Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of any high point in a range such as the Alps can be very satisfying, but to see the  smiles on the faces of individuals who have achieved a summit or high col, and yet doubted their ability to do so an hour or so before, can be truly inspiring. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

As a group, we had the privelege of walking with both Frank and Carrie for the first and second weeks respectively. Both walk leaders know the Alps exhaustively, are very experienced and have a vast knowlege of the area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is quite a challenging walk with big ascents and descents on a daily basis. A good fitness level would be something to aim for before the start of the holiday. The weather can be alarmingly changeable so waterproofs may come in useful. Light fleeces can be useful as temperatures can fluctuate in the high alpine. 

Suggestions

Take it as it comes. Walk at a steady pace and slow down if you get a little breathless. Stop to take photographs, admire the views, look at the wildlife and flowers. This is a trip to savour and not one to rush!

Most Inspirational Moment

Impossible to single out: the whole experience was great - the sheer sweep and size of the Alps, with pristine snow slopes [usually] above, jagged 'needles' jutting into the heavens, lovely Alpine meadows and flowers, and tracts of Alpenrose; my first close encounter with an ibex; my triumph at getting a half way decent photo of a marmot with my little 'point and shoot' camera; the 'extra' climb up to the tete [head] of a high pass [Grand Col Ferret] with 3 of the more energetic of the group, with of course 'extra' views of the fabulous Grandes Jorasses; the exhilarating, hurtling 'races' down to the valley floors, with the reward of a refreshing beer in a garden full of flowers ...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Graham Hickman - first rate. You might reckon an ex-Formula One racing driver might have a narrow focus. Not Graham: not only was he a superb 'track' guide - reading the weather; being sensitive to how every one of a big [13 strong] group was travelling on a particular day, encouraging the weary, judging just when we could do with a break, cautioning us when the track was a bit tricky [not that there was any real exposure] etc. - he was also a fount of knowledge on the history of the area, the geology, and not bad on the vegetation. But the bottom line is the safety and comfort of the party. We had, with one small exception, benign weather, and there were no spills or damaged limbs. But had it been otherwise, I have not a skerrick of doubt that Graham would have known exactly what to do to cope with any emergency, whether an injury or severe weather.He exudes  professionalism.Not to leave 'young' Lewis out of the picture. It was his first trip, and he was terrific. Didn't put a foot wrong. Cheerful and accommodating at all times, and super efficient. A pretty good cook for a Pom, and a wizard at getting everything ready for us: if he had time, he'd even put up our tents, a great boon for the weary walker. Behind the scenes Mark was there to organise everything - a relief vehicle, or extra supplies. It's a very efficient outfit all round.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get as fit as you can before the trip - it's easier than doing it as you go! You're up and down 1000 m. or more each day. But you don't have to be a tiger walker: the guide judges the pace to accommodate the group. There are some options to cope with the conditions, or any disparity in fitness within the group [see above; our group was pretty cohesive,though].Listen to the guide's advice. Graham's best tip to me was to buy a couple of walking poles in Chamonix on the first afternoon [I never use them in Oz, but they were absolutely invaluable  on this trip]. If he recommends, extra clothing, say, get it! And put it in your day pack!

Suggestions

The only criticism I can think of, apart perhaps from the quality of the [cheap] beer in the brewery at Chamonix [Micro Brasserie Chamonix], was that, contrary to the advertisement, there was no adaptor which fitted my Australian plug to charge my camera. Happily there were a couple of fellow-Aussies with adaptors on the trip, otherwise I would have been a very disappointed man.Naturally, the quality of the restaurant meals varied, and I understand that sometimes there is no alternative in a hamlet or camp ground. The best restaurant meal was at Planpincieux; for the record, the worst was at Frasserands.  

Most Inspirational Moment

Every walking day when we were about to descend from the wall, looking back at the long distance we had just covered and knowing without a doubt that the sweat and [small amount of] blood (look out for hidden lose stones!) was totally worth it all.  Then looking out in front and seeing the wall continue over the mountains ahead and realising there is still so much left to discover.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kevin is a genuinely lovely and attentive leader. He is very knowledgable and answered all the questions we posed.  He was very accommodating and when someone asked whether noodles was a popular dish in China as we hadn't seen any being eaten yet, we had it at our meal the next day!  Nothing was a problem for him and he was always cheerful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As you've probably read in previous reviews, take toilet paper/wet wipes!  Most toilets (often of the squatting variety) had no paper, including the bathrooms in accomdation.  I took snacks, but actually it was unnecessary as we got plenty to eat at meals and Kevin bought us fruit to eat during the trip.  Take a towel.The walkng mostly involves steep ascents and descents (and a lot of stairs).  Parts of it is challenging, but after a couple of days of walking you get used to it all.  Often there were options for people cut the walk short should they feel like they have walked enough already.  Also, should you for any reason not want to walk on any of the days, then this wasn't a problem either.  Don't let the thought of not being fit enough put you off!  There were plenty of breaks. Coffee-lovers take instant coffee, there's always hot water available at mealtimes.You will have to wear long trousers at least once because of long vegetation on the paths (including some stingy nettles).  It's worth having a long sleeved top with you in your bag when you will be walking through the vegetation as some people were all scratched up.  I benefited a lot from zip off trousers. Take an alarm clock, there are plenty of early starts! If you can't use chopsticks, then take a fork and spoon (often there were none available).  Don't worry about not fitting into the group.  There were plenty of solo travellers in our group.  These types of holidays are pretty self-selective, wanting to walk the Great Wall of China already gives you something in common with the others.  Further, eating together, walking together and Firewater will help bond friendships quickly!

Suggestions

Prepare for severe post-holiday blues!  Luckily I brought enough Firewater back with me to help me through this inevitable period.   

Most Inspirational Moment

Surviving day one! I found it a battle, but the feeling I got from my achievements was very rewarding. The amazing places I saw made it worthwhile and if I didn't make the effort I would never have experienced them - not even through photographs, they really don't compare with reality.

Thoughts on Group Leader

OUTSTANDING!!!!!! Her knowledge about the history and culture was second to none - thanks Christine x

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep focused-even during the hard times. I counted the number of steps, which gave me something to focus on rather than how difficult it felt. I won't tell you how many steps......I will let you find out yourselves. For those that suffer from travel sickness - I recommend Travella natural tablets - they definitely work on the journey back from Amalfi, which is winding to say the least. Lastly, although its tiring try not to miss any of the walking days especially day 4 - absolutely beautiful ; )

Suggestions

The hotel staff are very hospitable. We met some lovely people on our trip from as far away as Canada - hopefully we'll keep in touch! Thanks Exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views were fantastic and the food......

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine was brilliant. Totally understanding of the local culture and people. She has immersed herself in this and is able to portray an understanding back to her guests.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When you read the notes take into account the effects of the heat. We travelled in August and it was hot!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to just pick one; the amazing 'live theatre' of wildlife at Okaukuejo waterhole at midnight (2 mins from campsite) at Etosha NP, beautiful colours of Africa, friendly and welcoming people, at the top of the golden sand dune at sunrise, quirky campsites in the middle of nowhere, meals round the camp fire, our tour leader and crew ...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronnie was amazing; very organised but in relaxed not regimented way, knowledgeable about his country, funny, interested in his travel group, great team leader for the camp crew. I felt very safe and relaxed on this holiday thanks to the crew, despite travelling on some very remote roads and camping in the wilds of Africa.

Advice for Potential Travellers

July is their winter so pack well for the evening, particularly camping, as it gets v cold. The trip notes need greater clarity so def take at least season 3 sleeping bag, fleece liner and base layer. Camping was a brilliant experience if you were warm. You will need layers for the day from windproof outer layer and fleece to t-shirts and shorts. Lots of early mornings as the sun rises when it's cold and then quite hot during the day. Remember to take a head torch too. Tents were basic but superb!

Suggestions

This is a must do trip for every traveller. It took me ages to decide which holiday to go on this year and this trip certainly exceeded my expectations on so many levels. So many truly wonderful experiences and two weeks seemed to fly by so quickly. Camping is by far the best way to explore Namibia. Every campsite was different and added to the experience. Wildlife was awesome - we were very lucky and spoilt travellers. You'll return from your holiday with hundreds of stunning photo's. There are many long journeys to ensure you cover as much of Namibia as possible, however, very few of us had time to read our books due to the ongoing banter with other travellers and crew, and the changing landscapes and wildlife mile after mile. Enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

The views on the walks were spectactular. The food and hospitality of the hotel were great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christine was excellent! She was good fun and she really knew the walks and the area well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I think that this is a great holiday for walkers of all levels. The walks are all interesting and the pace is gentle enough for anyone. The holiday is suitable for all ages and also for both couples and singles. Some of the walks are quite hard on the knees, probably worth bearing in mind if you have problems. 

Suggestions

The hotel does not have aircon, which I would imagine is not ideal if you get a very hot week. This trip is spent with English people speaking English all the time and the only chance for you to really integrate yourself with the Italians is on the free day. There are shops in the village where you can buy anything you forget / want to take back with you.

Most Inspirational Moment

We took an extended river cruise down river, as our guide had been told of a herd of pygmy elephants quite a long way away. Just when we were begining to think we wouldn't see any, we found them. At first we could only hear them & see the tops of their backs over the grasses. Then one stopped to feed and kindly ate & cleared the way so we could see him clearly. A huge creature stood right in front of us. We were so close it was absolutely amazing. The wild orang-utans were also an amazing sight. We saw a mum & baby near the entrance to Gamatong cave. Then we saw a few more in the trees along Kinabatangan River from a distance. But when we were at Danum Valley we came so close it was unbelievable. The first day there, we were stood watching a mum and baby feeding from a very close distance for quite a long time. And then on the morning trek the day we were leaving we came even closer to a young male. We watched him eating fruit, hanging upside down, spitting out the seeds & watching us. Awesome!!We went on this trip not expecting but hoping to see as much as possible. They are wild animals after all. But in the first 2 weeks it just seemed to get better and better. Our list of sightings: Rafflesia flowering, flying squirrel, scorpions, western tarsier, proboscis monkeys, long & short tailed macaques, red leaf & silver leaf monkeys, monitor lizards, orang-utans (11 wild + the ones at the sanctuaries), crocodiles, pygmy elephants, samber deer, mouse deer, civets, gibbon, pit vipers, red bellied viper, turrantulas, marbled cat, bat exodus (at deer cave), flying lemur, Irrawady dolphins. Plus lots of different insects and beautiful birds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zahari was brilliant. He couldn't have done more for any of us. He was a brilliant spotter and showed us lots of things we wouldn't possibly have seen had he not been there. He is passionate about birds/animals, his country & it's people and he could tell us facts about most of the things he showed us. He was happy to be seeing all the amazing things himself and even happier to be sharing these things with us.Thank you Zahari.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Our first week was dry but we still encountered leeches. Quite a lot actually!! Leech socks are a must. We bought ours whilst we were there for about £6 and I'm glad we did. When the rain did start I was glad we took ponchos. Great cover for our backpacks and cameras as well as ourselves. There were a few single travellers on our trip, but we all got on great and ate (& drank) together most nights. We were in a group so if you wanted company it was there, or if you decided to be alone sometimes you could be.The long walk through the jungle on day 5 was a 9(ish) km walk. It took us just less than 6 hours. The trip is definately a moderate activity level as it includes quite a bit of walking, mostly on uneven surfaces up and down hills in very hot, humid weather.We did the optional trips, paid camera fees, ate street food and at restaurants, bought souveniers and drank lots of beer all for about £350 each for the 3 weeks.

Suggestions

I'd been looking at this trip for over a year. Even though I really wanted to go, it was the cost that was stopping me. Then I decided to just go for it and I'm glad I did. It was a once in a lifetime, amazing experience. (You may have noticed I've used the word amazing quite a lot in my review!!)

Most Inspirational Moment

Surviving Dead Woman's pass and of course the view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. The sunset and then sunrise on the mountains as seen from the camp at the top of Phuyupatamarca Pass was spectacular. Dining on "Canadian" trout on Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca was a treat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rene is passionate about the history and cultures of Peru and was eager to share his knowledge. He is well organized and handled whatever challenges came up with ease. We would enjoy any trip with him. Wilson was also very helpful on the trek.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take it slow. There is plenty of time and it is the best way to avoid altitude sickness. We are mid 50's and were not too far behind our younger friends. This trip's pace of 5 days is much better than other tours with only 4 days. Use poles - the steps can be brutal.

Suggestions

Take the optional tour of the Inca ruins around Cuzco and also the Ballestas Islands. The Nasca Lines have to be seen from the air if possible. We would use Exodus again but we don't understand their airport transfer and duffel bag policies for tour members from outside of the U.K. Most of our group were not from England (so had to pay for airport transfers and provide their own duffel bags for the trek), but Rene was kind enough to arrange our transfers and lend us stuff sacks.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed something every day.  I suppose the elephants were a highlight.  Both the elephant ride and the elephant orphanage.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was the best.  He organised everything and was always willing to help that extra bit if needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a mosquito net or an electric mosquito repellent machine as not all hotels provided this.  Take a tie to the Hill Club Hotel if you are a man!  They don't take up much space!

Suggestions

I would recommend Exodus Holidays if you are looking to travel with other like minded people and don't want the hassel of organising it yourself.