Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14469 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed November 2014

Walking the Great Wall (TCW)

A very enjoyable trip and a good mixture of culture/history and walking. All done at a nice, comfortable pace that does leave you with some time to do your own things or, otherwise, relax.

Most Inspirational Moment

I'm going to have to be very unoriginal and say that it was seeing The Wall from many different vantage points and in many different states. It really is an extraordinary sight and the amount of work and material that it must have taken to build is truly mind-boggling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was named Jerry and he was excellent (he and "Kevin" - the guide other reviewers refer to - must be in some sort of competition to see who can be the best guide imaginable). He's quite a character and was always full of energy and enthusiasm. He has a talent for spin (turning any (minor) negative into a positive in the blink of an eye) and, definitely, the gift of the gab (LOL!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

(1) As other reviewers have stated, if you like coffee, take some with you (I took 10 of those disposable perc coffee things and I was very glad of them). (2) The sanitary conditions (toilets, bedding, etc.) in some of the "homestays" is pretty poor so I'd recommend taking a sleeping bag liner and pillow case (possibly even a pillow as, on a couple of occasions, the pillow I had seemed to be full of sand (honestly!) or something like that).(3) A tourist visa for China (for this or similar trips) is going to cost you about Â£110 (cost of the visa plus fees to get it processed efficiently and in a reasonable time-frame (i.e. within a few weeks)). The information provided by Exodus did state that visitors from the UK would need a visa but didn't give any indication that the cost would be so high. I had no idea the visa would cost me Â£110 (or anything resembling that) when I booked so the additional expense was an unpleasant surprise. (4) I don't cope with heat very well so, for me, going when I did (i.e. late September into early October) was ideal. I would imagine that going up some of the steeper sections in the mid-summer heat, would be very hard work. (5) If you get the chance, the acrobat show and the kung-fu show (in Beijing) are both well worth seeing.

Anonymous

Reviewed November 2014

Madagascan Discoverer

This was a brilliant trip which covered a huge amount of territory and exposed us to many different types of landscape and countryside. There were some very long drives but they were fascinating and comfortable and there were plenty of opportunities to get out and stretch our legs. The accommodation was better than expected and in places absolutely lovely, and generally the food was very good, although the breakfasts were sometimes less than appealing. It was easy to buy good South African wine almost everywhere for dinner, and cold beer was available everywhere. We saw much more wildlife and far more lemurs of many different varieties than I had expected, and there were many good photo opportunities.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up to the sound of the Indris on the first morning and seeing them like giant teddy bears later that morning in the forest. Also going to Lemur Island and having the chance to be very close to the lemurs and feel how soft their hands and fur was and they were so gentle, absolutely delightful creatures. Achieving the climb up the Grands Tsingy was a huge achievement for me as I am terrified of heights and was very scared of the bridge, but I managed it with the help of one of the guides. It was an exhausting but very special day. The Isalo canyon was also amazing, and all the walks in the National Parks were wonderful. The kids were lovely and the people in general were beautiful, warm and friendly and seemed genuinely pleased to see us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armel was very capable and versatile, and able to deal with any problems. He was one step ahead at any time, and when one of our group injured her foot he made arrangements for her to have a special guide to do alternative short walks when we were doing long treks, which was very thoughtful. He also made sure that the people who were prone to travel sickness sat near the front of the bus because there were some very bumpy and bendy roads and organised a lady to come and give us a massage at the Lodge before we went on the Isalo walk, which was great because we were still stiff from the Tsingy. He organised lots of little treats out of the kitty and generally did everything he could to make this a great trip for us. A really good leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you can manage to go shopping in Tulear then do it because it is much better than Tana or anywhere else we stopped. Lots of really good value raffia wares and artwork as well as other touristy things. Be really careful about what you eat and drink and be very aware of hand hygiene as most of us came down with tummy troubles at some point in the trip. Take appropriate medication for diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Although we were warned about anti-malarials, if you take proper precautions with mosquito repellent it seemed that you were unlikely to be bitten. Neither my friend nor I were bitten at all throughout the trip. Keep a couple of small water bottles for the long walks rather than one big one, they are easier to carry. Take a sarong or something like that as a cover up when you are walking, You can put it over your head, over your arms or use it to pad your backpack so it doesn't rub.

Reviewed November 2014

Walking in Mallorca

This was our first experience of an Exodus holiday and we enjoyed it hugely. We did not know what to expect or if we were up to the walking. Now we know, we’ll maybe look at a higher grade next time, as it is our intention to go again. The Exodus organisation was very good and the quality of the guide excellent. If he could be faulted at all, it would be his desire to explain anything and everything Mallorcan to us. He took great pride in providing typical local picnic lunches and went out of his way to arrange authentic evening meals.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of our first major peak on the second day. Having a swim in the Med on the fourth day after a coastal walk with excellent views, especially as this was October 30th.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduard was a very good leader. We always felt safe with him and he kept us all together when it was necessary. His enthusiasm for his local island was endless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack your swimming costume. When at the Lluc monastery take a good book to read during the free time in late afternoon. Also at Lluc, try to eat your evening meal at Ernesto's restaurant at the top of the car-park - the one with the blue and white awning. If the group is of sufficient number, he can be persuaded to put on a gourmet meal at a very reasonable price.

Reviewed November 2014

A perfect mix of walking, wine tasting and sight-seeing

This was my 10th trip with Exodus in 4 years so I am already a fan and it almost provided us with what we’d hoped for. There was a good balance of walking, wine tasting and sight-seeing. The days spent in Florence, Siena and San Gimignano were not at all rushed and we had ample time to do all that we planned. It was also great to be driven in by Simon our wonderful guide. It meant that we spent very little time travelling. Villa Casalta accommodation was simple in a traditional way and our room was beautiful and very clean. We were given a very warm greeting from Roberta on our arrival and she waved us off on our departure however for the rest of the week we hardly saw her. The swimming pool was lovely to sit around but very cold to swim in during October although I did mange it one afternoon. The location is lovely with a pleasant 20 minute walk to pretty town of Castellina along a gravel road.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tuscan Wine School - great experience and learnt a lot Florence - stunning city with so much to see. I love the Galileo Museum which I'd missed on previous trips to Florence. Siena - another stunning city with a great art exhibition. Enjoyed visiting Santa Maria della Scala, the hospital museum as I hadn't done that before San Gimignano - wonderful frescoes in the cathedral and lots of towers to climb plus great gelato Walking in the local area with a local guide Sarah, so passionate about her locality and informative about its history. Organising our own walk (after a visit to the tourist office) to Radda in Chianti a 25 km round trip via Castellina in Chianti or just do 13 km and get the bus back. Visiting the Etruscan Tomb at Monte Calvario, Castellina In Chianti

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon was a great leader, very friendly and well organised. He recommended some great restaurants and activities and he was very sociable during and after evening meals. Great to have him collecting us and taking us to the airport and generally driving us around in the mini-bus. It meant that we didn't waste time travelling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would highly recommend this holiday but would think twice before going the last week of October as it seems Roberta is ready to close for the season. We returned to an empty, dark house at the end of a day out which felt very unwelcoming. My husband also had to put the cat out at night as it mewed loudly outside our room. If you go in October be prepared for cool to cold evenings and dress appropriately. The bedrooms are on the cool side and there is only one extra blanket. Also take a torch as the walk into town along a gravel road takes about 20 minutes and is not lit up. Roberta does provide vegetarian food but it is mostly carbs so good to take your own fruit. We didn't see a salad for the whole week. Finally on the days we ate in restaurants in which Exodus were meant to provide the meal our guide gave us 25 euros which was did not buy a three course meal with wine so be prepared that your meals out are only subsidised.

Reviewed November 2014

Botswana and Victoria Falls

I travelled on the same trip as Rich. We did all get on and had an excellent crew. We quickly discovered that if w helped dismantle the tents, etc we’d depart earlier!
I do agree about the vehicle on the 3 days we had lengthy drives – at least we had one seat free for the cool box for drinks – but it could have been more comfortable with more space.
If it hadn’t been for the vehicle, I would have rated the trip as excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the wild dogs (we saw two packs) in Savuti and a leopard in the Khwai concession. Also the birds - a good pair of binoculars is an absolute must.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam was excellent - very well organised and a good companion in the evenings round the camp fire. Stan (driver and wildlife guide) could read the behaviour of the animals well and, most of the time, moved the vehicle around so we all got a good view. Unfortunately, we saw very little wildlife in Moremi which was a great shame as it was the last two days - we stayed in the North East of the park and didn't drive to the west at all. Mello (awesome cook) and Paul made up the crew - they'd nearly always erected the tents by the time we arrived in camp.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Inexpensive Laundry opportunities at the Maun campsite and in Victoria Falls if you don't fancy doing your own. Take lots of wet wipes for the nights spent bush camping particularly when the bush shower isn't available (normally the first of the two nights in each bush camp). A silk or cotton liner for your sleeping bag is sensible - it started off very warm most nights but did cool down. Spare batteries for the torch, even a second torch. I got bad heat rash - antisan is a must. Swimming costume for the decent pool at the Maun campsite. Chobe river cruise is a must. Make the most of the visits to the supermarkets and liquor store - the Savanna cider is very drinkable.

Reviewed November 2014

Awesome Annapurna

Totally wonderful to be admidst the magnificent Himalayas, awesome.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the sunrise in Annapurna Sanctuary. All of it really, the beautiful sunbirds, kingfishers, Himalayan bulbuls, the milky rivers in full force, thundering waterfalls, mica rocks glinting in the sunshine, the stunning stars and night sky at Annapurna Base Camp.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Keshar was excellent, aware of everyone's needs, looked after us all brilliantly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have any love of mountain trekking at all, do this one. Take binoculars, the birding is SPECTACULAR, should have a special birding trip. That was my only regret as would have liked a little more time birdwatching and a little less on tea stops. However, Nepal is a poor country and this is not a luxury trip. If you cannot manage a vegetarian diet under any circumstances, then perhaps not for you. The Dhal-Bhat is nourishing and delicious and different at every tea-house. Free refills! It is cold at altitude, have a 3/4 season sleeping bag, you will need it. Plenty of wet wipes needed, showers not available every day. Be prepared for smelly toilets. Wet weather gear a must. We had 1 day of downpours but were soaked through. There is competition for space around the wood stoves to get dried off! Be reasonably fit, you will enjoy it more. The only other Grade 4 Exodus holiday I had done was Sierra Aitana, and that is not at altitude. I managed this reasonably, but wish I had done that extra training.. The porters are the life-saving backbone to this holiday. They are truly amazing. Do not penalize them by having a bag of more than 10kg. Shop in Pokhara, Kathmandu a bit more expensive.

Reviewed November 2014

Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar

This was my holiday of a lifetime and Exodus exceeded all my expectations. It was so well organised and despite camping accomodation we were treated to fantastic meals, so hygenic and well prepared. My principle aim was to see and photograph as many animal & birds as possible and I was not disappointed. Our leader was priceless in his knowledge of wildlife and his ability to support everyone in the group. The whole team (Issa – cook & Bonface – driver) were excellent and I have no hesitation to promote Exodus to friends and family.

Most Inspirational Moment

First and foremost the wildlife was both accessible and so relaxed when getting super closeup shots, we were spoilt for choice. Our group was small and this added a certain freedom within the truck and made for great companionship. Seeing the local communities and businesses, whether this was local markets or town centres, we were free to find our own way if we wanted, as well as the well organised optional trips. Zanzibar provided a wonderful contrast to the game reserves and camping, truly relaxing it formed the perfect finale to our trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Exceptional! Makori provided a constant source of information, answers and advice whenever we asked. He maintained a relaxed atmosphere and together with his team, ensured a well organised holiday. On one occasion our vehicle slide sideways when it lost traction on a muddy track in Serengeti. The team took control of the situation and with some help from other jeeps, we were soon on our way to appreciative cheers from us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes as they provide important information, prior to departure. A soft holdall and a padlock for the locker is invaluable. As said in a previous review (Sept 2014), make sure you have exchanged sufficient money for local currency spending at the beach resort, otherwise the exchange rate (and charges) at the hotel make it very expensive. On our trip, sterling provided a better rate than did the dollar, so something to bear in mind. You could buy items in either Dollars or Tanzanian Shillings but the latter was a better price.

Reviewed October 2014

Cycle Vietnam

An excellent ride amongst stunning scenery, beautiful food and very friendly and welcoming people

Most Inspirational Moment

I think riding and reaching the high point of the trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was excellent- he was very knowledgeable about Vietnam with history, culture and customs, had a very easy personality and lead us very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hire the excellent bikes there - really well maintained , exceedingly suitable for the often rugged roads and always maintained by the mechanic and the other drivers Take advantage of the food kitty idea for morning tea etc- cold clean drinks and water always on hand plus lots of nuts and fruits. Saves a lot of effort to find the snacks yourself Temperature in October still really hot (eg 35 deg celcius) and would want it hotter!

Reviewed October 2014

Trails of Vietnam - a cultural delight

An amazing trip giving you a wonderful insight into Vietnam.

Most Inspirational Moment

We saw all sides of Vietnam - from the frenetic city of Hanoi to the stunning natural wonder of Halong Bay with a visit to the beautiful farming regions. Highlights included; Amazing food in interesting places Having tea with a local family in the mountains and learning about rice farming Sailing and swimming in Halong Bay Touring the beautiful temples of Hue, exploring the outlying villages and having an oscar-worthy reenactment of farming traditions from the lady at the museum. Seeing the beautiful city of Hoi An lit by lanterns at night time Visiting the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels Sailing through the Floating markets in the Mekong Delta Having children running out to greet you as you cycle through villages in the Mekong Delta Having an impromptu cooking lesson at the homestead in Mekong Delta Watching fireflies whilst swinging gently in a hammock after a delicious dinner

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Thom, was excellent - he ensured we were entertained at all times and constantly sought out extra activities for us. He fitted in well with the group and had a great sense of humour. Thom was very enthusiastic in his love of Vietnam and we learned a great deal about the culture and history of this fascinating country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would advise taking a sleeping bag liner for the homestays and overnight train (it is an interesting experience!) and plenty of hand sanitiser/wet wipes. Get yourself a Non La on arrival - they are the best way to keep cool in the sun. Definitely worth investing in a camel pack to keep your drinking water cooler on hikes/cycle rides. Take as empty a suitcase as you can - if you need more clothes just buy them there (cheaper than laundry and they are fantastic quality)

Reviewed October 2014

Sri Lanka Experience by bike

Fantastic!
I concur with Rui, Steve and Irena of Oct 14, that this trip is indeed an amazing experience; the country is so lovely and it entirely lived up to expectations. Sri Lanka is so friendly and still seems to like us Brits which is novel! So many wonderful welcomes and hellos wherever we pedalled. The scenery beautiful, never a dull moment. And the group leader, Suresh, was I agree, incredible going above and beyond the call of duty both day and night; he obliged everyone’s merest whim, and ensured that all our needs were catered for. Bless him!

Most Inspirational Moment

Ah, the elephants at the orphanage were overwhelming...(but then I am an elephant addict). Yes, they do seem in need of a good meal, and it was heart-breaking to see that it is a bit like a zoo, but in fairness, the elephants in the wild on safari were just as skinny. I also liked the wonderful hotels and food, especially since the last fantastic place was trumped each night to come! I particularly liked the 50 mile uphill ride... the best burn-off I've had in a long time!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Smashing Suresh a lovely, affable person who aimed to please and worked hard to provide a top service.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yep. As a hardened world cycle tourist, I would say fervently, to avoid padded shorts in hot and sweaty climates. Grin and bear it without pads or you will end up with 'nappy rash' as many of my fellow travellers did. Merino wool undies and t-shirts are also the way ahead as in the monsoon showers they dry within the hour (you can wring them out at the breaks), and sponge dry with a small travel towel. Also, I ditched my socks which was far more pleasant for hot and sweaty/wet climates.

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