Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14493 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Robert Ordidge

Reviewed July 2015

Photographic Safari Kenya 22-30th June 2015

A special photographic trip to the Masai Mara led by Paul Goldstein.

Most Inspirational Moment

Really difficult to pick out one moment as there were so many. Every day brought new and different experiences from following a pride of lions with many cubs, the plight of a cheetah with four juvenile cubs trying to compete with hyenas for food, and spending time with a wonderful leopard climbing up a tree and a clumsy lioness trying to get down from one.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul Goldstein is a recognised wildlife photographer and is a passionate and driven leader. There is no time to hang about when he is leading. He simply gets you to where the photographic opportunities are most likely to be and this is no mean achievement given the nature of wildlife. He expects a lot of himself and those that go on his trips. He is not everyones cup of tea but if you want to see and learn then you will be in for a treat.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You must understand the basics of photography and be able to adapt and quickly alter camera settings in order to get the most out of this trip. The days are long, five am till seven pm, and by the end of the trip you will be tired but very happy. This is not a trip for beginners in wildlife photography as events change so quickly and you have to be ready and prepared to change settings in order to get the best out of this trip. This is an expensive holiday and to get the most out of it you will need good gear. Any doubts hire a couple of big lenses

Fiona Mitchell

Reviewed July 2015

Taste of Cuba

Excellent introduction to Cuba. Great variety of activities in 8 Days covering Western and Central Cuba. In spite of this the tour felt relaxed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cuban Music eating outside at local houses in Trinidad

Dan Heap

Reviewed July 2015

This is a safari on the next level from any other

There’s so many positives to say about this safari. We stayed at Kicheche Mara camp, and it was a stunning well maintained camp with spectacular views. The food was phenomenal, and the atmosphere around the camp was great – partly down to our group, but also down to the way the camp was set up.

The wildlife was spectacular. I’ve done 4 safaris, and whilst the Classic Tanzania safari was very good, this one is completely next level. The aim of identifying one target for the day, then staying with them all day is the future. We sat with Cheetahs on hunts 3 times, we saw a Leopard on a hunt once, we saw Lions with cubs playing almost every day, we saw Cheetah cubs playing 2 days and we had amazing sunsets and thunderstorms that contributed amazing sights and photography opportunities. In Summary, I will be booking to go on this trip again next year I suspect.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a Cheetah run at full pace. Been an aim for me on all previous safaris and this one delivered it - 3 times. As well as that, we were in the prime position for each of the bursts. What an amazing sight - I’m still lost for words.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Quality. You’re time in the vehicle with Paul is hard work, I’m not going to lie. A constant stream of instructions with the sloe desire of getting you a phenomenal photo mean that you’re often under pressure. At times you do need a strength in personality to believe in what you’re doing, and marry it with some of the instructions. However, if you want to be in position to get the very best photos in Africa, then Paul delivers every time. There’s plenty of laughs, plenty of chance to have discussions, and plenty of chance to get a view on your photos - a strong view on whats good and what can be improved is sure to follow. Everything you’ll read in the other reviews is correct - if you take comments to heart, if you hold grudges, if you don’t want to have times when you’re under pressure to get the best photos - then take the advice on board.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t worry too much about weight limits within reason. My hand luggage was weighed at Heathrow (Too heavy had to repack) but after that it wasn’t weighed at all. Take the equipment you feel you need to take the best photos. Take a small tripod for shooting the Milky Way - just don’t take it in the vehicle. Using big lenses requires flexibility - you often have to cram into small areas to get good shots (I’m 6ft 3 and a big build - this was at times tough to do) so consider taking a smaller lens - maybe the 100-400 Mk II. Take a good wide angle lens - it’s vital, and a good polariser too. The laundry in camp is brilliant - it was easy to survive on 1 change of clothes - be warned though - it’s very cold at 5am in the morning - a wind proof jacket was very useful. Take a small laptop to edit your photos on - this allows you to get the best out of Paul’s Clinic - and ask questions - they’re only opinions at the end of the day, some will help you get better, others you’ll disagree with and discard.

Laurene Tubb

Reviewed July 2015

Highlights of the Dolomites

WOW. Magnificent stunning scenery. Mountain peaks to die for and very pretty traditional towns and villages along the way. An area certainly worth spending time in. It was a wonderful experience to be with a lovely group of equally appreciative and friendly fellow walkers and to enjoy it all in their company.

Most Inspirational Moment

To realise that I could still climb and walk a ridge and also do a small grade (not dangerous enough to be clipped on but thrilling nevertheless) via ferrata. I may be aging but I am no dinosaur just yet !!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eric had confidence in me...............so I had confidence in me. I thank him for the help and tips he gave me along the way.

Reviewed July 2015

Discovering Madagascar

This is an exciting adventure trip that enables you to take in the sights and sounds of this unique island. We were lucky enough to have Sol as our Tour Leader and we felt that we were treated like VIPs throughout the trip. Sol always went the extra mile to ensure our comfort and enjoyment at all times, even when things didn’t quite go to plan. He was lots of fun and we enjoyed listening to his knowledge of the history and wildlife of Madagascar. We were challenged by the Air Madagascar strike which meant that some of our trip had to be slightly altered. However, we felt that both Exodus and Sol did their very best to minimise disruption to our trip and hey, we got to see an extra 1000km of Madagascar at grass roots level that we weren’t expecting to see (thank you to Nerina for expert driving). It goes without saying that this is an underdeveloped country where the roads are poor/non-existent so flexibility and understanding is key. There are lots of benefits to this though as we were able to have plenty of opportunity to meet the local villagers and enjoy the children who at most wanted ‘bonbons’ but usually just wanted their picture to be taken. In all the national parks we were lucky enough to see lemurs and other wildlife. We saw 12 different species of lemur, fossas, reptiles, birds and insects, all in their own habitat. One of our highlights was trekking and climbing in Grand Tsingy which is achievable for anyone who is physically fit and doesn’t have a fear of heights. The view from the top of the limestone pinnacles is absolutely spectacular. We were impressed with the food which although centred around chicken, fish, zebu or vegetarian, was always well presented, tasty and quite creative. We certainly never went hungry with a 3 course meal on offer for lunch and dinner every day, even for our picnic in Isalo National Park. Our accommodation was also of a good standard, always clean and the rooms were large. I especially liked the forest lodges near Andasibe, Grand Tsingy, and in Morondava and Ifaty, both right on the beach. In many places we were often the only group there so great to have the place to ourselves (although sad to see that tourism is a little on the quiet side for Madagascans). There are a few long journeys and always early starts so worth taking some cereal bars or snacks for the journey, although Sol always made sure we had stops for water and snacks where possible. In summary this trip is not a holiday but rather a fantastic adventure to an interesting and inspiring island. See it before it changes too much!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many. Trekking in Grand Tsingy National Park, sitting among ring-tailed lemurs that had come down from the trees to eat earth, seeing the resourcefulness of the local people......

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were lucky to have Sol as our group leader. He was extremely professional and capable and we never wanted for anything on the trip. He was always cheerful, great sense of humour and very knowledgeable about his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is not a relaxing holiday as you are on the go all the time with early starts every day. However, the rewards are numerous and the experience is definitely worth it. Take a few snacks with you for the journeys, although there were often opportunities to stock up and the meals are plentiful! Take warm clothing as it is very cold in the desert at night (frosty).

Graham Busch

Reviewed July 2015

CHIANTI - WALKING AND WINE

We have ben on several walking holidays with Exodus over the years and this certainly was up there with the best

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to pick one moment as there were so many enjoyable experiences, but particularly enjoyed the day when we were led by the local guide Sarah. Her knowledge of the history, wildlife and and aspects of Chianti life was excellent. Of course the day was finished with a wine tasting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was absolutely brilliant. Very knowledgeable, caring and made us all very welcome. She even came up with a bottle of fizz and a card at very short notice, when she found out it was our Wedding Anniversary. I cannot really praise her enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip was a great mix of walking, wine tasting and sight seeing. We added on a few extra days in Florence which we enjoyed as there as so much to see and one day isn't really enough.

Helen Mackie

Reviewed July 2015

Cycling the Baltics

A great trip. Lovely countryside to cycle through(mostly flat) The scenery was through forest and along the coast in national parks with quaint villages. The cranes nesting atop trees cut off for them were lovely to see. The cities we visited, Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius were all fantastic with plenty of atmosphere and plenty to see in the historic and architecturally restored old towns.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved cycling down the Curonian Spit in Lithuania knowing that Russia was just a few kilometres away. Cycling up hill and down dale through a beautiful landscape to Traika Castle was also very good,

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very pleasant and helpful, keen to do his best for us in arranging picnics and getting us to try different local specialities. He was very knowledgeable about the history of the Baltic States, particularly Lithuania and gave us as much information as we wanted.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You can't rely on the weather in June. I thought it was going to be warm but it was quite cold and rainy to start with, and then suddenly became hot towards the end. Make sure you take clothing to cover all weathers.

Stephen Lockwood

Reviewed July 2015

Mont Blanc Highlights

Hard to summarise. What made it a fab holiday? Fab walking, fab views, fab mountains, Colin and Jane’s cooking, the Mer de Glace, the Aiguille du Midi, chalet room with a balcony, orchids and Alpine flora, good company, safe, knowledgeable and funny leader and even alto cumulus lenticularis (thank you, Richard) sitting on top of Mont Blanc.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the 360 degree views from the Aiguille du Midi (3842m)

Thoughts on Group Leader

I thought he was very professional as well as friendly, approachable and knowledgeable and able to laugh at himself.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't believe everything you read in the weather forecast. We went in May and regretted the lack of sandals and summer evening wear. But don't leave your fleece at home; you're starting walking at 1,000m so it is chilly on top

Gillian Wright-Dixon

Reviewed July 2015

Jungle, Trails and Lakes

What an exceptional trip this really was. This being my 10th trip away with Exodus, it is definitely one of the best ones (if not the best one!), and if you are reading this review to find out if you should go, don’t read any further and book this trip. It really is a trip of a lifetime and Peru has so much to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well you can't walk for 4 days to Machu Picchu and not say Machu Picchu. It was such a wonderful sight to see after the Inca trail that even seeing pictures can't justify the magnificence of this site. The home stay on Lake Titicaca was a nice surprise and very memorable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cesar was a terrific tour leader, one of the best I have had the pleasure of meeting. He engaged in all social aspects and conversations, and his professionalism and devotion to his work was very well acknowledged. Cesar has the patience of a saint, even when things didn't go quite to plan, he always had a smile on his face.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for long boat rides in the Amazon and use plenty bug spray. Waterproofs are a must in this place, the weather is so variable. Carry what you need for the Inca Trail, not what you want. The limit on what the porters carry isn't as much as what you might think, after you pack a sleeping bag and thermals you don't have a lot of weight left. Most of our group was nervous in regards to the home stay at Lake Titicaca, as we weren't 100% on what to expect. This was a great experience, but learning Spanish in the first instance will really set you on your way here.

Shaun Wood

Reviewed July 2015

SHAUN (BOLTON)

Brilliant weather,lovely chalet & host’s and also very lucky with the weather. I say lucky but because your in the mountains and they don’t call them cloud catchers for nothing (but don’t let that put you off going on this trip)