Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose, but seeing the male lions walk past, so close and so unaffected by our presence is up there. Such majestic animals and I was struck by how struck I was by them - it's an image that will stay with me a long time. And also getting such a good sighting of a leopard - it just strolled on past us and under the truck in front as if we were invisible. I know how hard they are to spot and how lucky we were to see this one. Big cats are such beautiful creatures. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent! He was respectful, informative, thoughtful and funny all through. He made sure we had a great holiday and always thought of our needs (lots of "comfort" stops), made sure we had enough water and taught us a lot about all the animals too. Not to mention sharing our jokes and telling us funny stories of his own. Thanks Davis!

Advice for Potential Travellers

All the information you need is provided by Exodus before you go and there really is nothing to worry about. The tented camp is luxurious to say the least (I've stayed in 4* hotels that aren't anywhere near as nice!) but you might want to take ear plugs for the night as being so close to the animals doesn't make it the quietest of places. That said, I slept better on this holiday than I have slept anywhere...including at home! Make sure you take waterproofs as well - I went in October and the short rains are short but pretty heavy!

Most Inspirational Moment

All the places we saw were interesting and it was great to experience new food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dana was great company and was eager to join in with the group after her day was finished , she helped us with choosing menus and Venus, and suggested places to go.

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to the Sahara and our stay at the Berber camp was super! Sitting around the campfire at night while our hosts and the guests sang songs, all under a clear night sky with thousands of stars was delightful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader was exceptional! His knowledge of the country, the people, and the culture is formidable. With his pleasant demeanour, tolerance for the quirks of the different nationalities comprising our group, and a good sense of humour, he made our visit comfortable, easy and fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

How to avoid getting sick: It's really easy to get an upset stomach in Morocco. To avoid this, don’t eat any uncooked vegetables unless you washed them yourself with properly treated water (i.e. bottled water), drink bottled water or manufactured drinks from bottles (i.e. don’t drink tap water, or any drink that might be made with tap water or fruit that doesn’t have the peel removed), and wash your hands with soap as often as possible. I’d also recommend brushing your teeth with bottled water and even cleaning your toothbrush with bottled water. Indeed, almost everyone on the trip got sick at some point (some quite sick actually) likely because they didn’t follow these simple rules. How to avoid getting ripped off: Bargain! Almost everything is negotiable in Morocco. I start my bidding at a maximum of 20-25% of what a merchant is asking, and never pay more than 50%. If I'm bargained up to 50% and the merchant says he/she won't sell, I say "No thanks," and walk away. 99.9% of the time, the merchant will not let you walk away so easily, but will still drive you past 50%. Don't let remorse get the better of you! Absolutely insist that 50% is your final offer. Eventually the merchant will give. Even if she/he pretends to be upset, don't get fooled, they're still getting more than what they would get from a local.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing with my hand in a hole in the crater of mount Vesuvius feeling the hot air!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert was a great leader, even though he was ill for the first few days of the trip. He continued with the walks regardless even when I'm sure he would rather have been in bed with a lemsip than guiding us around Amalfi.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware there is a lot of climbing and steps both up and down hill. My calves were certainly made aware of this after the 2000+ steps downhill to Amalfi on day 2! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Of course watching the sunset over the dunes in the sahara after reaching our camp on camle back is an experience I will never forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abdullah was great. He was very sweet, knowledgable, helpful and professional. He always took the time to asnswer our questions. He did a very good job explaining what we coudl expect and we alsways punctual and accomodating.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring some medication for nausea and upset stomach. Even though we were careful about the food, a bunch of us got some bad cramps. Also, the drive through the mountains is very windy and made a few people nauseous even though we had an excellent driver.

Most Inspirational Moment

I felt a great warmth from the locals that we kept meeting along the way in the villages that we walked through in the trekking week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dilip was amazing and so friendly and gave us so much of his knowledge and kept the group's spirits high on the rainiest days!

Most Inspirational Moment

After hearing Dubious reports about Naples it was a lovely surprise. Probably greatly helped by our guides enthusiasm an knowledge, I left with a smile on my face

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide Eduardo made the holiday , proud of where he lived and very keen to share it with us all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go, you wont regret it

Most Inspirational Moment

Descending from Puig Campagna as the sun was setting down and the mountains were covered in gold and amber.  Just perfect!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose Miguel was a perfect host and guide.  He ensured everyone's needs were taken care of.  And, his knoweledge of the region and history complemented his tasty sandwiches. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The welcoming joy of the children in the more remote places.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely excellent! A beaming smile, immaculate administration and contagious sense of humour. Nee (and her helpful assistants) went a long way to making this the fabulous trip that it was.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Arrive in Bangkok a few days prior and spend some time there before the cycle.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's always pot luck as to who your fellow group members are, but it is always fantastic when you get on with everyone despite the mix of personalities and backgrounds.  Great moments included the wonderful views as our daily climbs got a little higher, the siesta in the field on the way down from one walk wtih the cow bells tinkling in the background, the magnificence of the Carres Gorge, the cameraderie and chat over the post walk/pre dinner beer and the sampling of the local delicacy of percebes at the well recommended fish restaurant in Llanes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvarro was the perfect guide, his local knowledge of flora and fauna was excellent. He was enhtusiastic and keen and more than willing to answer the many questions our group had for him on the local area and the history of his country.  His knowledge and insight into the history of his country would put most of us to shame.  His English was excellent and he was extremely patient with those of the group who found one particular part of one walk a little tricky - he even picked one of the ladies up and carried her down - to the accompaniment of some rather loud screams.  When Alvarro said 'you will love it' we invariably did!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you think you want to lose a couple of pounds on a walking holiday don't pick this one!! The food was excellent, from the breakfast through to the packed lunch and the wonderful evening meals. The countryside was beautiful and in early October we hardly met another soul (apart from Carres Gorge).