doing. He is an inspiration as a young man that is driven to help others and go out of his way to promote the good work he is doing in order to help more youngsters. He should be commended for what he is doing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often was an absolute star. He makes you feel welcome and at ease from the off, he has a great sense of humour and pulls the group together well. Its refreshing to go on a trip with a leader who is so knowlegable and willing to discuss things with the group. Most amazing of all is his eagle eye vision, managing to pick out a Lion in a tree that took everyone else about 15 minutes to find. Benard and Nebert also require mention as the camaraderie between the three of them is what makes the holiday so enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you take a small ruck sack big enough to carry everything you need plus 2 litres of water, as sometimes you are out for some time and it can get very hot. If you do the quad biking, remember to put sun creme on your arms as the overalls are short sleeve and you can burn easily.

Anonymous .

Reviewed February 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

An inspirational adventure across 3 East African countries. This trip certainly lives up to its ratings and great reviews.

Most Inspirational Moment

Many inspirational moments, but to name a handful they are: Hot air balloon safari – it was my first time in a hot air balloon and floating over the Masai Mara at sunrise was awe-inspiring;Observing the abundance of wildlife in the Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru National Park;Meeting the people of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda – they were so friendly and down to earth; Making the children smile at the orphanage in Uganda;Spending an hour with the Amahora group of gorillas in Rwanda; Camping at Lake Nakuru National Park, which was the best camping experience ever; andMeeting a great bunch of people to share the experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often Konzoro, our group leader, was fantastic and I am sure that travelers who have been fortunate enough to meet Often would agree. I had read other travellers’ positive reviews of Often, so I had high expectations. I honestly believe that a group leader can either make or break a trip and I have to say he certainly made the trip. We achieved everything on the itinerary and more. Often has great leadership skills and has a lot of respect for members of the group. I would say that he went above and beyond his duty to ensure the group was safe, happy and enjoying the adventure. He is a great asset to Exodus. It would be unfair to leave out our driver, Francis who diligently drove us across East Africa and of course our fantastic cook, Bernard who has a great sense of humour and was always willing to help and cooked up some of the tastiest dishes ever.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would advise the following:Pack light! The lockers in the overland vehicle are not overly huge and this storage space will become your access point for your personal belongings, as the rest of the luggage is stored in a different part of the vehicle and not always easily accessible;Take a travel towel as they are light and ideal for camping; You don’t need to buy a mosquito net as the tents are equipped with them in the lining and are provided when you stay in hotels and lodges;Have a bright head torch as this will become invaluable throughout the trip;Take the biggest zoom lens you can; No need to take a tripod;Take plenty of memory cards or film; andEmbrace the culture, get involved in everything and you will have a great time.

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