Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

I particularly enjoyed the road and technical trail climbs, though I may have been the only one...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz provided excellent support for all aspects of the trip and was a dab hand at sorting out mechanical problems and punctures. Paul's mountain biking tuition over the week helped me improve my technical skills.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The roughness of some of the trails means that it's worth taking a full sus bike if you have one. The rental Treks were adequate but the length of some of the descents on rocky trails means that numb hands are likely after a while. Our group was of similar ability and thus stuck together pretty well, but it's possible that you could end up waiting around if you are a much fitter rider than your fellow travellers. Also Morocco is not the best destination if you feel the need to go out drinking each evening after your day on the bike.

Most Inspirational Moment

-The camel trek into the Sahara desert. There was a mini sandstorm going on but this added to the authenticity! Waking up early to see the sunrise over the dunes was spectacular.- The stay at the mountain retreat "Kasbah Oliver." It really was a world away from normal western lifestyle. So tranquil and we felt we got to see the real, authentic Moroccan people and countryside.  - The walk through the Todra gorge was beautiful. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha was an excellent tour leader. He attended to our every need. He was always willing to go out of his way to sort out any extras the group requested. He seemed to know every place we visited inside out so we felt we were in very safe hands. He also endlessly encouraged us to wash our hands before dinner...and it worked...I don't think any person on our trip had any major stomach trouble!  

Advice for Potential Travellers

- Do not bring the green bag supplied by exodus (my fellow trip goers will smile at this comment). They are not practical whatsoever and NOT required. I recommend bringing a standard wheeled suitcase. - A sleeping bag is useful in April but not essential. Some found they coped fine without one as blankets were supplied in the desert.  - Bring warm clothing. It may reach 50 degrees centigrade in Marrakech in the summer but in Spring travelling through mountain passes it can be closer to 0! Do not underestimate the potential to get cold. In all locations at night the temperature can dip quite drastically so carrying a light jacket at all times is a good idea.- Prepare to dress modestly.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was all brilliant, although that first Tiger sighting was just out of this world, seeing a tiger just yards away cross in in front of our jeep sent a shiver down my spine. I wanted to watch, I wanted to capture the moment and take photos, my hands were shaking it was incredible!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bali (Balvinder Singh) was just the best guide a group could have. His wicked sense of humour, his charm, his friendliness, his love and passion for his Country inspired us as a group. He was always around to smooth the way, nothing was too much trouble. Bali made me want to return to India one day to experience much more....

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for cold early starts. Tigers are elusive, enjoy the beautiful birds and other wildlife. Take a scarf the drives can be very dusty.

Most Inspirational Moment

The various snorkelling activities - each swim was a completely different experience with regard to the variety of marine life seen. The varied wildlife on each Galapagos Island - close encounters cannot be avoided as wildlife at times is almost underfoot.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Within the tour are two separate parts - each part we were allocated a guide, in particular we found Juan, our Galapagos guide really enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you take/consider- anti bug spray for rainforest- ear plugs to reduce engine noise whilst sleeping on boat- we found hiring a wet suit on board the boat was necessary in order to snorkel for extended periods- take a spare bag so that you can leave luggage in Quito and travel lighter to Amazon and Galapagos- be vigilant with personal security when out and about in Quito

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many wonderful experiences, climbing to 5,000m and reaching the snowline at Chimborazo, sleeping in jungle huts with just a candle for lighting and listening to the sounds of the jungle at night, being cleansed by the local Shaman by firelight, the blow pipe competition, being drenched beside a huge waterfall and taking a cable car ride accross a gorge which was more like an open top cage on a zip wire, all the hikes around the mountains and the wonderful achitecture of Quito and Cuenca, the modern promanade along the river at Guayaquil, the Inca ruins at Ingapirca and the Devils Nose train. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were lucky enough to have Fabian as our guide and Maurisimo as our driver. Fabian was the best guide we have ever had. He was fun, helpful and nothing was too much trouble for him. His organisational skills were exceptional. We all had lots of laughs, lots of adventures and the whole group bonded, not one person was ever left out which was due to Fabian, definitely the best group experience we have had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks are more challenging than described in the trip notes. If you use a walking pole take it with you and also take proper hiking boots as the terrain could be rocky, steep or muddy at times but all achievable by anyone with average fitness.  We had not done any walking for a few months before the holiday but managed all the walks. Take the advice of the guide with regard to altitude and it will not be a problem. Every one of our group made it to 5,000m at Chimborazo. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Krsto, had a great sense of humour and made everyone feel comfortable. Krsto had a natural ability of keeping the tour organized and on schedule, but without stepping on peoples' toes. He was patient and flexible when dealing with a variety of personalities. It was great fun traveling with Krsto and the trip wouldn't have been as much fun without him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would definitely use this company. It was wonderful to have all of the logistics organized, yet not feel like you are part of a cattle herd being led around. I felt like I had simply joined some other people traveling around and we had luckily found a nice guy to show us all the cool places to go.

Most Inspirational Moment

I was really inspired by our time in the Middle Atlas mountains. I loved the setting of the gite and the surroundings and being able to have some interaction with the local children.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha was our tour leader and he was really great. He had endless patience with us, especially when we changed our minds over our meal orders! We also had some great guides in places in Morocco including Rashid in Volubilis who loved using English phrases, Hakima in Fes who showed us through the medina and 107 year old Hassan in the palmery near Todra Gorge.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For women travellers I would really advise sticking to the guidelines of covering your legs and arms as otherwise you can feel a bit exposed. I would have brought some lighter trousers to wear. Spending money of £450 for the 2 weeks was what I brought and with that I had plenty of money to get gifts and was really comfortable in my spending for the holiday. A few managed on just about £300 but it was a little tighter. I would advise people to be VERY protective of their cameras in the desert as a lot of us had serious difficulties with our cameras after the desert (we were warned) and some cameras did not work after the desert (it was quite windy when we were there). Ear plugs for the call to prayer around 5am are highly recommended as some of the hotels are central and therefore near mosques.

Most Inspirational Moment

Undoubtedly seeing three huge cubs at Bandhavargh - they were astonishing and I can hardly believe I've seen them and photographed them!

Thoughts on Group Leader

What Harish doesn't know about his country and its wildlife isn't worth knowing.  He was always approachable and kind, was ready to answer questions however silly and dealt sympathetically and practically with those who were 'under the weather'.  He organised things behind the scenes - transport, porters etc., so we never had to worry about anything.  A wonderful leader and the best we could have had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take toilet roll with you at all times, especially for the train.Make sure you get plenty of Rupees at Mumbai as there is nowhere to change money till you get to Agra.

Most Inspirational Moment

The descent from the outskirts of Santiago to the front of the Cathedral late on the Friday night after a 70k + cycle was awesome and made it all worthwhile. Personally, managing to cycle up all of the two mountain climbs was really satisfying too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I am full of praise for our group leader Jose, who found the best way through the trails and roads, managed our safety while keeping the trip challenging and exciting and found great places for us to eat! On our trip, some severe rain and winds had lead to some river crossings flooding which could have caused us real problems. Jose found the best way through with minimal interruption and all on spur of the moment - that's great leading.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would certainly recommend you spend a good few weekends leading up to the trip getting your cycle legs ready - get plenty of uphills in (that's really important if you want to cycle all the way around). You will be cycling around 50-60k + a day so build up your distance, though there are plenty of breaks during the day. I would certainly recommend filling your drinks bottle with isotonic (especially for the two big mountain climbs).

Most Inspirational Moment

The elephant kissing my head with its trunk in the temple in Madurai.Day 7 - trek was outstanding and finished in the most beautiful campsite ever. We were visited by lots of inquisitive monkeys swinging by just to say hello!talking to the children in the villages.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was fine, but I understand he was not the usual leader for this trek. At times his instructions could be a little confusing. However he was a very professional person who did give us a great deal of information on the various religions and cultures.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I took very small presents for the local children - small notebooks and pencils, pens rubbers and sharpeners (no sweets). They love loved them and were so pleased with a small gift.Always ask before you take a photograph of a person.