Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The entire trek inspired me, from the lovely people in the group,and the leader and his assistants, to the friendly and generous Nepali people who have little, but are happy to share all. The final trek up to the sanctuary left me silent and reflective, ( not something my fellow travellers had seen before...!), I was completely overcome by the beauty and majesty of the mountains. I will never forget sunrise at Annapurna Sanctuary. I will also never forget how quickly the clouds closed in the day before and how small and insignificant we were as the mountains disappeared from sight. I also loved the hot springs we visited ( another 35 mins down to the river, 55 mins back up after a very long days trekking) with our guides, the cleanest I'd been for some long time! As a non tea drinker before the trek, I am now addicted to ginger, lemon honey tea.....but not at 05.00..

Thoughts on Group Leader

Prasant was knowledgeable, organised and looked after us all with much care. He gave us excellent advice about our health and well being and went out of his way to make sure everything ran smoothly. if Prasant said "no beer", we knew no beer was the best! (Only at altitude tho'!) We were also indebted to our assistant guides, "uncle", Lak Phar, And BJ who were always there when needed but never in the way and organised our food and drinks with efficiency and cheerfulness despite none of us ever remembering what we we ordered and eating each others ( you know who you are...!) Lak Phar and BJ were particularly cheerful at 06.00 each morning with "Excuse me Claire, lemon tea". If you are reading this, I was trying to be cheerful back, but mornings aren't my best time!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it, just go, you won't regret it, it was the best thing I ever did. Do as much training as you can, I found it challenging especially the long downhills towards the river, beautiful but always aware that his would be followed by an equally strenuous uphill the other side of the valley. Be prepared for the altitude to affect you how ever fit you are. Slowly, slowly, find your own pace, listen to your body and try not to bring up your tea on Poon Hill as I did...trying to keep up with others rather than listening to my heavy breathing and slowing down. Practice your squatting, personal thanks go to my Pilates teacher for my ability to hit the target... Drink loads, eat Dhall Bat and apple porridge, and veg noodle soup. I was lucky enough to share rooms with a lovely lady, an experienced trekker who taught me so much, including how to seal 4 day socks in a freezer bag and how not to pee on your clean trousers, and how to laugh and laugh like school girls at the daftest things, thank you lovely Ella.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the Great Wall on a beautiful sunny day, doing Tai Chi in the park in Beijing early in the morning, actually seeing the Terracotta Warriors (and having our book signed by one of the farmers who discovered them in 1974).In Yangshuo  (fabulous scenery), we hired bikes to ride out to Moon Hill and on the way back into town, we met the traffic head-on as it  poured out of town - scary, but you just keep on going and don't give way! The evening musical performance set on the lake in Yangshuo was magical.The visit to see the three Gorges dam was very interesting and informative.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was William and he took great care of us. I'd suddenly find my suitcase being carried by him as we approached a long set of steps in a railway station or hotel. William is a real foodie and as soon as breakfast was over, he would be planning where to go for lunch and/or dinner later - he was pleased that we all (only 6 in our group, which was excellent) loved Chinese food and he took great pride in ordering something that would please all of us. Even on "free days" William would accompany us if we wanted to go and see something not included on the tour. He certainly went well beyond what would have reasonably expected of a tour leader in his attention to detail.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Our advice would be to travel light, take lots of wipes and pay a little bit more when you buy bottled water to avoid the very metallic taste of the cheaper ones.

Most Inspirational Moment

Strangely, not making it to the top. I've always been an outdoor fitness freak and this forced me to contempate my place in the world! I will be back however....unfinished business with the mountain.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many: that initial sight of the mountains surrounding Quito after a long flight in, the drive up to and the walk in the paramo of the El Angel Nature Reserve, staying at Pantavi hostel surrounded by the art work of Camilo Andrade, watching the clouds cleat to reveal Tungurahua volcano and , later in the trip,  Chimborazo, driving through the moonlike landscape created by past eruptions of Tungurahua, watching the rapid dance like flight of the hummingbirds in the reserve as they feed, the first sight of a frigate bird inflating its chest to be like a bright red ballooon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pablo Montalvo was our group leader. He was simply fantastic, the best. He was extremely knowledgeable but fun with a really amiable personality. He managed us as a group with a light touch, gave us plenty of free time to explore on our own, introduced us to fun options like  cable rides over lakes and river tubing.  He was also sensitive to variation in fitness levels on walks etc and to awkward dietary requirements. He was just a great guy with a good sense of humour who undoubtedly made a major contribution to the trip being so enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for torrential rain if it comes, particularly in relation to protecting camera gear. We had capes which were great. Head torches are really useful for walks in Amazon at night. Otavalo really does have the greatest choice of crafts though the hotel in Riobamba had a craft area near the restaurant with some lovely weaving. Basically if you see something you like, buy it as its a bit unpredictable if you will get another chance later. If you are into local weaving (as I am) there is a great book you can get from the Book Depository  called "Costume and Identity in Highland Ecuador. Edited by Ann Pollard Rowe. (works at Textile Design Museum in Washington and expert in this area).

Most Inspirational Moment

14.00 Reaching the highest points on each day (up to1400 metres) and having the rare privilege of views across high mountain tops and then down into hidden fertile valleys that the casual visitor to Spain might be completely unaware of.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose the group leader was undoubtedly the making of this trip, his dedication to the cause was unstinting, always struck the right note, kept us all going and provided prodigious amounts of food and good humour. His communication with us was outstanding and provided a complete education in regional geography and history – with a light personal touch when needed, boring he is not. His vast experience of activity leadership in this region and elsewhere in Europe really shows. He shared his life with us for the whole week, to the extent of inviting us all to his home to pick his olives and drink tea on the veranda afterwards.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be lucky with the weather which at its best is fantastic for walking, but don’t worry if not. Bring a good appetite (good food is in plentiful supply and you may need it!). Make sure you are fairly fit, equipped and ready for regular but not excessively arduous high hill walking. Think Peaks, Lakes or Snowdonia without the mud. If you are going in the warmer months, have plenty of water carrying capacity and sun protection. As a minimum, light walking boots with ankle support are essential (not shoes or trainers) as are walking poles.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching ABC ( Annapurna base camp ) The mountionous surround was spectacular. Sunrise and sunset not to be missed.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was excellent. A professional leader. His foremost concern was always on the safety and wellbeing of the group so that we could enjoy the trek to the max. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

A reasonable level of fitness is important. Ensure a wardrobe that suits very warm days and eventual very cold evenings  

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a few: reaching the summit of monte di Prado mountain was wonderful, and it is a fabulous walk along a ridge with exceptional views, also coming down at the end to the beautiful ski lodge with a huge open log fireplace. Walking through the forests, with mushrooms of every colour lurking in the undergrowth, with Elvis the dog snuffling around for truffles. Visiting Castiglione village with its square filled with stalls selling fabulous local cheeses. Spending the day in Lucca in brilliant sunshine on our day off was magical, especially after three days of walking. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader can make or break the holiday and ours was certainly 'made' by having Sara as our leader. She is thoroughly knowledgeable, not just about the mountains where we were walking each day, but she is obviously also passionate about the area, and she always gave us such detailed and interesting insights into local Italian life. She's also really fond of the lovely family at Braccicorti where we were staying. Sara 'went the extra mile' on every occasion to make sure everyone was happy and looked after. I felt carsick on the first day, so she always made sure i sat in the front with her, and I would say it was that aspect of looking out for everyone's welfare that makes her such an excellent leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't listen to Exodus's advice about taking energy bars, you get more than enough food to see you through at Braccicorti. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Such was the sheer variety of "moments" that it is well nigh impossible to isolate one of them as being the "most inspirational". To have beautiful hummingbirds in virtually every location tends to leave one feeling somewhat blase about these gorgeous creatures. Scarlet macaws flying and screeching over a boat during a trip to see crocodiles and river birds was wonderful. The night trip to see large numbers of frogs and snakes was stunning. Just living in a remote lodge in the midst of the rainforest, with all of the sounds of the creatures being a huge feature, especially at nights, was terrific. "Most inspirational"? I took over 2000 photographs, so it may take some time to work that one out. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was absolutely great. His knowledge of the wildlife was encyclopedic, his ability to track it down was mesmerising to watch, and his tripod-mounted telescope was stunning. He clearly loved his country, and was determined to show every aspect of it that he could trace in as best a light as possible. "Super Mario", our driver, was always bang on time, and shuttled us around quickly and safely. They were a great pairing. Another huge advantage was the rest of the party, including Exodus's own very genial and impressively laid back Karol. They were an absolutely lovely group of people to be travelling with, and this added immeasurably to the quality of the whole experience. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't overlook the advice about taking a waterproof jacket, walking boots, and fairly heavy duty sandals. One or two of the walks/climbs are a little bit demanding, so be prepared to be pushed, just a bit, on occasions. The insect problem is not as bad as some would have you believe, but insect protection is advised.Costa Rica is not a country to visit for its towns, architecture, etc. For most travellers, it is a fabulous location for nature and wildlife, and travellers interested in nature and wildlife are those who would get most out of this trip. Prices, generally, are consistent with what we pay in the UK, so don't think that eating out, buying drinks, paying for trips, etc, are cheap options.The local currency can only be bought in Costa Rica. A large currency counter, with about eight tellers, is located at the baggage reclaim in San Jose. I brought low denomination American dollar bills, and they were universally accepted (indeed, at times, expected) everywhere I went. Change is usually given in local currency, although most prices (outside of supermarkets) were in round dollars. ATMs are becoming more widespread, but clearly are not an option in remote parts of the country.A tax of 28 US dollars (not 26) is required when you leave the country. You can pay part of it with any local currency you have left over, and the rest in dollars.  Bring the best binoculars, camera and lens (400mm minimum) you can get hold of. You'll need them.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hugs from everyone when reaching Gilman's Point and the summit! Even the guides made it feel it was their first time!

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can I say, Florence was my God for the whole trip! I found him extremely helpful and very caring with everyone in the group...and always with a smile! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep drinking water and dont even try to walk faster, no chances:-))... just pack a nail brush and maybe for the ladies paint your nails black!  Sing a song in you head when feeling tired and overwhelmed, it helps when walking the long endless alpine desert!  I found this the hardest part of the trek cause you can see Kibo camp in the distance but it's not that close.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well its really hard to say because every moment of it was inspirational. One of the optional activities that I did in Tanzania was going for a walk through the local community to see how they live and how they do stuff. We also visited a school which was really lovely.Driving through the safari and seeing all the wild animals in thier natural habitat not influence by humans was unbelieveable. For me also just being in africa was inspirational enough for me. Zanzibar was lovely as well sand and sea can't top that. Overall a brilliant trip money well spent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was great, Moses was is name. He worked hard to satisfied all our needs and quickly to resolve any problems are issues that occured. He was so patient and tried to accommodate us so that we could see and take pictures of things we wanted. He also knows alot about the animals and the history of the countries we visited. He also made us feel safe and comfortable throughout our time there which was a big part of why I personally enjoyed the trip. I also have to mention his team the driver and the cook they also did a fantastic job. I have no complains, all I have is praises for the group leader and his team. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice to potential travellers have an open mind and enjoy the experience. If you have never been on a holiday like this before its different but enjoyable at the same time. Just keep an open mind.