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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

14440 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Sharon Forsyth

Reviewed May 2014

Discover Namibia (Camping)

Our trip to Namibia was a truly diverse experience. It is a country that is not yet over-exposed to tourism. The safari element of the trip pretty much guarantees a huge diversity of wildlife (we went during a season where there is not a huge amount of wildlife around and still saw plenty!), both animals and birds.

Outside of the safari both the desert elements and the stay in Swakopmund amazed us – both very different.

Finally, whilst it took a few days to get used to camping we’re glad we did the trip this way, as it really brought the group and the support staff closer together than we’ve experienced on other trips.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sunrise from the top of Dune 45 and the rapid descent afterwards (straight down the side of the dune is the most fun way!). The wealth of animals on the trip - seeing our first desert elephant, our first gemsbok, our first zebra, giraffe, lion, rhino etc. We were also lucky enough to see meerkats and rock hyrax, as well as getting up close and personal with a horned viper!! This was balanced with the relaxed atmosphere of Swakopmund, which was a great contrast to the other elements of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronney was truly outstanding and was the factor that turned a good trip into a very good one. His wealth of knowledge of his country, landscape and wildlife was truly impressive and his enthusiasm was always unwavering, even when he has been driving the safari truck for many hours! Ronney was ably supported on this trip by Hapi and Reuben, who both worked incredibly hard to ensure the camps were set up each night and that we were well-fed and watered at all times. We've never seen tents go up or come down so fast!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

When climbing Dune 45 - pace yourself - it is MUCH harder than it looks!! Travel with South African Rand as it is not always easy to get to bank on this trip to change money (and Rand and Namibian Dollars are interchangeable throughout the country). If possible try to take smaller denominations of Rand as some of the larger notes can be hard to change due to cheap prices in the country! Many of the campsites are in remote locations and although very well appointed, be prepared to share your shower with large insects (crickets, moths, locusts etc.) and lizards!

Kirsty Powell

Reviewed May 2014

A Taste of Cuba

This a great way to experience Cuba, you see life in the countryside in Vinales, smaller towns like Cienfuegos & Trinidad and then the big city of Havana. The culture & architecture is fantastic to see and leaves you wanting to stay longer.

Most Inspirational Moment

Trinidad is a great place to see the old cars, history of Cuba and some of amazing architecture without as much of the tourism which is starting to creep into Havana. The people here were so friendly and the Casa was a great place to stay. We had some of our best meals here along with the best Daiquiri in the Floridita bar. A walk around the town at a leisurely pace is the best way to see the difference between the areas, walking through the poorer areas was safe and very interesting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Felix was so passionate about his country, he ensured we ate at the best places, persisted with the chance for us to see a cigar factory when the planned trip was unavailable. He told us the history of the country as we travelled around it, and made sure we kept our great driver Orlando, throughout the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack lightly as you don't stay anywhere more than 2 nights & will want to buy souvenirs to take home. Change your money at the airport as the first hotel didn't change Sterling and I had to borrow money until Felix took a couple of us to the bank in Vinales, this is easy once you get in but you do gave to queue, and there are not many of them until Havana. I spent money more in Havana than expected but about £250 will be enough for the trip, including buying some souvenirs.

Andrew Hosegood

Reviewed April 2014

Everest Base Camp - Expedition Trek

An oustanding 18 day trip with amazing mountain scenery and friendly Sherpa people. This was a tough trek at high altitude. But hugely rewarding and one of the best holidays I’ve ever booked. I would thoroughly recommend this trip to any active person with a mind set to do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

The no.1 experience was the walk up to the summit of Kala Patther and then reaching the summit of Kala Patther, even though the evening before, I was unsure if I would have the energy to do it. No.2 experience was the final walk into Everest Base camp, and the 2 days camping at Everest Base camp. No.3 the mountain scenery above Loboche, towards Gorap Shep and Base Camp was amazing. It was a priviledge to just be there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Lapka Lama went over and above the call of duty to make sure everyone was happy. He was supremely conscientious, and his knowledge of the mountains and the sherpa culture was second to none. If anybody need medication or was suffering from the altitude, he was there to help. Nothing was too much trouble for Lapka, and he was always patient and had everybodys interest at heart.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes...You need to train and get fit for this itinerary. There are some long walks, with 5 days walking at high altitude. That said, anybody who is reasonably fit can do this trip, if they are determined. Drink plenty of water (4-5 lires per day). At higher altitude when it is cold, it is tempting not to drink cold water, but you need to drink plenty of liquid and force it down if necessary. Finally the exodus kit list is fine for the normal trek, but if your on the expedition trek with 2 days camping at Base camp, then you need to factor in how cold it is (-15 at night), and a standard 4 season sleeping bag may not be warm enough.

Lucinda Smith-Lenander

Reviewed April 2014

Delhi to Kathmandu

What and interesting an amazing trip and one I will never forget. The sheer madness of India and then the peacefulness of Nepal. Both countries where special and great in their own way and I loved every minute.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every moment was inspiration from seeing the first tuk tuk in Dehli, visiting the Taj Mahal, the mosques in Jaipur and the amazing times on the Ganges in Varanasi. The sunsets and sunrises where amazing, early mornings but it was so worth it. I loved the peacefulness of Nepal and I loved Chitwan, Pokhara and Kathmandu, each had its own beauty and the mountain ranges and scenery was truly magnificent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pacham was a gem, an amazing person with so much knowledge of the countries and with a friendly smile no matter when you saw him. He was helpful throughout the trip and made the trip more special. We had so many laughs as a group and Pacham definitely had a few good jokes and stories. He deserves an award :-)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Have a great time as I know that you definitely will!!

Diana Maynard

Reviewed April 2014

Exceeded expectations

This trip exceeded all my expectations. I wasn’t even particularly bothered about seeing Petra, which for many is the highlight of the trip, but I was very glad I did! A relatively easy-going trek but walking on soft sand is harder than it looks, nevertheless. The wild camping was fabulous, and there are plenty of interesting things to see and do to keep you from getting bored, despite a lot of sand!

Most Inspirational Moment

Nothing was inspirational as such, but there were plenty of fabulous moments: scrambling onto the rocks on several nights to watch the sunset, sleeping under the stars, scrambling on the Burdah Arch, seeing Petra form high up above, and even just sitting round the campfire at night chatting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair was very knowledgeable and sociable, and looked after the group well, going the extra mile on numerous occasions, although he occasionally did talk a bit too much! He was tolerant of a group who didn't always make life easy for him, but occasionally the cracks did show through when he got frustrated with people who faffed about or who didn't listen to him. Unlike many non-Western guides, he interacted very well with the group, however, and socialised with us throughout the entire week, entertaining us on a frequent basis with stories and jokes. He set a decent pace and expected high standards, but perhaps was not so tolerant of those who liked to dawdle. He should perhaps have made it clearer that he wouldn't wait for those who did.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You do need to be relatively fit and happy to "slum it" a little as the camping is pretty basic. Do your research beforehand, especially if you've never been wild camping. Torch, wet wipes, blister plasters etc. LIghtweight walking boots. Be prepared to get sand in your boots constantly though (trousers or gaiters would help, but it's really too hot for that!). In April the weather was surprisingly warm at night and many of us had far too many clothes - I never even needed a sleeping bag let alone my 3 season one, nor did I need my thermals or lightweight down jacket. In winter, I suspect you'd need all these things. It's essential to wear walking boots in Petra as you'll be clambering around on the rocks. Also a torch is useful for the "Petra by night" walk (and trainers or boots as you walk around on rocky surfaces and it's a long walk). We also never needed anything to cover heads, shoulders or knees, even in Petra. Do the hammam in Petra, it was wonderful to be scrubbed clean after a few days in the desert! If you don't like caffeine at night, take herbal teabags with you. And take a mug (they do lend you mugs but they can disappear very easily!) Also take a good 2 litre water bottle or (preferably) hydration system - it's easy to underestimate how much water you need and to run out during the day. Take a book for the siesta time after lunch and the evenings.

Jonathan Grix

Reviewed April 2014

A wonderful trip

A great holiday, tiring in parts, that gives a wonderful insight into Jordan. You cover the whole country and pack a lot into this trip with all of the major tourist sites covered. The cycling was relatively easy with a couple of days of long descents (with a few uphill sections thrown in!).

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was more magical than we ever expected – A long time on our hit list and to finally see the Treasury and the rest of Petra was amazing. Sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum and Jerash were almost as special. In fact none of the sights on this trip failed to be inspiring!

Thoughts on Group Leader

He did his job – not one of the best ones we have had and he needed to be clearer with his briefings. The cycling guide and mechanic were good and looked after us on one of the tricky downhill descents.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for two very tiring days at Petra and expect to walk approx. 20kms each day – the two climbs up to the Monastery and Place of Sacrifice are worth the effort. If on the last night in Amman the guide suggests you go to Tawaheen Al-Hawa restaurant (also known as Wind Mills) don’t bother. The place is like a canteen with busses of tourist groups and no alcohol. Also your guide might advise that the cheapest place to buy Dead Sea products is at the shop where you stop to bathe in the Dead Sea – it’s not, the cheapest place is at the airport on your way home.

Reviewed April 2014

Great time in the Atlas Mountains

Exodus came up trumps for my spur of the moment trip to the mountains. Walking in high valleys and hills was well paced, not strenuous (I am in my early 70’s) , and enjoyable. The food and accommodation were both fine. The group was amazingly good company and friendly. Down time in Marrakech was a good mixture of organised visits and free time to spend in the souk and cafes and gardens.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting with the group and our guide round a carpet enjoying mint tea and tagine and bread 3000 metres up in the hills after a full morning's walk up from the gite.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great company, very friendly, intelligent, and highly professional in a pleasant way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Give this trip a try.

Anna Cheer

Reviewed April 2014

A Week in Jordan

It is the sheer variety of experiences and landscapes that amazes me when I think about Jordan. Huge Greek – Roman complexes and modern cities; hot, sunny and cold, windy weather; eating in a 5-star restaurant and in a desert cave; epic-scale arid wadis and green fields; camel riding and 4×4 adventures; Biblical landscapes and the holiday resort of Aquaba; a fabulous balconied suite overlooking the Red Sea and a desert campsite; snorkelling over fish-covered reefs and floating in the, literally, Dead Sea. How did we pack it all into five days? Because the other two days were in Petra, wonderful, glorious Petra, two of our best days of walking ever. The extraordinarily coloured, beautiful Petra rocks made the trip worth it on their own: as an abstract photographer, I was in my element!

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking out from Mt.Nebo over the River Jordan, Jericho (I may be particularly ignorant, but it had not occurred to me that Jericho might still exist), the Dead Sea and the Occupied Territories - Biblical and modern history in one astonishing, totally unexpected view. Camel riding in Wadi Rum: we feared this might be a bit of a tourist racket, but it was a magical way of seeing the desert, the wonderful motion of the camels, the peace and warmth, it contrasted beautifully with the exciting 4x4 trip the previous evening. Petra: the first view of the Treasury from the Siq. It's a classic, of course, but genuinely awe-inspiring. Petra, full stop! Oh, and the best char-grilled lamb I have ever tasted!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny was superb. His knowledge and passion for his country and history shone throughout the trip. He is one of life's fixers and worked hard to make life easy for us, sorting the tricky issue of tipping in a country where it is ubiquitous, lunch meal packs and evening meals, including a really special Bedouin cave dinner and a traditional Jordanian feast. He saved us all a lot of money, giving us very firm instructions about how much to pay for things! The final afternoon trip when he took us round the 'old' Amman was unexpected, enlightening and a real departure from the standard tourist trail. We loved it, and the local street-food delicacies to which he introduced us. He went the extra mile all week, organising extras such as Little Petra, not on the itinerary but well worth a visit and arranged the organised outings and free time perfectly so that we never felt nannied or abandoned! He was fun to be with but completely professional, a rather difficult balance to achieve. Danny really showed how invaluable an experienced local guide is. Exodus should hang on to him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We needed everything from fleeces, waterproof jackets and walking boots to shorts and sun hats and not necessarily when we expected. Sitting in the open-topped 4x4 trip in Wadi Rum was bitterly cold - take a hooded, windproof top and wear trousers. The Red Sea, too, was, literally, breathtakingly cold after jumping off the boat where we had been basking in the sun. I teased my husband, who feels the cold, mercilessly for taking a shortie wetsuit, but he really could not have gone in the Dead or Red Seas without it at this time of year (March-April) and only wished he'd taken a full wetsuit and I’d have loved the shortie! Do go on the boat trip at Aquaba. Only a handful of our group went on this lovely outing, with all our transport and lunch arranged, a posh boat, sunbathing and visiting two snorkelling sites. Not everyone swam, but everyone had a great afternoon. Comparing notes afterwards, those that chose the beach option had a lot more hassle and, overall, it cost the same as the boat trip. It really is worth taking walking boots for Petra. You could just walk up and down the valley, but you would miss so much. We covered over 26 miles. Don't worry if you can't manage the rough terrain and steep climbs, you don't have to leave the valley but, if at all possible, explore the hills around. You won't regret it.

Lisa Hutchison

Reviewed April 2014

Galapagos Islands

Truly the trip of a lifetime. It exceeded my expectations in every area.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was a privilege to be in such a unique environment amongst wildlife that, far from being bothered by our prescence, would, more often than not, be curious enough to come and say hello. Seeing the courting displays of frigate birds and blue-footed boobies on the final morning was a real highlight, but I completely fell in love with the playful sea-lion pups, who fully lived up to our guide's description of them as 'puppies in wetsuits'.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Darwin was wonderful. Extremely knowledgable about all that we saw, and always friendly and helpful. The crew on the Cachalote were also exceptional. They really added to the quality of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take biodegradeable sun-lotion to protect the fragile marine environment when swimming/snorkelling.

Jacqui Cottom

Reviewed April 2014

Cycling in nGreece

This was a most amazing trip filled with beautiful scenery, Greek archaeology and fantastic Greek food and traditions. The cycling was quite challenging (for me because I find hills difficult!!!) although I didn’t have to get off and walk or push so it was ‘do’able. However, the reward at the top of spectacular views and the tremendous exciting descents made it all worth while! Greek achaeology was everywhere, hotels were great and the food delicious. It was the perfect time to go as I have always visited in August before so we saw a Greece that was green, lush and covered in wild flowers of every colour imaginable. The aroma from the orange blossom should be bottled!!! Altogether, very enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is hard to pick the best thing about the trip but the best day had to be cycling from Mycenea to the Corinthian Canal - Beautiful countryside, a visit to a winery, undulating country roads, scenic views as we dropped towards the sea and watching the Corinthian Canal open to let a ship through. The highlight of the day was a picnic on a hump back bridge followed by an invite by a passing local family to drink coffee and biscuits in their garden (all 18 of us!!) to celebrate a Greek tradition of welcoming and respecting travellers. This was a true reflection of the Greek hospitality.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Christiana couldn't do enough to please us. She worked tirelessly to accommodate our every wish, from choosing the perfect restaurants and menus, finding fabulous picnic spots, arranging a Greek Music and dancing evening to telling us all the local history. She was brilliant and a real asset to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a camera!!! Cycle a few hills before you go!!! Go in Spring, not summer. Don't expect to lose any weight despite cycling- the food is in abundance and too delicious to resist!!!

Prev 1 … 1,062 1,063 1,064 1,065 1,066 … 1,445 Next