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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14375 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Marin Popa

Reviewed October 2018

A fairy tale.

A very well thought program, which enabled us to have different walks every day in an area of great beauty, to see different places, such as Treviso and some smaller enchanting towns, and to enjoy some good food, wine (mostly prosecco, as in the name of the tour 😉) and local hospitality.

Our guide, Vania De Paoli, was charming, knowledgeable and indefatigable – she took care of us from early in the mornings until we come back from dinners, dealt will all the problems we had and most of all kept the atmosphere relaxed and carefree.
We will remember her smile and friendliness.

Only one disappointment – the Hotel Villa Soligo needs some modernising – new sockets (the existing ones are obsolete from the time Alberto Sordi visited it), wifi which works and better breakfast.

Most Inspirational Moment

Vania and the two bottles of Prosecco she surprised us with on top of Monte Cesen. It was the longest uphill walk and unfortunately the last. The views from the top were amazing - the mountains, the Prosecco hills and somewhere at the horizon the Venice lagoon. It felt as we were on top of the world. The free prosecco enhanced the experience 😉

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sandra Barrett

Reviewed October 2018

Fantastic Trip

We have returned from a tailormade trip to Kicheche Mara Camp in Kenya and Fumba Beach Lodge in Zanzibar.
I must congratulate Charlie Potter for his organisation and what a great trip it was.
Kicheche Mara Camp, what a fabulous place. Tents were absolute luxury, better than some hotels. The staff were ALL excellent, smiley and friendly, they couldn’t do enough for you.
This camp is in the Mara North Conservancy and I strongly believe this is the way forward for Safaris and camps.
The camp was small, just 8 tents all well spaced out with fabulous views right amongst nature itself. Wildlife frequently came into camp and you could hear their calls at night time. In the hours of darkness you were always escorted to your tents.
Each night someone goes and puts a hot water bottle in your bed whilst you are dining.
Every morning at 5.30 you are woken with a hot drink and freshly baked biscuits – each in the shape of an animal, different each day. Then when you go to the Safari vehicle there is a hot water bottle on your seat – yes this was needed some mornings.
Each evening before the meal there was a camp fire where you shared details of your day with others as well as having a drink under the stars. Also Michael gave us a thought of the day, which was always appreciated.
The food, what can I say it was 5 star, as good as any top hotel, all cooked on the premises. All the bread, biscuits and cakes were freshly done. Presentation was always excellent as was the service. Always smiles on the staff faces and the camp managers – Ray and Tony – always ate with you.
It was great when there was a celebration as all the staff took part and a cake brought out or even champagne.
Breakfasts were taken on the early morning game drive and again the food was excellent and it was a good chance to stretch your legs. Back at lunch time for another excellent meal, then afternoon tea before going out again. Then sundowners and snacks on the drive. What more could we ask. We certainly never went hungry.

The game drives were superb, we had Saruni and he was always pointing things out, spotting animals and birds and finding the necessary game to view. He was a great friendly guy always smiling and chatting with us. In fact your game drive starts from the moment you land at the airstrip.

We followed Cheetahs after an Impala, chased across the valley to watch Hyenas take a Topi down. Gazed at Lionesses with their cubs and prides playing or sleeping in the sun. Elephants tramping through the river Mara. You name it we saw it except for the Leopard, but we did try. We did see a Serval one evening, how Saruni spotted it I don’t know as they blend in so well. Lions in large numbers, giraffe, zebra, plenty of Topi, Jackal to name a few plus the great variety of birdlife which is fantastic.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were too many to mention. But arriving by small plane was superb and then being on the game drive straight away. Being made welcome as soon as we got to camp and then a welcome card on our bed as we arrived at the tent. Always made welcome by everybody. The game drives were fantastic as there weren't lots of vehicles and people blocking the views, everyone had respect for each other and would wait their turn. Being able to go off road is also an advantage especially when you want to follow cheetahs on a kill or any other animal for that matter. This is the way forward for Safaris, fewer vehicles and more chances of spotting game. The sunrises and sunsets were out of this world especially the latter when you were having sundowners. We have been lucky enough to go on quite a few safaris but this is the best yet and I don't want to go into National Parks or Reserves again, I want more Conservancies.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We didn't have a group leader as such as were travelling on our own. But Anthony met us in Nairobi and took us to the hotel, then picked us up in the morning for our flight. He met us on the way back from Zanzibar, and a good job too as our luggage had been put on the wrong plane and it took some sorting out.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For future travellers doing a dual trip I would advise NOT flying to Zanzibar from Wilson airport, go straight to Jomo Kenyatta, as it makes it easier when returning home. Also a 4hr wait which is what we had at Wilson is so boring as there is no lounge, only snacks and a boring place to be. Very disorganised especially on the International side. I wouldn't recommend flying Safari Air either. Into the Mara was fine but not going to and from Zanzibar. There was only 8 people returning to Wilson from Zanzibar and they managed to put all the luggage on the wrong plane. It was not fun waiting airside for over 2 hours for our luggage to arrive and then try and rush to check in for our flight home.

Vicki Gunner

Reviewed October 2018

A good, varied trip

Overall this was a good and varied trip. The people in the group were lovely, some were a little eccentric (but in a good endearing way). I hope to keep in touch with some people from the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The trip to the Sahara at sunrise (so beautiful and tranquil) and also sleeping under the stars (I saw 12 shooting stars). I also enjoyed the walk to the Top of Todra Gorge (seeing some three week old kids - baby goats) - the views were amazing and it was a great sense of achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was friendly, concerned for our safety and knowledgeable. I would say that he wasn't very forthcoming with volunteering information about the different places we visited (if you asked him a question he wouldn't mind answering it but as a guide I wouldn't expect him to be more proactive). On previous exodus trips the guide has spoken on the coach at length about: - what I will be happening during the day and also - has given some background to the history and religion of the country and then - when at the destination, provided us with his comprehensive knowledge of the place we were visiting. I appreciate an official guide was needed in some places. I would have appreciated some guidance on haggling/good places to buy - as when asked he never give his opinion.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There were not many opportunities to have laundry done. Take a bank card that is ease to use and ATMs and doesn't charge you as there were not many opportunities to actually go into banks/hotels and exchange money. Although you pay a single person supplement there are 4 nights out of 14 where you will need to share (whilst I didn't mind this I think it could have been made clearer). It is a level 2 fitness ensure that you can walk up a hill reasonably well - it was a gentle pace but a couple of people struggled with a gentle incline and had to go back to the hotel.

David Davis

Reviewed October 2018

Great weather equals great views

Good variety of walking on both the French and Italian sides of the Mont Blanc Massif with the added benefit of staying in a comfortable and well run catered chalet. All you have to do is turn up every day at breakfast time!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The views every day, and also the moon rise over the Aiguille as we were there during the full moon phase.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jenny was a good leader with a group of varying ability. Lots of local information and knowledge was imparted and different mountains and peaks pointed out. Practical information as to whether water could be replenished during the walk and so on was good. Yes you could come here and do the walks on your own but so much would be missed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks are not long days (in late September lots of the lift infrastructure is closed which to some degree will limit what can be done - but to no detriment of the week) but in my opinion experienced walkers will not find it challenging. At the end of the season expect the differences in temperature to be quite wide from a frost in early morning to 20+ degrees C in the afternoon. Experienced walkers will probably want to go walking on their rest day and you would have time to do the walk from the Aiguille mid lift station to the Mer de Glace via Signal Forbes and have time to visit the ice grotto, have lunch at the Hotel Montenvers and catch a train down to Chamonix if you had a late(ish) paragliding trip booked. The walk is worth it alone for the aerial view over the Mer de Glace and you get the added bonus of looking over the Chamonix Valley at mountains you have or will be walking on.

Sasha James

Reviewed October 2018

Mont Blanc Highlights review

Overall, I felt the holiday was a great experience – the walks were varied and the views we saw were breathtaking. The chalet was perfect, we were fed more than enough and the cake and the hot tub after each walk was the perfect ending to a day walking in the sun.

Most Inspirational Moment

The surrounding views, seeing Mont Blanc for the first time and of course, Lac Blanc. The treck up the mountain was definitely with it for the views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jenny was great, very knowledgeable about the surrounding areas and the mountains. It was interesting to hear all about her previous experiences up the mountains etc, however it did sometimes feel the walks were a bit rushed and that we were on a mission to get back to the chalet for 4pm. It was a shame that we spent a short while getting up the moutain, to enjoy the views for a short time, i.e. Lac Blanc.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you train and build muscle strength in your quads. Walking will seem much more comfortable when you're ascending as some steep areas can be difficult.

Kathryn Smith

Reviewed October 2018

Enjoyed every minute!

The itinerary for this trip gives a good variety of activities at a reasonably relaxed pace. We stayed in each accommodation for a minimum of 2 nights which meant there wasn’t too much packing/unpacking.

Most Inspirational Moment

The land-based whale watching was incredible. I honestly could not believe how close to shore the whales would be. The game drives were also amazing and I loved the cheeky little penguins on Boulders Beach. The botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch are worth a visit too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Justin was fab. His knowledge of the country, history, animals, birds etc was excellent and he brought it all to life by sharing details of his family life and growing up in South Africa. Justins passion and enthusiasm for his country was infectious. Watch out for his wicked sense of humour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Think about doing some of the additional activities. I did the additional game drive that was offered - very reasonable cost, we saw lots of animals and had a delicious meal included. The kayaking at Tsitsikamma was hard work but fun.

Margaret Dunn

Reviewed October 2018

No change

Gentle walks through beautiful scenery with lots of opportunities to sample prosecco!

Most Inspirational Moment

Lovely walks. Good to discover such good quality prosecco.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good leader. Good fun and well organised. Enjoyed her music on our bus journeys.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring small change for the water machine,1, 5 and 10 cents. 1 litre of fizzy water 7 cents - really nice and cold.

Doug Gossen

Reviewed October 2018

Blown away!

Our week in Croatia was a very enjoyable mix of hiking, sightseeing, socialising, food and wine. It also included perhaps a little too much adventure when the bora winds struck. On our second hike the winds, gusting at record speeds, literally blew several of us off our feet. Luckily injuries were limited to bruises and scrapes. Our leader, Zeljko Zarak, managed to get us all safely back despite road closures and emergency conditions.
Otherwise the weather was beautiful, the hikes challenging but satisfying and the companionship of the group very pleasant. Some beach time was also included, as well as historical and architectural experiences in Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar.
Zeljko provided very interesting and informative background on the history and politics of the country.
I liked the fact that dinners were on our own but also appreciated Zeljko arranging several optional meals, particularly a bean soup lunch at the midpoint of one hike and a superb dinner at a family farm in Bol. My girlfriend and I are vegan/vegetarian and were initially concerned by what we heard was a heavily meat-based diet in Croatia. But we were very pleased with the options available to us.
We were also told the hotels were very basic but all of them were excellent and each was better than the last as we moved from Dubrovnik to Bol to Starigrad and then Zadar.

Most Inspirational Moment

When adversity struck in the form of record bora winds I was impressed with the way the group pulled together, helping my girlfriend and I with first aid for our bumps, scrapes and shock. And our leader, Zeljko Zarak, kept everyone together, safe and calm. He got us into a sheltered space and then shepherded us to a nearby inn for warm drinks and comfort while he organised transportation. This wasn't easy as this was a real emergency in that part of Croatia. We heard later about an emergency rescue for other hikers and reports of a windsurfer missing and presumed dead. All the locals said this was very early for the bora winds and that they were stronger than anything in the past 100 years. Roads were closed but Zeljko was able to arrange vans to get us safely back to our hotel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zeljko Zarak was excellent, very personable and helpful. He also provided excellent on the area, its history and politics.

Alison Stent

Reviewed October 2018

Fantastic - thoroughly recommended!

Really interesting trip. It has a great balance with plenty of cycling but still having time to explore our destinations and some time to relax too. It’s a beautiful country with friendly local people.
The hotels were generally of a good standard and although 2 were not great, they certainly weren’t awful. I appreciated that sometimes in getting from A to B you have to go through less developed areas.
I enjoyed the food immensely, especially when we went to smaller restaurants away from the hotels.

Most Inspirational Moment

The local children running out to shout hello as we cycled past. Seeing elephants in the wild was pretty magical too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It was no surprise to find out that Suresh is one of Exodus's top cycle leaders. Nothing was too much trouble for Suresh including tracking down clothes that people had left at hotels or cafes along the way! He was funny, sociable, totally in control of all aspects of the trip and I felt safe in his care. I should add that the whole team were great and always had a smile of their faces whilst looking after us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You can't underestimate how tough the heat can be. Get as fit as you can before coming on this holiday and you will get more out of it. The tuk tuks and local buses are bonkers and you need eyes in the back of your head sometimes! Cycling through busy towns was only a very small part of the cycling but I would recommend that you feel confident cycling in heavy traffic.

Mariana Kelemen

Reviewed October 2018