Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14244 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed November 2012

WALKING THE GREAT WALL

As my 8th trip with Exodus this ranks as one of the best. Walking on the more remote parts of the wall and overnighting at the homestays was such an amazing contrast to Beijing and Xi’an and offered a real opportunity to feel close to real rural life in China.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to single out just one......Seeing the Great Wall stretching out before us, especially on the Gubeikou to Jingshanling sectionVisiting the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an and cycling the 14km of the Xi'an city walls The homestays (particularly at Gubeikou) and the lovely fresh food

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry (Wei Wei) was absolutely brilliant. He imparted so much knowledge about the places we visited including the Beijing hutongs where he shared memories of his own childhood. To have a guide with so much local knowledge, and such an excellent command of the English language, is exceptional. On the trickier sections of the Great Wall he was very watchful of all members of the group and was quick to lend a helping hand where necessary. We felt safe in his hands, not just with the walking on the wall, but with all the logistical arrangements of the trip, such as airport transfers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Always read the trip notes! Some sections of the wall are very steep and uneven but always worth the scramble.Some of the homestays may lack home comforts but what an opportunity to experience real rural life.Sign up for the Xi'an extension and visit the Terracotta Warriors and take the opportunity to cycle the 14km of the Xi'an city walls. If you have time in Beijing don't be afraid to use the Metro. It's easier than you might expect.

Reviewed November 2012

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

Anthropomorphic anecdotes from Hammond and Bradbury? Thankfully not; this safari is strictly for the adults. If you have a penchant for predatory pussies or a fervent feline fetish this is the trip for you.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was a long shot and if Paul secretly thought he'd made a bad call he didn't show it. Nightjars winged across the bonnet of the Land Cruiser like falling Sycamores, whilst Scrub Hares stared bedazzled into the headlights. To say that we saw a rosetted male feline walking nonchalantly through the grassy plains before we'd had breakfast would just be smug. To say that we saw a leopardess with three small dappled cubs post muesli, well! that's just indescribable.Permit me one more inspirational indulgence. Preceded by the nights rain, the early morning mist; lions emerge, their breaths condensing in a saffron hue.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The lion may well be the King of the African plains but Paul is most certainly Kicheche's King of the "Profanisaurus Rex".

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Mara offers some of the best predator viewing in Africa but don't ignore the "not so sexy" species. Take every opportunity to look at as many different species as possible and not just through a lens.

Reviewed November 2012

KENYA & TANZANIA ADVENTURE

The trip was a one in a lifetime trip. Each day was filled with activities or travel. My favourite part was the game drives though Zanzibar was amazing and I needed the rest after all the travel.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational part of the trip was the trip to the Serengeti. One day wasn't enough though and it felt very rushed getting through the park in time to camp and then having to leave by lunchtime. Another day would have been greatly appreciated.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mose our group leader was totally amazing and supportive. He knew his information and had everything covered. A great guy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would advise potential travellers to be aware of how much travel was involved. Also to bring spare batteries for their cameras as oppertunities to charge cameras are intermittent.

Reviewed November 2012

HIGHLIGHTS OF TURKEY

A very interesting trip, especially for those with a fascination for anciant sites as it covers quite a few. Extensive travelling interspered with stops of interest so cannot really be considered "leisurely" in the fact that there isn’t very much actual free time. However, gives a good general overview of Turkey and its quite complicated history.

Most Inspirational Moment

Obviously Cappadocia which was more extensive than I imagined and quite mind blowing.The peace and serenity at Teremossos compared to the frantic activity at Ephesus. Arriving at Assos harbour as the sun set.The tour of Gallipoli - very moving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gorkhan was great. Very charming as well as good looking but also knowledgeable about every site we visited but who also understood when we wanted some quiet time on the coach.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for extensive tavelling. Read up on the sites you are likely to visit before the holiday (if you have an interest) as it is hard to assimilate all the information on site and a little background knowledge would go a long way to adding to your enjoyment.Do try the hamam in Selcuk (or any other place). It was quite an experience!Try to stay a few more days in Istanbul at the end of the trip to visit the places you didn't get around to and just to enjoy exploring - it's a grat city.

Reviewed November 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP

A great trip- hard work but well worth it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Kala Pattar- fab views of Everest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I had complete confidence in him- something that is essesntial when having to deal with a number of unknowns- altitude issues, problems with flights etc. Very experienced and cool when under pressure.

Advice for Potential Travellers

To really enjoy the trip, make sure you are fit- it will mean that the days are not too arduous and hills not too painful! It also means that if you do get a bug or other illness you will be more likely to take it in your stride.

Reviewed November 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

A demanding but highly rewarding trek encompassing the spectacular Gykyo lakes, encompassing climb of Gykyo Ri through the Cho La pass towards Kala Pattar and Everest base camp.

Most Inspirational Moment

Inspiration is daily occurance throughout this trip whether observing the locals in their daily activities or the magnificent scenery that there is to behold. The trip is not for the faint hearted however with endurance there is great reward.

Thoughts on Group Leader

In my experience Exodus group leaders are highly professional and dedicated to their work with great empathy and understanding of their country and communites.I do not think our group leader could have done more, his commitment to the group was equally matched by his commitment of his team of guides and porters. Leading from the front whilst creatng a very re;axed and friendly environment. Well done.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train for the trip and you will be rewarded, one person on our trip had not trained and therefore not prepared and then stuggled where he should have enjoyed more. Ensure you have enough warm clothes evenings can be cold. The trip notes are very good and quite accurate with the exception on tipping you need to allow a bit more.

Reviewed November 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP

This trip was absolutely amazing. If you are thinking about doing it, then go for it. But, be warned it is also extremely tough. Some of the days are long and the altitude can really get to you. All that said though, reaching base camp is definately worth the effort. Nepal is an amazing country and home to some absolutely stunning scenery. Kathmandu is a crazy, bustling city that’s so full of life and culture. Definately worth the visit, you will not be disappointed!

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational part of the trip was actually making it to base camp. After a day of walking for eight hours to see the base camp sign and the tents lined up for an impending Everest summit attempt was absolutley overwhelming.You really feel like you're on a different planet when you're up there, it's a very beautiful and spiritual place and I feel absolutely priviledged to have been able to experience a trip such as this.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Gum, with Pembe Snr, Pembe Jnr and Neema assisting. All of the guides were very knowledgable and passionate about what they did. They were always there to help and offer advice. Even carrying my bag when the trek became a bit of a struggle for me!The whole team was fantastic and Gum took us to some fabulous restaurants in Kathmandu that we would have never found on our own.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need to make sure you are fit for this trip. There are some very long days of walking and you spend some considerabke time at altitude.I read before I went that the best training is to walk up flights of stairs, this is the best advice I have read, there are a lot of steps on the way up and I wish I had dome more stair walking to prepare for this.Also, walking poles are invaluable, especially on the way down.I also found that I ran out of Chlorine Dioxide tablets for purifying water, take enough to do 60 litres + of water as at altitude you drink roughly 4 litres per day.

Reviewed November 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

A very well organised trip with an excellent balance of cycling and sight-seeing. The route offered a wonderful opportunity to see a variety of countryside, interacting with local people and a good range of cycling experiences.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through a small village and being greeted by young children running down to the roadside to say a big "Hello", and give us a high-five.Cooking my own meal on a small barbecue in a restaurant in Nha Trang (ask to go there if you leader does not suggest it).Reaching the top of the Hai Van Pass after a terrific morning cycling from the outskirts of Da Nang.Seeing the market stalls in the old quarter of Hanoi with all their fresh produce of fish, fruit and vegetables.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Chi, gave us sufficient guidance and yet enough freedom to enjoy the cycle in a way that we were comfortbale with. Nothing was too much for him, and he went out of his way to ensure that all members of our group enjoyed the holiday. His knowledge of all aspects of the trip, from the bikes, the roads, the hotels (including local laundries for cheap washing), local restaurants, to the sights was fully up to our needs. He also spoke excellent English. He could even appreciate my rather bad jokes! Overall Chi really made the holiday, reaching a very high level of satisfaction.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were very lucky with the weather on our trip. Although it was apparanetly in the wet season, we had no rain during the day (it rained a few times during the night), and this made it very hot and humid. We were provided with plenty of fresh drinking water and lemon drink at each stop, and it proved very important to keep well hydrated. Do try the great range of fresh fruit available at roadside stalls and markets.The overnight train ride from Hue to Hanoi was in "first class" but do not expect too much. It was clean, but cramped and with very limited facilities.

Reviewed November 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

A great mix of cycling, culture, tourist sights, countryside and a post-cycle chill out in Ha Long Bay. My first cycling trip, but it won’t be my last. I did find the heat and humidity a bit too much, but the support crew looked after us all really well. Fantastic trip and a great introduction to a cycling holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

We experienced such a variety of scenery I can't choose one particular bit. Starting out with the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City, the cycle to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the 30km descent through the national park. I felt a massive sense of achievement in cycling up the Hai Van Pass. Experiencing the 1st Class carriage on the overnight train to Hanoi is not to be missed, and the beauty of Ha Long Bay and kayaking amongst the limestone islands was the perfect end to the trip. But I can't not mention the rest of the group - they were all fantastic, and without them it wouldn't have been half the trip that it turned into.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lam was fantastic. He helped me out a lot when I was struggling in the heat/humidity. He was constantly laughing and smiling with us all and making sure that we were all OK. He made sure that we didn't leave anything behind as we packed up each morning, and that we were all well fed and watered at the rest stops. He gave us advice about the terrain we were due to cycle on and stopped us at the side of the road to explain the sights. He was very knowledgeable about the history of his country, and shared this information whenever he could. He recommended some truly fantastic places to eat in the evenings. I didn't really have to think about anything other than the cycling - Lam sorted everything else out, and went far beyond what I expected from a leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The heat and humidity makes it more difficult than cycling in Scotland - and the rain is 10 times worse.Travel light, because you have to carry your own bag when getting to/from the overnight train. There's a couple of places to get laundry done, so you don't need too many clothes. When cycling you hardly need to carry anything - camera, sunscreen and water and that's about it. Bring a head-torch for the Cu Chi Tunnels - it's very dark down there. Most importantly - bring your sense of adventure and be prepared to just "go with the flow".

Reviewed November 2012

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

Overall, the trip was spectacular. Jordan is an amazing country and this tour helps you experience the best of it. There were a few minor disappointments but they were far outweighed by the warm, friendly people and spectacular scenery. I feel Moderate is an appropriate rating for the cycling portion of this tour. They limit your exposure to difficult terrain on the bikes but the heat adds an extra challenge.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra exceeded already high expectations. I had a vision in my mind of winding my way through the siq and arriving at the Treasury. It was everything I thought it would be. The unexpected bonus came when we climbed the "800 steps" to the Monastery. I was blown away by the Monastery and the vistas from the view points.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was one of the very best tour guides I've ever had. He was extremely knowledgable of all of the sites we visited and very enthusiastic about sharing that knowledge with us. I would like to add that we also had a driver, two cycling guides and a mechanic with us. They all did a great job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were travelling in October and still experienced temperatures up to 45C. If you have difficulty with heat, travel in the winter.Many are put off traveling in Jordan due to security concerns. It is in a tough neighbourhood but Jordanians have managed to avoid most of the problems that plague their neighbours. The people were extremely friendly and we felt safe at all times.

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