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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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14768 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviews

Scenic and peaceful Madeira

Walking the Island of Madeira was our first hiking tour and it was a delight! The five hikes were wonderfully varied, taking place on different parts of the island. From soaring cliffs, surf pounding jagged rocks, lush green forest and farms, charming towns – this series of walks had it all. We went in late February/early March, knowing the weather could be a bit unpredictable and it was. We got rained on, the “official” trails were closed by the government due to high winds one day, and a freak snowfall made the final hike atop Pico Arieiro impossible. But through it all, our guide Paulo proved unflappable. He rolled with the conditions, adapted, and came up with new routes that continually showcased the charm and beauty of his home island. We loved the exposure to the off-the-beaten-path small towns and local coffee shops and pubs where the locals go. Everything was quite affordable (two pints for $3.90 Euros in one neighbourhood cafe). This was less the case, though, in the capital of Funchal which has some very touristy areas with cruise ships docking. Overall, this was a relaxing, fascinating week on this hidden gem of an island.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in Porto Moniz on the north coast (the windward side of the island) and being blown away by the power of the waves crashing into the rocks on the seafront right outside our beautiful hotel. It was like something you'd see in a movie (on on a postcard, for those who remember those).

Thoughts on Group Leader

We quickly grew to appreciate Paulo. He is a true local who is proud to showcase the beauty of his home. It was obvious that he cared about the group's experience and well-being. He worked hard to build alternate experiences for us when the weather didn't cooperate. Also, he delivered some surprises throughout the week that weren't on the itinerary, including a visit to a rum distillery and a drop-in to a local entrepreneur selling honey from a street-front story. I should also mention our drivers (we had two of them) who did an expert job of gently navigating the narrow and often winding mountainous roads of Madeira.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Anyone wondering about the difficulty of the hikes - I'd say the Exodus description is accurate. The hikes ranged from 10km to 15km. There was some climbing (Madeira is 70% covered in hills and mountains) - up to 600m up and down but it is never a race. If you have a base level of fitness, the slow and steady pace will suit you fine. If you have a fear of heights, it's possible for you to manage that. Wildlife and birds were not as evident on this hike as you may see elsewhere. But overall, the charm of the various towns, the panoramic views and varied hikes made Madeira a place that we can recommend without hesitation.

Discover Namibia

Brilliant trip for seeing wildlife & very varied landscapes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeng leopards, white rhino & elephants at fairly close quarters.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent

Advice for Potential Travellers

The early starts & sometimes long journeys are not for the feint hearted but definitely worth the effort!

Highlights of Kerala

This trip is not up to Exodus’s usual standards. The bus journies are almost all considerably longer than the trip notes suggest, partly on account of the extensive roadworks currently taking place in Kerala. The itinerary tries to cover too much ground for the time available

Most Inspirational Moment

Lunch at the rubber plantation in a beautiful homestay run by charming people

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was replaced part way through the holiday after a member of the group complained about him. This was dealt with poorly by the local Exodus representative. The new guide left before the end of the trip leaving those of the group whose flights had been cancelled on account of the Iran war with no one on the ground to assist with their arrangements

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for very long bus journies

Wonderfully varied trip

This trip was an excellent way to see a lot of Sri Lanka in 2 weeks. There was so much variety in the places we visited and the activities undertaken. We were able to experience culture and history in the temples and towns and then enjoy the wildlife on the safaris and the cycling trip. The Sri Lankan people were very welcoming.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved climbing Sigiriya. We nearly didn't do the optional elephant safari but are so glad we did. I also really enjoyed the white water rafting - even the higher level wasn't too scary for a beginner. It was interesting visiting the tea factory and the spice garden and visiting a local farming family and playing games with them was fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Prathab, was excellent. He made everything run very smoothly and was calm and efficient throughout. He was very knowledgeable about history, culture and nature and his love of Sri Lanka shone through. He had a good sense of humour too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some early starts and some long days. We had a fair bit of rain in February but it was too warm for raincoats. All the locals carry umbrellas as shelter against the sun and any sudden downpours. It was very humid (sweaty!) and it's useful and cheap to get some laundry done when you're at a hotel for a couple of nights. You will need plenty of cash for excursions and tips though you can pay with card at most of the hotels.

Highlights of Kerala

This was an OK holiday but we’ve been on better Exodus trips.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riverboat trip was relaxing and very comfortable . Boat had only been on a few trips and was comfortable and spacious.

Thoughts on Group Leader

OK, enthusiastic and knowledgeable but have generally been on trips where spoken English of the group leader is better which helps understanding and organisation of the trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

Trip note suggested times for travel between destinations were underestimated - often 1-2 hours longer (and no reflection on the bus driver). The prospect of an 8hr travelling optional excursion on the final day was quickly dismissed after previous experiences. Accommodation was generally OK although hotel at Kovalam was tired and bathroom in particular left a lot to be desired. Sightseeing venues a little underwhelming to me, relative to say Highlights of Northern India which we have been on previously.

A fantatsic chance to experience so much of the Garden Route

From Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, we loved every minute of the tour, learning so much about the country, the culture, the people, the food and the wildlife. Our guide Marco had a wealth of knowledge on all of the above and with boundless energy was prepared to go to enormous lengths to make the trip special (he also has a wonderful sense of humour).
The group comprising 15 people (about the right size) was so warm and friendly, making it a pleasure to get to know everyone.
The hotels were all well equipped, with some better than others: Tsitsikama had amazing views of the sea, House Martin was a clear step up (run by a lovely couple), while The Windsor was great provided you have a sea facing room (do pay for this to avoid overlooking the car park). City Lodge is a typical city travellers hotel but has just been refurbished so it was in good condition.
The trip may not be super-active but the pace is full on as you move from activity to activity and from location to location. We ate in some fantastic spots and Marco was always on hand to recommend the local specialities / what not to eat at each restaurant. He even managed to convince us to try Mopane worms by the end!
Wine tasting under the trees in Stellenbosch was lovely despite the food and tour around the facility being a little shambolic.
When in Cape Town, the Robben Island tour was well worth attending especially for the second part when you are guided by an ex-political prisoner. Our last night of the tour at Marco’s Restaurant (not related) in Cape Town which was such a fun way to bring it to an end.
Overall, a fabulous trip which we thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views at Knysner Head and Tsitsikama

Thoughts on Group Leader

AMAZING

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some cash for tips and enjoy the South African hospitality.

Hiking Spain in February

A perfect one week away from dreadful weather in the UK doing some challenging walking!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excelent, in all aspects of the trip.

Wonderful experience

What a wonderful country! The food. The people, the environment! Just stunning! Just had 2 weeks with the exodus tour , our guide Roshan was exceptional! This is the 2nd exodus tour I’ve done and it didn’t disappoint. So much was packed in to the itinerary. The accommodation in the main was excellent. Def do all the extra bits and the white water rafting level 3 should not be missed! Im in my 60s and i loved it! I would absolutely recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

I dont think I can pick one, it was all wonderful. Getting caught in a tropical storm and wading back to the hotel was def memorable!

Thoughts on Group Leader

10 out of 10!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Def do the extras that are offered and absolutely follow the advice of your guide especially in places that are crowded. Apparently sri lankans dont que!

Varied and Interesting Desert Tour

Established and well thought through tour of a beautiful desert with spectacular night skys.
Accurate depiction of comfort and difficultly levels, comfort level was possible a bit better than expected given the tents were always assembled and taken down by the support staff and the portable chemical toilet worked well.
Everything ran on time, we weren’t super fast, I was in fact the slowest of the group (my pre trek training disrupted unfortunately) however we still made good time (if you can do several back to back 20 minute miles on a treadmill and have good balance you should be fine).
Several kinds of desert flowers were in bloom, Argan trees and Thyme were abundant.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were lots of amazing views. The ascent of Jebel Aklim was a highlight as was the long rest and beautiful 360 degree views (warm weather and good food). Night sky too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lahcen was superb. Team was very tightly knit and respected eachother. Everything ran like clockwork. Plenty of information when we needed it, and no OTT extra information when we were enjoying the scenery.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is special, I have done a 5 day trek in the High Atlas mountains (including Toubkal), and I found this was more interesting and apart from the summit of Toubkal far more varied and colourful. If you are solo it's well worth the extra for Single Accomodation.

First time to Finland, but we're not finnished!

A week of new and unforgettable experiences in the Finnish wilderness. Stunning landscapes and scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

The lake ice plunge / sauna experience was really special even if you have done cold water swimming before. Waking up in the morning in a quinzee we built ourselves having survived a night in -25c!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joonas and Tuomas were both really knowledgeable and helpful. Both native Finns, experienced in all the activities and good at teaching us new skills. Trip was well organised and they gave clear instructions. Everything ran smoothly and on time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

While at Base Camp, only base layers, swimwear and casual wear for evenings is required. Crocs or simliar are useful for sauna trips & popping to the restaurant. Make the most of opportunities to try new experiences. Food was all home cooked native fare and good portions. Amazing soups!