Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There were quite a few, but a clear highlight was walking through the sun lit Sun Gate then witnessing the majestic Machu Picchu hovering in the distance. After a hard few hours trekking on the Inca Trail, words fail to describe what it was like seeing it for the first time as you end up looking at it in stunned silence. No one was really talking, they were just looking at Machu Picchu, taking pictures but mostly just sitting trying to take it all in. Walking around Machu Picchu, seeing the scale of the construction throughout the valley and other Inca sites along the trail and around Cusco with its history, really helped put it in context. Kayaking through the mangroves to then have a friendly sea lion pop up, playfully swim around the boat - just as interested in me as I was of him. Being eyeball to "bright blue" eyeball with a flightless cormorant whilst on the rib, up close to Galapagos penguins on land and in the sea and snorkelling with thousands of fish, gigantic turtles and dragon-like marine iguanas - happily munching on seaweed under water.

Thoughts on Group Leader

In Peru we had Will, who was friendly, enthusiastic and keen to help us sample Peru in the short time we had there. We were only a small group of 5 people, it made for a great dynamic and fun time. In Machu Picchu, we had Tina as our guide on the Inca Trail and around the site itself for the second day. She was great fun, vast knowledge of Peru, wildlife and the history of Machu Picchu. In Ecuador, we had Raul who taught us the history of Ecuador and showed us the delights of the old town in Quito - highlight was the Basilica with its epic stained glass and views across the city. In the Galapagos our naturalist guide was Juan, extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, well organized and a please to talk too. He also does a good turn with the guitar! As always the guides were fantastic and really helped us understand their countries, helping us "experience" rather than just feel we were "just visiting".

Advice for Potential Travellers

When booking , ask to do the one day Inca Trail. It was a tough walk but seeing Winay Wayna on the way to Machu Picchu was great and physically experiencing the landscape really enforces the emotion you will feel seeing Machu Picchu for the first time. If you can do it, don't miss out! In September, if you want to snorkel, try to take your own mask for a good fit and basic wetsuit gloves and rash vest if suffer from cold. We did have wetsuits from the boat. Take ear plugs as the boat is not exactly quiet when chugging along (especially at night).

Most Inspirational Moment

There were lots of stand out moments but if we have to pick one it would be the game walks in the Okavango Delta. There were so many animals (hippos and elephants mainly) just a few minutes from our camp. The whole journey to get to the wild camp was peaceful and a fantastic way to build up the anticipation of visiting this magical environment, drifting along the waterways being steered by our poler. Even though we saw Vic Falls in the dry season this was still absolutely spectacular. I had originally considered a trip just to Botswana but I'm really glad I chose this combination trip instead, seeing the rhinos and the falls in Zim. We had also considered seeing the falls from Zambia - its way better from the Zimbabwe side.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adonia (Ado) was great fun and made a real effort to get the group to gel together. He was open and realistic about his homeland (Zim) whilst passionate about its future. He had already done this tour 4 times this year before my trip, yet his delivery was fresh and his enthusiasm for what we would see and how much we would come to love both countries matched ours. Ado told us about the painted dog sanctuary and given how unlikely it is you will see one in the wild, the group wanted to visit. It was really interesting, and we all agreed it should feature on the official trip. The food he cooked for us in the Delta was great, and he tried really hard to cater for everyone's preferences. It was clear that giving us the best possible experience from the holiday was his number one priority. That was also true of our driver, Sefiso, who helped with booking up trips and told us where to get some great Biltong.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to be more "off grid" than most other holidays - electricity and wifi don't often coincide with free time. Buy plenty of water before visiting Matopo as the lodge there is pretty remote and only had tap water Buy a south african plug adapter (not part of a universal adaptor) Take something to read when you pack your small bag for the O Delta - this part of the trip does have a reasonable amount of free time, and not a lot to do between game walks

Most Inspirational Moment

The topography and vegetation of the Val d'Orcia. I fell in love with the cypress trees. The famous winding road lined with cypress. The history of the Etruscans, and learning of Iris Origo's recounting of the war in Val d'Orcia.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Stefano was available, knowledgeable and very personable!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a lot of walking, you need good walking shoes, a hat and insect repellent!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking The Path of the Gods, justifiably the most famous walk on the Amalfi Coast, taking in terraced vineyards and historic towns along the way, with fantastic photo opportunities framed by the dazzling views of the Tyrrhenian Sea .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Veriano was the ideal leader, a popular local lad whose unbounded enthusiasm, knowledge of the area and easy manner engaged and relaxed the group, who gelled from day one, sharing in Veriano's love of the landscape and delight in the scents of the region's wild herbs and the size, taste and many uses of the lemons. Fresh lemonade complemented our packed lunches, and a demonstration of limoncello making (with tasting) preceded our last dinner, at the end of which Veriano gave us all a glass of his excellent home-made lemon liqueur. That evening was enlivened by a song and a poem members of the group had written for our group leader, eloquent testimony to the esteem in which we all held a man with humour, willingness to join in the fun (including singing sessions) and commendable professionalism and empathy in charge of the safety and wellbeing of a disparate group of walkers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Before you book, read the trip notes about the number of steep steps which need to be negotiated if you have dodgy knees.

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely making it to the summit 20 mins before sunrise.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lachen was terrific. Always a smile of his face but always looking after us and making sure everything was ok. His pace management on the last 1000 metres in the dark getting to the summit was very good and allowed everyone (range of fitness levels) to make it to the summit. Terrific guy.

Most Inspirational Moment

I thought it would be Petra but I think that was pipped by being in Wadi Rum by a fire, drinking Jordanian coffee and being able to converse with a Bedouin man who had lived through such a period of change.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely outstanding. The experience was totally enhanced by his knowledge and passion about the history and culture. Great sense of humour and Mouyad worked tirelessly to ensure that we had the best possible experience. It was my first trip with Exodus and I will be amazed if I encounter another guide as good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you go in August, don’t bother with walking boots. I didn’t wear mine because it was too hot.

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming face to face with a family of gorillas after a lengthy hike into the depths of the forest following our trekkers who were cutting down undergrowth with machetes ahead of us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Robert and Sam were amazing and bent over backwards to give us this wonderful experience. They managed to spot wildlife whilst driving along and their knowledge of animals and birds was second to none. They were great ambassadors for their country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take toys eg balls and primary school equipment so that they can be given to the local schools that you might visit as they genuinely have no resources at all.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many wonderful moments but I guess I enjoyed the achievement of getting to the peaks and seeing the far reaching views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sarah is the best one yet !!!! (And they have all been good). She appears casual and laid back but in reality she is extremely well organised and anticipated our every need before we even knew we had one !!! Everything was well prepared and explained in a good manner........plus she didn't just expect us to remember it all...........she pre-prepared information for us to use. Even on our day off she took it upon herself to make sure we had everything we needed.........even buying our train tickets in advance, giving us an excellent timetable and booking taxis and evening meals. Nothing was forgotten. But above all of these things Sarah is a woman who's heart and soul is in these mountains and activities and she dearly wants to share it all with us and make sure we enjoy every moment. She is extremely professional and very careful. Indeed a lovely lady..........our Wonder Woman !!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take note of the Exodus grading for this trip. It is a Grade 3. Top end Grade 3 I would say, having done a few. As far as I know the grading system is not 1 - 10 as I believe a lot of people sometimes think (and sometimes get caught out). So, rather than 3 being below halfway on a 1 - 10 grading, I think, maybe, this trip should be thought of as a 3 between, say, 1 - 5. A good moderate trip. (Just my opinion). It's a great holiday to do. Go for it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The vistas were beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was the best !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruben es perfect. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Armando was a big help, too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to experience the REAL countryside (not just the stuff for tourists) try Exodus Cycling expeditions.