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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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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14217 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Ruth Bass

Reviewed January 2024

Just Brilliant

What an amazing trip this is, one of our best trips ever. Costa Rica is stunning and to experience the many different ecosystems and habitats and see the matchless variety of bird, animal and plant life was memorable. The itinerary is perfect, allowing one to see contrasting areas and top highlights, also to get off the beaten tourist trail aswell – the stay at Esquinas lodge and the visit to a farming family are good examples. Tourism is wonderfully well managed in Costa Rica and the hotels were all of a good standard, a nice varied selection. Special mention for our guide, David Vargas, who made our trip beyond incredible, see more below. Regarding tips for fellow travellers you will find many in these reviews, such as taking a rain poncho ( downpours tend to be short lived and a poncho fits over your day pack) it’s a good idea to take some US dollars. Credit Cards are widely accepted. We took some Costa Rican Colones aswell but you will easily get those from ATMs as required and at least you can use unspent US dollars on a future trip. Prices are slightly above European I’d say, not cheap for Brits taking into account the pound against the US dollar. Take quick dry clothing, humidity can mean difficulty drying thicker fabrics, and casual walking type gear fits most of the activities. Heavy walking boots would be overkill – waterproof walking shoes or trainers are more than enough. We would also recommend doing the hanging bridges at Monteverde despite the high cost, everyone on our tour took it and agreed it was unmissable. My husband and I also enjoyed the optional trip to the hot springs at La Fortuna with dinner included afterwards. Finally, I’d say if you are considering this trip, don’t hesitate, just do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The cloud forest at Monteverde and seeing a Resplendent Quetzal at Savegre

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, David Vargas, who made our trip beyond incredible. We’ve had some really great guides with Exodus but David united and captivated our group from day one. He is a kind, likeable person and made us laugh, a lot. He was professional, hard working and organised, he never missed a beat, everything ran like clockwork and any challenges arising were magically, promptly and quietly sorted. Many of us understood the hard work that must have taken but he never missed a beat. David has a wealth of experience, extensive training and vast knowledge of his country, its nature and the environment. Above all what really shone out was his passion for the birds and wildlife. His enthusiasm was so infectious that few of us could resist joining him on pre-dawn walks to spot yet more rare species - his expertise and knowledge were second to none. A truly special holiday and guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

See above.

stephanie clay

Reviewed January 2024

Fantastic

A great holiday that really shows you the range of Costa Rica’s climate and wildlife.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Aurora on her farm and running barefoot on a Pacific beach tie for first place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dedicated, knowledable, funny, really helpful and untiring

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take warm clothes for the cloud forest, you might want a light down jacket. Don't buy smal value items with dollars, you'll get ripped off, beer is expensive in the hotels, take a travel plug as many washbasins don't have a plug. Take icaridin based insect repellent, less harmful to the environment than DEET and just as effective

Reply from Exodus

We are very grateful for your review, Stephanie, and are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the variety on offer in Costa Rica. On the other hand, we were sorry to learn of your disappointment with the service and cleanliness at the Savegre Hotel & Spa, as this is not the type of feedback we expect to receive. The Savegre is our usual property for nights 12 and 13 of this tour and it is generally well-received by our groups, however, we would certainly not wish to downplay your review, which we have put to the hotel’s management. They have offered their sincere apologies for the unclean bedding and have followed up with the housekeeping team to ensure it is not repeated. They have also explained that the slow catering service may have been due to high occupancy during the holiday season, however, their staff will be better prepared ahead of subsequent busy periods and the head chef will endeavour to improve the menu. We realise none of these improvements will change the experience you had, but we trust it shows that we have taken your concerns on board for the benefit of future Exodus guests. We, nevertheless, remain apologetic for any impact your stay at the Savegre had on your overall enjoyment of your holiday.

Sarah Ahern, Product Manager

C Knights

Reviewed January 2024

Do this trip if you want a sense of adventure and don’t mind testing yourself on the hills

Our group had a fantastic 2 weeks cycling through the back roads (and a couple of busy roads) of Sri Lanka. There scenic views of course come with some hills and harder days but the bus was always available for those in need of a rest. Food was varied and safe (no real GI issues despite consuming salads and ice) and excellent especially if you love curry and usually consisted of a varied buffet at each meal which often included western options as well. I can’t eat gluten and there was no problem with options on this trip. Vegetarians also seemed to be well catered for. We saw endless monkeys, lizards, birds, fruit bats and much more and explored temples, coastlines, went in safari in search of leopards and elephants and stopped frequently for tea and local snacks. You’ll never go hungry on an exodus trip and this was no exception! While Sri Lanka has had some tough times in recent years, don’t let that out you off. The locals are friendly, the areas visited felt safe and Ruwan our guide was exceptional in his knowledge and leadership

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan was excellent all round

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it!

martin Morris

Reviewed January 2024

Challenging and rewarding trip

An amazing and very challenging trek to Gokyo, over the Cho La Pass and on to Everest Base Camp. We were blessed with good weather for most of the time and the views were breath-taking and the arrival at EBC was very satisfying.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Gokyo Ri for the amazing views and arriving at Base Camp and seeing the Khumbu ice fall and summit of Everest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dohje and his team (Nobu, Angelu and Mingma) were amazing, and they managed to cope with many incidents and problems that will always arise when you are spending such a long time at 5,000 meters and above. They were also very friendly, helpful and informative, I learnt a lot about Sherpa culture and history.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a tough challenge but don’t be put off, its is well worth the effort.

John Coppock

Reviewed January 2024

What an amazing holiday

One of the best holidays I ever had, with a wide range of differing experiences, wildlife, scenery and guest houses. The trip superbly blends the best that South Africa has to offer, from the game reserves with the Big Five, to the beauty of the Garden Route and coastal footpaths, the rugged interior, and then into Cape Town. Very well put together with something for everyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

The elephant park and game reserve, the cliff paths, then the penguins on Christmas Day, followed by Table Mountain.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Petro is beyond awesome; a superb guide, great organiser, excellent driver, and the hostess with the mostest.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a proper camera rather than relying on a phone - you'll need it for the long shots, particularly for the animals.

Alan Gray

Reviewed January 2024

Outstanding holiday

This trip was outstanding throughout – very well organised prior to leaving and kept fully updated, and with continuous excellent organisation and service throughout the trip from Mikhled, our local contact and guide for the trip. All days were very well scheduled and were very well planned in advance, with our guide continually liaising with the cycle team, support bus, police in attendance, and with all snacks and lunches available on schedule. Mikhled, our guide, was also extremely knowledgeable on all sites visited and had obviously studied them in considerable detail. He was also very well trained in presentation techniques, ensuring we were given all necessary information while avoiding overloading us, but still being able to respond to any queries. We had a great introduction to local culture, with Mikhled advising on and accompanying us on evening meal trips, and also introducing us to and liaising with a variety of local people who were very happy to share their life and experiences with us.

Most Inspirational Moment

Very hard to pick select, as all sites visited gave us a detailed and informed insight on a wide variety of experiences. Petra was an obvious highlight, and was far more extensive than I had expected. Wadi Rum was beautiful and peaceful - and additionally for us as, after our daughter's partner asked Mikhled for advice, they became engaged in the Bedouin camp, in the desert, under a full moon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mikhled is the best group leader I have met! He is extremely knowledgeable about all the sites visited, and continued providing advice during the bus journeys on the areas passed through. He is very proud of his heritage (Jordanian Bedouin) and was very happy to share detailed knowledge of his lifestyle as requested. He also appeared to have a wide range of local contacts throughout the trip who he encouraged us to befriend and interact with, while liaising as required. I am also very impressed with his dedication to his group - although being with us throughout, I became aware that he was also in constant liaison with Exodus, and with all support personnel (cycle team, drivers, police, accommodation and meals providers). He also fully managed on our behalf the ongoing daily expenses including appropriate tips - all done transparently and very efficiently, removing and doubt or embarrassment from us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Trust your Exodus group leader. Also trust Exodus prior to your trip - they have excellent local people on the ground who will safely advise on and manage the trip. It was very disheartening to see the effects on the local people of extensive tour cancellations, apparently due to concerns of the Israel/Gaza situation, which was very distant and had minimal effect on us (just a relatively mild heightened security)

Hannah Mackinlay

Reviewed January 2024

Beautiful South Africa - Excellent

Brilliant introduction to a beautiful country, great break from the English winter..

Most Inspirational Moment

So many things, obviously the animals, game tours, Table mountain , the cape peninsula, the little towns on the way, having warm sun and late evenings when its cold and horrible in the uK at the moment. One of my best trips this year

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pietro Petrorius was the best group leader I have had on the last 6-7 tours I have had this year with Exodus. She singlehandedly dealt with what other tours had two or three people. Her knowledge of her country and every aspect was incredible. nothing fazed her when there were wildfires on the cape peninsula - she found a way to jiggle everything around. When Simons Town was shut with the first she took us to another penguin colony which was in fact much better. When Table Mountain was closed with high winds she rejigged things and got us there first. When that morning it turned out there was a delay in opening she kept her cool and instead of having to wait for four and a half hours she pulled strings and got us up first before the huge queue of people. When Storms Mouth bay was closed we went to Tsitiskamma village which was much better, she organised meals, trips, dealt with travel issues, and on top of that she loaded all the luggage and organised everything perfectly. She is a real asset to you! And all the time she had a good sense of humour and was really friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get a direct flight, I had Exodus organise flights and you gave me flights via Dubai which added probably abother 10-15 hours to the journey. That aspect was horrible. No-one told me about direct flights when I booked, and I booked in in the summer! Not happy about that. It took me 27 hours door to door to get there and about the same to get back as Emirates delayed one flight and rebooked me on an other. Awful experience. Other people on the tour had flown BA direct - only 10 hours - why didn't you tell me about this. I know I had asked to go from BHX but no-one at Exodus pointed out the big difference to the journey time. Not happy bunny on that score.

Silpa Shah

Reviewed January 2024

Pura Vida!

The trip was a melange of nature, activity, adventure, culture, history, economics, lushness, the smells, the sounds and much much more. Mind blowing. Get involved in everything. Leave nothing to chance.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everything was inspirational but the two things I most wanted happened. I saw baby turtle hatchlings and sloths. It was a great moment to see the hatchlings and safely guiding them to the sea, I felt very protective of them. We saw two varieties of sloth: 2 toed and 3 toed, amazing and how lucky. The zip line in Cloud Forest is a must, especially the Superman zip which you have to pay extra for but worth it. You're literally flying through the air, it's safe as you're fastened securely and so comfortable, and the views are amazing. It was a once in a lifetime for me as were most things in CR. Also loved the zip line in La Hacienda, hanging bridges, butterfly dome, swimming at the base of the waterfall, descending and ascending 500 steps down to/from the waterfall, chocolate tour, pineapple tour, humming bird tour, forest walks, baby turtle hatchlings, dolphin tour, swimming in the sea, thermal pools, volcanic mud pools, more waterfalls. List is endless.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I would describe Mayer as amazing, dedicated, passionate, authentic, organised, great sense of humour, peoples person, patient, kind, enthusiastic and lastly he really captured, through photos, the essence of our group and the activities we did. He's definitely the best tour lead 10/10, the worst being Michled in Jordan! He falls in the minus rating. Mayer tweaked the itinerary a couple of times which benefited us as we got to try/see things we may have otherwise missed. He also gave us enough free time to relax and reset as the tour was pretty full on.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go with the flow. Itinerary is hectic, a lot of walking but that's what you're there for. You can easily get away with wearing trainers on the tour so no need for heavy walking boots.

Lesley Szperling

Reviewed December 2023

Costa Rica Cycling

Fabulous trip led by an amazing guide Memo.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was fantastic, a great way to see and explore Costa Rica and all it has to offer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Memo was very knowledgeable and passionate about Costa Rica and keen to share information is a positive and friendly way. He had a great sense of humour, and was supportive and patient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some tough uphill sections, make sure you’re fit for the trip, that said very rewarding when you complete the cycling for the day / trip. We went in December and had fantastic weather bower it was very hot and humid so drink plenty of water !!

Lucy Wiggins

Reviewed December 2023

Christmas 2023 Walking in Andalucia

Another fantastic holiday with Exodus with so much variety during the week walking and exploring in the Andalusian region of Spain with a superb leader Michael and a good day off spent in Seville. Stayed in a wonderful farmhouse with great hosts and food. A gem of a holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Christmas Day walking in the Grazalema mountains with spectacular views and a truly outstanding area with so much ecology to take in. A truly breathtaking Experience shared with the group and leader. Secondly despite the crowds El Chorro gorge was a wonderful experience. Finally, really enjoyed walking from the Cortijo Rosario across all the olive farmland with amazing views and a lovely tapas lunch on one of the days.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael, a truly lovely person with so much local knowledge and passion for the surrounding environment. So helpful throughout the entire week and often went above and beyond to ensure we had a good trip and even planned our day off in Saville ensuring we made the most of the time experiencing the best spots to visit in the city with everything from start to finish running like clock work.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do visit Ronda on the optional afternoon activity to carry out as a very interesting place to visit.

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