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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14456 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Yvette Fernley
Reviewed November 2019
Kerala is a gem!
Spoiler alert: your senses may never be the same again – but in a good way! We visited Kerala over 20 years ago, but only scratched the surface. Exodus is very good at stripping away all that is unnecessary, to enable you to connect with Kerala and immerse yourself into Indian culture. Throw into the mix a great bunch of fellow cyclists and you strike gold. We had a blast! The trip notes describe pretty accurately what you will see and do. Every day has new experiences. Cycling is a gentle pace and when you do hit a busy town you are shepherded through effortlessly by the two guides. Oh, and the food is seriously good. Cauliflower has never tasted so delicious. Let the magic unfold, but it will be over all too soon.
Most Inspirational Moment
More special moments than inspirational, including the warm welcome we received wherever we went and whenever the crazy people on bikes went past. Everyone wants to meet you and smiles are everywhere but there is only time to shout ‘ Hello’. Lunch in our tour leader’s home (see below). The trip on the houseboat was special. And we got to see an elephant in the road, yeh!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Shibu goes the extra mile, including inviting us into his home for lunch involving the whole family. We were treated to a fabulous vegetarian meal on a banana leaf, prepared entirely by them all. Special shout-out to Shibu’s wife who was up at 4.00am to start cooking for us. His daughter and niece sang beautifully to us after the meal. They delighted us all. Shibu is responsible for designing the tour and has done so with great care and consideration to showcase Kerala and provide you with a great insight into its life, culture and landscapes. You could not put together an itinerary like this on your own; that’s what makes it special. His no. 2, Seekhar deserves a special mention: excellent English, knowledgeable and amusing, stopping the bus to rescue puppies lying in the middle of the road. All-round good guy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Grab a bottle of your favourite tipple at the airport. Kerala is (partly) dry. Beer is cheapish, wine and spirits (where available) expensive. Take a lightweight cotton sleeping bag for the home stay, it may come in handy and don’t look too closely. On the last day cycling in Varkala, there are a couple of ‘cheeky’ hills to climb - be prepared.
Dennis Samuel
Reviewed November 2019
Fascinating trek
A strenuous but rewarding trek, topped off with some fantastic sightseeing, and of course Machu Picchu!
Great diversity of microclimates during the trek, as well as weather changes. The trip definitely deserves its challenging rating, but the guides and support staff helped all to enjoy this trek. The local people are welcoming. This is one of the best treks I have had the opportunity to be a part of.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to say. Exploring Choquequirao in the mist and almost to ourselves after an intense day of climbing. Climbing Yanama Pass after a snowfall amongst the glaciers. Arriving in the tropical forests of Lucabamba knowing that our climbing was over. Seeing Andean condors one day and parakeets the next. Trying chicha and cuy. And Machu Picchu, glorious despite the number of people there, which I was dreading after eight days of being almost isolated from anyone else but our group, but still found completely breathtaking! Lastly, the group of walkers I was fortunate enough to accompany on this trip. A diverse and wonderful group of people.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Edwind was simply amazing! His ability to keep the group motivated and together through some tough climbing is noteworthy. Steep ascents and different levels of conditioning can really spread people out over long hikes, but he managed to keep everyone intact. Really responsive to different members interests and remembering them over the course of a two week trip. Joshua was also fantastic and very enthusiastic. They were both loaded with information regarding the culture and natural surroundings.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walking is strenuous, no doubt, but the rewards are well worth it. As noted in previous reviews, the ascents and descents are steep and long with almost no flat terrain. Insect issues previously mentioned are intermittent but definitely need good repellant. I usually wear shorts and I definitely paid for it! The weather was everywhere, from snow to tropical sun, so pack accordingly. The camping sites and hotels were fantastic and the food was amazing, especially considering the conditions in which it was prepared. All in all, if you are physically prepared, I believe its one of the best trips you will ever experience.
Anita Reddy
Reviewed November 2019
Excellent trip
Fantastic trip; really well organised and lots to do and see. Sadly poor weather stopped us from getting to Robben Island but other than that trip couldn’t be improved!
Most Inspirational Moment
- seeing lions feeding at Schotia
- penguins at Boulders beach
- climbing to the top of Table Mountain
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jan was fantastic. Very energetic, positive, tried really hard to keep the whole group happy! Not just a leader and driver but also became a friend
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do the optional game drive to Schotia - a highlight of the whole trip for me!
Edward Preneta
Reviewed November 2019
Genuine Morrocan Community and Hospitality
This is a very good introduction to Morocco, Marrakech, remote village living and the high Atlas Mountains. You learn that Morocco is a Berber nation in the Arab world. It is also a very good example of Exodus’s responsible tourism. Excellent local leader and drivers.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hamed took 16 of us to his family's village house for tea and a variety of cookies/biscuits, which were prepared and served by his sister and other family members. We had a tour of his house and resident live stock. There was no pretentiousness. It wasn't staged. It was a moment of genuine Moroccan Berber community and hospitality.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Hamed was and is an outstanding leader. He is engaging, attentive, extremely knowledgeable and eager to learn from those he leads. He is very bright. He knows the trails, Morocco and Exodus.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Believe the trip notes. Marrakech is colorful and busy late into the night 7 days a week. Take the advice from the leader about what to eat, where and how much it should cost for meals, cabs and goods. Always bargain with merchants in the souk. The village is remote and picturesque. The riad is basic and simple. Prepare for the cold in winter months. The trails are rocky and stoney. Don't be shy. Try a hammam.
Vivienne Hodgins
Reviewed November 2019
A wonderful week in Jordan
We really enjoyed our week in this really interesting country. There was so much to see and do. We enjoyed the Roman city at Jerash, Amman sites including the Jordan museum, Mount Nebo, Karak castle, Petra for two days which is the right amount of time. Also Little Petra and the Neolithic village, the Rift Valley, the Bedouin camp was experience at Wadi Rum which was great, swimming and snorkelling in the Red Sea at Aqaba and finally the Dead Sea experience. Only one long day in the bus but we made a few stops so it wasn’t boring. Hotels were good, food was excellent. Not much alcohol but lemon and mint drinks were good. Hiking in Petra was fun…we all did the treks. Jordan is a very friendly country….we felt safe at all times.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hiking at Petra, the Bedouin camp and the camel ride at sunset, swimming in the Red Sea and covering ourselves in mud at the Dead Sea.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ibrahim was fantastic ,a five star leader. He was so knowledgeable, experienced, friendly, alert to the needs of each group member, always smiling. We were very lucky to have had him as our tour guide. He took us to great places to eat. He made the holiday.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go!!!!Jordan is a really interesting and varied country. We took some dinars ...ATMs are available everywhere. Take reusable drinking bottles....there is water in the bus. We weren’t cold in the Bedouin tent.....most people slept out under the stars. A sleeping bag liner would be good...there is a bottom sheet and blankets but no top sheet. Good to go a day early if you can to go to the museum....very informative. Good walking trainers are necessary for Petra...the walks are a real highlight. Take an old swimming costume for the Dead Sea mud...mine was stained by the mud.
Vivienne Hodgins
Reviewed November 2019
A wonderful week in Jordan
We really enjoyed our week in this really interesting country. There was so much to see and do. We enjoyed the Roman city at Jerash, Amman sites including the Jordan museum, Mount Nebo, Karak castle, Petra for two days which is the right amount of time. Also Little Petra and the Neolithic village, the Rift Valley, the Bedouin camp was experience at Wadi Rum which was great, swimming and snorkelling in the Red Sea at Aqaba and finally the Dead Sea experience. Only one long day in the bus but we made a few stops so it wasn’t boring. Hotels were good, food was excellent. Not much alcohol but lemon and mint drinks were good. Hiking in Petra was fun…we all did the treks. Jordan is a very friendly country….we felt safe at all times.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hiking at Petra, the Bedouin camp and the camel ride at sunset, swimming in the Red Sea and covering ourselves in mud at the Dead Sea.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ibrahim was fantastic ,a five star leader. He was so knowledgeable, experienced, friendly, alert to the needs of each group member, always smiling. We were very lucky to have had him as our tour guide. He took us to great places to eat. He made the holiday.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go!!!!Jordan is a really interesting and varied country. We took some dinars ...ATMs are available everywhere. Take reusable drinking bottles....there is water in the bus. We weren’t cold in the Bedouin tent.....most people slept out under the stars. A sleeping bag liner would be good...there is a bottom sheet and blankets but no top sheet. Good to go a day early if you can to go to the museum....very informative. Good walking trainers are necessary for Petra...the walks are a real highlight. Take an old swimming costume for the Dead Sea mud...mine was stained by the mud.
Elaine Richards
Reviewed November 2019
Breathtaking Adventure
This trip exceeded our expectations. It was a great mix of cultural visits with active elements. There was tremendous variety packed into an 8 day holiday.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were 2. The moment when you first see the Treasury at the end of the Siq in Petra and climbing up to the high point and seeing the Treasury from above
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mohammad was a brilliant guide who obviously loved his country and wanted to show it to us in all its glory. He went the extra mile inorder to do this, for example getting us into the roman amphitheatre just as it was closing and more importantly supporting his group in a situation that made it very difficult for himself at great personal risk. The group we were part of was a good one but Mohammad made it into a family.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for the desert experience with appropriate clothes, bedding and towel.
Alice Nimmo
Reviewed November 2019
What a week!
Highly recommended and couldn’t stress how much effort the guides put in on making you feel welcome to this amazing country and how supportive they were in making the trip perfect for each individual. Head guide Elina is a fantastic overall lovely person.
The food was to die for (all traditional Finnish), don’t be expecting burgers unless it’s an Elk one!
The drink was expensive, but I had budgeted for this prior to the trip as I knew this would be the case. It’s good idea to purchase alcohol at a UK airport or lack some in your case before hand.
All of the activities were perfect to gain a taster of each, and once equipped with your gear, you were free to use them as you please in your free time.
I took a hike up a local hill on our free day, using the snowshoes provided, Elina showed me a map in which I took with me, and an easy to follow, well marked trail. What a fabulous day to get a view of the Russian border from the top.
The owners of the Huskies were so caring and knew a of the dogs inside out, what a lovely life they lead and the dogs really enjoy their work, this is obvious when you meet them, due to the excitement and noise they make when they know they’re going on a trip.
The reindeer are well looked after, and the herdsmen explained that they are trained to pull the sleighs in the winter when they are brought back to the farm, but released again to roam during the summer months.
I can’t tell you enough how much I love this country, the lovely people and how close they are to nature.
If your after a really laid back holiday and an escaped from the rush of day to day life, this is for you!
Most Inspirational Moment
The way of life the Finnish lead is to die for, they really are the most lovely people with an amazing connection to nature and their wildlife
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader Elina couldn't have been any better, she couldn't have tried to please everyone anymore if she tried
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't expect restaurant quality food, expect a more rustic and traditional Finnish cuisine such as reindeer, elk and fish
David Griffiths
Reviewed November 2019
Don't go for the Snow Monkeys!
There are two reasons to go on this trip: in Spring for the Cherry Blossom, or later in the year to see the Snow Monkeys. We did the latter, and in fact the last departure of the year, the next being in April. We did not see any monkeys, and the people we spoke to, including the staff at the monkey centre, said that it was too early to see them. They come to a hot spring when it’s really cold. When we were there, it was not cold (avg 17 deg in the day), and in any case, the hot spring had suffered damage from Typhoon Hagibis and was not filling up. We spent a morning hiking to what was essentially a muddy pool for no reason. This was a real waste of time. Apart from this, the trip was enjoyable, but there are a number of free days which really should be filled up with – for example every person on our trip wanted to see Mount Fuji but we had to do that ourselves on a free day – I feel that this should have been part of the itinerary; the tour finishes in Tokyo with a free day on the Friday, and then another free day on the Saturday before being collected for the airport at 6.30pm. There’s lots to do in Tokyo, but we lost our guide before the tour finished. I don’t want to be only negative – we really enjoyed the vast majority of this tour, but it could have been so much better.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hiroshima - but we didn't have enough time there.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Hard working and well organised but didn't go above and beyond. He was great in explaining all the customs and etiquette.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of cash - UK debit cards don't work in most machines and credit cards are not as widely accepted as in the UK.
Lance Berryman
Reviewed November 2019
Wild Namibia
Dear Exodus:
I have had the most wonderful expedition. I’d like to say a few words about the people that made it happen.
Firstly I want to thank the support crew. Simson, Umbarra, Fritz, Matthias and Asa. These gentlemen turned camping into an art form. I’ve stayed at the best hotels and resorts around the world; this crew is second to none. Their attention to detail and service oriented guest first attitude is superb. They brought such an infectious positivity to the camp that it was impossible not to enjoy yourself. Did I mention the food? Asa catered to our every want and surpassed expectations every single night. This man is a genius on a camp fire. Absolutely remarkable. Hands down the best crew an expedition could want. I could go on and on about these guys. I don’t know how much you pay them but they are worth their weight in gold. Thank you to the crew, their efforts ensured this trip was a raucous success.
Next I’d like to thank Tracks and Trails. I wouldn’t dare go into the wildly remote areas we ventured into without a solid plan B. Tracks and Trails seemed to have not only a plan B but a plan C and D for every possible scenario. The vehicles were the best and when the inevitable setbacks that will happen in this rugged environment occurred, they had our back every time. I was very impressed with how quickly they reacted and problem solved. I felt confident knowing I had a team working in the background that could solve any issue at the snap of a finger regardless of the distance, environment and terrain. I felt like nothing could stop us. Very well done Tracks and Trails.
PJ. What can I say? The man is as legendary as Tarzan. His positive attitude combined with his no nonsense polite but stern business approach had all of us paying attention to the details that kept us safe. He was the pack leader. I have a great deal of respect for this man. PJ’s tracking skills were a marvel to behold; When he was tracking the desert lions I felt as if I was in a movie. He found us every animal we dreamed of seeing, then got us a better angle. Pj’s knowledge base is ridiculously extensive, I’d gamble he knows more about Africa than the Encyclopedia Británica; history, botany, geology, astronomy, flora and fauna, tribal ancestry.. the only thing he didn’t talk about was religion and politics. The only question he couldn’t answer was, “PJ, is their anything you don’t know?”. PJ catered to the group and the individual, birds for the birders, terra formations and geological history for the rock hounds, biology for the plant lovers, history for the scholars and everything you could want to know about mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. He even ran around overturning rocks to find us a scorpion when an interest was expressed. PJ is a gem, his leadership and people skills are enviable. When I come back to Africa I will find out what tour he is guiding and do that. I cannot say enough about his skills.
Lastly, I’d like to thank Exodus. You’ve done an amazing job of pairing us with the very best local guides, support staff and logistics professionals. I’ve never travelled with Exodus before, I’ll never tour with anyone but Exodus from now on. Very well done. Superb.
Thank you once again to everyone involved, I’m looking forward to my next adventure.
