Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

This is a tricky one, too many moments... the trekking was beautiful and exhilarating at every turn, especially as this was the first trip since the virus outbreak so some trails required a man and a machete - I felt very intrepid. Madurai and it's incredible temple complex was stunning, jostling and serene all at once, the slow churn along the Backwaters a golden treat and the people - so calm, cheerful and welcoming even in the tightest of motoring spots. Ooh and the wild elephants and mongooses, all a bit special really.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were blessed with San (Santosh Kumar) a top leader and top fixer of a man. We never had to ask for anything, he was always 3 steps ahead correctly anticipating and organising everything to make the trip interesting and memorable. He lead us with intelligence, integrity, generosity and good humour, loving to impart his vast knowledge of India and Keralan culture in particular. Plus his use of the English language would put most of us to shame. I must also mention his selection and support of the local guides who were all terrific (carrying and serving our delicious lunches up and down hills each day) and our splendid camping crew and patient, giggly driver Bijou - all a delight

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just to read and re-read all the Exodus blurb and take everything suggested, they know what they're on about. Also why not try to go without paper sometimes, the water method is pretty efficient once you get the hang of it.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many great moments. Cycling through rural communities in the middle of the country, enjoying the scenery and exchanging "hola" with the locals felt really good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto is an excellent leader. He is warm, friendly, fun and very efficient. His briefings are very clear - he uses WhatsApp to communicate details of the day on the evening before the cycling and then verbally explains things each morning before you set off . Each day he put an elevation plot for the route on the side of the bus. This has planned stops marked. I loved this as I knew where I'd have to put a bit of hard work into the pedalling. Everything went very smoothly but this is because he has everything so well organised and anticipates your needs in advance of you realising. Nothing was too much trouble. He has excellent knowledge of the country and imparts this is an interesting way. He's a real ambassador for Costa Rica. Gracias, Roberto!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You'll get hot at times cycling so will need to do some laundry: After 1 week there are laundry facilities at the hotel. Use this - they charge by the kg , not per item. It's good value. Take a plug for the sink as there aren't any in most hotels Don't attempt to wash clothes in a hotel which hasn't got air conditioning, it won't dry overnight (NB most hotels do have air conditioning)

Most Inspirational Moment

Marble Mountain was mentioned by many on the trip as an unforgettable place to visit with great views and caves. For the less willing there is a lift plus stairs and for the more able you can walk all the way to the top.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Tuyen was a really likeable guy who was always willing and helpful. He took care of all requests however trivial and tried very hard to ensure all guest were comfortable and had what they needed. If people wanted to explore sites on their own he ensured they knew when and where to meet up afterwards. He looked after the group very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, you do need a modicum of fitness to do this tour but not so much as you might fear. There were all ages in the group and everyone always found a way, even me! Clothing ? travel light and if you do find yourself needing an item of clothing, don't overpack your suitcase! prices in Vietnam are very very affordable

Thoughts on Group Leader

We immediately clicked with Paul. His number one priority was delivering on the premium experience advertised. He worked tirelessly with our local guides to find wildlife and predict their behaviors, getting us into so many great photo opps. As as added bonus, Paul is also health conscious and led daily pilates classes and hill climbs that anyone could join. We won't hesitate to join Paul on more adventures in the future.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Leave time for Exodus to confirm your reservation. We booked last minute and didn't realize there would be a delay between booking the trip (which we paid in full online) and actually confirming our spaces. That caused a lot of stress since we had other last minute details to organize. Avoid the stress by booking farther in advance. If you have the means to do it, consider adding a few extra days onto the trip, either in the camps or back in Nairobi. The trip was action packed and the days were long. Next time we'll add in a little more time for R&R at the beginning or end.

Most Inspirational Moment

Feeling like an arctic explorer walking through the elements! The reward was beautiful views. We also went to we an outstanding hut on the second day which had homemade beef goulash soup (the tastiest soup I’ve ever had!) and apple strudel with vanilla cream. Don’t miss out!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide, Jenny, had a lovely approach. She was always there if you needed her and she was always very aware of how we all were, without being intrusive. She was a true professional with a fun side. We felt safe the whole time and trusted her completely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy being part of a group. We pretty much stuck together and it made it more enjoyable. Take a couple of pairs of gloves, I only took one warm waterproof pair but wish I’d taken a glove liner or thinner pair too. Also take your own poles if you have them. Always listen to the guide’s advice! Going at your own pace is key, snowshoeing is hard work and your body has to adapt to it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The friendliness of the local people was so heartwarming - everyone was preparing for Chinese new year and there was an air of celebration with coloured flags, bunting and flowers everywhere - such lovely colours. Cycling through the little villages in the Mekong Delta was wonderful and watching the locals going about their daily lives. Some honest and insightful discussions with the local guides helped us all learn more about these cultures / countries. Really enjoyed browsing through local markets and having opportunity to sample local delicacies such as deep fried Tarantula, silk worm, locusts, frogs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rit was absolutely wonderful - he is a warm, calm, friendly, organised person who worked extremely hard to make sure we had the best time. He helped us to negotiate our way across the two borders, took care of communication with hotels on arrival, took us to great restaurants serving local food, and liaised with local cycling teams and guides to make sure things ran smoothly. He is polite, kind and respectful and just a very nice person.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cycling more of a way of reaching places than particularly hard work- the terrain is completely flat so don't expect anything too challenging. A couple of longish days but much easier cycling than other trips we have done rated the same difficulty. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date, I was bitten by a dog (the pet of a local child) so needed antibiotics and 2 follow up rabies jabs but Rit and local guides were on hand to help get this sorted. There are quite a few days of visiting temples so bring suitable respectful lightweight clothing. Take care to avoid salads washed in potentially contaminated water and some re-heated buffet food at hotel breakfasts, check ice in drinks is safe. Compared with some other Exodus cycling trips there was a lot of skilled support from Cycling teams with excellent brand new bikes. Safety was paramount with them stopping the traffic whenever we reached a junction!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me, given that it was a cycling trip the highlight was cycling up and over the hill to Nuwara Eliya- a height of around 1,850 metres.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was an amazing guide and exceptionally good at his job. His attention to detail, organisational and social skills and his ability to deal with and anticipate the needs of every group member were over and above anything I have experienced on other trips. He gave the impression that he knew every individual we came across and he enabled us to have a feel for the local lifestyles, food and culture everywhere we went.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do visit Sri Lanka and don’t be put off by the recent problems. The country is keen to welcome tourists once again and it’s people will go out of their way to make visitors’ experience enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cape of good hope nature reserve and walk so beautiful and we saw whales unexpectedly great ride back downhill as well.

Thoughts on Group Leader

They were beyond helpful, funny attentive aware of our safety excellent mechanics and driving and mediated with local accommodation and places to eat . Excellent cycling leadership Bradley and Ado were outstanding ... they also put up with and showed the patience of saints with one person who was extremely challenging and difficult throughout. They listened to us all the time and responded with care and thoughtfulness and provided lots of context to our trip in terms of questions and knowledge of the area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

yes you must be able to ride a bike...... a fabulous trip was marred by one person who could not ride a bike but insisted on trying to the point where we were often really late and hot as a result of waiting and made it difficult for our leaders.

Most Inspirational Moment

Chobe, seeing lions eating a kill in the early morning game drive. Elephants crossing the river again in Chobe. Getting up close to severla rhinos in Mtobo on foot and Victoria Falls.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide seemed a bit distant at times and was not too concerned about the well being of the group. The safari trip in Mtobo is quite long and hot. Despite taking our own water it soon ran out and the local guide had only a small supply. The Exodus guide had been on this trip before an knew the situation but failed to brief us to take more or ensure enough water was available.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suitable convertor for South Africa plug sockets required. The general populace are nice and friendly, but very poor, so tip heavy! Take the flight over Victoria Falls. Take more water at Mtobo! Consider just a safari in Botswana as that seemed to have the best wildlife as this trip falls short.

Most Inspirational Moment

Ploughing through snowy weather to reach a mountain hut serving the best goulash I've ever tasted.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jenny was excellent. She was an attentive, caring guide who was very much a part of the group throughout.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have your own walking poles, bring them. There are plenty to borrow, but they are not height adjustable.