Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

We had superb weather most days but the morning we were climbing Grand Col Ferret was misty, windy and cold. The leader had told us that this was probably the scenic highlight so we were disappointed that the weather was bad just at this time. We sat down for lunch just over the col, as soon as we could get out of the bitter wind. At that moment exactly the mist started to open up and slowly but surely the whole eastern side of the massif appeared, starting with the summits of the Grand Jorasses. It was stunning! Our leader, Ian, naturally said that was how he had planned it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

First class. Set the sort of pace that meant that everyone could cope. Always supportive and patient, knowledgeable and easy-going. Couldn't have asked for better.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light. Socks and t-shirt dry overnight so you won't need as many clothes as you think. Exodus recommend boots but I used trail shoes every day and found them fine (but then I always use them).It is worth getting reasonably fit. The ascents and descents are generally more than most people from the UK will be used to, unless they walk regularly in Scotland or further afield. That said, all our group, in their 50s or 60s, managed it ok.

Most Inspirational Moment

All the activities and walks were enjoyable and covered something necessary for the Madeira experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was a local who was passionate about Madeira and had an in depth and insiders knowledge of where to go and what to do and see on the island, which he was happy to share with us. This was invaluable for all the walks and activities we did which he also planned and organized very effectively.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The two guesthouses in Encumeada and Santana are in wonderful (though isolated) locations and full of character. This tour would succeed with a group of between 6 and 10, (we had 8), any more and it could be unwieldly. The levada and coastal path walks offer a lot of spectacular views and photo opportunities. The paths can be quite narrow so take care. Make sure you try some poncha (rum, honey and juice cocktail) and don`t miss a walk around the old town of Funchal and a visit to the central market. Watch out for nun pirates in the interior :-) (we did not come across any, this could be a myth)

Most Inspirational Moment

The highlights of the holiday were sea kayaking and swimming in Ha Long Bay; snorkelling off Nha Trang and visiting the orphanage there;  climbing the 150 steps up the Marble Mountain and seeing the caves used as a hospital by the Vietcong during the American Vietnam War in the 1960’s; cycling to the beach at Cua Dai; shopping in Hoi An; riding on the reunification express and culminating in the Mekong Delta homestay where our hosts made us very welcome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Although the travelling group of 15 people ranged in age from 24 to 65 we very quickly bonded, and a good time was had by all, thanks to Tom our marvellous guide who gave us just enough information to make everything interesting and created opportunities for excitement and fun too.   The evening on board the boat in Ha Long Bay was a great ice breaker. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

When we told our friends and family we were going to Vietnam the general response was “What do you want to go there for?”  We had heard that Vietnam has beautiful scenery, that it is not yet very commercialised, the food is enjoyable, and that there is some interesting history and culture. We found plenty of history and culture and delicious food, but also enjoyed the shopping, the variety of activities provided and the friendliness of the Vietnamese people.  They are very poor, but seem very happy.  The traffic is insane – imagine China’s bicycles replaced by mopeds! Red traffic lights are there to be ignored and the mopeds use the pavements as much as the roads...  Building is going on everywhere and the country is just beginning to become more commercialised. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Glacier walking was amazing... the daredevil flight in the float plane... getting to the top of the Harding Ice Field hike... There is so much incredible scenery everywhere you look, it is difficult to pinpoint one place!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had an excellent chef to do the campfire cooking, which was fantastic. They had obviously done a lot of research on Alaska even though only one of them had actually been there before. As we were the first trip of the season there were a few organisational / timing problems from the Exodus itineracy but the guides sorted these and did everything they could to make sure that everyone completed all the activities they wanted to. Thank you!

Advice for Potential Travellers

With the trip notes as they are now, there is more hiking suggested on the itinerary, i.e. when you 'stop for a short hike' during a driving day. These tend to be just lunch stops or a short train (a mile at most) to a viewpoint. Take advantage of laundry when you get it, and collect quarters for the varying prices of showers and washing machines. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Asbjorn had it all planned out in advance and everything went like clockwork

Most Inspirational Moment

Slowly paddling down river watching the sun rise and listening to the early day bird and hippo noises - a level of tranquility you just can't get in London!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Legend. Knew exactly what he was doing and how deal with everyone in the group, whilst providing plenty of entertainment during the day and around the camp fore at night.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check out the flight times before you book flights with Exodus, BA direct may be a better option. If not, you can get out of Nairobi airport and into the city easily for dinner to pass the stop-over on the way back.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being able to just float within a few metres of Elephants at the waters edge while they got on with doing their own thing.Setting off just as the sun has risen -the tranquility on the water as wildlife starts to show itself.Sleeping at night with the sounds of the bush all around you.

Thoughts on Group Leader

TK and Carlos were brilliant . Looking after our tummies (excellent meals ,including full english breakfasts , prepared on 2 gas rings!).our safety and generally being there to help and inform whenever it is needed.Such lovely guys.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the Trip notes ! They are there for your benefit :-)Be prepared that if you come in July you will most likely have some big headwinds winds and rough water -2 days were a tad hard work .I definitley want to canoe on the Zambezi again but i would opt to miss out on July next time!If you have hands liable to blister easily i would suggest a pair of fingerless sailing type gloves.Travel very light - you have to carry that bag in and out of the canoe a lot !

Most Inspirational Moment

Can't pick one moment ... so many amazing views . I shall never forget the beautiful lush wild flower meadows, the dazzling bright minature alpine flowers seemingly growing out of bare rock .  The feeling of freedom , after walking up to just below the peaks ,and surveying all below me .  I didnt want to leave .

Thoughts on Group Leader

What a liitle gem was Karl Mather  ! A true Gent who oozed enthusiasm and love for the region . He clearly knew the paths like the back of his hand and he looked after us like a shepherd on the hills . He had taken the time to learn about local history and culture and it was very interesting to learn aout the Italian and Austrian fight for the peaks and to see the remains of fortresses and trenches.He told some strange but true local legends and myths which kept him amused and us bemused !

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip was accurately described  and exodus provided good support and communication before , during and after the trip .  Pack your swimming costume and try the sauna etc at the lovely quirky hotel .Don't be put off by the Rest day ... make the most of it and hire a bicycle and ride around villebasse or the adjacent valley ... so beautiful .  take your ear plugs if you are a light sleeper... those chuch bells are loud if you are facing the square.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everything from sitting in Todra Gorge at night having some wine in great company to laying in the desert after a sand storm.....  The High Altlas mountains are also beautiful and the walk is lovely. All Incredible!!!!!!  There were many inspirational moments and it is difficult to list them or to pick one out specifically.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mustapha was our group leader, nice guy, knowledgeable, helpful and kind.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Before i went i read many of the reviews and there are certain things that have really stuck in my mind....If you are going during the summer month i cannot reiterate enough to tell you to Drink, Drink, Drink loads of water.....  Water seems to come out of every pore in your body and you MUST replenish it!!!!!A must to take: Toilet Tissue (paper hankies), Torch, Antiseptic and Antispetic hand wipes, always have 1 dirhams for the lady in the toilets, dont fill you case too much as there are so many lovely things to buy (in Fez, Mezouga, Essaouira), bottle opener and cork screw if you like to have a drink, Immodium/Dioralyte (our group had lots of trouble in this area), antiseptic cream and plasters for small emergencies.