Most Inspirational Moment
Orangutans
Thoughts on Group Leader
Great couldn’t do anything about the boat accommodations
Advice for Potential Travellers
Hopefully you aren’t young enough to made/pressured to sleep on deck
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.
Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!
Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!
Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…
Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.
Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.
Select a trip specific review:
Reviews
2024 trip - not sure why all reviews have been deleted
Did this trip in 2024 surprised they have removed all previous reviews. Main point that we felt the guidance lacked was the boat trip can only accommodate 12 people in 6 cabins. Anything over this has to sleep on deck and the bathrooms are only available through other people’s 6 cabins which as you can imagine isn’t comforting if you need the toilet at 2am. As the youngest people in the group we felt pressured to sleep on deck which wasn’t an issue initially but as we found out that the boat needed to move through the night it wasn’t possible to sleep. We felt really short changed by exodus and the description of this segment of the trip. Especially after 2 nights of no sleep!
Wow what an amazing uplifting experience - 5 stars all the way
I honestly find it difficult putting into words just how much this trip moved me. It was special beyond words and I would describe as a culture trip with cycling. There were so many elements to it that it felt like an explosion of colour, culture, tastes and cycling. This trip will stay with me for a long time and It really helped me reset as a person and slow down
Most Inspirational Moment
Half way through the trip we did a 24 hour boat trip and it was the most relaxing thing we had done for a long time. Also we were lucky enough to experience a Hindu ceremony that made me emotionl
Thoughts on Group Leader
Safi, what can I say you were wonderful as well as Shabu - what lovely guys who made it fun and interesting. It felt like we were a real team and they made it so much more enjoyable - Shabu was my life saver on the trip as I wasn't the fastest
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be open to everything, put your phone down and see Kerala for the amazing place it is
Spectacular mountain views and amazing wildlife !
This trip is a wonderfully well-rounded introduction to Nepal, offering the perfect blend of culture, walking, and wildlife. Hiking through the foothills of the Annapurna range delivers breathtaking mountain scenery without being overly technical, while the time spent in Chitwan National Park adds an entirely different dimension with unforgettable wildlife encounters. Throughout the journey, we experienced genuine Nepalese hospitality and gained a meaningful insight into local life, culture, and traditions.
Most Inspirational Moment
The final morning of the trek was truly unforgettable. Waking up in Dhampus to clear skies and spectacular panoramic views of the Annapurna range — including Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal — felt like a perfect culmination of the walking portion of the trip. Equally memorable were the wildlife moments in Chitwan National Park, particularly spotting one-horned rhinoceroses in their natural habitat and even catching a brief glimpse of a elusive leopard. These experiences alone made the journey incredibly special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader, Lakpa (Tscheten), was great. He consistently shared his passion and deep knowledge of Nepal, its people, and the mountains, which really enriched the entire experience. When a few group members became unwell during the trip, Lakpa was attentive, calm, and proactive in ensuring everyone was looked after. The wider local team was equally impressive. Our trekking guide, Buddha, and the porters were fantastic throughout the hike, always supportive and encouraging. In Chitwan, our naturalist guide, Kanan, brought the wildlife experiences to life with his expertise and enthusiasm. The professionalism and warmth of the entire team made a huge difference.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The hiking on Days 3 and 4 is the most challenging part of the trip. Day 3 involves sustained ascents through villages and many stone steps, while Day 4 includes a long descent from Ghandruk followed by another ascent to Landruk all on the same stone steps. A reasonable level of fitness is important. The local team provides one trekking pole, but I strongly recommend bringing or hiring a second one. Having two poles is particularly helpful on the stone-step descents and will make the walking much more comfortable. Load shedding (power outages) is common in Nepal and can occur at various times, so something to be mindful of. If possible, arrive one day early before the tour begins. This gives you time to rest after your journey, recover from jet lag, and acclimatize, helping you start the trip feeling refreshed.
Vietnam Adventure March 26
Trip was inspiring, the people, scenery, chaos of cities…..all adding to a diverse and interesting trip. Lucky to have a small group who became family and an amazing tour guide Manh.
Most Inspirational Moment
Some of the Temples and waterways on small boats giving moments of calm and peace amidst the Choas. The work ethic of the people and the long hours they put in just to survive whilst maintaining a sense of humour and an incredible sense of family.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Manh Nguyen who was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, kind and who wanted us to have the best time possible. He was caring and looked after group members who were ill or just having an off day. It was also clear that he loved his country and instilled that generous spirit in ourselves. We could not have had a better guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for the heat and humidity , it can be incredibly draining. Drink a lot of water
A Perfect Blend of Culture, Scenery and Gentle Adventure!
What an amazing trip! It genuinely exceeded my expectations on so many levels! From beginning to end, everything was exceptionally well organised, with every detail carefully thought through and plans adjusted when necessary to maximise our enjoyment. The cycling routes were a brilliant way to experience Kerala’s towns, cities, fishing villages, stunning coastline and authentic local culture. Loved every moment, but particularly enjoyed the afternoon coasting down the Kerala backwaters on the houseboat, where I suddenly realised I was the most relaxed I had been for many months! 🙂
Each day felt different, with a great mix of activities and experiences, plus some wonderful surprise cultural moments that we simply weren’t expecting. The food throughout was excellent: fresh, varied and full of flavour, and the standard of the hotels was consistently very good. Having swimming pools at many of the properties was a real bonus and the perfect way to unwind after a day on the bike.
Overall, it was a fantastic holiday and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a well-organised, active trip with great food, comfortable accommodation and truly unforgettable experiences.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many unexpected moments that enriched the trip, many of which weren’t even on the original itinerary. Our lead guide, Safi, often added or adapted elements along the way, creating a mix of planned and completely impromptu immersive experiences that made the journey feel truly special and memorable. I was also genuinely touched by the people of Kerala: everywhere we went, we were met with such warmth and friendliness, which will stay with me long after the trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Safi was absolutely amazing. He made sure everyone in the group felt cared for, catered for and happy throughout the entire trip. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and he went out of his way to check in with each of us and adapt plans where needed so that everyone could get the most out of the experience. A huge thank you as well to Shibu and Vinni, who worked tirelessly alongside Safi to ensure everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. Their hard work, humour, support and friendly presence really added to the enjoyment of the tour, and together they created such a positive, relaxed atmosphere. As a team, they genuinely made the trip, and I’m incredibly grateful for all they did to give us such a fantastic experience.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don’t be put off if you’re not an experienced cyclist. The routes are mostly flat and the road surfaces are generally good, with just the occasional pothole to navigate. The daily distances are very manageable and, importantly, most of the cycling is done in the mornings, before the heat and humidity really build, which makes it much more comfortable. I’d recommend bringing padded cycling shorts (or gel seat) and gloves if you have them, and making sure you stay well hydrated (with electrolytes), but you certainly don’t need to be a serious cyclist to enjoy this trip. It is a fantastic way to see and feel the “real” Kerala at a gentle pace, travelling through villages and countryside you might not otherwise experience, while also getting or keeping fit at the same time. Overall, if you are happy to be a little active and open to new experiences, this tour is incredibly rewarding and very achievable for most people with a basic level of fitness.
What a fantastically amazing trip!
There are almost no words to describe how fulfilling this Kerala trip was. I have taken a lot of interesting trips in my time, including northern India, but this really touched my soul like nowhere else and I cannot explain why. There wasn’t anything that I didn’t love about the trip. The food was great, the people were so, so friendly, the group was fantastic, the countryside so pretty, hotels were comfortable and the cycling was something I have never done before but really enjoyed. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the elephant walking in the festival parade. I never thought for a minute I would see that in Kerala. But also meeting so many lovely locals along the route
Thoughts on Group Leader
Safi was a great leader. He made sure we always knew where we were going and when and checked that everyone in the group was ok with that. He left some flexibility so that we could add in some interesting excursions when the opportunities arose. A great combination of leadership and teamwork.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Kerala is so beautiful and cycling at grass roots level lets you see and hear everything going on around. You can stop whenever there is something interesting to see (every 5 minutes!) If you are interested in this type of immersive trip but don’t fancy cycling, hire an e-bike. Best of both worlds.
A Magical Experience Which Supports Locals
This journey through Ecuador showcases its dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and warm local culture. What makes it especially compelling is the opportunity to experience the country as locals do, staying in locally run accommodations rather than traditional cruises, particularly in the Galapagos, offers a more authentic and often overlooked perspective. The Galapagos feels incredibly safe and close‑knit, with a strong sense of community that stands out alongside the extraordinary wildlife.
Most Inspirational Moment
From the landscapes of Cotopaxi to the incredible hot springs hotel in Papallacta, I loved all of it. The journey then continues to the Galapagos, where it feels as though the islands are run by the wildlife! February is an exceptional time to visit, with newborn sea lion pups appearing all across the islands.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had different trip leaders from the mainland to the Galapagos, where we had an official Galapagos Naturalist Guide take over. They have an extraordinary knowledge of the wildlife, it was fascinating to witness.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be mindful of the wealth disparity between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos. Accommodation on the islands are generally more basic than on the mainland, reflecting a long history where much tourist revenue has remained with cruise operators rather than local businesses, something that’s visible in the infrastructure, particularly on the less inhabited islands. The islands are significantly more expensive due to strict regulations and the need to import almost everything. I would ask other travellers to be gracious when comparing the two.
Exceptional Holiday from Start to Finish
I’ve just returned from this tour and can honestly say it exceeded all expectations.
From start to finish, the trip was exceptionally well organised, with every detail thoughtfully planned.
The cycling routes offered a perfect way to take in Kerala’s beautiful coastline and local culture. Each day brought something new and memorable, with a fantastic range of activities and experiences that really made the trip special – with lots of surprise cultural experiences that we did not expect.
The food was excellent throughout, fresh, varied, and full of flavour and the hotels were of a great standard. Having access to swimming pools at many of the accommodations was a real bonus and a great way to relax after a day’s cycling.
Overall, this was a truly fantastic holiday. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-organised, active trip with great food, comfortable accommodation, and unforgettable experiences.
Most Inspirational Moment
There are so many! From the local wedding we visited, to learning and watching local craftsman keeping traditions alive to all of the super friendly locals and even a Hindu procession.
Thoughts on Group Leader
A special mention must go to our group leader and his team, Safi, Shibu and Vinnie who were outstanding throughout, professional, supportive, and genuinely passionate about making sure everyone had the best possible experience.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't be put off if you're not a regular cyclist or haven't been on a bike for a while, the route is very flat and there is no hurry or race to get to the next stop, its a very good relaxed pace.
Cycling Morocco
Absolutely fantastic, you can focus on your cycling, the culture and the natural beauty. Everything else is taken care of.
Most Inspirational Moment
Having lunch 4000ft up a mountain.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Muhamid was a fantastic leader, as well as all the other members,
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do it!
A fantastic country to visit
Colombia is the second most bio-diverse country in the world behind Brazil. The landscape is truly breath-taking. Hilly / mountainous and very green and lush. A bit like New Zealand only with lots more trees, really beautiful. We felt safe the entire time, it’s reputation for being a “dodgy place” is no longer justified, the days of drugs and violence are in the past.
Most Inspirational Moment
Many things. The Tatacoa desert (not strictly a desert) is an amazing landscape, the likes of which I have never seen before. Also really loved Communa 13 in Medellin and Cartgena.
Thoughts on Group Leader
David was simply the best guide I have ever had, really went out of his way to be helpful, such a genuinely nice guy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Book it, you won't be disappointed. Be sure to take binoculars, there are so many birds here!