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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14292 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed January 2011

MARRAKECH & THE SAHARA

Overall a great trip, with the contrasts of the Sahara, the Atlas mountains & Marrakech, & some great food!

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed the whole trip, but the best bits were probably the climb up one of the Atlas mountains - fantastic views, & well worth the effort - and camel trekking to the Bedouin camp.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Muhammad was a very knowledgeable and helpful leader, with a good sense of humour! He was also very good at finding us some nice places for lunch!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We travelled in January, which is a great time to go in terms of there not being too many tourists, but it was very cold in the evenings, so I'd advise taking some extra layers if travelling in the winter! Also, our luggage didn't make the connecting flight to Ouarzazate, meaning we had to spend 3 days with only the clothes we wore on the plane & whatever was in our hand luggage! Apparently this can happen regularly, so it would be a good idea to take a few emergency clothes etc. in your hand luggage - especially as the second night is in the Bedouin camp.

Reviewed January 2011

ANTARCTICA, FALKLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA

What a fantastic trip, Falklands and Albatross, South Georgia and Penguins/Seals and Antarctica and Tabular Icebergs. This trip is a true adventure where the rewards are high and the camera is rarely away from reach. Its jaw dropping beauty will leave you wondering where else on earth can i go that will give you so many fabulous memories.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many, from Elephant Seals to King Penguins but one that i have fond memories was when sitting down just watching, not taking pictures, just sitting and watching Chinstrap Penguins. You are all told at the start of the expedition that we must respect the animals space and not cause them any distress by being to close... Keep your distance... These little guys, like the Adélie and Gentoo will waddle up so close, you could reach out and touch them. There is no fear from them, they are just so inquisitive. They melt your heart and leave you knowing this is the adventure and experience you’ve been looking for......

Thoughts on Group Leader

All Quark staff are fantastic and knowledgeable in there field of expertise from Historian to Ornithologist. All Expeditions are ran as the collective team, its the team that makes it work, no single individual, the expedition leader always gave praise to his team. Graham Charles was our expedition leader. Energetic, a mass of knowledge about polar travel and above all else he does what it takes to make this a trip that you will remember. His adventures are inspirational, his tales leave you wanting more he is a master at what he does.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect the unexpected… It does rain so take a rain cover for your camera and Lens. Always keep a spare set of batteries close to you in your jacket to keep them warm. Charge batteries every night as you will take more pictures then you can imagine. Don’t think you need an SLR with a huge lens. Penguins to Seals can be metres away, I saw great pictures from all levels of camera equipment. Its not as cold as you might think, but take plenty of layers for those days when the wind picks up and the chill factor plummets...

Reviewed January 2011

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

What an amazing experience! I dont think i would have been able to turn an ambitious dream into a successful achievement anyway near as easily if it hadnt been for Exodus!

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was fantastic from start to finish. Everyone on the trip was as inspired and dedicated as myself to achieve their goal, and the support and guidance from Exodus and their associate climbing company was second to none! Although the sight of Kibo getting closer every day was motivation enough! The sunrise at Gilmans point, with the encouragement from our climb leader, was the drive needed to successfully reach Uhuru and celebrate with my team!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader and all of the guides of the African Walking Company, used by Exodus for the actual climb, were friendly, supportive, full of information and very aware of our individual needs to stay safe and healthy throughout the whole trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ask lots of questions, and listen to the advice of the guides! Although the climb was not physically challenging because it is a long, slow, steady ascent, coping with the altitude was the hardest aspect of the climb. Drinking lots and lots (and lots) of water is vital to reduce the headaches that feel like they would make your head explode! Diamox and Ginko tablets were taken as a precaution and I felt they did help. Oh, and only take what you will need as a minimum in your day pack.... carrying 3-4 litres on top of waterproofs, jumpers, snacks and other "just in case"'s makes for a much harder walk....

Reviewed January 2011

CYCLING CUBA

the trip exceeded my expectations! The food was good, the support was excellent, the hotels were better than I was expecting. The tour ran smoothly and timings were good. I liked the variety of the tour too, it was more than just a cycling tour! I will travel again with Exodus. Thank you for a great time. Anne Johnson

Most Inspirational Moment

Wouldn't say there was a"moment" it was all enjoyable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carlos was good, well organised and flexible to the needs of the group. I think he did a good job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

no not really, all our needs were catered for

Reviewed January 2011

A TASTE OF CUBA

I had an absolutely amazing trip – lots of sun, salsa dancing and mojitos in fantastically historical and cultural settings

Most Inspirational Moment

Best place I went to has to be Trinidad with its manana attitude, sun, nightlife and beautiful setting...am even thinking of taking a career break and going back there for a while...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader had amazing knowledge of the country, its culture, history and society and whatever we asked him he had an answer dotted witrh personal stories. He was a lot more open than I was expecting...and was a great slasa dancer...

Advice for Potential Travellers

None really, just expect the unexpected and the lower the expectations the more you will be blown away

Reviewed January 2011

CYCLING CUBA

Cycling Cuba was the best way to explore this incredible country. The cycling is perfect for any level and organized exceptionally well !! Cuba is the beauty and the beast : I did find Cuba beautiful and ugly , so much to learn , to see , a different world from a different time !

Most Inspirational Moment

Riding along the coasts and cycling through Sierra Madre and country side . Visiting farm houses and being their guests in their simple houses and live style . Trinidad is a magical place and I loved the music at Casa Trova in Santiago . Cuba is colorful rich in culture, music, art , simple things that we take for granted in our countries are very precious over there !! ( an example :toilet paper, ice cream ..)

Thoughts on Group Leader

The best way to be really helpful sometimes is to be there without imposing yourself to the group ! Sometimes it's best to lessen more then talk. That's the best advise I can give him... but it was fun to meet a real Cuban, BIG ego w BIG personality and a BIG love for life, sport and WOMEN !!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, bring your anti pollution mask !! Cuba has very little traffic ,it's great for cycling but ironically the few ancient trucks and cars create a huge cloud of black smoke that get straight in to your longs , even in the middle of the country side !! Strongly recommended !

Reviewed January 2011

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - LEMOSHO ROUTE

This was the most amazing adventure of a lifetime. Yes climbing to the summit was extremely tough both physically and mentally, not least because you have 50% less exygen to breathe in due to the altitude. Guide ratio best on mountain. Porters brilliant. Food, exactly what was required.

Most Inspirational Moment

Most inspirational moment has to be reaching Stella Point. The feeling of elation, the relief that you're finally at the summit produced tears for us all. Also loved climbing Barranca Wall. Also the climb down and up to Kerranga camp was tough but a huge relief when we finally arrived up at camp. Knowing that I could easily achieve these challenges gave me a huge confidence boost.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Makeke was a good leader. He gave concise, clear briefings on the day ahead's challenge; but he was occassionally economic with the timings. But the trip notes were the same. Ie. it says on day one that you will enjoy a 2 - 3 hour gentle walk through woodland. It took us 5 hours due to heavy rainfall causing the path to be like a quagmire. When the guides set off you may think that you are going far too slowly but trust in your leader that he knows what he is doing. Conserve your energy and you will have a more enjoyable experience.Makeke was a good communicator and his words will always ring in my ears: "The weather in Kili is unpredictable".

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't take a shewee. It doesn't work. Do take a pack of cards for when you arrive in camp and you're all in the mess tent drinking tea. Our guides loved playing Cheat! Always listen to your guides and be truthful with how you're feeling. Don't be macho and think you'll be alright! They will do what they can to get you up to the top but you need to be honest if they're going to help you. Do take lots of snacks, especially chocolate. If you have any left over (make sure you do), the porters love it. Don't go thinking you'll have food like you're used to at home. The porridge tastes different but it is excellent fuel so mask the taste if you don't like it with either Cadbury's drinking chocolate (supplied), brown sugar (supplied) or honey (supplied). DRINK LOADS!! Can't emphasise that enough. It will help with altitude sickness. Also in addition to your platypus/camelbak have 2 extra water bottles. On summit night your tube from your water will freeze but you need to keep drinking. Use Nuun rehydration tablets (or similar) and put them in both extra water bottles. Place these upside down on the outside of you backpack. The top of the bottle will freeze first so you will be able to drink from the upside down end. Ladies take lots of tissues (and hand sanitiser) and have them as easily accessible as they can be; I used a bumbag.

Reviewed January 2011

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

A clean and pleasant hotel in a picturesque town set within the stunning landscape of the Dolomites. Good transport links gave us easy access to various skiing areas and picturesque walks if you need a rest from the skis.Our party was made up of beginners and experienced skiers – we were in the beginners group.

Most Inspirational Moment

Skiing on virgin tracks through the woodland early one morning. For my wife it was walking through deep snow, high on the mountain on a day off

Thoughts on Group Leader

Heather was patient, fun, friendly. She kept us going with enthusiastic encouragement when we had doubts about our ability but also knew when we'd had enough. Also on the trip was Albert, who took the grade two skiers and was a font of knowledge regarding the local walks.Both leaders were good company in the evenings and fostered a good group atmosphere.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Quite a strenuous sport for beginners which will probably result in a few knocks and bruises. If you decide it's not for you or suffer an injury, there are plenty of beautiful, well marked walks in the area and other towns to visit so the week will not be wasted. It's very informal, so no need for dressy clothes (and the hotel dining room was very warm)

Reviewed January 2011

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

We had a wonderful holiday, with exciting skiing through beautiful scenery, in perfect sunny conditions.

Most Inspirational Moment

We skied along an undulating trail high up on a plateau, with the sun blazing in a deep blue sky. There were fields of giant ice crystals on the snow, 3inches in height, looking like intricate leaves or feathers, and as the sun caught them they shone all the colours of the rainbow. Magic! (And impossible to photograph well!)The trail down from this plateau was 6 1/2 km in length, and although not steep, we had to snowplough continuously. The group spaced out a lot, with the speedies in front and the more cautious behind. I was in the middle and found myself seemingly alone skiing through the most picturesque mountain scenery. I loved it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert was an excellent leader. He was very conscious of what the group wanted, and he devised the daily itineraries to suit every member of our group, each day building up our abilities and confidence. Those who did not want to ski too far had options to catch buses back at various points, and he was willing to extend the daily skiing until the light failed for us keenies. I felt I could trust his judgement of what to tackle or not, and he took us on exciting routes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Build up your stamina before you tackle cross country skiing, by doing lots of walking, running, cycling or swimming.You'll be needing lots of energy, so that's a good excuse to sample the delicious cakes of the region, and the hot chocolates with cream that are so thick that you have to use a spoon!

Reviewed January 2011

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

Level 1 cross country skiing week – good teaching and group progressed well. Varying terrain, some easy, other parts challenging. Always option to walk past a section if too challenging. Hotel good with plenty of well cooked food and five course dinner each evening.

Most Inspirational Moment

Skiing at 2000 metres in excellent conditions on a sunny day with not a cloud in the sky.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Catered well for all abilities. Most of the routes crossed bus routes at several points so there were several options per day for taking bus back to hotel if wanted and allowing others to ski further.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pre holiday fitness to a moderate standard makes the course easier to manage and more enjoyable.

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