Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk (climb really) up Sirigyra rock and the views. Making it through Day No 8 total ascent of 2100m. I was not sure I could do this beforehand.The architectural accomplishments of early Sri Lankan civilisation.Seeing the crocodiles moving a floating carcass around in one of the lakes on the game reserve.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is a competent and conscientious guy. He also has a keen interest in local cuisine which ensured we had plenty of tasty snacks and black tea throughout our cycling days.   

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a sarong or buy one in Sri Lanka. It is the ideal evening garment to give those nether regions of the body a well deserved break from close confinement. I took too much clothing generally, however we were blessed with no rain for the fortnight.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many moments i will never forget.....Snoe shoeing, forest frisbee in snow shoes for the first time, tree hugging!, Husky sledging through wilderness that can only be described as indescribable, and coming off head first into a snow filled ditch, ice climbing, cross country skiing and learning to go uphill on skis, snowmobiling and hitting 95kpm accross a frozen lake, The ice bar in Ruka, sledging, tobogganing, kick sledge races, downhill skiing lessons, walking the little bear trail without getting lost, rolling in the snow in nothing but a swimsuit, building an igloo and nearly staying the whole night! Watching an amazing arctic sunset at 2 in the afternoon, and..... the icing on the cake.....Nearly 2 hours of The Aurora Borealis on the flight home...SPECTACULAR!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Henri was amazing, so friendly and knowledgable. Henri and Hanna made the trip, and basecamp became a place that i never wanted to leave (except to have more fun of course)!

Advice for Potential Travellers

BOOK IT NOW!There isnt anything about this trip that i would change or complain about...it was PERFECT!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ajit was a very knowledgeable guide and was able to deal with unforeseen events - such as the support jeep breaking its axleThe only qualms were that there seemed to bea bit too much time spent on 'shopping' and also the walks should be adjusted to avoid too much time spent walking in the hot times of the day.  Start earlier, lunch longer

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its very hot for trekking during the day but can be (and was) sub zero at night while trekking.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cruising the backwaters in the converted rice boat - a fabulous change and rest towards the end of the trip.The downhill after the previous day's uphill struggle with Mount Ooty's 36 hairpin bends. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Could not have been better! Safi's capacity to herd cats is now legendary. He made all the preparations etc that he obviously put into the trip seem effortless which made our trip so much more relaxing than other (non Exodus) trips I have been on.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some layers for colder climate on Mount Ooty.Gifts can be bought at the end of the trip in Varkala 

Most Inspirational Moment

The beauty and diveristy of Havana is amazing - the buildings, architecture and colours are even better than the photos you see.  There is so much to see that there just isn't time on this trip to see and visit it all!  The beach at Cayo Blanco and countryside of Vinales is picturesque and there is no better place than to have a mojito or two than Cuba!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mariella, the leader was excellent - well organised and always listening to the needs of the group.  She also organised extra activities such as being driven around Havana in classic cars and chose excellent restaurants serving nice food.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely go, especially as the pace of change in Cuba is increasing.

Most Inspirational Moment

I learned so much - temples of Angkor Wat area were amazing , the scenery of the Mekong Delta fasinating , the food at the homestay was stunning. The history of Killing Fields & S21 prison + Cu Chi tunnels was very sobering. Safely crossing the road in Saigon is always a challenge. Exodus specifically laying on the 'Tet' celebrations in Saigon for us - fantastic flower arrangements! Some restaurants closed but brilliant occasion.

Thoughts on Group Leader

1st time for these leaders as Exodus have been taken over by 'Peak' I believe (please correct me if wrong) , so new local guides. To ensure quality Exodus had provided their own assessor - Rich , who added a lot to the group (& is nowhere near as serious as he looks on the Exodus You Tube cycle 'M' check!)Mo fro Thailand - worked very hard to make sure all went smoothly , stayed with us through to Saigon , arranged 2 birthday cakes for group members too!Dyka- Cambodian , very knowledgable about Angkor Wat area , enthusiastic cyclist but got the speed rightYan (?sp) - Vietnamese - could have cycled slghtly slower  - I would have stopped for more photos (probably spared the family more boredom!)All spoke excellent english & had ready smiles

Advice for Potential Travellers

there are NO hills on this trip! The cycling is easy , frequent breaks , plenty of water / sprite / bananas / other food

Most Inspirational Moment

A spell of simplicity in an otherwise complex life!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdellah was a first class guide and tour leader who accurately weighed up changing circumstances and appeared to react with professionalism accordingly.   His knowledge and ability to pass on interesting facts about the country, the peoples and their culture was always apprechiated and greatly helped bring about  a consistently rewarding experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip requires a moderate degree of fitness and stamina due to the terrain and changing temperature conditions during the course of any given day.  Boots and feet need to be in good condition due to distances covered on predominantly rocky paths throughout the entire trip. Drinking water was purchased and available, but generally water for washing etc was not in evidence, requiring a specific request.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many: the two idyllic days on the houseboat; the moving Madurai temple and pilgrims; the exhilarating trek in the Munnar hills; our lovely meal with an Indian family; the tea plantations; the two peaceful days in the Coir village; exciting wildlife walk in Periyar; the elephant santuary; the (optional) train trip to Vekala beach; moving Gandhi museum; surfing and strolling at Kovalam; Trivandrum; bustling and atmospheric markets and villages- and so much more!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was outstanding: highly knowedgeable, friendly, witty, very caring, attentive to the needs of all, and extremely hard-working. Easily one of the best leaders I have experienced.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lassi is a nice drink, and cools hot curries. Chai tea grew on me- refreshing. Munnar is cold at night!Some markets and towns are dusty: I found tissues, eye lotion and throat sweets helpful. Antiseptic handwash and wipes are important.  

Most Inspirational Moment

As there were so many inspirational moments its hard to pinpoint one.  The whole trip was inspirational - but to give a few "key moments" a leopard on one side of the track, then another on the other side, pelicans flying in the mist, flamingoes before dawn, Zawadi and her cub, and to end it all, on the last morning drive - KICKCAT!!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

This is my 3rd trip with Paul.  He may be a bit like Marmite, but his leadership and the decisions he made to change us from staying in Nakuru to another camp in Navaisha meant that we all had an incredible experience and one I would not have missed. The beauty of his trips is that if there is something to see, you will see it, you may have to sit for many hours at a time, but the rewards are bountiful. I cannot wait till the next time and I do like marmite!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be patient, have a sense of humour and trust the group leader.  Do not pack too much and make sure you have all the camera equipment ready to hand or you will be accused of mincing!

Most Inspirational Moment

Most inspirational moment of the trip has to be the last day of the hike, it was a nice short walk up to a summit located north east of the Atlas. The day was sunny and warm which meant the views were alot more stunning 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Yahyia was the right person for the group. He obviously knew exactly where he was going in the middle of nowhere, always kept an eye on us and always willing to help. His overall knowledge about Morocco was very good too. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

No matter what season you decide to go, always make sure you bring proper hiking shoes and a warm jacket, even if you go in the summer time, you never know if it may come handy up in the mountains at 2500 metres!