Reviews

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

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14375 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed November 2012

WALKING THE GREAT WALL

The days spent trekking were simply fantastic, drinking in the grandeur of the wall and spending the evenings in remote home stays getting a glimpse of what China looks like outside of the cities. As the trip takes you away from the main tourist areas so you get to enjoy the experience with your own thoughts. Also the food was absolutely brilliant – assuming you like spicy Chinese food! I normally tend towards independent travel, but I can’t see how you could easily replicate this experience independently. I thought Exodus did very well with the trip structure though personally I would have liked longer days trekking and more time on the wall The Xian Extension was disappointing, though the Terracotta Army visit was amazing. Knowing what I know now, I’d have gone to Xian independently after the main trip ended. I don’t think for this part of the trip that Exodus really added to the experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Towards the end of the first day on the wall when you leave the tourist section behind you gain a better perspective of its enormous scale as you see wall snaking off into the distance perched at the top of impossibly steep ridges (and the following day when you come back and try to climb those impossibly steep sections)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry for the Great Wall section was very good, answering questions and offering encouragement. I could have done without his ‘specially arranged tour’ which was accommodated by merging two days into one. I don’t begrudge him the extra income, but I’m less of a fan of the organised tours when it’s more than possible to navigate yourself round the same sites without sitting for several hours in traffic. Despite protestations that it’s difficult to get around Beijing, it’s actually very easy

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fitness - It was challenging at times though no more so than trekking in the Peak or Lake Districts. Heights - If you don’t like heights (as I don’t) you may find yourself challenged by the 2nd day on the wall. It was on the edge of what I, and many in the group, found acceptable and I would be uncomfortable tackling that day’s walking in wet conditions. However, having overcome my fears, the sense of achievement on completing the climbs was amazing. Essentials Items –The old Favourite - Toilet Paper, and Poles (when wet) – I found the poles invaluable, as to get off the wall you need to descend down the very steep sides of the hills and that’s often a very muddy and slippery experience. Packing advice - people in the group received different advice i.e. whether to bring a sleeping bag or not (not necessary). I don’t know if the temperature was unseasonal for my early September Trip but I personally didn’t need the fleece or thermals I was advised to bring, though some people did wear fleeces in the evening, keeping cool was more of a problem that getting cold.

Reviewed November 2012

WALKING IN MALLORCA

A varied, well organised walking trip which provided some much needed outdoor relief before the onset of winter. It was great having walks provided every day, and care and attention was put in to ensuring that every day was very different. A really good taster to these beautiful mountains!

Most Inspirational Moment

Every walk was memorable for different reasons and provided some spectacular views of Mallorca and beyond.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduard was great - organised, passionate and meticulous. He made sure everyone was ok, making time to speak to everyone every day and ensuring that everyone felt confident and supported. He has a real passion for the mountains and the local area, and endeavours to share this with his group. His English is very good (apart from a unfortunate confusion between hurricane and hooligan), and he ensured that the group are constantly kept fully informed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It can be cold in October/November! Take layers - and make sure you are both windproofed and waterproofed. It was also impossible to get a warm drink in the hotel - I would have taken a kettle and a hot water bottle! For me, the walks could have been more challenging - but they suited the group, and it was probably accurately classified as a moderate. Eduard did an excellent job of keeping 16 disparate walkers together.

Reviewed November 2012

MARRAKECH & THE SAHARA

This is a trip in 3 parts, Sahara, High Atlas and Marrakech. All three are excellent experiences in their own right although the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, after the Sahara and Atlas Mnts, was a bit a jolt back to reality.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tough to chose one but i think wandering amongst our sleeping Camels after our trek into the desert followed by an amazing sunset.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both excellent (guide and driver). Coudn't fault them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The hostel in the high Atlas in April is a little chilly in the evening. Take more warm clothes than you think. I didn't and regretted it.

Reviewed November 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

An excellent trip, highly recommended. Very varied, many things to do & see.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra as Wadi Rum were beautiful, very special places as the weather was good the experience was very inspirational.The second day walk that we did with the local bedouin lady "Henna" was fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danni has a wonderful easy mannerisum, and a gently spoken informative way of putting across his considerable knowledge of the history of his country which he was clearly passionate about. He also was Considerate, And looked after us very well. Very responsible 5*****

Advice for Potential Travellers

Jordan was a bit more expensive than I would expected, so I would recommend taking a bit extra for drinks, especially alcoholic drinks.

Anonymous .

Reviewed November 2012

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

This was a great holiday but we did have a good group of people so we were lucky. There was a lot of driving though and not much exercise which I found difficult. I'm not sure how we were supposed to do some of the activities listed in the itinerary as there was no time.

Most Inspirational Moment

The gorillas were definately the highlight and then the sunrise, hot air balloon ride over the Masi Mara, this is a must if you can afford it you won't regret it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Clara was very sweet but not always clear with information.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not everywhere had mosquitoe nets and some of the places that did have them, they had holes in them! However not sure if it was the time of year but we did not have a great problem with mosquitoes.We did use our padlocks to lock our things away in our lockers, despite reading on a review previously that this was not the case.It was very cold at night in Kenya so do take warm clothes!Do be prepared for a lot of time in the truck driving and a numb bum! I did not find it an active holiday at all, so if you usually exercise a lot you will get restless. Take a good book to read.Be warned there is something called African time! Things may take a lot longer than expected or be later than advised. Just relax and go with the flow but don't drink too much, as the journey may not be an hour but could be two and it is not always possible to stop for the loo!!

Reviewed November 2012

CYCLE NICARAGUA, COSTA RICA AND PANAMA

A fantastic way to pass through three countries, great opportunities to see wildlife, diversity in landscape and even the heat and humidity couldn’t spoil a great way to spend two weeks.

Most Inspirational Moment

The cycle from Ometape island over the ferry and along the chocolate road to the Pacific coast was wonderful but all the cycling had its place on this trip. Rafting down the river a brilliant extra.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob, Brit, Pol and Ronald worked well as a team, this took any of the stress out of the trip, allowing all of us to just get on our bikes and enjoy it. Thanks guys, faultless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't be put off by the thought of cycling in heat and humidity, just enjoy where you are and the surroundings and you'll forget about the hills, heat and the aching muscles. It's a great feeling knowing you did it.

Reviewed October 2012

THE HIGH INCA TRAIL

Truly an amazing and unforgettable adventure. The diversity of Peru and its people is inspiring and made for a once in a life time experience. This was my third trip with Exodus and I continue to be impressed by their professionalism, organization and ethics. Exodus takes care of the people that they employee providing them with the proper equipment to do their jobs. Other companies had the porters sleep in the washrooms and wear sandals made from old tires. Once again Exodus has provided a wonderful experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Camping at Ichu Pata 4200m and waking up to snow on the ground and a clear view of Salcantay. 2. Seeing two condors circling the sky. 3. Passing through the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilfredo is a very experienced and knowledgeable guide. He is a true Peruvian and very passionate and proud of his country and its people. He took care of us and made certain that everyone finished the difficult trek successfully. He was very respectful of the people that were working with him. Wilfredo was a wealth of information and did not hesitate to share his experience. I will miss the Inca tales that he shared with us at the dinner table.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Invest in some good clothing. I would highly recommend Icebreaker shirts and underwear. They will keep you warm and cool and they do not smell after a few days. You will only need a couple shirts and three pair of underwear. Bring a few good quality protein bars for the long days. The breakfast on the day you go over the Inca Chiriasqa pass was good but there was not enough carbs and protein. Get a good down filled sleeping bag. I used a minus 10 down sleeping bag and was toasty warm. Bring at least one walk pole Use DEET and sunscreen at all times and if you can bring a sun hat (Tilley) and a ball cap that would be great Be prepare for rain, sun, hail, snow, and wind. The weather can change in an instant

Reviewed October 2012

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

An outstanding trip, amazing bush camp, stunning scenery, masses of wildlife, great staff, out of this world guides…perfect!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a female leopard with her 3 cubs....so very rare, and I feel so privileged to have seen this. Simply stunning!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul Goldstein has bounds of energy, and works very hard to ensure that everyone gets some stunning photos. He is direct, critical and takes no prisoners, but you do end up with some stunning photos.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of memory cards...you will need them, along with a back up device. Travel light, as the camp laundry is excellent.

Reviewed October 2012

MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

This was an excellent trip with superb views of the Mont Blanc massif from all angles. The views were tremendous.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk along the ridge of the Mont de la Saxe provided one of the most superb views of the trip, truly inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader inspired total confidence. You knew that if any untoward event happened that he was more than competent to get you through it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather was kind to us but bad weather in the early and late season might preclude one from reaching some areas. I was glad we took the second trip of the season.

Reviewed October 2012

THE ZAMBEZI VALLEY

An exciting, challenging, hilarious adventure, this trip takes you into the bush to share briefly the territory of the animals living there, observing their behaviour first hand. Canoeing in formation on the Zambezi is magical, scary and strenuous, depending on wind strength, hippo pods, time of day: a brilliant way to see so many creatures close up and at ease.

Most Inspirational Moment

High spots included the elephant family, with very young baby, spotted three times watering in the shallows of the river; our first proper wash, dipping in the shallows of one of our island camp sites just before the light faded; the last stretch of canoeing each day, when the river was liquid gold and the paddling gentle as the current took us; nights filled with the sounds of the wild animals all around us; all to a constant background chorus of frogs, crickets, and, on one occasion, geese. Oh and the amazing clarity of the air all around, the light and the night sky - I saw only one small private plane the whole time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

TK, our group leader, enthralled us with his extensive knowledge and understanding of the creatures we saw. He proved infinitely adaptable as one problem after another beset his plans: I was impressed at his extreme care for our enjoyment and his efforts to ensure we all got the most out of the trip. TK's wonderful sense of humour was infectious; our group had great fun coping with the wilder aspects of camping and felt completely safe with him around. Our leader and his assistant, Carlos, somehow managed to rustle up enormous quantities of food at regular intervals: they were in fact tireless in their efforts to make this trip memorable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I wish I had taken protective gloves as initially the canoeing can be harsh on the hands. On the first day of canoeing, I was more worried about getting the paddling right than taking in what was around me. A mistake as in fact, there are lots of quiet moments on the river when we paused to watch animals and birds on the banks; it's better to be relaxed - but alert to instructions from the group leader. Keeping in a line formation took practice! The trip was enhanced by the fact that the group mixed together well: this added a strong element of fun and good humour.

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