Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14246 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed August 2012

THE INCA TRAIL

A well planned, interesting and enjoyable adventure.

Most Inspirational Moment

A great group of people - age ranged from 16 to 61 - our Guide Disnarda encouraged a team atmosphere to make a great holiday wonderful.Getting up Dead Woman's Pass! Up to 4215m, Disnarda paced us so we all got up there together - a real moment of achievement for us all. The third day of the trek is the most scenic - fantastic views.Sleeping above the clouds and watching the sun rise over the mountains has to my moment where I really thought WOW!!!Maccu Picchu is amazing and walk there puts it into perspective.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Disnarda Aragon - she is amazing. She is thoughful, humorous, kind and regularly reminds you to wash your hands so you stay healthy! She is very knowledgeable about the history, geography, flora and fauna. She is very well organised and is excellent at making sure everyone's needs are met (usually before you have even thought you might want something). She made us all feel very welcome, cared for and safe.I was really impressed with her skills and humanity.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Choose Exodus. This is the first trip I have done with them and I was really impressed. The details are amazing - getting woken up with a cup of tea and a bowl of hot water to wash in when you are above the clouds; great food, prepared on a gas ring - made me feel very inadequate but then cooking has never been my thing! Take lots of layers - it is hot during the day (dry season) but can get down to -3 at night. I slept in 5 layers and a sleeping bag! Drink a lot of water - Disnarda reminds you of this all the time - and just pace yourself. The walk is tough in places but if you take it slowly and rest regularly (to enjoy the view) it is achieveable by anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The downhill bits can be hard on your knees. Poles are useful if you are used to them. Take a second camera - I took sooooooo many photos my battery ran out on day 3 of the Trail, luckily I had a spare one with normal batteries.

Reviewed August 2012

MONT BLANC TO THE MATTERHORN

This was a very challenging walk which at the conclusion prooved to be very rewarding. The torrain is rugged and combined with high temperatures makes it a lot tougher than the grade in the magazine emplies.

Most Inspirational Moment

The reward is when you get your first view of the Matterhorn as you come around the Europaweg. You know that you have arrived at your destination and all has been worthwhile.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A very experienced guide who has been there, done it and got the T shirt.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure that you have plenty of spending money. Switzerland is not cheap and there are a lot of other expenses that you would not exspect.

Reviewed August 2012

WALKING IN BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

Bosnia has it all for hill walkers except the crowds. Walking, nature and history come together in a country of many textures and complexities.

Most Inspirational Moment

Oberving how the Bosnian people have made peace with one another and and sucessfully rebuilt their country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

First class. Samer had all the qualities one looks for in guide with some to spare. The guides overall gave much informaton about Bosnia politics and history as well as the mountains. The overall feel was very relaxed even on long days.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is quite hot in August and not all hotels have air conditioning. Also lifts are scarce so traveling light is advisable. The heights mentioned in the trip notes may be overstated. On the long day, one section was supposed to be challenging concerning drops, but I didn't notice it and I assumed that we went a different route. Apparently, not!

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

A great trip and a great experience, with excellent ground operation in all 3 countries, which made the trip work just so well. Initially nervous about the distance and the humidity, plus the water issues, these turned out to be just fine, and 2 days in BKK before starting the trip, helped with acclimatizing to the humidity. There was no shortage of cold, fresh, filtered water from the guys on the support teams in all 3 countries, and the added bonus of an electrolyte sachet each fill if needed, was just perfect. The roads in Thailand were simply fantastic, smooth, flat, fast, and using the ring roads we did, were traffic free. Cambodian roads was also good, and once the border crossing into Vietnam, the banks of the Mekong river, and her tributaries became our path, which were narrow, but smooth, and allows you to see the real village life and the friendliness of the local people. Excellent ground operators, excellent mechanical support, with great local knowledge, and good accommodation made the trip. The home stay, ( like many others, had visions of communal hostel sleeping arrangements ) was excellent, and in fact I would call it a Lodge, and was a true highlight of the trip. All rooms had their own showers and toilets, all 100% clean, and the family were just great. Cold beers on arrival, and a rice wine if need be, so enjoy the evening !!

Most Inspirational Moment

I was a first time visitor to Cambodia, having done Thailand and Vietnam before, but certainly S21 and The Killing Fields in Phnom Penh were both high lights and low lights. As the local guide was at pains to explain, they cannot hide their history, and they are not proud of the actions of the Khmer Rouge, but the story has to be told, and to use his term, Cambodia is now " open for business " and is under very different conditions to that of '75 - '79. Angkor Wat cant be described, and simply must be seen, so enjoy the day trip, its well worth it. Siem Reap is a great city, vibrant, and safe.The school visit was also inspirational, and to see these young children just so hungry to learn from volunteer teachers, led by an incredibly inspirational Mr Long Waha, was truly a highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Moh was just great, and capably helped by Mee, who along with the ground operators, and the support guys, combined to make the whole leadership thing work just so well. Not once was either Moh or Mee down ( even when Moh decided to get close to the ground on one stage ! ) and they have such good patience with everyone, to make it so enjoyable.Go for the bulk dining and ordering thing which the leaders will do for you ( dont worry about separate ordering ) its makes it so much easier, and its generally such good food, and cheap as. Moh and Mee had it down pat, and worked excellently.The bike leaders were also just great and just a word to wise, dont take the guys on in Thailand, they are good, in fact, very good !! The open, flat, quiet roads allowed some us to have a go on some of the stages with them, and they are more than up for it !!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Perhaps consider some riding gear ( gloves, a good helmet, and some good padded shorts ) plus also look to take drylite clothing, which you can hand rinse each night, and it will be dry for the next days stage. But also useful when the tropical rain arrives, and means you will dry out quickly. Your choice if you take a shower jacket, but if you take drylite tops and shorts, then these will dry very quickly. MTB Shoes, Cleats and Pedals are not necessary, but do make it a little easier, especially on some of the longer stages in Thailand. Bikes were great, Specialized, with good gear set groupings, and no longer than 12 months old. Washed and serviced everynight, and a full inventory of parts if ever needed.Oh, and 1 more thing, Take plenty of deoderant !!

Reviewed August 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

Vietnam is one of the touching Exodus trips I’ve been on, in terms of its history, natural beauty, village life, and potential for change (for better or worse). I highly recommend that people take the opportunity to see it now, as it the pace of change is evident. From sweeping deserted beaches, to luxurious mountain regions, and the ever present farming (land and sea), this country is determined to develop on its own terms. Taking it all in at bike level is simply the best way to travel and Exodus again pulls out all the stops to make it an enjoyable and rewarding trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Many, of course! Cycling through the villages with kids, scooters and buffalo everywhere was a great change from the frenetic and always entertaining city life. The hammocks at every cafe! Vietnamese have the low down on afternoon relaxation. Great hills, both up and down, even in the July/Aug heat. The roads were better than expected, and the lack of car traffic was quietly appreciated (altho the scooters are sure to provide a few anxious moments). Seeing the bus with the home made lemonade ready.... The cooling water spouts half way up the Hai Van pass :-).... The 30km downhill section in the mountains..... The incredible cemetary road.... And the rather energetic Glee performances of our group at every available prompt (you had to be there!!) Halong Bay is an absolute treat at the end of the tour. And the food .... aaah, the food. Fresh and healthy, what more could you want?

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh (the man) truly loves his job and his country, and it shows. His desire to share knowledge and background so we understand the history and what we're seeing is great. Superb organisational skills in a country which I imagine presents some unusual challenges at times, plus little things which made a difference to every one of us. His patience is amazing. The support staff were brilliant, with the quickest tire changes in the East and a helping push up the hills if flagging!

Advice for Potential Travellers

To truly enjoy this be reasonably fit, although you don't necessarily need to be bike fit, it's good to have basic bike handling skills for those little moments of rough road or unexpected scooters. There are some "undulating" days but this provides interest and to some a nice challenge. Vietnam is quite hot this time of year, so camelbaks would be good to carry more water if you are a heavy drinker, but the bus/truck are never far away if you run out between stops. Be prepared for rain on some days. I generally wore lycra which wasn't a problem locally. You may find your own clipless pedals are good for the hills. Those who suffer from sea sickness be sure to take your pills so you enjoy the whole tour experience as there are several excellent boat trips you don't want to miss.

Reviewed August 2012

JOHANNESBURG TO CAPE TOWN

This was a fantastic tour from sights to meals to guides. This was our first Exodus tour and will not be our last. I’m not sure if we were just fortunate but considering the tour was full (16 people) we had a terrific group of people to travel with. My only negative would be the amount of driving we had to do to cover so many miles, that said, it was totally worth it for all we saw and the bus was thankfully air conditioned and comfortable.

Most Inspirational Moment

We are stumped as there is so much to choose from. Lesotho was inspiring, the Rhino walk humbling, Titsikarma breathtaking and, my personal favorite, the Drakkensburg mountains were majestic. A peaceful place I would happily return to. The wildlife we saw included the big 5 and soooo much more!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob, Sufiso, Shawn and Jacob were terrific! Rob was very knowledgable and helpful, interesting and competent. I think he was pulling his hair out at times with such a big group but he managed the personalities and challenges very well. Sufiso is a fantastic driver, always friendly and helpful but quiet and in control. Shawn was also helpful, friendly, fun and interesting. Jacob was shy but very helpful and strong I think physically he worked the hardest with set up and take down but always with a big smile. They all seemed to know what needed to be done and worked well together. Plus their cooking was awesome!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light!! I did not and no one thanked me for it including myself. Have something to do on the bus be it music, books etc. This trip is not for those who are looking to relax, it is busy, exciting and fun but not restful.

Reviewed August 2012

WALKING IN BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA

A fantastic walking trip in spectacular scenery where you’ll most likely meet nobody else, plus the chance for sightseeing in Dubrovnik, Sarajavo & Mostar.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking is reasonably challenging but the views are exceptional - there are some very long days, some very steep scrambles and one very long steep descent all of which can test you when the temperatures are in the mid to high 30's! (August 2012). You do need a head for heights at times with a few steep drops. The ascent of Maglic Mountain (2386m) is a very long day but was fantastic with spectacular views all around, plus the chance of a dip in Trnovacko Lake (in Montenegro) to cool off about three-quarters of the way round.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Samer Hajri? from Green Visions, a local Bosnian company - he and his assistant Damir were everything that you need from a group leader - always there with information and assistance. Helpful, polite and enthusiastic - obviously proud Bosnians who love to show people what their country has to offer.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As you might expect from this part of the world, the inclusive meals in this trip will be quite baisc and some of the accommodation, whilst clean and tidy, is rather small and basic.There is more travelling on buses throughout the trip than I was expecting - most days involved a bus trip both to and from each day walk of an hour or two, plus the transfer days of course. The bus trips to walks and back were also on very rough roads, especially in the nataional park.

Reviewed August 2012

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

A great trip which showed much of the variety of this beautiful country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a huge bull elephant ambling across the plains at Yala - this was particularly good after seein them in peraheras...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sampath was excellent, he was considerate, thoughtful and careful to offer us information about his culture at appropriate moments which meant I understood much more than I would have done otherwise. He was able to keep the group together and on schedule in an unobtrusive way and tried to accommodate the requests of individuals without inconveniencing the group. He was really kind and had a great sens of humour. The tipping kitty and water fund worked well and I liked the way that he used some of this to help those selling fruits etc. and tried, in this way, to spread the benefits of tourism through his country.Prasanna (our driver) and Udithe (assistant) also looked after us very well, Udithe was always ready to shin up a tree to pick some fruit for us to try. They all worked well as a team and the cricket games were enjoyed by all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Royal Lotus was the only hotel that was a littl ropey and check the state of your bike thoroughly before seting off - they weren't maintained very well (broken chain and moving saddle) which made the bike ride uncomfortable - though the meal we had on this day was one of the best!Try to see a local perahera - not just the Kandy Esala spectacle.

Reviewed August 2012

WALKING IN THE WESTERN DOLOMITES

Walking varied and excellent. Good use of cable cars and lifts (thank goodness!).Hotel excellent, food wonderful and spa great.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking along the scary ridge (cannot remember its name, but we had walked up from Alba that day)Meadow flowers in abundance.Sharing lunch with choughs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert was superb. Encouraging without being condescending (I wish my legs were as long as his...) Knowledgable without being an anorak.A leader with a light touch (he allowed me to skip the rests and move ahead at my - very slow - pace until the group caught up with me).Nothing but praise.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If the flight times are the same next year (and I hope they are not, see below) use the last day to go to Bolzano instead of Venice. You can 'do' most of Bolzano easily in a day, and the museum for Otzi, the Ice Man, is worth seeing.

Reviewed August 2012

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - LEMOSHO ROUTE

very well organsied by the local tour company. By the time we arrived in camp each day our tents were set up and there was hot drinks and snacks ready with hot water for washing

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit after an 8 hour climb in cold windy blizzard conditions, the views of the sun rising over the ice fields just before you reach Uhuru were stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Naiman was very good, all of the guides were excellent - they made a good team, they were constantly checking to make sure we were all ok and took time to get to know us all. When people started to feel ill through altitude sickness (6 out of 13 needed to take Diamox) they made sure that they were well enough to continue - we all reached the summit. Naiman's pep talk the afternoon before summt day was that none of us would fail just because we were tired - and he kept to his word.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes and take the items listed. Dont underestimate the effects of altitude even if you have climbed high before

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