Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the bears in the wild just metres away was really quite something! We saw 6 different bears at the bear hide, and they were already there (not far from the path!) when we walked from the minibus to the hide. There was a mother and 2 cubs but they didn't come round to the front of the hide so unfortunately most of us missed them.Libearty Bear Sanctuary was a fantastic place. Some of the stories about the bears' previous lives were heartbreaking, but the work they are doing there is really amazing. A great opportunity to see the animals close up enjoying life as they should. They have loads of space to roam the forests but are often up at the edge of the enclosure where you can see them.The landscape was breathtaking, so unspoilt, and we managed to see lots of other wildlife as well - a wildcat, chamois (at a distance!), 3 beavers, a hoopoe and lots of other bird life - although I'm still a little upset that Cosmin didn't find me a black woodpecker ;-)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cosmin was absolutely fantastic. His knowledge of the area, its history and wildlife was really quite something. He is passionate about Transylvania and answered all our questions with patience and enthusiasm. He looked out for every member of the group and took time to get to know us all. I don't think we could have asked for anything more - he really made the holiday for me. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

I went in the first week of September and it was still pretty hot, so make sure you take sunscreen and a sun hat if you're going during the summer months. Also make sure you take plenty of water with you on the walks, as some days there was no opportunity to refill.Some of the uphill stretches on the walks were pretty challenging, and they saved the longest walk for the last day, but you are rewarded for your efforts so it's well worth doing all the walks. Good walking boots are a must.Most days you make a picnic lunch so it's a good idea to take a little lunch box to stop your sandwiches getting squished!  You shouldn't need much spending money and you can change euros for Lei at the bank in Bran. Make sure at least one person in the group takes a passport for this as otherwise they won't let you change anything. I changed 150 EUR but had to change some back at the hotel before I left because I hadn't spent very much. There are few opportunities for souvenir shopping - a few stalls at Bran castle and some shops in Brasov - so most of your money will go on beers from the honesty bar at the hotel, the meal out in Brasov (enormous menu and very good value - take an empty stomach with you!) and the bear hide. The hotel will accept euros, Lei or pounds.

Suggestions

This was my first trip with Exodus and I was a solo traveller so I was a little apprehensive. I needn't have worried - the group was very inclusive and although it was mostly couples (3 solo travellers including me), everyone chatted away during the walks and meals. Everyone looked out for each other and got on really well. The staff at the hotel were friendly and helpful, and the rooms were clean and comfortable. The owner, Katharina, was really great - passionate about animals, she showed us round Libearty and also had a great knowledge of the area. Nothing was too much trouble and I felt very at home there. I'm really glad I went and would recommend Romania, Transylvania and Exodus to everyone. DO IT!

Most Inspirational Moment

The fifth and most challenging day. Exhausted but very satisfied.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vladimir was professional, knowledgeable and friendly. His English was excellent and he made a good trip great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your swimming costume for the swimming pool at the Hotel in Goverdartsi.

Most Inspirational Moment

The long trudge each day to the ridge of a col - then a huge panorama opening up - picturesque valleys with glittering rivers, rewarding you for every step!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Graham (mountain guide) was fantastic, he loves the mountains and was keen to teach us all about his place.  He set a great consistent pace that everyone could follow, while challenging fitter team members with optional extensions.  When the weather was good Graham would vary the route to ensure we had the most spectacular views and the best experience possible - some other groups walking at the same time missed these special experiences.Nothing was too hard for Graham or Lewis (camp manager) - they went the extra mile in every aspect to ensure it was a great trip.  Even the little things like buying special cheese from a local farmer to varying the trip schedule & timing to try and beat the weather.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the packing list carefully, take a huge bag and fit everything in!  Make sure you have helicopter rescue on your travel insurance.Walking poles are probably a good idea - they arent heavy to carry if you dont use them. 

Suggestions

It was great that the mountain guide was careful in helping us with our equipment both ensuring we had the appropriate gear (with an opportunity to buy at reasonable prices in Chamonix) and instructing us on correct use.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many highlights... seeing a Golden Eagle soaring above the mountains, walking through varied and beautiful scenery, learning a little about the history and culture of this fascinating region.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeremy was superb in every way. He had designed the walks to be suitable for a wide range of abilities, and to provide a wide variety of scenery and terrain. Every day he briefed us about what the practicalities would be - whether we'd be able to re-fill water bottles en route etc. The pace of the walks seemed to be fine for everyone in the group. He was very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area, and was able to enrich the walks with anecdotes and useful information about the villages and countryside we passed through. He was very good at what he was doing, and a thoroughly nice bloke too. I can't praise him highly enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just Do It. We were thoroughly glad we'd chosen this trip for our first Exodus holiday. It's a lovely region ideal for outdoor pursuits, and I'd imagine there's something for most people to enjoy, whether you're into history, wildlife or just enjoying the walking.The pace and length of the walks was generally relaxed, but the terrain added a degree of challenge. There were a lot of fairly steep climbs and descents over rocky terrain, plenty of spiky vegetation, and some muddy patches where the path followed streams. Nothing too extreme, but definitely not suitable for sandals... boots required, really. We found walking poles very helpful. Some days we needed to take water for the whole day, and when we went (early Sep) it was pretty hot, so we needed to drink plenty - so take a couple of big bottles or (probably preferably) a Camelback-type system. I wouldn't have been without a good sunhat, too, as shade could be hard to come by at some points. The village where we were based (Berchules) was pleasant and the hotel very friendly and comfortable, but the village is small and quiet. If you're planning to take a rest day, you'll need a book or something to occupy yourself as you probably won't be hitting the shops...A small tip for book fans.. read Chris Stewart's 'Driving Over Lemons' before you go.

Suggestions

Just thanks to Jeremy and everyone else who made this trip so enjoyable and memorable. We were slightly apprehensive about taking a group holiday, but we needn't have worried - everyone was really nice and just there for a relaxed good time. By the end of the holiday everyone felt like old friends, even though we'd only known each other a week! It was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everything was so well organised. Too many inspirational things to note! We saw a cheetah with four cubs, two male lions and a lioness in the process of the mating ritual. Watching wilder beast migrate across the Mara River was truely an adrenalin filled moment. Meeting the Masai Mara Tribe was brilliant, and educational. So many animals were seen, and the bird life also spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Benjamin Waiganjo and Peter. They were both amazing, very knowledgeable and great fun. They also looked after us really well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are thinking of doing this trip, you must do it, you won't regret it!!

Suggestions

Fumba Lodge in Zanzibar is just paradise!!! One thing I would say though is you don't really need to change any money into Tanzanian currency at all, everything can be paid in US dollars and paid all at the end on one bill. You do need the Kenyan currency though so get it at the airport when you land. Apart from that enjoy yourself! We met some amazing people on our trip and now keep in touch!! The staff everywhere are also so friendly. Best holiday ever!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

I think the views from the mountain huts were very inspirational, and also the visits to amazingly romantic Lake Bled.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very competent and experienced. He  obviously really knew the walks like the back of his hand.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A lot of the walking was more challenging than I expected, so make sure you've got good fitness, or do regular uphill walking.

Suggestions

I thought the trip advisor was misleading. It promised us 500m average ascent, with a maximum of 700m.By the third walk we were up to 900m and the next two walks were tougher, so I had to opt out of them. I could manage the 700m we been promised, but 200m higher was too much. Also it told us that we would be walking on well-marked paths with a few loose stones. In actual fact there was a lot of clambering up and down boulders and tree roots.I think if I'd known these things, I wouldn't have chosen this holiday. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Rupert, an international mountain guide who obviously new the area well .  A convivial chap and skilled leader in many ways - he really enhanced our enjoyment of this holiday.   5 star.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take flip flops for the evenings as boots have to be left at the door of the refuges.   

Suggestions

Be prepared not to get much sleep in the dorms, some of the bunks are 6 beds wide and you may find yourself in the middle surrounded by snorers! 

Most Inspirational Moment

The realisation of what I had achieved on the last climb to Brevent was truly overwhelming.The brilliant Savoyard salad I had in a Les Contamines outdoor restaurant.Winning the last ever card game of the holiday, with my partner. (It's a game called 500, a New Zealand game, which we were taught by one of the Kiwis in our group.)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon was an excellent group leader, let you walk at your own speed, always sat at various places where there was a trail junction to guide you on the right path, always there to encourage everyone and sensitive to your needs when needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go do it!!!

Suggestions

First trip with Exodus - very impressed!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the countryside, meeting local people and sharing a home cooked meal, beautifully prepared in the middle of a forest has to be one of the high points of the trip.  There were other opportunities to connect with the 'real' Sri Lanka and these are what made this particular tour so special. We also had the opportunity to witness the Kandy Festival and the colours, costumes and sheer energy of the evening will stay with us for many years.We shared the holiday with a healthy mix of different characters who came together to help make this an unforgettable trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can we say that has not been said before?  Roshan is such an experienced and enthusiastic guide who made everything seem so easy and yet the detail of his planning and organisation was clear.  His stories of Sri Lanka and its people conjured up such clear images and gave us all a real understanding of the country's history. The original itinerary of our trip would have meant that we were unable to witness the Kandy Festival and possibly miss the elephant rides, but Roshan reorganised things so that we could do both.  This involved some tough negotiating in Kandy at one point but throughout he remained good-humoured and kept a cool head. Roshan has an uncanny ability of balancing a professional approach with sincere warmth and a wicked sense of humour. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Listen to Roshan! He really does know what he is doing and you will enjoy the trip so much more if you follow his advice.  Take the opportunity of shopping whilst visiting the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela.  The prices seemed more reasonable than in Kandy and the selection more varied.  We stayed in some beautiful hotels and it is worth taking at least one or two outfits to dress up accordingly.

Suggestions

This was our first adventure holiday and we were very impressed with the service that Exodus provided.  We received personal replies to any questions we posed before our departure and this enabled us to feel well prepared.  Their approach to responsible tourism is to be applauded and it was clear from our experiences in Sri Lanka that they are making a really positive impact on the country.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sunrise at Gilman's Point was incredible given that it was my birthday and followed 7 hours of the toughest walking I ever expect to do.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very good on the mountain, with regular information updates and always willing to answer any questions raised by the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If it always something you've wanted to do, book it!  Make sure you drink lots of water though!

Suggestions

The flights out with Ethiopian Airlines were very cramped and uncomfortable in what appeared to be quite old planes.  Addis Ababa airport was also not the easiest to negotiate and so I would recommend that the Nairobi route is the one preferred where possible.