Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a lot of good moments on the trip. The ones that particularly stand out are: climbing Lion Rock, white water rafting and the Temple of the Tooth ceremony. Also, we enjoyed the cave temples at Dambulla and the optional boat ride through mangrove swamps.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nalaka was a lovely chap who got everyone smiling. Douglas, our driver, and Amal, the Driver’s Assistant, were both excellent too. Nalaka was very caring and dealt with any issues promptly and effectively. He made us aware of the need to be courteous to hotel staff and the beach ladies at the Insight Resort; many of the staff are boys from local farms who are doing their best to be helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Insect repellent isn’t listed under Essential Equipment in the Trip Notes, but you need to take some. Binoculars aren’t listed either, and these are very useful for the wildlife trips. Horton Plains: the walk is harder than it sounds, it’s partly on uneven ground and involves some ascents and descents. We were fine, but a couple of people in our group really struggled and ended up missing lunch and nearly missing the train too. Whale watching: we paid a bit extra to have a private boat just for the group and this was well worth it. The boat pitches and rolls quite a lot out once out at sea and we recommend you take sea sickness pills. The cycle ride was good fun, easy going on level ground, but do take time at the start to find a bicycle that suits you both in the height and length of frame – some are more adjustable than others. Lastly, we found some of the hotel bathroom and shower floors were very slippery – take care!

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on the top of Jebel Aklim with panoramic views and a picnic lunch.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing your first tiger in the wild is amazing. I still don't know how our driver spotted him driving at 20 kmh & seeing him through the brush. The Tiger was 30 foot in the brush & just watched us as we took photographs. My digital camera struggled to auto focus (Did eventually & great photos) so I would advise anybody else to have knowledge of focusing methods for there camera. I certainly had to read the manual.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Vijay Chansoria & he war brilliant. Honestly he couldn't do enough for the whole party. His knowledge of wildlife was amazing, especially birds.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you go on this trip in February then wrap up warm for the morning game drives as it is very cold for the first 2 hours.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a sloth crawling along behind the beach in Cahuita, we stood and watched while he unsteadily clambered up the tree and around the branches. A lovely meal in a restaurant right on the beach that evening made for a fantastic day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jorge was extremely knowledgeable and amazing at spotting things. His knowledge of birds was incredible. He was always there if we needed anything and provided information constantly about the wildlife, the country and the activities. He was well-planned and organised, everything went like clockwork -if we were meeting a driver, he was always there waiting for us, if we were meeting a boat it was there without us having to wait in the heat. Checking in and out of the hotels was done extremely speedily, and you overall just couldn't fault him as a group leader he was fantastic!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take binoculars, take insect repellent, take a hat, take a torch, pack as light as you can and have a case with wheels as you are often moving your case about yourself to/from rooms and boats. Don't expect that you will be on your own with wildlife. Costa Rica is popular. There are many boats doing the same thing in Tortugero, the walk in Cahuita NP is a family stroll with lots of people around (everyone looking slightly puzzled that we were in walking boots, hiking trousers and rucksacks when they were all going past in bikinis and flip flops), the Osa peninsula is not wilderness any more, there were lots of other small groups doing the walking trails, and several other boat-loads of people snorkelling and having lunch on the beach. But the wildlife is still incredible.

Most Inspirational Moment

Whilst Bangkok, Ankor Wat, Seim Reap, Phnom Penh, Mekong Delta & Saigon are certainly places to tick off a ''must visit'' list, some of the cycling through villages, stopping at local establishments & the general friendliness of the locals was equally inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rit was brilliant, as were the local guides who assisted in Cambodia & Vietnam. The bus drivers were always where they should have been & the cycle support team were very supportive! We appreciated the Exodus leaders more so after joining another trip with another company immediately after this & had a very poor, disinterested leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We would both consider ourselves fit despite being in our 60's. However don't underestimate the first three days; 28 miles, 55 miles then 52 miles is quite a challenge especially in warm conditions, fresh onto a new bicycle. Put the miles in before you go & you'll benefit. DEFINITELY take cycling shorts!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling with relative ease through the crazy Indian towns. The friendly waves as we cycled along. Seeing the sights, sounds and smells of the Indian culture. Swimming in the hotel pools and Indian Ocean. Coping relatively easily with Indian food. Getting on so well with my group The lovely warm weather.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joseph was perfect. He was very patient. There were various dietary and other issues for him to cope with. He always told us about the Indian culture and food. He would stop along the road and showed us various fruits growing. The back up crew, Bevan, a young lad at the back and Franglin our driver who never gave way for anyone!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to see India and have a relatively gentle cycle ride too, this is absolutely perfect. There is plenty of down time to swim or take it easy. The homestay and houseboat were both an experience. The week just flew by unfortunately. Before I knew it we were saying our farewells and on the flight home.

Most Inspirational Moment

I was simply captivated by the stunning scenery everywhere you look but have a few favourite living creatures that we saw. The sight of three male Quetzels was sensational in the early morning light, I loved the tiger heron, the pelicans, especially twenty or so flying in formation as well as the Toucans and humming birds that flit from tree to tree but there were so many splendid species, in glorious colours, it is hard to single them out. The whole trip is wonderful and I would not hesitate in recommending it to anyone that is wavering.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Edward Sanchez (Eduardo) who I would be at a loss to fault and I am not a novice on group tours and their leaders and can be a stern but constructive critic. His organisation, incredible knowledge of every aspect of his country and the wildlife, his excellent English with a fantastic sense of humour, not to mention his enthusiasm and the calm way in which he cared for each and every one of us made this holiday just one of the best, most unforgettable experiences ever. As you can tell, I loved it, every minute of it and having such an amazing leader and great driver was just the icing on the cake. Thank you so much Eduardo and Victor, a serious contender for Leader of the Year I would say!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you arrive on a Saturday, in particular, be prepared for a long haul through immigration. The organisation is not best and slow! For the trip stay well protected against the sun (although many of the walks are in the jungle shade) and mosquitoes although in our experience, in February, there didn't seem to be too many. We were also lucky, being dry season, to avoid nearly all the showers but do take or buy a poncho. I got caught out as after the first few days the locations were quite remote and no postcards were available for about a week, let alone would you want to post them, until the last day in San Jose. It was hot and I did find the humidity, for about 3 days, in the humid rain forest, quite hard to take while in one of the most magical places I have ever been. Take plenty of t-shirts as you just drip and everything takes for ever to dry.

Most Inspirational Moment

I have to name two, one travelling through Kruger and the other being in the Drakensberg

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marco was excellent, well organised, worked extremely hard to make sure all our needs were well catered for and was extremely knowledgeable about wildlife and different geology. He was ably supported by Jojo, the driver and Roman who was training. All three were absolutely great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a lot of travelling in the minibus. The trip notes make this clear but I’m mindful not everyone fully takes everything in. Also, some of the walking is quite strenuous on uneven ground and involves some scrambling over boulders, river crossings so make sure you have appropriate sturdy footwear.

Most Inspirational Moment

All walks were good and reaching the peaks were a highlight, Bonnerhutte 2340m,and Durrakopf 2275m,

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was great very experienced and interesting to learn from. She works very hard to ensure all have a great holiday

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try to do some hill walks to prepare

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to choose. The final days cycling through the lagoons and monkey puzzles. The incredible views on the seven lakes road, and the climb into Argentina with a beautiful lakeside hotel at the end of the day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex was brilliant. Endlessly cheerful and enthusiastic and attentive to all our needs. A real asset to exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I loved the off road sections but I’m not sure that everyone did. Although most of the trip is on paved roads of good quality, to enjoy the cycling to the fullest extent, be prepared for some bumpy, gravelly and loose surfaces, especially when climbing.