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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Reviews

Reviewed October 2012

DISCOVER NAMIBIA

The trip was well organized and an inspirational. We saw all we could have hoped for and more. It has certainly given me the bug and intend to book future holidays through Exodus.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many special memories but the highlights have to start with climbing Dune 45 at sunrise and walking through Dead Vlei, swiftly followed by 4x4 in the Dunes at sandwich bay. The stand out highlight had to be finding completely wild desert elephants in our camp at Brandberg. I woke up early to take pictures of sunrise only to find elephants moving through the camp site which was a wonderful sight. We saw every type of animal we could wish for in Etosha including giraffe, Zebra, Kudu, lions, cheetahs, various antelope and springbok. But the highlights of Etosha and herd of about 25 elephants which came right up to the truck crossing the road in front of us and a leopard which snarled and charged at the truck only to swiftly melt away into the undergrowth.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam our guide was excellent he was friendly, helpful and had an inexhaustible knowledge of all the animals, birds, culture and history of the Namibian people. He also made sure we got to all the sights and into the game parks before the other tours which made a real difference. I will never forget the drive to Dune 45 as well as walking and viewing the desert from the top of it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The nights in the desert were quite cold so there is a need for a few warm clothes. However thing soon start to warm up once you get towards Swakopmund. I would also highly advise to the 4x4 desert drive in Sandwich bay which is a new optional tour as it was excellent fun driving up and then down the dunes, seeing where the sea meets dunes and digging for Geckos in the sand.

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Reviewed October 2012

MARRAKECH & THE SAHARA

An intresting quick snap shot of Morocco.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sleeping under the stars in the mountains. Who knew there was so many shooting stars. Defiantly needed a star chart, as a group we only knew three constellations.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Most of the time he worked hard organising the trip and the people. I guess you have to accept that times are flexible, but it's funny when we are all on time for breakfast and nobody else is up.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'm not sure I could recommend the trip to Vegetarians because there is a lack of understanding in the country as a whole. Your meal it will be bland and boring at best. One evening I had to make a fuss and point out that it was not acceptable to pick vegetables out from between the bits of meat. However the starters were good and nice so you can fill up on those. The main problem is you are booked in as a team and there is no choice of meal. When were able to chose our own meal then there was a couple of nice meals. The more Vegetarians on the trip the better I would guess and in high season it might be better.The airports want Euros and so Dirham and pounds are not very welcome and they will refuse to serve you in most shops. I would advise taking some Euros just for ready cash. You can't change money as you come in at the airport so having a few Dirham for a coffee and bun would be handy. They will take you to a bank the next day but then there was none for 5 days. There was however an ATM a couple of times.The trip notes are wrong on the meal kitty and amounts you need. The trip is now run as pay as you go with no kitty except for tips. I don't know where they got the prices from but everything is more expensive than suggested. Lunch and Evening meal are going to coast 110 to 140 Dirham each. Beers are from 30 to 70 dependant on where you are. Water in the shops is about 5 - 10 Dirham per Lt.There is a lot of travel in the mini bus on interesting roads. Our driver was very good and there were no worrying moments. But the roads in the mountains are very twisty.

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Reviewed October 2012

MARRAKECH & THE SAHARA

The trip itself was good and ran smoothly. Unfortunately as I booked my own flights, there was a mix-up over which airport I arrived at – the sales rep did not specify that I needed to order flights to Ourazazate and as the trip notes mentioned transfers from Marrakech airport I assumed that this was the arrival point. When I arrived in Marrakech, the local representative did organise a transfer which I had to pay for locally. I was able to claim this back once in the UK, but it was obviously a rather stressful start to the trip. The only real criticism I have of the trip itself is the amount of driving involved in the itinerary. Whilst I appreciate that due to the distance between sights some long drives where necessary, I did not feel that this had been correctly emphasised in the trip notes. Additionally, it may have been a better idea to begin travelling earlier in the day to allow for more time for sight-seeing when arriving at each destination or to include more activities during the day. I also felt there could have been more opportunity for walking or exploring at towns along the way, especially due to the amount of time spent sitting on the bus.

Most Inspirational Moment

Staying at the mountain gite was both beautiful and peaceful. The opportunity to walk in the mountains, as well as to sleep on a terrace under the stars was the high point of this trip for me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Mohammed was both knowledgable and interesting. He was helpful when dealing with any issues (e.g. my luggage had gone missing at Marrakech airport and he phoned daily to find out when it could be returned) and in giving us some flexibility in the itinerary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would stress that this holiday is more leisurely than the trip notes suggest. Whilst this is not a major issue, it is also important to consider if this holiday is suitable for you, given the amount of driving (especially on occasionally rough and winding roads).

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Reviewed October 2012

DOLOMITES, LAKE GARDA & VENICE RIDE

All in all probably the best holiday I have ever had and that includes skiing in USA & Canada.Why ?  Scenery, weather (35 deg), good bikes, the people, food, local wines but above all Michele, our guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

That's a difficult one ...... something every day, but probably cresting the valley leaving Bolzano and riding through the vineyards or was it cresting the saddle at Lake Garda or was it the last meal in Venice with Michele and family ..... so many things were magical.Overall, the simplicity of going at your own speed soaking it all in ......  

Thoughts on Group Leader

This was my first orgnised cycling trip and Michele has set the standard for my future trips.He was organised, punctual, very knowledgable about the history of the region, really looked after us, had on occassion to be firm but was always fair in order to pack everything in for the day and keep the group together.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

I thought 35 deg would be too hot to ride (coming from Scotland) but it was excellent as the breeze made by cycling was suffient to keep you comfortable.No need to take your own bike on this trip as the hired ones were more than adequate and comfortable.No mechanicals or punctures - 12 people - 220 miles - not bad ? 

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Reviewed October 2012

CYCLING THE DALMATIAN COAST

Beautiful country, friendly people, excellent guide, really good food. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Completeing the 10km climb in 30+ degC.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very fit and very tolerant young guy. We would have liked to hear a bit more about the history and culture of Croatia but realise that some of it might still be quite raw.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some of the hotels are a little basic.

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Reviewed October 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

Brilliant Holiday. Very varied and about the correct amount of cycling.Great way to see the country and I felt we saw a lot of it.

Most Inspirational Moment

30 km descent into the national park. Made better by the fact that we had rode up some steepish hills to get there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was great with a good  sense of humour. He was always ther for us and all done with a smile.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its a great trip. We did not need malaria tabs. Just be reasonably fit but you don,t need to be Bradley Wiggins

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Reviewed October 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

With the current political situation, there was a degree of concern about being in such a volatile area of the world. but we need not have worried, Jordan is such a safe, relaxed and easy going country, and we were cared for so well by Danni, our guide.
This trip is highly recommended for anyone who wants to get to know a country well, and who doesn’t have much time. Full-on, but with Time to come up for air, I heartily recommend not just this trip, but Exodus as an organiser who really knows how to care for their customers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having climbed to the high places above The Treasury in Petra, and to be quite alone in such stunning surroundings, having followed a suggestion from our brilliant guide , the desert calm and the amazing colours that ARE Petra take your breath away. Nobody should consider themselves a Middle East traveller until they have experienced this.

Thoughts on Group Leader

This is my fourth Exodus trip, and on every one we have enjoyed great guides. Danni was no exception. His knowledge of the trip, the places, the people and the history made each day 'come alive'. We left Jordan with a real appreciation for the country, it's people, and it's scenery - and Danni was largely responsible for this. On a trip like this, the guide can make or break things and he most certainly 'made it'. Score:- 9.99/10 (on principle I never give 10 so this is the best i could give!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a good camera for Petra - its the only way to relive the colours when back home. Take a waterproof camera for the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, and an insulated cover for a water bottle (Lowe Alpine do a great one) so that you have blissfully cold water when all around you are drinking tepid water.

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Reviewed October 2012

DISCOVER SRI LANKA

I transferred to this trip from Elephants and Leopard which was undersubscribed, but am so glad I did as it was a really fantastic trip with great variety.  Sri Lanka is a real country of contrasts from great bustling towns, to stunning and tranquil sights and scenery. The people are welcoming and friendly. Had an amazing group and a fantastic leader in Roshan.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many great moments of the holiday but some of the more memorable: climb to the top of Lions Rock in Sigirya and the panoramic view of the landscape, the trip to Pinnewala - we were unable to visit the orphanage but did experience seeing the elephants walk to and from the local lake and watch them relaxing and playing in the water. the walk on Horton Plains, with spectacular views at World's end and Baker's falls. the drives through the tea plantations showed the diversity of scenery from newly constructed roads to green plantations and hills to mountains. Fascinating temples in Dambulla and temple ruins in Polonnaruwa. Yala National Park - sadly the leopards stayed hidden but we saw a rare sloth bear, plenty of crocodiles, peacocks, wild buffalo, and a variety of birds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan is an experienced and enthusiastic guide who planned and organised every detail of the trip to perfection so that everything was seamless. He has a wealth of knowledge about Sri Lanka and its people which give you a great understanding of the country's history and present. Our original itinerary changed as we had to stay in two different hotels, which caused him some concern but  he remained good-humoured and was intent on making sure that the group was fully satisfied with the substitutes and negotiated some free meals for us. Also, he went out of his way to help some of the group to acquire more currency,or see a doctor with the least fuss.Roshan is one of the best leader's I've met, a real professional who has a great sense of fun and wicked sense of humour. Our Sri Lankan singalongs were a highlight and it felt like we were travelling with a friend rather than a guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Listen to Roshan!  he gives great advice and also gives you the right amount of detailed knowledge about Sri Lanka and the sights. He has a love and enthusiasm for his country which is infectious.The optional activities -  elephant riding, visit to the orphanage/lake, white water rafting and small boat trip through the mangrove swamp don't cost that much and are really worth doing.  

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Reviewed October 2012

MT TOUBKAL CLIMB

Overall, an excellent trip and as described.  We had good weather, a really nice group of people (aged from 20-64), 5 days of fantastic walking, stunning scenery and impressive catering.  I really enjoyed myself and would definitely recommend this trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

- The second night of camping in the middle of the nowhere, with a beautiful sunset followed by a stunning view of the stars with a clear sky and no light pollution. - Arriving at Toubkal mountain refuge and finding hot showers AND sit down toilets! - Enjoying the fantastic lunches and dinners prepared by the local staff.- Oh, and the last 100 yards of the ascent to the top of Mt Toubkal were pretty special too!

Thoughts on Group Leader

I thought Yahia was an excellent group leader - clearly knew what he was doing, kept us all moving at an appropriate pace, and got on well with everyone in our group and everyone we seemed to meet in Toubkal National Park and beyond.   Came across as a genuinely good guy! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

- There appears to be a complete absence of small change in Morocco (and/or the locals appear to be quite shrewd!), so change your money into smaller denomination notes and coins (10s, 20s and 50s) if at all possible. - Recommend you bring a travel pillow and ear plugs.  Even with these you're unlikely to get much sleep though, but guess that's part of the experience and didn't detract from my enjoyment of the trip. - I really enjoyed the food and considering how remote we were for much of the time, the standard of catering was superb.  However, if you're a fussy eater and/or have specific dietary requirements, then this may not be the trip for you - suggest you investigate carefully first.  Even with the excellent food though, it's well worth bringing extra energy bars, kendall mint cake, peanuts, etc  with you - or maybe I just eat a lot!- Be brave, try the 'tomato jam' at breakfast time :-) 

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Reviewed October 2012

THE LOST CITY OF CHOQUEQUIRAO

Very enjoyable and well lead trip through some of Peru's less busy trekking trails. Some fairly tough climbs and descents but well worth it to find the tranquility of the Lost City of Choquequirao and explore Peru's beautiful and varied scenery. Was also good to be able to visit Machu Picchu on the last day – a great way to finish the trek!

Most Inspirational Moment

3 key mommnets stand out;- climing the hill from the camp site and entering the Lost City of C. Stunning.- the point where Machu Picchu first comes into view in the distance- the indiviudals in the group each reaching the top of the Choquequirao Pass - a great sense of achievement!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good. Really knew his stuff in terms of the history of the Incas and was a very approachable. Also had a very good sense of humour and interacted very well with the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring lots of insect repellant!!

Reply from Exodus

Please note that this review refers to a previous version of the trip which Exodus operated in the past.

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