Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Very hard to pick select, as all sites visited gave us a detailed and informed insight on a wide variety of experiences. Petra was an obvious highlight, and was far more extensive than I had expected. Wadi Rum was beautiful and peaceful - and additionally for us as, after our daughter's partner asked Mikhled for advice, they became engaged in the Bedouin camp, in the desert, under a full moon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mikhled is the best group leader I have met! He is extremely knowledgeable about all the sites visited, and continued providing advice during the bus journeys on the areas passed through. He is very proud of his heritage (Jordanian Bedouin) and was very happy to share detailed knowledge of his lifestyle as requested. He also appeared to have a wide range of local contacts throughout the trip who he encouraged us to befriend and interact with, while liaising as required. I am also very impressed with his dedication to his group - although being with us throughout, I became aware that he was also in constant liaison with Exodus, and with all support personnel (cycle team, drivers, police, accommodation and meals providers). He also fully managed on our behalf the ongoing daily expenses including appropriate tips - all done transparently and very efficiently, removing and doubt or embarrassment from us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Trust your Exodus group leader. Also trust Exodus prior to your trip - they have excellent local people on the ground who will safely advise on and manage the trip. It was very disheartening to see the effects on the local people of extensive tour cancellations, apparently due to concerns of the Israel/Gaza situation, which was very distant and had minimal effect on us (just a relatively mild heightened security)

Most Inspirational Moment

So many things, obviously the animals, game tours, Table mountain , the cape peninsula, the little towns on the way, having warm sun and late evenings when its cold and horrible in the uK at the moment. One of my best trips this year

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pietro Petrorius was the best group leader I have had on the last 6-7 tours I have had this year with Exodus. She singlehandedly dealt with what other tours had two or three people. Her knowledge of her country and every aspect was incredible. nothing fazed her when there were wildfires on the cape peninsula - she found a way to jiggle everything around. When Simons Town was shut with the first she took us to another penguin colony which was in fact much better. When Table Mountain was closed with high winds she rejigged things and got us there first. When that morning it turned out there was a delay in opening she kept her cool and instead of having to wait for four and a half hours she pulled strings and got us up first before the huge queue of people. When Storms Mouth bay was closed we went to Tsitiskamma village which was much better, she organised meals, trips, dealt with travel issues, and on top of that she loaded all the luggage and organised everything perfectly. She is a real asset to you! And all the time she had a good sense of humour and was really friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get a direct flight, I had Exodus organise flights and you gave me flights via Dubai which added probably abother 10-15 hours to the journey. That aspect was horrible. No-one told me about direct flights when I booked, and I booked in in the summer! Not happy about that. It took me 27 hours door to door to get there and about the same to get back as Emirates delayed one flight and rebooked me on an other. Awful experience. Other people on the tour had flown BA direct - only 10 hours - why didn't you tell me about this. I know I had asked to go from BHX but no-one at Exodus pointed out the big difference to the journey time. Not happy bunny on that score.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everything was inspirational but the two things I most wanted happened. I saw baby turtle hatchlings and sloths. It was a great moment to see the hatchlings and safely guiding them to the sea, I felt very protective of them. We saw two varieties of sloth: 2 toed and 3 toed, amazing and how lucky. The zip line in Cloud Forest is a must, especially the Superman zip which you have to pay extra for but worth it. You're literally flying through the air, it's safe as you're fastened securely and so comfortable, and the views are amazing. It was a once in a lifetime for me as were most things in CR. Also loved the zip line in La Hacienda, hanging bridges, butterfly dome, swimming at the base of the waterfall, descending and ascending 500 steps down to/from the waterfall, chocolate tour, pineapple tour, humming bird tour, forest walks, baby turtle hatchlings, dolphin tour, swimming in the sea, thermal pools, volcanic mud pools, more waterfalls. List is endless.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I would describe Mayer as amazing, dedicated, passionate, authentic, organised, great sense of humour, peoples person, patient, kind, enthusiastic and lastly he really captured, through photos, the essence of our group and the activities we did. He's definitely the best tour lead 10/10, the worst being Michled in Jordan! He falls in the minus rating. Mayer tweaked the itinerary a couple of times which benefited us as we got to try/see things we may have otherwise missed. He also gave us enough free time to relax and reset as the tour was pretty full on.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go with the flow. Itinerary is hectic, a lot of walking but that's what you're there for. You can easily get away with wearing trainers on the tour so no need for heavy walking boots.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip was fantastic, a great way to see and explore Costa Rica and all it has to offer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Memo was very knowledgeable and passionate about Costa Rica and keen to share information is a positive and friendly way. He had a great sense of humour, and was supportive and patient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some tough uphill sections, make sure you’re fit for the trip, that said very rewarding when you complete the cycling for the day / trip. We went in December and had fantastic weather bower it was very hot and humid so drink plenty of water !!

Most Inspirational Moment

Christmas Day walking in the Grazalema mountains with spectacular views and a truly outstanding area with so much ecology to take in. A truly breathtaking Experience shared with the group and leader. Secondly despite the crowds El Chorro gorge was a wonderful experience. Finally, really enjoyed walking from the Cortijo Rosario across all the olive farmland with amazing views and a lovely tapas lunch on one of the days.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michael, a truly lovely person with so much local knowledge and passion for the surrounding environment. So helpful throughout the entire week and often went above and beyond to ensure we had a good trip and even planned our day off in Saville ensuring we made the most of the time experiencing the best spots to visit in the city with everything from start to finish running like clock work.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do visit Ronda on the optional afternoon activity to carry out as a very interesting place to visit.

Most Inspirational Moment

Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Philae, Egyptian Museum of Archaeology

Thoughts on Group Leader

FABULOUS - can't say enough about what a great guide and teacher Ahmed is

Most Inspirational Moment

Drinking Cuban cocktails in the bars listening to the Cuban music and watching the Cuban dancing; walks around Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad; spending time on the beach in the Bay of Pigs; and of course, driving around Havana in a brightly coloured veteran US car.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader had a great knowledge of the country, the people and their lives, and was invaluable in navigating our way around ensuring we were kept safe, secure and entertained.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Food choices are limited, especially if you are vegetarian; take two-flat pin socket adapters; do not expect much wifi; take USD or EUR cash; buy rum, cigars and handmade crafts; take some small items of daily living for the locals (soap, paracetamol, etc); be prepared to see some poverty; and the airport is freezing!

Most Inspirational Moment

Taking the pony up Chimborazu

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Nothing was too much trouble and if something did go wrong you never knew. He was able to sort everything out seemlessly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Arrive a day or so before the tour starts. Go the thermal baths in Banos especially early in the morning.

Most Inspirational Moment

Outings to the pyramids, temples and burial chambers with the wonderful narratives provided by Ahmed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ahmed was terrific and his input was, in every respect, a huge asset. His attention to detail and his ability to meet each individuals needs was truly impressive

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many...The tranquility of the ruins atop Lion Rock, the amazing bird life, the leopard at Yala and the sunset over the lake, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, the hanging parrots and sunbird in the date palm outside my window, the thrill of white water rafting (a first for me). All unforgettable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb. Amazingly well organised. He coped with the different demands of our varied group with good grace, always pleasant, always polite, always fair and kind to everyone. A great job Sujan! Thank you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lots, but everyone finds their own way. Try everything. Don't forget plenty of sun block and plenty of insect repellent. An umbrella is a useful item. Best place to buy tea is not at the plantation itself because of limited stock and relatively little choice, but in Galle on Rampart Street when you walk around the old fort. T-shirts at the botanical gardens shop are decent quality. Take binoculars, really worthwhile, and a bird book if interested. There are kids at the farm visit, so a colouring book or 2 as giveaways may be welcome.