Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely the view from the Um Fourth rock bridge - I hadn't expected the Wadi Rum to be quite as rocky and narrow at certain points (not a negative) so the two hour climb was a fantastic opportunity to look back down and over some of the terrain we had covered. I'd strongly suggest anyone on this trip take that optional climb. Although I have little experience with scrambling on the whole I found it easier than expected and the small use of ropes shouldn't concern you. The guides and assistance they offered was excellent and I felt safe at all times.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Salah was amusing and easy going and I felt struck up a good rapport with us quickly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Whilst you may as well do the Petra by Night excursion seeing as you are going all that way, it's really not very good for the amount it costs. It's fairly short with little in the way of worthwhile content and borders of slightly cheesy at some points. The one thing I read in multiple reviews was that you should bring gaiters to keep sand out of your boots. They are fairly cheap so it can't hurt however I found that pulling my trousers over the tops of my boots worked just as well.

Most Inspirational Moment

From start to finish everything was different, but the most outstanding feature was the friendliness and happiness of the people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader and assistant leader were excellent. I treated them as friends, well they are.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The altitude does make a big difference. What would have been easy trekking in the UK becomes more difficult at altitude. You can get tablets for altitude sickness. One of our group did suffer but within half an hour of taking the tablets, was well recovering.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving most lunchtimes at an idealic beech for lunch and swim.

Thoughts on Group Leader

V good

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take swimming gear. A couple of stops had a few mozzies, so deet useful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Hearing a wolf howl one evening. Hearing this sound coming out of the forest, in the dark, was genuinely spine-tingling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a pleasure to be around.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many highlights, some unexpected local scenes! My personal highlight was the rain forest lodge - I'd done the Friendly Spider Course at London Zoo in preparation, but the most challenging part for me was the noise of the rain forest at dusk when i first went in my cabin. Looking back I wouldn't have minded another night there! The visual arts in Ecuador were interesting, from graffiti to art work in the hotels and haciendas. Wildlife is fascinating, and the geography too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabian the leader and Mauricio the driver were exemplary throughout. Timings were clear, lots of info and translation when needed

Advice for Potential Travellers

Like other two week long haul trips with Exodus, its not a relaxing holiday. Only a couple of early starts but plenty late finishes, meaning little down time. The bus was comfortable enough to have a mid morning and a mid afternoon nap. Food was good, say starting $15 for one course and a drink at dinner time. Because of the location of the hotels/lack of restaurants near the hotels/times of arrival, a few of the meals are taken in hotels. Check how the price of laundry is worked out - weight or item. What the trip notes didn't say (or maybe it was me not reading properly) is that it is advisable to wear long sleeved light coloured clothes in the rain forest and at the coast, also long socks are needed for the wellingtons in the rain forest. Plenty of insect spray needed. Water, snacks and cash points available. The hot springs are worth a visit in Chimbarazo, cost $5.

Most Inspirational Moment

Each and every walk was inspirational

Thoughts on Group Leader

I would highly recommend our group leader. Emily was well organised, knowledgeable, and fun to be with. Nothing was too much trouble and her innate kindness really shone through.

Advice for Potential Travellers

i have been on 3 Exodus trips , but this one is a must. Highly recommended

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was by far the biggest highlight. It sounds cliché but the Treasury was stunning and the way different lights affected the colours of the rocks around was beautiful. My particular highlight was the second day, where we went off the beaten track for a 4/5 hour trek to the place of high sacrifice, and for an almost birds-eye view of the Treasury from far above. It was hard work but well worth it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you do not want to sleep outside when at the Bedouin camp at Wadi Rum, then do not pack a sleeping bag as the bed spread and blanket was plenty warm enough.

Most Inspirational Moment

From a cycling perspective one of the long descents with marvellous views and a pleasant breeze in ones face.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Yiannis and Kristos were extremely friendly helpful and passionate about Greece. One or both were always on hand. Kristos drove the support vehicle which normally tracked the group so minor technical problems including a couple of punctures were dealt with swiftly and efficiently.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggest it is best to avoid mid summer trips when it is uncomfortably hot for cycling.

Most Inspirational Moment

scaling the terrifyng heights of Angels Landing. walking through the waters of the narrows azure blue skies against the vibrant rocks of bryce sunset walk and picnic at arches with return by moonlight hiking the south kaibab trail of the grand canyon hiking the remote parts of canyonlands

Thoughts on Group Leader

abbi and evan were both very organised and good at co-ordinating plans which often changed at short notice, especially dealing with crisis management when our hotel had not been booked and they had to organise 2 nights accomodation at short notice. they interacted with the group and made an effort to keep everyone happy. i would never have made the heights of angels landing without her motivational skills! both good drivers and never felt put at risk.

Advice for Potential Travellers

be prepared for some long drives although regular stops were made and get some basic fitness as some of the walks are quite challenging. if you want to see vegas you really need to add days before or after as there is no opportunity on the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

All of it, but there was one that will remain with us always………a cheetah with her kill in Etosha N.P. Sossusvlei a unique and unforgettable experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronnie and Jonas were excellent in every sense of the word, knowledgeable and fantastic travel companions. Needless to say the food that was prepared was delightful, we even suggested that they could put their recipes in a book which could be purchased as a souvenir.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can become very cold at night, so come well prepared. SA Rand is accepted everywhere and it can be obtained in the UK, so need to worry!