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.

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Reviews

Anonymous .

Reviewed October 2012

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

An unforgettable trip with some remarkable experiences.  But some long drives and days with limited activities.

Most Inspirational Moment

Without doubt the top and tail of the trip: Gorillas and Masai Mara.  Also really enjoyed the walking safari in Lake Mburo and the game drives around Lake Nakuru.Rwanda was completely unexpected, a beautiful, clean, safe country and one we would recommend without hesitation.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julias was an amazing group leader.  He was funny, caring, knowledgeable and dealt with any problems quickly and efficiently.  The rest of the crew, Mike, Ken & George were equally fantastic.  They made the trip as comfortable as possible (not easy with some of the more basic facilities and conditions).  I was the only vegetarian in the group and Mike catered for this by preparing special meals.  The food was varied and we even had some home comforts, everything from Weetabix to Chips!

Advice for Potential Travellers

1)  Take ear plugs, some of the camps are very noisy into the early hours and with early morning starts sleep can be limited.2)  Take a couple of warm jumpers, a lot of the trip is at altitude, so sitting outside having an evening meal can get chilly.3)  For the lockers a normal TSA type padlock is suitable; but make sure it's a combination lock!4)  Do not leave any valuables in your tent, especially in the campsites with permanent tents.  Always lock them on the truck.  Unfortunately there was an incident in our group where a tent was broken into and belongings stolen.5)  Take a smaller bag to pack enough clothes etc for a couple of nights away from the truck (at the Masai Mara).6) Take something to do on the long drives.7) If you are planning to do any of the activities at Jinga, check your travel insurance before you go.  A few of us had to spend the day in the camp as we didn't realise we weren't covered until we got there.  The Rafting contains Grade V rapids, so you will probably need to tell your insurance company in advance.8) Before we went we specifically asked how much money we should take for tips, additional activities etc.  We needed a lot more than advised and would have preferred a trip where tips were organised by the tour leader.

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Reviewed October 2012

THE LOST CITY OF PETRA - FAMILY HOLIDAY

Amazing to think that floating in the Dead Sea didn’t make it in to our top 3 activities for the week. It was trumped by 1. Sleeping under the stars by a camp fire in Wadi Rum, 2. Snorkelling in the life size fish tank that is the Red Sea and 3. Petra by candle light – magical.

Most Inspirational Moment

Experiencing sleeping outdoors under the shadow of the towering rock faces of Wadi Rum and being able to clearly see all the stars, including the Milky Way next to the warmth of the camp fire. And then wake up for a camel ride. And to be able to able to share this exparience with your children.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ala was a good and informative leader who seemed to know everyone, everywhere. Most things ran smoothly and when they didn't Ala was able to rustle something up. His knowledge of the sites and history was excellent but he didn't always participte in all of the activities with the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Jordan wasn't particularly cheap and eating out (except some places in Aqaba) was quite pricey. There is quite a bit of travelling and a couple of packs of cards were essential. Ipods were also a god send - especially as a couple of the hotels had free wi-fi.

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Reviewed October 2012

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

This was our first  hiking trip and it certaintly won’t be our last as it beat all our expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking down the valley with a beer in our hands with fantastic company after an amazing 8 hour hike, sheer bliss!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was friendly, professional and his love and enthusiasm of Sierra was superb and we learnt so much and experienced amazing walks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As this was our first hiking trip we were so relieved to find we kept up with some very experienced walkers, and walking poles are great and help with the steep descents.

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Reviewed October 2012

A TASTE OF CUBA

A very enjoyable, varied, easy-going holiday, with a range of different activities balanced with free time to mix with other group members.

Most Inspirational Moment

Trinidad - the atmosphere of the town seemed like.a good overall expression of Cuba itself. A bit run-down, a bit of a struggle for the locals who were nonetheless phlegmatic during the day and then flamboyant during the dancing at night. An interesting society, not at all hierarchical, so poor but inclusive and well-balanced in human terms.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lazaro was good, interesting and gave us a true appreciation of the attitudes of Cubans. I believe he reflected their reality in a straight-forward way, without too much personal gloss.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No, I think the description was accurate, and it's just a case of going, seeing for yourself, and maybe getting it right or getting it wrong in your own understanding.

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Reviewed October 2012

IMPERIAL CHINA & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

It was a great trip and we beleive we have seen much of China and experienced a totally different way of life. China has so many layers and so much to see if you go with an open mind and wide eyes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the Wall would have to be the most inspirational. To actually be there and see the wall wind its way across the ridges and high points of the mountains. Talking with the local people and hear the proud voices of thier country. Although this was the highlight its closely followed by the Terracotta Warriors, the pandas, Yangshuo with the spectacular rock formations. The lovely water village of Tong li and Beijing with the old and new blending in. Xian was lovely, especially riding around the wall.  

Thoughts on Group Leader

William was the best. He ensured that we all got to see China worts and all. We were a large group and of varing levels of fitness and abilities and he went out of his way to ensure we all got to experience the wonders of China.His knowledge of the places we went to was excellant and ensured that we got to taste the subtle differences from various areas.I was lucky enough to have a birthday while on the trip and he went out of his way to make it a special day. Noel needed a fuse and he was very helpful and went shopping for Noel, it was much appreciated. His advcie on handling the crowds was spot on and with such a large group we believe he managed remarkable well, keeping us together and safe. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take you time to look about yourself, its not all about the highlights but also about the local sights and what is happening for the Chinese people as they go about their business.The gardens are different from what we are used to but we realised that you need to sit and ponder and look out from all angles and see the beauty. Definetly take wet wipes, toliet paper and hand sanitizer. A sleeping bag liner is a must for the over night trains. Limit the luggage as you need to tranport your own often. We were there Sept/Oct when is was warm and only need to dress lightly.The laundries are cheap and we found this very handy when staying in hotels for a few nights. Because of the humidity it can be hard to get things dry.  Leave the shopping until Shanghai so you do not have to carry it but also because there are great bargains which William will show you.

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Reviewed October 2012

NATIONAL PARKS OF THE WEST

This holiday exceeded our expectations. It was, as advertised, busy, spectacular, very varied, and shared by a terrific group of people.  Our accommodation was great, and even the long travelling days were lightened by visits to interesting places on the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

Bryce Canyon, a place I have wanted to see for many yéars, was breathtaking; the colours and shadows ever changing with the different quality of light.  Hugging a bristle cone pine was a long-held ambition and I achieved it!! Clambering up to Angel's Landing was the scariest thing I have ever done, so I'm not sure that it was inspirational, perhaps just foolhardy!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brendan was a superb and efficient leader, aware of our needs as a group, and sensitive to individual needs.  He went out of his way to take us to interesting places, such as star-gazing away from any source of light, and really wanted us to see the very best of his country. He was enthusiastic, generous with information about all the places we went to, a really good and careful driver, and on top of that  had a good sense of humour and fun.  His organisation of picnic lunches, hotel keys etc. was second to none, and he was universally appreciated and liked.  In short, he could not have been bettered! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a very full and busy schedule, as stated in the trip notes.  There are some early starts. At this time of year,ie October, heed the advice about about taking and wearing layers, as we encountered frost and snow as well as warm conditions.  At times, the day-time temperature was hot, but when the sun went in, it got very cold, so carry extra layers while walking. 

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Reviewed October 2012

YOSEMITE AND THE CANYONLANDS

Very fast paced with little leisure time but great hikes and phenomonal landscapes.

Most Inspirational Moment

The breathtaking beauty of Natural Arch and the changing colours as the sun went down.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both leaders were friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for: very long journeys in a mini bus which is a tad too cosy. Camp sites that on occasion are a long way from the National Parks and the starts of the hikes, leaving less camp time to get ready or relax. Trolley dashes around supermarkets, shopping for food for meals at the camp site. Very poor facilities at some camp sites ie dribbly showers and cold water. Cold nights and mornings followed by hot days.

Reply from Exodus

Many thanks for your review of this trip. I just wanted to reassure you that I have discussed the points that you have raised with our local partner and a number of actions have been agreed. All equipment will be reviewed and checked and every effort is being made to secure campgrounds within the National Parks. Unfortunately, not all National Parks allow commercial groups, but we aim to find the best possible sites in each area. Of course some are still more rustic than others due to the isolated locations that this trip visits. I hope you have some wonderful memories of the National Parks – this trip visits one of my favourite areas of the USA.

Vicky Boughton – Trip Manager for the USA

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Reviewed October 2012

CYCLING THROUGH RAJASTHAN

A wonderful holiday, full on, but a great mixture of cycling and sight seeing. Really gave you the opportunity to get off the normal tourist trail and see rural India up close and personal. I loved every minute. We had a great group and were looked after extremely well. Great holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

The people of rural India.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was great, he looked after us so well, and nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy the experience, you won't always get 5* hotels but you will always get a warm welcome!

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Reviewed October 2012

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

This trip is showing you the best and most of Jordan and at the same time you have some good active days on the bike and walking.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved that you saw so may different things on this trip like the Dead Sea, Red Sea, a night in the dessert, amazing Petra and other historical sites. I honestly cannot think of a better way to see Jordan and being on the bike in this remote country was also an experience in itself. Petra was truely amazing and a very unique experience for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The tour leader was very knowledgeable about his country and very interested in telling you his stories. He was also part of making Petra really special when he took us walking for 9 hours and most of the days outside the normal touristy routes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared that Jordan can be extremely hot even outside the high season - so you need a lot of water while exercising on the bike. Otherwise just enjoy every moment of this trip - it is truely special.

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Reviewed October 2012

WALKING IN TUSCANY

Excellent trip, made so bySara Bull as the regular guide, and the right balance of full on walking and botanical and entomological stops, cafe visits & needed rest time back at the ranch at the end of the day (with pool if there before end of Sept).

Most Inspirational Moment

The camaradeship on some of the toughest walking days, up and down the sides of mountains when some of us were less steady on our feet or woozy at the heights or exposure. A great recommendation for the sort of folk who go on these Exodus trips, from 27 to 63 in age range and varied backgrounds and lives.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superlative in her versatility and dedication to making the most for us of the week. Such as giving us chance to spend last half-day af a great local mushroom and chestnut festival in 'Newcastle' (as one of our number preferred to translate mediaeval town name!) instead of easy option of taking us to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a battle to get hot water in the showers first or negotiating which flat gets first dibbs! Hopefully, they will have sorted this problem out by next season as basic but nice accommodation fine but you do need a hot shower at end of the day! Minorish quibble that the farmhouse needs to sort.

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