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.
Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!
Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!
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14364 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Muriel Mccleery
Reviewed September 2019
A fabulous trip - full of variety
A superb trip with great variety – coastal scenery, mountains, rivers, lakes, canyons, the city of Sarajevo, and then all the history, culture and peoples of the Balkans. It was a very easy trip with comfortable travel, unhurried and yet lots seen and done. I really enjoyed travelling with the group – always someone to go out with for meals or a drink and yet plenty of time to do your own exploring.
Most Inspirational Moment
The scenery - the Adriatic coastline of Perast and Kotor, Tara Canyon, the journey from Zabljak to Sarajevo (thank you Semie for your excellent driving skills) and all the history of the region. Sarajevo has lots to see and do and has so much more to offer than just its war history.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sabina Sirco was an excellent leader - she certainly deserves a nomination for an Exodus tour leader award. She was passionate about her country and through her family history was able to bring the history of the region alive. She put a lot of personal energy and time into ensuring that each of us had a really enjoyable trip. She was always friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, organised and with excellent English and communication skills. This all led to a relaxed and fun filled trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just book it!
Gillian Z
Reviewed September 2019
Truly amazing holiday!
Wow – what an amazing holiday. Truly a holiday of a lifetime! Incredible to see the scale and beauty of Machu Picchu. We walked to the Sun Gate and hiked down instead of taking the bus which was not quite the 1 day trek but was a great way down. It only took 45 minutes or so too. Our group in Peru & Ecuador was small with only 5 of us plus one guide. Age range was between 49 and 78. You do need to be reasonably fit for this as there is some walking and climbing involved. We were then joined with some others in the Galapagos. We all gelled really well and we had a great time. The Cachalote was brilliant. It was a 16 berths boat. The cabins had a double bed and a toilet and shower room. Not huge but sufficient for our needs. There is a large dining/sitting area where we were served amazing food. Breakfast was good – both warm and cold things including yoghurt, fruit, cereals, eggs etc. Lunchtime and dinner was 2 or 3 course meal – again good variety and very tasty. Lovely crew too who will go out of their way to please. The Galapagos Islands were truly amazing. What a honour to see animals in abundance! Snorkelling with the different types of fish, sea turtles, seals, penguins and marine iguanas. Saw a white tipped shark too! On land was also very interesting. Vast amounts of Galapagos birds including pelicans, cormorants and blue-footed boobies. Overall, a superb holiday.
Most Inspirational Moment
Can't say there is just one - both Machu Picchu and the Galapagos wildlife are awesome.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Smithy in Peru and Juan in the Galapagos were brilliant.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We went in September when the water was a bit cold - we wore wetsuits but If you suffer from cold fingers/toes, take some wetsuit-type gloves or socks (if there are such things).
Debbie Moors
Reviewed September 2019
An incredible fortnight
Quite simply this wasn’t just the best safari I have been on, it was the best holiday I have ever had – I just wish I had done it sooner! I knew Namibia was special when I realised that even on the long drives I was just gazing out the window enjoying the incredible scenery which is unlike anything else I have experienced during my travels in Africa.
The wild camping in the Palmwag Concession and Haonib River Systems was fantastic with us barely seeing another vehicle during the whole time. In Palmwag we were fortunate enough to see numerous black rhino one of which we were able to approach on foot under the careful supervision of our guide, PJ. In Haonib we spent time with the desert elephants and again made an approach on foot. The highlight though was our guides skill and determination in tracking a desert lion for two hours which paid off with a memorable sighting.
Etosha was fabulous with plenty of wildlife ranging from the big (elephants and rhino) to the small (honey badgers and a leopard tortoise).
Every day we were expertly looked after back at camp by Simpson, Fritz and Asser and kept well fed with fabulous meals.
Whether you’re thinking of doing your first safari or are an old hand, I cannot recommend this trip enough. I’m already planning a return visit to this spectacular country.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were two special moments. The first was the rhino approach on foot in Palmwag. Initially we simply got out of the vehicle and watched the rhino from a distance. PJ then assessed the situation and took us on foot to a closer vantage point. It was fantastic to watch such a majestic creature without disturbing it.
The second was tracking the desert lion in Haonib. For the best part of two hours PJ followed the lions tracks before eventually we found the young male. Watching him walk along the river system was a sight to behold.
Thoughts on Group Leader
PJ was the best group leader I have had to date. His enthusiasm and passion for Namibia and his job were evident from day one. His knowledge spanned not just the animals and birds of the area but also the geology and history. On those days where we had downtime in the afternoon between lunch and the scheduled afternoon game drive he would go the extra mile and take out members of the group who wanted to go on an additional drive.
For the photographers in the group PJ did all he could to make sure the vehicle was positioned so that everyone got the best shot possible. He was also able to read where the animals were moving to so that we could be in the right place at the right time.
In the evenings PJ was on hand to make sure we were all having a good time and made sure we knew the plans for the following day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t let the camping put you off. This is a full service trip so everything is done for you. The tents are comfortable (beds, duvet, pillows, blankets, lamp all provided) and the camp assistants are amazing making sure everything is ready when you get back from the game drives.
Some of the drives between camps are long (and bumpy) but the views make up for it.
Coffee lovers - pack a thermos mug with you for the morning game drives as it will keep you going on those early mornings.
Ladies - pack a sports bra or two for the bumpy roads!
If you do the Swakopmund extension (which is worth it) be prepared for a long drive from Windhoek (about 5 hours). I would also suggest adding on an extra night to give you more time to explore.
Mark Coates
Reviewed September 2019
Madagascar in June
This was our first holiday with Exodus and our first group holiday and looking back was probably one of the best holidays we have had.
It was great to see such a wide variety of landscape and we were very lucky with the amount of wildlife we saw. We were in a group of 10 people and it was nice to share the experience with others. Our group leader, Rija made the trip so interesting.
The final few days on the beach was very relaxing.
Most Inspirational Moment
I really enjoyed the trip to the Chameleon research center which wasn't on the itinery but was great for getting up close to such a wide variety of chameleons.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Rija was excellent and what really made the holiday great. She was very knowledgeable, full or tales about the different tribes and passionate about her country. She made the trip special, organising birthday cakes, local dancing and when someone mentioned the beach would be a great place to have a camp fire, the next evening it appeared with more dancing. Thanks Rija.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The days were very full with lots of early starts, but it gets dark around 5:30-6:00 so plenty of time in the evening to recover.
Make sure you have a good torch for the night trips. There are plenty around but it's better if you can direct it where you're looking.
I had an old camera but still managed to get some great photos. I could have done with a better zoom for the lemurs but a lot of people had phone cameras which worked fine.
Peter Barrie
Reviewed September 2019
Wonderful Cycle Trip
Fantastic trip to fascinating but very poor country.Quite hilly cycling but well supported with regular stops for refreshments such as fresh pineapple and papaya.Lovely people with friendly children always running up in rural villages to see you
Most Inspirational Moment
Visiting small house in rural village and being invited in to see the house and even have coffee.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Absolutely fantastic.Lovely Malagasy man with real passion for his country.I can’t think of anything he could have done to be any better.Fantastic work ethic .
Advice for Potential Travellers
Cycling quite hilly so 100 Km and lots of hills needs some preparation such as regular cycling 30+ miles to get full enjoyment
Hector Wells
Reviewed September 2019
Taster walking of Amalfi coast
Tony managed some difficult situations well regarding guests poor fitness and suitability for the trip.
We found the wine on the table of very poor quality, and could not drink it. The food was enough but there needs to be more fish for to be able to be pleased with the food.
The trip was well supported and organised, so that was good, but I would just say the wine needs to be better.
Most Inspirational Moment
The mix of Walking to Positano and the boat ride home. That was good
Clearly Pompei was mind blowing
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tony was able to manage difficult situation well and he supported the weaker members well so he was able to generate a team quickly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you understand the evening menus and your expectations
Don’t be over expectant of the wine provided at the table.
Ensure you are able to have enough water on the walks
Ensure you are ready for a load of steps, so at least have some good fitness and good knee stretches
Sue Jarvis
Reviewed September 2019
Varied trip showing off the best of the Rockies
The Rockies are magnificent and this trip includes the famous areas around Banff and Jasper but also takes you into the mountains away from the crowds. The group was a mixture of ages but we were all quite experienced walkers. There is little flat so although the distances aren’t great the ascents are strenuous but you get into the heart of the mountains. The camping was very well organised and the food was excellent.
Most Inspirational Moment
There are many great moments but for me the highlight was the first view of the mountains reflected in Landslide Lake. Although we had poor weather at the "wilderness camp" at Landslide the group spirit, led by the guides, made it a special part of the trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Charles and Priscilla both worked tremendously hard all the time. They were always cheerful and supportive. Charles was an amazing chef and produced excellent meals, catering for several specialist diets. Their love for the mountains was obvious and they wanted to make sure that we all had the best experience possible.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the trip notes - it is correctly graded so make sure you are happy on steep ascents and descents. It can be cold at night in the autumn so you will need a good sleeping bag.
Linda Bratley
Reviewed September 2019
Fantastic!
Having recently returned from a 15-day adventure to Vietnam I cannot praise Exodus enough for their meticulous organisation, jam-packed itinerary and knowledgeable and friendly guides.
Everything went smoothly thanks to the organisation of the staff at the UK HQ and also the guides who met us at each location we visited. The guides took their time to show us the “real Vietnam” and teach us about Vietnamese culture and life.
We took a private tour, travelling from North to South and were met at each destination by our Exodus guides; we did not need to worry about anything as everything was covered and as a result we saw and did so much more than would have been possible if we had organised the trip ourselves.
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many moments to be able to pick one out....... Halong Bay was breathtaking , eating street food from tiny stools in Hanoi, visiting the National Park and journeying down into enormous caves, travelling over Hai Van pass, Hoi An was an absolute delight and Saigon was mind-blowing! The Vin Moch Tunnels and Cu Chi Tunnels were very "grounding" as was learning about the turbulent history of this beautiful country
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had 4 different guides during our stay, one at each stage of our journey. They were all excellent, spoke brilliant English and made some wonderful recommendations for eating locations and lesser-known attractions
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book with Exodus - you will not be disappointed!
Michele Wilson
Reviewed September 2019
Lovely group
I had a wonderful holiday with a fun group of people. Our leader Teresa & Mike the driver ( who also walked with us) organised everything brilliantly and were very patient walking at the perfect pace.
The Tuscan countryside is breathtaking, as are the beautiful hilltop villages and towns.
The only downside was the food at our accommodation, which was poor.
On the plus side the food in the local restaurants chosen by Exodus was delicious.
The wine tasting was great and very informative.
Most Inspirational Moment
The last day walking through the beautiful undulating hills and vineyards to San Gimignano.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Teresa was excellent and came up with very good suggestions for restaurants & where to get the best gelatos!
Vince McClave
Reviewed September 2019
Fantastic three weeks exploring Peru
The trip starts with exploring the capital city Lima, then follows the coast seeing flocks of the sea birds and sea lions on the way before turning inland into the Andes, the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and a brief visit to ‘the jungle’. You see magnificent landscapes along the way from the desert-like coastal plains to the fabulous snow-capped Andean mountain tops with an active volcano on the horizon. You visit manu Inca and pre-Inca settlements during the course of the three weeks. After the effort and camping along the Inca Trail there’s just enough time to visit the jungle for more wild-life viewing. This excursion has the lot!
Most Inspirational Moment
In terms of physical effort, going over Dead Woman's Pass on the Inca Trail. However, seeing the condors gliding in and around the canyons and cliffs and viewing the Lines of Nazca from above were also pretty inspirational moments. The Inca sites were all phenomenal in terms of size and construction.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Group Leader Luis Gonzales was brilliant. Knowledgeable, attentive, always careful as to our health, particularly when we were at altitude and very keen to show us everything Peru offers, Luis was always professional and had a great sense of humour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for all weathers. We had heat and humidity in the jungle and rain, wind, sleet, mist, cold as well as sun and heat in the Andes. Invest in a good poncho - the plastic ones for sale locally are not up to the job.
