Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiroshima Memorial Park, and seeing Mt Fuji fully exposed from the train.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yuri was so organised! I loved that she'd say 'we'll meet in the lobby at 830, the train is at 838....' Japanese efficiency has to be seen to be believed as the trains mostly run to the second, and stop exactly where expected on the platform, awesome. We even synchronised watches at the start of the trip, which gave us all an indication of just how serious she viewed lateness!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Save up before you go! With almost no meals included it feels expensive out there - I'd looked at the Exodus budget, thought we shouldn't need that much per day, but had spent a lot more first couple of days. There's loads of shopping opportunities if you want to go crazy, but people watching more fun for me as 'anything goes' out there. Take loads of layers of clothes too - temperature can vary wildly during a day during Spring - am sure it was nearly 20c at 3 pm, and 4c by 8 with a biting wind as well.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Dune 40 to see the sunrise. Note we avoided Dune 45, said to be the biggest, on the advice of the group leaders recommendation, this was good advice as we avoided the crowds but still saw a great sunrise. The trip to Etosha reserve is also a great experience, though we didn't see leopards or cheetah and only a single elephant.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shane very friendly and personable, got on well with everyone and tried hard to keep the group on the same page when it came to cycling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the small print on the trip notes - a sleeping bag is essential but this is only mentioned once on page 7 after the cycling essentials. Three of us had to buy sleeping bags at the destination and these aren't easy to find, the temperature really drops at night in March and will be colder in later months! Take a bandanna to cover your face when cycling, some of the roads are very rough and dusty and passing 4x4's at speed set the dust flying. Due to the daytime heat we finished cycling by 12:00 so very often had early starts, rising at 6:30-7:00 most days. Camping is described as full service, this means you get a tent and a sleeping mat and nothing else. Aside from the sleeping bag take something as a pillow and don't forget a towel! The campsites don't have any illumination so you'll need a head torch and spare batteries. Away from Windhoek and Swakopmund there are no shops to buy basic essentials Over the nine days cycling we averaged 30 miles per day, always finishing before lunch. The support bus is on hand with water and snacks, but our support cyclist wasn't up to the task, being a new starter on a bike. Cycling conditions are not easy - I've experienced a few Exodus cycling holidays and whilst there aren't any real hills on this holiday the cycling can be hard, so if you're not sure about your fitness, cycling in heat and on rough roads this holiday is probably not for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the countryside with its undulating hills, whitewashed villages and local relaxed bars provided an authentic experience of this part of Spain!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chris did a great job by ensuring everything was very well organised and sharing lots of useful local knowledge during the walks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Remember to take something warm if you are travelling in March as I did as it can be quite cool in the mornings!

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chris was an excellent leader and Tina added to the trip also

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing tigers in the wild. Seeing the diverse wildlife and birds. Getting involved in the culture.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vijay Chansoria is an excellent guide. He imparts his vast knowledge of the wildlife and India with ease.

Most Inspirational Moment

Really loved Matsumoto. Quite place to stay, beautiful cherry blossom and the black tower was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ryoko was a fantastic group leader. She got the balance right with her information - the key points were clearly stated (and illustrated) without her droning on. She listened to the group and took on board what they wanted - for such a large group she kept us together, informed and safe brilliantly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a lot of walking everyday. If you do not like spending a lot of time on your feet then do not book this trip. However, the walking is a great way to fully experience this fantastic country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a tiger in a wild was memorable even though there was only a 50% chance.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent tour leader, especially on the overnight train, as the train was on time and the majority of the group were still sleeping, we could have missed the station in Delhi if he was not there. Couldn't have had a better tour leader, as he was indispensable on this trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a small sheet and travel pillow for the overnight train.

Most Inspirational Moment

The best moment has to be when we saw the leopard in Kruger NP - a truly amazing creature - we had a fantastic view of him - I won't forget it. Cycling-wise there were lots of brilliant rides with just amazing scenery to inspire and keep you going up those hills. The best day for me was the one billed as the "toughest" day which was indeed challenging but included some real treats en-route - the best of which is swimming in the Mac Mac pools - cooling you down for the final climb!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wynand's knowledge of all things South African was extensive - be it the flora and fauna, the countryside, the history, the people. He was always happy to share his knowledge and answer all our questions. He knew all about the cycling routes, the bikes and I felt he gauged just right how far to push us with the correct balance of encouragement and support. He dealt with bike issues quickly and efficiently. Wynand and the team also catered for the group most breakfasts and lunches as well as several evening meals - they did an amazing job of producing delicious, hearty, fresh meals again and again - including local foods and even a BBQ lunch on one cycle ride! He did a great job of bonding the group together and making us feel like a team. Throughout the trip I felt relaxed and confident that we were in safe hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be fooled by what appear to be quite short distances - most days involve quite a lot of climbing, which when you factor in the heat can be quite tough. It's all do-able but do some training before you go to make it more enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

The climbs and running into the sea after a day's cycling!

Thoughts on Group Leader

The best!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it, you will not be disappointed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Unzipping our tent on the second morning of the trek and looking down into the stunning, cloud filled valley - an experience that made the whole trip worthwhile.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Willmer Delagdo was brilliant! His knowledge, help and patience made certain that the trip was a pleasure for everyone. He also had a wicked sense of humour!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Insect repellent and a slow, steady, uphill pace.......!