Reviews

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.

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14246 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed July 2012

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

An amazing trip on a pretty epic mountain. Good people, good food, good organisation and good views!

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the sunrise every morning from above the clouds was fantastic. Climbing out of the tent at night in freezing temperatures to go to the toliet was not so great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was experienced (he had been a guide on the mountain for more than 12 years), friendly, calm, funny and helped the trip run smoothly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Most people in our group found the walking most days to be relatively easy and we were lucky with the weather as it didn't rain once. However, don't let the fact this walk is so accessible deceive you as you ascend fairly rapidly and people in our group were starting to feel the effects of altitude by the second and third day - me included. Others were completely fine however. Listen to your guides advice, who will also be on hand to offer medicine, but ultimately it is your decision on whether you continue. If you've never been to altitude before and you have the time and money I would probably recommend opting for a longer 7 day route. On a completely separate note, the food is fantastic and there's plenty of it so don't worry about going hungry on this trip!

Reviewed July 2012

CARPATHIAN CULTURE AND WILDLIFE

A great holiday mixing exercise, nature and culture in a well balanced package supported by a brilliant host and venue!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me it was the wonderful scenery, the view from the hill just climbed just made the hard work so worthwhile!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was very knowledgeable though he did have a thing about 'red breasted shrikes' and other avian treasures, our minbus braking unexpectedly to point out this wonder or that. And we were lucky that we did see a good number of interesting things. But not only did he know his local area but also his local history which was shared with us and made it all so much more meaningful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Grab every opportunity offered, you will enjoy it!

Reviewed July 2012

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

A really good trip, with some great views and hard intense days but a lot of fun, overall an excellent trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The col climbs were often very tough with 1,000m of height gain in 3 - 4 hours! As well as this the weather was very changeable and we had a number of rainy days which meant making sure waterproofs were close to hand and that things didn't get to wet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alison was knowledgable and friendly and seemed to have a lot of mountain walking experience which was very reassuring. A very good leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack as light as possible and certainly don't take more than a 35 litre pack, it is unlikely you would use all the stuff in a bigger pack and you will really appreciate the lighter load as you carry it day after day across the trip. Our leader showed us what she was taking and it was minimal my advice would be ask yourself if you really need it before packing it in your pack for the main trek.

Reviewed July 2012

THE INCA TRAIL

Everything it says on the tin……and then some!

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Sun Gate and looking down on the prize of the trip....the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.

Thoughts on Group Leader

First class - friendly, knowledgable, funny, motivational.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Good camera.

Reviewed July 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Fantastic trip with great walks and gorgeous mountain views

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Mont Blanc when it finally appeared out of the bits of cloud that always seem to be on it's summit Scoffing myrtle tart surrounded by lovely flowers and enormous mountains Watching the Mont Blanc marathon competitors dragging themselves up the Col de Posettes - might be back one day to do it myself

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver is an excellent leader - very knowledgeable about the mountains, the wildlife and the local area. We had to change a couple of the planned routes due to thunder storms, Oliver came up with really nice lower level safer walks to avoid the worst of the weather.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack all your gear for hot weather and also wet weather, we had everything over the week!

Reviewed July 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

If you enjoy being safe in good company amongst majestic scenery this is a super holiday. We had a great time.

Most Inspirational Moment

The solitude and amazing views in the Ferret valley. The wild flowers were particularly stunning there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver behaves in a very professional manner. As an experienced leader safety was paramount and was very reassuring in some tricky weather conditions. He endeavoured to make each day enjoyable and educational.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember this is a group holiday, not a competition.Be prepared for all weather conditions, and be flexible.

Reviewed July 2012

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

The trip was an awesome life experience. Although exhausting, it brings a great sense of achievement and provides amazing memories.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking up the summit on the final ascent, at 3 o'clock in the night, watching the stars above our heads and listening to a quiet yet very powerful song sang by a tour guide and hearing my own heart biting to the rhythm.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abraham was simply stunning - very friendly yet extremaly professional, he immediately gained deep genuine respect and fondness of the whole group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

While preparing for the trip, I would recommend focusing not only on general fitness and improving your stamina, but also on increasing the lungs capacity and possibly trying some breathing exercises, to minimalize the problems with luck of oxygen.

Reviewed July 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

This was a fabulous trip. The views were spectacular, the hikes were challenging enough to make me feel fit by the end of the week, but not so difficult as to make me scramble for life. Oliver and Elaine were magnificent – they constantly made sure that we have fun, are well fed, and are safe.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view from Aiguillette du Brevent on the last day was spectacular. But the whole week was filled with inspirational moments. We were all taking photos uncontrollably.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oliver is fantastic! He is knowledgable, fun, funny, and very responsible. He went out of his way to make sure we all feel comfortable. I also thought he was really great at gauging the group's aggregate fitness. His wife Elaine should be mentioned as well. She manages the Chalet and cooks all the delicious meals throughout the week.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring wet-proofs as it does rain on occasion, even in the summer! I found walking poles to be really useful.

Reviewed July 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

A seamless complete walking package/experience that resulted in absolute enjoyment & many wow factors.Good Alpine walking suited for all ages with average/reasonable hill walking fitness – even for retirees.The joy of being expertly led.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking with constant views & spectacular viewpoints.Profusion of flowers against magnificent backdrops.Paragliding alongside Mont Blanc.Views from the hot tub.Views from L`Aiguille du Midi on a good day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Everything you would hope for - well organised, people skills, knowledgeable(local conditions, geography/geology, flowers, guiding) experienced leader, clear expectations, sense of humour, joyful, calm, considerate & supportive, helpful, willingness to share, mindful & informative of potential difficulties, mindful of the whole group, to be trusted. Oliver & wife Elaine were central to a warm, comfortable, much enjoyed house party.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Crocs or similar to walk to & from the hot tub unless you prefer bare feet on gravel.Walking poles are so helpful.The trip notes include everything you need to know especially clothing & walking days.The walks have achievable challenges which add to the enjoyment.Need to be able to carry up to 2 litres of water.No need for Swiss francs.

Reviewed July 2012

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

The walks were definitely challenging for an occasional hiker such as myself and the trip notes are well written in this regard. An experienced, individual hiker might find Grade C treks more suitable, however. Views were lovely but not awe-inspiring. I found the chalet very clean, cosy and comfortable. Elaine worked hard in the kitchen to produce well-planned and balanced meals. Word of warning; if you’re not used to the French diet be prepared to put on a few pounds despite all the daily exercise! The third floor lounge is spacious and a great gathering spot before and after dinner. Refreshments were economically priced and well-stocked. If you’re looking for a reasonably paced holiday with very well-informed and like-minded travellers, this won’t disappoint.

Most Inspirational Moment

Day 3 that took us past the "Spencer Tracey" hut. Best views on the whole trip in my opinion. All the wildflowers: I grow many of the same in my own alpine gardens at home and it was a delight to see them in their natural environs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have to agree with some of the comments made by a previous reviewer. Oliver was more than a little cranky at times and certainly overbearing in his admonishments and lectures to a few members of the group. There were wide variances in ability levels and some folks walked ahead of the group at times. This turned out to be unacceptable for safety and liability reasons but I'm not sure that the resultant very public and lengthy dressing down was appropriate. It created some hard feelings and then confusion when the leader's pace abruptly changed part way through the tour. Clearly, it is very important to follow his advice and his lead at all times both for your own safety and that of the group. and to keep things harmonious. Despite his cranky outbusts, Oliver took his job seriously. He was very safety-conscious and always made sure that group members were properly outfitted and equipped. He was a fount of information about the wildflowers, although I found it difficult to engage him in additional conversation on this topic. He obviously knows the routes extremely well and is very fit and capable. Some of the primary routes were off-limits due to remaining snow and rain-related washouts but Oliver chose some alternatives to avoid these hazards. Last but certainly not least, I was extremely grateful that he waited for my delayed flight at the airport in Geneva. I was last to arrive and I think some of the group had been waiting for some time. I appreciated his consideration knowing that alternate transport to the chalet would have been inconvenient and expensive to arrange last-minute. He has a rather eccentric taste in movies which he made available to us in the evenings in the lounge. Good for a few laughs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take all the mandatory equipment listed. You will need and use all of it. A bandana worked better than a hat for me (and a couple of others). I found my binoculars to be a useless addition and abandoned carrying them after the first day. Be quick on the shutter button if you like to take lots of pics. There wasn't ample opportunity to do so unless during the two daily breaks. If you're not a regular hill walker, be prepared for the effects of steep and long ascents. It took me a couple of days to get my "legs". On the last day, be sure to take more water at the signposted stream on the way up. It's a longer walk than the others and one of our party ended up dehydrated despite relatively cool conditions. The walk into Chamonix on the day off takes longer than suggested and doesn't really follow the river as advertised. But it's popular with locals and certainly very safe. Don't get too concerned if Oliver's directions for getting to and from the chalet, seem vague. You'll find that it's quite easy to get around either walking or by bus. You will receive a free bus pass at the beginning of the trip which comes in very handy. I found the chalet meals to be hearty and filling but I noticed a couple of the bigger, more active chaps, could have used a little extra food. The servings are set so if you're bringing a big appetite, you may want to consider packing or purchasing some snacks.

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