Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

In general, seeing all the wildlife reclaiming their habitat and allowing us to walk amongst them without fear after the near genocide that our kind had inflicted on them, e.g. standing on high ground overlooking the massive colony of King penguins in St. Andrew's Bay on South Georgia was quite overwhelming. The first of many such experiences on the trip. Paddling in silence amongst the ice bergs and up close to wildlife.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The Quark Expedition Leader was excellent. His experience and constant monitoring of the weather conditions meant that the programme could be adjusted to ensure safe activities everyday. This would not have been possible without the the captain's advice and cooperation so a dream team!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Quark supplied footwear and clothing was of excellent quality and suitability. As it was my first trip with Quark, I was cautious about quality so I brought my own, which meant that my luggage was over the 15 kg limit for the internal flight and so had to pay excess baggage on one of the flights. I will trust Quark supplied footwear and clothing in future.

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing coastline in Tsitsikamme with a fabulous view from the room. Fabulous game drive in Lesotho. Cape Town's Robben Island.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Lots of knowledge and always striving to give us the best experience. He was with us all the time and never left the group. Also an excellent chef and very hard working.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not a trip for you if you don't like long journeys on dreadful roads. Difficult for vegetarians and vegans as it is a big meat eating country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Game drives.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A very experienced group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

January was very hot and humid. Very pleased with accommodation just make sure you have head torches and spare batteries because SA is suffering from regular power cuts throughout the country with no resolution in the near future. Having said that most accommodation have back up generators but expect to be in the dark from time to time. Most places also have WiFi when the power is on. Some roads are more pot hole than road but the all terrain vehicle and excellent driver made it a great experience. Just be aware, parts of Capetown have a problem with petty crime.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wildlife

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely 1st class a credit to her country

Advice for Potential Travellers

Glenda our guide was extremely professional and had amazing knowledge of the wildlife and fauna she united our group and became a friend to all of us for life I would definitely like to go again if she was our guide,and a mention to Charlie our driver who was a very safe and accommodating driver they made a great team

Most Inspirational Moment

We were part of a group of fourteen, and it was a pleasant surprise to find that all group members were completely co-operative with the leader and arrangements, and that the group gelled perfectly. The friendship, rapport and empathy within our group exceeded our expectation.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Andre Pontes, was excellent. He was a great character, and provided much interesting and useful commentary on the walks, covering history, geography, geology, and even extending to some recipe hints. He was very entertaining company, concentrating on our safety and welfare in the walks at high level, and provided much useful information for us to make use of on the rest day. His local knowledge led us to excellent restaurants and cafes for refreshments and meals during the walks and in the evenings. He had a good and expressive use of English.

Advice for Potential Travellers

At this time of year be prepared for a chance of heavy rain at high levels, as well as for more gentle conditions generally. Most shops / cafes etc take bank cards but smaller shops and cafes, particularly in the countryside, may only take cash (Euros). English is widely spoken to a good standard, which we found helpful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Best leader evet

Most Inspirational Moment

There were two of us, so we have two. One was reaching the top of the 20km climb to Nuwar Eliya, which is a really challenging climb on a bike and the other was our visit to Buddhuruwugala where there are several statues of Buddha carved into the rock. Climbing the Lion Rock was also an excellent experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was simply excellent - a hugely experienced tour guide and worked tirelessly to ensure we all had a great trip. He was incredibly knowledgeable about Sri Lanka and its history, and the challenges it currently faces. He dealt with all the issues and it was excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go on this trip if you have the chance!

Most Inspirational Moment

Ha Long Bay, Cu Chi tunnels, Marble Mountain, small, local cottage industries.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanh Vu in Vietnam was an exceptional leader. He was informative, considerate and attentive. He ensured that the needs of all the group members were met, whether dietary needs or activity preferences. He was always on hand to offer advice and we felt very well cared-for and respected. We were with Theavy in Cambodia for only a short time. She was very knowledgeable about the temples at Angkor Wat. , however, she was not as attentive or readily available to solve problems, i.e. delayed flight home and its impact on taxi arrangements.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of insect repellent for the mosquitos! Although we were advised that it would be cool in the north in January, the temperature was in the low- to mid- 20s. Take US dollars in larger denominations as this will enable you to obtain a better exchange rate with the local currency. Also be warned - in Cambodia, old, dirty or torn dollar notes are not accepted (or some will accept them at a discounted value).

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling the final 11 miles through beautiful countryside reflecting on just how good this trip had been. I had a real sense of satisfaction and achievement of completing the cycling, tinged with a little regret that we were now, sadly, reaching the end of this memorable trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding! I've been on a number of Exodus trips and generally found the guides to be of a very high standard but Roberto is up there with the very best. He kept us all informed and his support and guidance was always excellent. He ensured we all had anything we needed and had great systems for ensuring we were always focused on simply enjoying our trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware January is very hot, although the cycling is managed accordingly. Bring plenty of sun cream, bug spray and keep hydrated.

Most Inspirational Moment

Meeting a local family and visiting their home Seeing Leopards in the wild Having a family dinner served in banana leaves The abundance of wildlife

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was outstanding and for sure has spoilt us for future trips! His passion and enthusiasm for his country, his humour and banter with the group, his organisational skills, his numerous "little extra touches" - all of this meant that the trip was truly stress free and hugely enjoyable. He even arranged our transport for us when we were travelling onward after the trip and checked that we were safely arrived home at the end of our holiday. I cannot imagine how anyone could be better which is a real challenge for the poor leader when we go on another tour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take sterling cash with you as much easier to change than using card and incurring excessive costs. 3-pin plugs always available so no need for plug adaptors Mosi repellent an absolute must!