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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14433 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Katy MacDonald

Reviewed August 2014

Namibia -The best of Africa

A great trip showing the best of Namibia in just 2 weeks. The landscape is amazing and so different in each location.
The animals are abundant and everywhere – watching at the camp waterholes is just brilliant – not knowing what might arrive next. Everyday is different and everything spectacular.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing 2 rhino bringing there young to the waterhole one was still suckling. Watching & listening to a lion lap water whilst a rhino slurped at the other side of a waterhole - then getting a full blown lion roaring session. The cessna flight back over the areas just visited is well worth the cost - it puts the vastness of everything in perspective and shows just how little is not sand!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Washing can be done for you at the lodge in Swakopmond - fixed price for a basket load. All the toilets were good with paper - but it is single ply and rough...keep all your N$1 coins as you need these for the service station loos. Take a water bottle as the water is drinkable everywhere - although a bit yucky at Brandberg. Good binoculars make a huge difference to seeing all the extra creatures at the waterholes. Camping mats provided are good thick ones - nothing extra needed. It is VERY cold after dark in July so take lots of layers. The Cessna flight from Swakopmond is brilliant but you will need to book it asap as they only take out 5 people at a go. Also the restaurants need booking - we were lucky and got tables but it was only for 2 people.

Dayle Hammond

Reviewed July 2014

A Wonder of a Holiday!

I got back from Jordan just over a month ago now and still get a buzz from thinking about all the memories and looking through the photos. There is nothing that I would have changed about this holiday!

It was my 1st Exodus holiday and it certainly will not be my last! In fact, I’ve already booked up for the Highlights of Northern India trip in October!

The group of people on the trip were fantastic, the tour/cycle guides were 2nd to none. Couldn’t recommend this trip more!

Please see YouTube link below… Just a short video I compiled with some of the photos when I got back, hope you enjoy it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Couldn't pick one in particular. I remember how we all felt during the day at the Dead Sea (day 3?) and I think we all secretly felt that nothing could match that day, but they all certainly did! Out on a yacht in the middle of the Red Sea snorkelling, some scuba diving too.. Sleeping under the stars in Wadi Rum, the endless hours you can spend trekking around the lost city of Petra.. Too many to mention

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Ala, was very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable and could answer any question we threw at him. He kept referring to Jordan as "in my country..." so you could tell how proud he was to be Jordanian and how happy he was to be taking us around his country! Johnny (our driver) and Laith (bike mechanic) were very approachable, friendly blokes too. Nothing was too much trouble for them. A special mention however must go to our cycle guide, Abid (sp)!! Arabian cycling champion.. Abid is a character that, if you have the honour of meeting him, you certainly will not forget him! Anybody who was on this holiday (and I'm sure on others with Abid as the cycle guide) will agree that he was the cherry on top of the cake...and more! One of the most likeable blokes I have ever met and it was such a shame to say goodbye at the end of the holiday. I can't vouch for any other cycle guides on this trip (I'm sure they're all great) but Abid was something very very special and we couldn't have been luckier to have met him

Advice for Potential Travellers

Carry a certain amount of low denomination currency as much as you can, and put it in a separate pocket out of your wallet/purse. Last thing you want is for locals (in Petra particularly) to see that you have a weeks worth of money on you. Don't worry, it is perfectly safe, but they will be cheeky and expect a bigger tip from you. If you give them a couple of dinar from your pocket where you only have a few notes, it looks a lot better than from a wad of cash that you have for the whole week. Don't let that put you off though, I've never been to a place where I have felt as safe as I did in Jordan, genuinely!

Jane Byrne

Reviewed July 2014

Walking in Albania

This is the second time I have done this trip and the alterations to the itinerary are good -the walking is still varied in wonderful scenery and the accommodation has improved.

Most Inspirational Moment

On a personal level, completing a walk I had not been able to do last year was a massive boost. For the group I feel that the traditional Albanian meal in Berat within the walls of the castle was a brilliant evening. The insights into Albanian culture gave me food for thought which will stay with me for a long time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was very friendly and helpful at all times, always looking to show us the best of Albania and making sure that at all the "sites" expert guides were available which enhanced the experience. There was also time to be spontaneous and adapt to what the group wanted to do.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is always a risk of electricity cuts in the country so a torch is essential. I do not normally need walking poles but I found them essential in Albania.

Claire and Angela Aldridge and Jones

Reviewed July 2014

Mont Blanc circuit

A very well organised trip with Exodus. Walking days were challenging but enjoyable with amazing views (weather permitting!). Days were organised well and our guide John always had alternative routes if necessary. Campsites were all good and particularly enjoyed the 2 ‘wild camping’ sites. The food was excellent considering the conditions and the equipment that Graham had. We are both vegetarians and were superbly catered for! The curry was especially good!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Col de Ferret was a spectacular day and the beauty of Trient with its pink church! The scenery was spectacular and was exactly how we imagined it to be! The cable car to the top of the Aiguille du Midi was brilliant especially the blizzard conditions at the top!! Also had the pleasure of meeting Dawa Sherpa in Chamonix!! Would also recommend the chairlift to the Glacier des Bossons.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was an excellent leader. Extremely knowledgeable and always happy to tell stories and teach those who were interested, bushcraft/mountain skills. He was extremely patient and reassuring with me on exposed sections and I had the utmost confidence in him. I have learnt alot from him during the trip. Happy to give information about things to do on free days. Graham was superb. Always chatty and friendly and had lots of jokes to tell (we will let you be the judge as to whether they are good or not!!) Nothing ever too much trouble and his food could not be faulted! Charlotte was wonderful and always had the kettle on and the biscuit tin full for the end of our days walking!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of pairs of socks and would highly recommend taking an umbrella (as odd as it may seem). The trek is certainly challenging in some places so definitely recommend being as fit as you can be. Walking poles are very helpful for the steep descents. Four seasons in a day is a definite possibility so be well prepared! On a free day in Chamonix the multi-pass for all of the chairlifts and cables cars is a must! Cake and tea during walking days adds up so budget for this.

Jonathan Smith

Reviewed July 2014

A supreme holiday

What a fantastic holiday. The whole experience from booking with Exodus, to canoeing with a great bunch of fellow travellers, to camping besides elephants, to singing with lovely African kids…..this trip didn’t disappoint.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to decide! Maybe having to start the trip with a canoe in the dark across the Zambezi avoiding hippos to get to our first nights camp. Or maybe the sight of a young elephant swimming in front of us with only his little trunk sticking out of the water. Or maybe the sight of the Milky Way every night. Or maybe the laughs we had every evening with my fellow travellers. Or maybe the amazing knowledge of CB our guide....is there any animal or bird he doesn't know?......or maybe the lovely kids school we visited. Or maybe just about every moment......you guessed it I had a good time!

Thoughts on Group Leader

CB was fantastic. Great knowledge and a perfect host and cook. He was quiet in character and just let his guests enjoy themselves without trying to be in any way the centre of attention.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take as little as you can for yourself and use the rest of your space in your bag to provide clothes for the kids at the orphanage. You won't need any extra food as you get more than enough but a few sweets to give you a sugar boost now and again a sensible idea. A few beers purchased at the supermarket in Lusaka were great fully drunk once the tents were pitched.

Michael Westgate

Reviewed July 2014

A week in Jordan

This was a fantastic trip with loads of interesting things to see and do made all the better by a great guide in Danny and a wonderful group.

Most Inspirational Moment

This was definitely Wadi Rum for me and Petra by candle light. Having never seen Petra before, it was a great introduction to do it by candle light.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny was superb, extremely knowledgeable and a fun guy to be around. He definitely helped make it a good week. He always seem to be looking for fun things for us to do.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a scarf with you for Wadi Rum (men and women). Although getting something authentic in the Little Petra market is always a good idea.

Susan Antonelli

Reviewed July 2014

Warming winter moments

When asked what my favourite part of the trip was this was my response soon after I returned ….”Mine…the spontaneous stop off to chill by the glacial pool in falling light – to capture the sunset en route to the hostel …we saw the Northern lights – so chuffed – Vik, Whow! – homemade tomato soup on the spot where they were grown – all the food. Oh and I missed the pictures of Gulfoss in the books, so imagine my face when I walked to the edge of the path!! Snow, muted crashing rollers on a lava beach, ice, sun -such feast for the senses…then lastly the feel of the lava between the toes in the blue lagoon. Still pinching myself.

Most Inspirational Moment

Gulfoss, because of the above, closely followed by the beach at Vik, with crashing rollers

Thoughts on Group Leader

Clear, concise, there with answers to questions and prepared to go the extra yard to make this short trip to Iceland most memorable. His performance on the line was truely memorable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Layers, lots. It doesn't matter what you look like but you'll only enjoy it if you are warm.

Alice Nicol

Reviewed July 2014

Prague to Budapest Ride

A great trip, with a variety of scenery and a really good bunch of people.

Most Inspirational Moment

1) visiting the picturesque cesky krumlov during the festival - great friendly atmosphere 2) contrasting the grandeur of Vienna with the quiet charm of the small towns and villages 3) cycling alongside fields of poppies and sunflowers, with butterlies floating by. 4) learning about life behind the iron curtain and the changes which have taken place

Thoughts on Group Leader

This was the leaders first 'solo' trip. He did an excellent job and was prepared to go the extra mile. He was an excellent source of information and went to some lengths to ensure that individuals got the most from their visit. ( There were some occasions, where I think the trip could be enhanced by having an 'assistant', e.g. in cycling out of vienna, and on longer stretches of the route, where a 'back marker' could have been advantageous)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bear in mind that many of these countries have their main meal at lunch time - so sometimes lunch portions are huge and would feed two. Worth checking first- esecially if you ant to sprint up that next hill! Consider taking insect repellant for the danube stretch if you are troubled by insect bites. Some places , notably Budapest include service charges, while others don't - so the bill may end up more than you expected . Be prepared for quick turnovers between arriving and departing each night and in particular in Prague and Budapest - maybe book some additional days of you want to explore ( can I say that?) these places.

Colin Roe

Reviewed July 2014

Colin Roe Gorillas and Masai Mara.

I have been on a lot of wildlife tours but this one blew them away.It was such an amazing trip the tour leader Often made us feel as though we had knew him for years his crew were also amazing.I would recommend this trip to anyone.
The wildlife was outstanding but the gorillas made the trip finish off an amazing tour thank you Often and your staff.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tracking the gorillas for over 2 hours.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often is my idol I think the world of him even though I had never met him before he's a great leader and knows his job inside out.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If your thinking of going just book it dont think about it and you will be writing the same reviews.

Garry Ward

Reviewed July 2014

Excellent adventure

The Rongai route six day ascent and descent of Kilimanjaro felt like a hit and run trip to me but overall very well run and conducted by skilled professional people. Rongai is frequently touted as being a quiter route, unfortunately simply due to the luck of the draw our group was roughly mirroring the progress of at least two other groups on the same route and we frequently came into contact with each other on the trail and obviously at the camp sites. Perceptions of how easy or hard something is will obviously depend upon the individual, I personally found the first three days of this route to be easy to moderate hiking, enjoyable and certainly not challenging. At the end of the third day, at Mawenzi Tarn camp I got my only significant symptoms of altitude sickness for the entire trip, a very obvious headache that would come and go. After a night’s “sleep” it had gone and never came back. Poor quality sleep is a real issue for everyone, guides as well. The high altitude affects your ability to sleep properly, frequently waking in the night was common amongst nearly everyone in the group as was the feeling we hadn’t really slept at all but we’d comment that about remembering our dreams so must have been asleep at some point. That third night at Mawenzi Tarn is likely to be the last sleep you get before attempting the summit on the night of the fourth day. Virtually no one sleeps at Kibo Camp at 4700M, it’s just too high up and of course you’re trying to rest and sleep while it’s still daylight and the noise of numerous climbing parties goes on outside. Once the night comes and you prepare for the summit climb the air is electric with nervous excitement and you may see the light trails of groups already making their climb. Within minutes of setting off both myself and another member of our group had taken our gloves off. With all those layers on we were getting hot, very hot. At the first rest stop I ended up stripping off my second pair of thermal leggings and took my down body warmer off too. It’s surprising how hard work that is approaching 5000metres up. We read how it can be up to -20C on the summit but the reality that night was -7C, still cold but a fair way from -20C. Incidentally you don’t need a super high spec head torch that will turn night into day for the night climb, all it needs to do is light up the ground immediately in front of you as far as the heels of the person in front of you, that’s all you need to see. I GPS tracked our summit attempt at 0.7 km/h, 700 metres per hour!!! That is how slow you go, painfully slow, in more ways than one but there are many times when even that felt too quick. Despite a number of rest stops they never seem to be enough and the feeling of really pushing your limits in the thin air are ever present. Eventually the ridge does start to get closer and you emerge onto Gillman’s Point to immense relief and elation at finishing the main climb and knowing you made it to the summit crater. Sadly at this point we had to leave one of our group behind as we headed on for Uhuru peak via Stella point. We watched the sun rise from Stella Point which was beautiful and put a smile back on our faces despite being very tired now. A short time later we arrived at Uhuru Peak, miussion accomplished. All that was missing was football stadium style turnstiles, there was quite a crowd there but we got our photos and after only fifteen minutes or so were on a our way back down… no one complained. We did however complain about the speed of descent. We were very sore and tired but felt we were being relentlessly marched down with no regard for that and so started taking our own rest stops. For the only time on the trip there might have been a little tension between the conflicting wishes of the guides and the clients. Anyway the descent continued and we got over it. A short rest stop at Kibo Huts. The crew had made a big brunch for us but we barely touched it we were that exhausted… sorry guys, it was then a sustained descent for the next day and a half until we finally emerged at marangu gate. Fantastic!

Most Inspirational Moment

Experiencing the working life of the porters. It was inspiring and humbling to see people work so hard to better their lives and those of their children in a country which presents them with a tiny fraction of the opportunities of our own. Their backbreaking hard work is absolutely essential to your success. They make the climb work, I described them as life support.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Mussa. He was a star and quite comical at times but at the same time one could really appreciate his experience and knowledge of the mountain. His frequently referring to climbing Kilimanjaro as a piece of cake made us grin and groan at the same time. It also made us laugh that he lied to us. Reaching the summit is not a piece of cake at all but the object of his light hearted approach was to stop us dwelling on things and deal with one step at a time. Of equal importace and worthy of mention to me were the assistant guides, John, Raphael and Diglan since we spent more time walking with and being guided by them than Mussa himself who lead the summit attempt. All three men were an absolute credit to themselves, I have an immense amount of respect for them, I learnt a lot about general life in Tanzania from them too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that you are going to be entering a dusty and mucky environment and just live with it for a few days. I took a bag full of energy bars and munchies with me and returned with half of them. With the exception of summit attempt the hiking is just not that intense enough to require masses of super duper sports supplements and as is often remarked upon, we are very well catered for on the mountain and on reflection I need not have taken as much as I did. You will not need any Tanzanian Shillings, everything you come into contact with as a tourist is priced or can be priced in American dollars. Euros are sometimes accepted as an alternative but British pounds are useless. I'd recommend $350 as a minimum to safely cover tipping the mountain crew, miscelaneous tips, meals and drinks at the hotel and a selection of small souvenirs. While some places do accept credit/debit cards the network connection for the card reader is very unreliable and a couple of times I was unable to complete a transaction with my cards. Cash is king in Tanzania. 500ml bottle of Coca Cola $1, bottle of water $1 - $3. If you wear glasses consider taking some anti fog lens cleaning soloution. The humidity of the forest and indeed your own body heat and sweat can leave glasses and normal sunglasses prone to misting. Take one of the new ultra compact and concentrated bottles of Vimto or Oasis, the flavouring makes drinking large quantities of water much easier.

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