Reviews

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

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14448 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed October 2013

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - LEMOSHO ROUTE

I was anxious before the start of a trip which I had challenged myself to do whilst my partner recuperated from a seriously life threatening health issue. Would I get on with others in the group? Was I physically fit enough? I soon realised that the others, who ranged in age from 22 up to myself at 61, all had the same fears and the disparate group of individuals soon became a mutually supporting team which encouraged each other every step of the way. It was a life affirming experience for which summiting was the emotional highlight but every moment was a privilege and joy which would have been worthwhile even if I had not got to the top.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on the roof Africa, sobbing my socks off, because I had actually got to the top of the highest mountain in Africa was a much more emotional moment than I ever expected. Until the moment I got there I really was not sure I would be able to do it even though everything had gone well upto that point. The guide (Seraphin) spotted my struggle in the last few hundred yards - he took my bag and encouraged me supportively and unobtrusively to the top. I know I couldn't have made it without him. Four months of training and preparation, 8 days of climbing and high altitude camping, combined with the uncertainty of how I might react to altitude, meant the moment of reaching the summit was hugely emotional and amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon was very professional, quiet, unassuming and very observant. The whole trip ran like clockwork and one could observe his leadership skills at work bringing on and encouraging the assistant guides in doing briefings and leading some of the earlier treks. On the summit day itself it was clear Simon would take the responsibility for leading the group 'pole pole' to the top. He told us he would not be chatting whilst we walked because he would be too busy listening to us. ( to our breathing that is) to make sure we were safe. He gave very discrete and personal support to those members of the group who were unwell in the approach with the result that all but one made it to the summit and the one got to Stella point. This was only possible because of Simons clear support and guidance and management of the guides supporting the team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is said that you cannot prepare your body for the effects of altitude and that fitness is no guarantee that you won't get altitude sickness. Whilst this is true , it is still really important to ensure you have the best possible fitness levels to cope with the demands of the trip-especially if you are an older team member like me. Diamox or no diamox for altitude sickness? I did manage without Diamox as my GP didn't know enough about it to prescribe it. However, most of the group either took it to start off with or started taking it as the symptoms of altitude sickness developed. I did not have problems as it happened but I would take some with me if on a similar trip in future so I would have some of my own to take if the need arose. It seemed to work quite quickly for those who waited until they felt I'll to take it.

Reviewed October 2013

CLASSIC KENYA SAFARI

Wow!!Fabulous animals, knowledgeable guides – a trip that exceeded all my expectations

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting in the middle of a herd of 30+ elephants, so close we could almost have reached out to touch them. Majestic animals, totally ignoring us, just doing their thing....magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Davis and Peter were wonderful. They both really know their stuff and really care about sharing their knowledge. They have a great knack for passing on information, judging the group and tailoring their approach. They also have an amazing ability to FIND the animals...I still haven't worked out how they can spot and correctly identify a small smudge in the distance as a cheetah / gnu / gazelle or whatever! They organised everything (including the group!) very well without being heavy handed - a perfect balance.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ladies - for the long trip to / from the Masai Mara, consider a sports bra!! (and my heartfelt thanks to the earlier reviewer who said the same thing!) If you are not a good traveller, take tablets - the road is rough (but fun!)

Reviewed October 2013

BORNEO WILDLIFE DISCOVERER

An amazing travel experience with a new experience each day. A great trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing my first Oranutang in the wild.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A fantastic leader who was 100% in control and ensured a faultless trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip in September was with the sun directly overhead and the temperatures and humidity were extream.Be prepared to be continously wet and change clothe 3 / 4 times each day. Recommend long sleeve light cotton shirts etc.

Reviewed October 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF TURKEY

An absolutely amazing holiday, done at a leisurely pace with a brilliant local guide – (Fatih) who answered all the questions I put to him. I can highly recommend this trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Discovering how hard and to what lengths the Turks (particularly the farmers and artisan workers) will go in order to earn some money. In addition, all the ancient sites we visited, the principal one must be Termessos and the hike to it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fatih conducted the tour in a very professional manner, is extremely knowledgeable not only about the sites we visited but also about turkey itself. To sum up, his role as a guide was excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

none

Reviewed October 2013

HIGHLIGHTS OF MOROCCO

If you wish to have an insight in to this wonderful country, this is an excellent starting point. You get to see all that Morocco has to offer – cities, coast, mountains and desert – with a view to being able to decide if there are parts of Morocco you would wish to return to and see in more detail. I would definitely go back. Morocco truly surprised me.

Most Inspirational Moment

Spending time in the Atlas Moutains was wonderful. Kasbah Oliver is a lovely place to stay - you are are cut off from the madness of the outside world and at night time you get to experience true peace and quiet. There is no light pollution and so the stars are a sight to see. I have never seen stars so bright whilst in the northern hemisphere.I am not sure if inspirational is the right word but I did feel like I had landed on another planet when we visisted the medina in Fes. Sometimes you got the full force of being in the Twenty First Century and then you would turn a corner and see something truly medieval - artisans and workers showing off their skills, donkeys in the streets, bizarre products and recycled goods. Sometimes you got a bit of modern and medieval mixed in to one - standing and experiencing the sights (and smells) of the tanneries whilst looking over hundreds of rooftops all laden with satellite dishes. Just wonderful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha is a true legend - intelligent, patient, funny, caring and totally in love with his country. My bag broke between London and Casablanca (the zip died) and within 24 hours (at no stress to myself) he had been to the souk in Meknes and got it fixed for me. We were all poorly (well 13 out of the 16 of us) and he was very helpful in terms of sorting medicines, asking after us and tweaking the itinerary for loo breaks when necessary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely take anti-septic handwash with you. As stated above, we nearly all had a poorly tummy by the end of the 2 weeks and so be very careful about only drinking bottled water and not eating salads and not eating fruit unless you are peeling it (oranges and bananas). It goes without saying to give the street food in Marrakech a wide berth and also the fresh orange stalls in the main square a wide berth (they water it down with tap water).A lot of children we saw asked if we had pens/biros and so may be take a few extra to hand out.If possible try and experience a hammam - you might get the opportunity in the mountains in Kasbah Oliver where Exodus have helped set up a community hammam. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced before and you will certainly get to know your fellow travellers well/intimately! My skin felt amazing afterwards.If you want to take a carriage ride in Marrakech, ask the driver what is the colour of the current tag for the horses. If a horse has been to the vet for a health check in the past 4 months (and passed the check up) it will have on one of its front legs a coloured tag confirming that. Don't get on a carriage where the horse has not got an up to date tag becuase that means the owner is not taking care of its horse.

Reviewed October 2013

WALKING IN TUSCANY

A truly wonderful week, exceeding all my expectations. Beautiful walks up through beech forests in all their autumn glory, to reach high mountain ridges and summits with some absolutely stunning views. Superb guiding by Sara Bull and, for the valley walk, Pierre Luigi. Braccicorti is a lovely place to stay – in an idyllic location, perfectly comfortable and offering delicious home-cooked food from the wonderful Mamma and her family. Lucca is a lovely place to visit on the free day.

Most Inspirational Moment

The incredible view that greeted us at the top of Pania Della Croce - stunning mountain peaks swathed in fluffy clouds stretching off towards the horizon and views out across the sea to Sardinia and Corsica. Breathtaking. The Monte Prado walk. The whole day was inspirational - emerging from golden and russet beech forests, with a deep blue sky overhead, to walk along the undulating Apennine ridge, dressed in shades of red, orange, yellow and green from the bilberry bushes, still covered in ripe berries. Views as far as the Alps, glistening in fresh snow cover.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic. Sara is so passionate about these mountains and about nature and her passion is contagious! She is fully committed to her clients, working hard for us, both on and off the hill. Sara has vast experience of guiding in this area and worldwide, and I would trust her judgement 100%. She doesn't herd the group, but allows people to walk at their own pace much of the time, with plenty of opportunities to rest and regroup. However, in trickier sections of a walk, or if there is poor visibility, she keeps the group together and supports people appropriately. Sara will quickly assess the abilities and fitness levels of her clients and adjust the walks and her approach accordingly. The ascents and terrain took a few people out of their comfort zone, but it was worth it and Sara provided as much or as little support as was needed. She is also a mine of useful information about places to visit on the free day, local produce, medical ailments and herbal remedies!

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip involves proper mountain walking above the treeline on most days. Don't underestimate the terrain - it is not the rolling hills that people associate with typical Tuscan countryside. It is more like walking to the tops of mountains in the Lake District or in Scotland. Paths are generally not exposed and there was only one tiny section of rocky ground to negotiate (which everyone managed fine), so you are not in any danger. However, the terrain did surprise some of our group and quite a few people found it more challenging than they expected. Don't let that put you off though - the mountains and the views are absolutely wonderful. Sara is also adept at choosing walks 'with options' - e.g. some of our group opted to lie in the sun on a beautiful ridge while others continued a little further on to a summit. The weather is very unpredictable in this area and at this time of year (October). We were lucky, with mostly warm and sunny weather, but it did rain for one whole day and was cold on some of the mountain tops, so it's worth being prepared. I would recommend taking waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, hat and gloves. Wear proper walking boots with ankle support. Although approach shoes might be suitable for some walks, most of the paths are rough and some of the terrain is rocky, so proper walking boots are more suitable. Walking poles are very helpful on this trip. Sara will give you lots of tips and advice for the free day - they are worth listening too. The restaurant she recommended in Lucca was excellent. (Lucca is also a great place to buy leather handbags!!) If you're travelling from Scotland, consider flying Ryanair from Edinburgh to Pisa. This worked out best for me on price, timings and convenience. The Braccicorti dogs, Dora and Elvis, walked with us every day. I am not usually that keen on dogs, but these two won me over, so don't be put off! They look out for the group too.

Reviewed October 2013

THE TROPICAL SOUTH

A remarkable trip. So much to see and do.After each day my head was buzzing from all the experiences I had encountered. There was also many contrasts of landscape, from the coast at Fort Kochi, the mountains of Munnar to the plains of Madurai.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Sri Meenakshi Temple was incredible. A huge edifice buzzing with people. The guide was superb informing us about the many aspects of their religion.The houseboat on the backwaters starting from Allepey provided a contrast to all the bustle beforehand. Hugely relaxing but still a lot to absorb with all the vessels etc on the rivers.Watching the sunset at Kanyakumari after a busy day. So peaceful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thoufeek was incredible. His local knowledge was superb and he offered lots of hidden extras. He was determined we were all going to have a good time and didn't let us down. He helped us with all the different dishes and even arranged a join in cookery session where we had to cook our own meals.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go with a sense of humour. India is quirky but take it as it comes.

Reviewed October 2013

WALKING IN TUSCANY

Really great walking (and climbing!) through beautiful woodland and hillsides, led by a brilliant guide, giving detailed info of the area and its flora and fauna. Slight disappointment with the food but accommodation was very comfortable and welcoming.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of each small summit to see a whole new beautiful world, each seemingly more breath-taking than the last

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have been on about 10 Exodus trips and I rate Sara as the best so far. She was informative, fully competent in every way, knew the area like the back of her hand, gave us every detail needed to make our free day a great experience, great sense of humour, and incredibly supportive of anyone lacking confidence. Quickly got to know all our abilities. Good safe driver. She always went the extra mile to make sure we were having a good time.She also never stopped once we were back each day - serving and helping with the supper and the breakfast.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it, use poles and be aware there are some challenging climbs.

Reviewed October 2013

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

A wonderful country with wonderful people. A varied trip with many hidden delights

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk on Horton Plains, and the view from Worlds End. Simply sensational views and a lovely walk. The walk up Lions Rock and the Elephant orphange was always great

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was fantastic, passionate about his country but always balanced with his views. He blended well with the group and was very open about answering questions

Advice for Potential Travellers

Decent insect repellant, sunblock, patience, and if you are taking the optional whale watching trip make sure you get information about the sea conditions !! Qulaity of hotel and food can vary but if you bear this in mind you will have a wonderful holiday

Reviewed October 2013

BOTSWANA WILDLIFE AND WILDERNESS, OCT 2013

A magical experience that showcases a fantastic country, its people and its animals

Most Inspirational Moment

The people in the group and sitting around the campfire chatting every nightSeeing a leopard and its cub from a few metres away and the evening dinner Zambezi cruise.Camping wild

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam was great and everything you want in a leader - relaxed and unflappable which created a great atmosphere and yet kept everything running smoothlyOur local guide Joseph was amazing at finding and getting us close to the animals

Advice for Potential Travellers

I went in late Sep / early Oct and it was really hot. The best thing I took with me was a silk sleeping bag liner as often this was all you needed.You may find it strange on the first few days that there is a lot of relaxation time in the afternoons (due to the heat) - such as midday to 5pm which we found a struggle on the first few days but it soon makes you relax and switch off and becomes part of your normal day

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