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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14002 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed August 2011

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

My first safari and my first trip with Exodus, but definitely not the last safari or trip. An amazing trip which packs a lot into your time in the Mara. The early starts are well worthwhile e.g. the family of leopards that we saw at just after 06:40, there’s plenty of time to watch the wildlife and take photographs.

Most Inspirational Moment

The family of three leopards playing within a few tens of feet of our vehicle, being one of the first people to see the lion cubs who were only a few hours old, as well as older cubs playing. A huge migration crossing, whatever you've seen on television doesn't do it justice.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul's energy, enthusiasm, and passion for wildlife and the Mara shine through. He wants you to get the best photographs that you possibly can.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some easily removable footwear in case you need to stand on the seats in the vehicles. Bring a sense of humour and a flexible approach. It can be quite chilly early in the morning so bring a fleece or a jacket, however it can get very hot later in the day so bring a sun hat and sun screen. Drink plenty of water as it's easy to get dehydrated.I brought two camera bodies to minimise the need to change lenses in dusty conditions and in case one camera failed. Bring plenty of memory cards and batteries, and something to backup your photos onto. The camera backpack that I had with me kept out the dust but was tricky to open quickly and quietly, so it's unlikely to be going on any more wildlife trips with me. A faster telephoto lens would have been useful around dawn and dusk, on a few occasions I switched to video mode.

Reviewed August 2011

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

This trip is a wonderful experience. It is do able if you listen and follow all the advice you are given by the guides. It is hard work in places though! It is a well organised trip and nothing is left to chance. Our group were well looked after every step of the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking to bright sunshine on Day 2 and discovering all the clouds below us with a clear view of Kibo was one.Seeing the sunrise on the horizon just before reaching Gilmans point was truly spectacular for me. Something I will never forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Meke is a fine leader. He is always positive and calm and the camp runs smoothly under his guidance. His team of guides; Saide, Stratton, Godfrey, Ami, Julius etc helped and aided us all the time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just read and follow advice about drinking lots of water and eating well (the food is good at camp and plentiful).I was surprised at how much dust is on the mountain. A thin silk scarf across the mouth or very fine guage buff could be an advantage to keep the dust from your mouth and nose.Do take a nail brush!P.S. this was my first experience of camping in a tent-and it was fine!

Reviewed August 2011

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

This trip succeeds in maintaining a good balance between physical activity and cultural experiences. It packs in an awful lot witout ever seeming rushed or overwhelming. I thought I would be exhausted after two weeks of constant moving but I didn’t want it to end.

Most Inspirational Moment

The smells of the Vietnamese countryside - tea leaves laid out on the roadside to dry, the sweetness of banana groves, jasmine, all overlapping one another.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joe is a very professional and competent group leader. And he has a sense of humour. And he's very patient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack a gel seat because there are some long days of cycling. If you see something you'd like to buy along the way don't defer the purchase because you may not get another opportunity to get it. Go on the optional trip to the Cu Chi tunnels outside Ho Chi Minh City.

Reviewed August 2011

Magnificent Mara - photographic safari

I’ve been going on safari since I was 6 years old, but the wildlife sightings on this trip (both in terms of variety and number of game) surpassed everything I have ever experienced; I now worry about how/why I will ever go anywhere other than the Mara to photograph wild animals. Add the exclusive position of the migration camp, the fabulous guides, excellent food, the wondrous photography opportunities and the infectious, nay, rabid, enthusiasm of our great leader… well, it was off the scale!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the felines of Africa is always a highlight, and we had sightings every day including a thrilling cheetah kill (just in front of our vehicles), two attempted lion kills, a successful lion kill and a leopard on a hunt. The Mara was one big lion nursery with many tiny cubs cavorting in the sunshine – even climbing trees. A particular highlight was to see a lion cub estimated at just two or three hours old. To be the first people to see this cub stagger out of its den to feel its first rays of sun was an incredible privilege, a moment to treasure. We also witnessed the most spectacular sunset I have ever seen. For me, the most extraordinary and inspirational moment was the migration crossing at the notorious Cul de Sac on the Talek River. It was an utterly visceral experience: true drama played out right in front of us as some of the estimated 2 million migrating wildebeest struggled across the river, dodging crocs in the water and predators waiting on the other side. The river turned into ‘wildebeest soup’ as the animals thrashed their way across and then came to an abrupt halt as the steep banks of the river barred their way up to freedom. I could have sat there for hours … oh, I did.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have never been told off quite so much on a trip before… mostly justified as Paul was always faster than me to get his camera ready for action. But – no pain, no gain: I have also never taken as many good photographs before. And I have never guffawed so much either: one particular morning’s barrage of filthy jokes had me weeping with laughter. Paul’s boundless energy, his passion for wildlife and his love for the Mara are all incredibly inspiring; his mission was to make sure that we got the best sightings, the best positions and had all the tools and tips we needed to get the best photographs possible (slow-panning shots notwithstanding!). Mission accomplished.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I had a Canon 7D with a 300mm lens and I hired a 1.4 extender (via lensesforhire.co.uk) and that served me very well. Also I had a 70-300mm zoom plus a wide-angle lens. A laptop for downloading pics is advisable: I took more than 3000 photos in a week (now edited to a manageable 400)! Take a spare camera body as swapping lenses is a pain and the dust gets everywhere. My main camera body developed a fault just before the big migration crossing, so these photos are sadly kaput. Fortunately I was taking wide angles with the spare 400D body so I have something other than just memories. Take layers as it is chilly in the mornings, and the temperature can plunge if it rains heavily. Take a scarf/bungie so you don’t end up with a fright wig instead of hair. Sweetie supplies are appreciated – wine gums particularly. Try to arrive fully rested as sleep is not really on the agenda! Oh, and bring a thick skin and a few good jokes that would rate on a smutometer!

Reviewed August 2011

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

A truly well organised experience of a lifetime holiday. Very well looked after in all aspects – the food was just superb – I am not a camper but nethertheless tea in bed in the mornings certainly helped!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The enthusiasm of the guides and their encouragement - "getting to the top is a piece of cake" - I quote

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent - well experienced, knowledgeable, caring, considerate with super interpersonal skills

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a nail brush

Reviewed August 2011

WALKING IN BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

I don’t often write reviews but this time I felt the need to!! This was the best Exodus holiday I’ve been on in a while, I loved every minute of it and I could have stayed longer.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many great moments including the hike up Maglic which was made extra special by the fantastic weather which made the views spectacular, and our visits to both Sarajevo and Mostar which were made particulary special by the insights and experiences of our guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both of our guides were very professional and showed awareness of the needs of our group members. They helped to make the trip special, especially as they were prepared to answer all of our questions and share there personal experiences of Bosnia's recent history. They were knowledgeable and informative about all of our walks and the culture of the area. I rate them among the best guides I have come across in the 14 years that I have been going on Exodus holidays.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to enjoy yourself whatever the weather!

Anonymous .

Reviewed August 2011

GORILLAS & MASAI MARA

This was the most awe inspiring trip of my life!

Most Inspirational Moment

* Trekking to see the awe inspiring mountain gorillas in Rwanda (and having a silverback breathe on my neck) * The genocide memorial and museum: 1994. 100 days. 1 million people. The world stood by and watched it happen.* Spending my bday in the Ugandan bush drinking champagne and toasting marshmallows by the campfire surrounded by warthogs and very noisy hippos.* Hot air ballooning at dawn over the migrating wildebeast in the Masai Mara.* Sleeping in Nakuru National Park as three lions prowl past our tents and rangers need to fire warning shots* Seeing the beauty of lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, impala, water buffalo and wildebeast up close and personal xx * Having a David Attenborough view of a python eating an impala....ewwwgh!* Spending the morning in a rual Ugandan primary school and joining in the song and dance* Meeting amazing and inspiring people and some friends for life. Endless smiles and gut-busting laughter every day. This trip has changed my life xx

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emias is one of the loveliest people I have met. He is incredibly knowledgeable, sensitive to group and individual needs, generous to a fault and very funny. He always has a beaming smile that brightens even the earliest of early starts. Emias, Leo and Francis were a cohesive team and clearly enjoyed working together. Leo is a fabulous chef (his guacamole is to die for and how many people can make a delicious lasagne on a BBQ?) and I enjoyed our nightly banter over the dinner menu ("food" was the only answer I could EVER squeeze out of him!). He also made me a beautiful cake for my birthday. You will definitely not go hungry on this trip. Francis did most of the driving and if you ask him nicely he will 'fly' over the bumpy parts of the road. Nothing is too much trouble: if you left your tent open during the day and it starts raining, you wont come back to a wet sleeping bag, if you're sick he'll bring you tea and he's always good for a chat. Nakupenda sana, Emias, Leo and Francis. Thank you for making this such a great trip xx

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have any doubts over going on this trip, don't! It's amazing and you will have the time of your life. Don't worry about going on your own either. I'd never been away on my own before and everyone was so friendly. I had an amazing roomie who I'd definitely go away with again.Things worth thinking about:* You really need a decent torch. My duck torch (affectionately known as Dermot) did not cut the mustard one tiny bit!* Take two smaller bags. It would have been so much easier, especially when camping.* You can never have enough antibacterial gel, wipes and loo roll (and maybe even a peg for your nose!)* You will take thousands of pictures (spare batteries, SD cards and lenses are a must)* If you get sick in Nairobi I would definitely recommend the medical centre there (don't wait, go). It is stunning: immaculately clean, gorgeous medical team and amazing facilities. They took great care of my roomie so she was able to get on the flight that night and even gave her a present as she left.

Reviewed August 2011

NAMIBIA LODGE ADVENTURE

This trip was excellent value for money. We saw a lot of Namibia, the game park was brilliant and our guides were first class. If you want a trip to get a good snapshot of Namibia this will easily meet your needs.

Most Inspirational Moment

We saw 30 lions in one day at Etosha - and some were very close to our vehicle! Also, the ancient rock art and petrified forest were pretty amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronnie and Joseph were excellent - very professional, good cooks, very good at spotting animals and great fun to be with. They worked very hard and looked after our party of 11 extremely well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Depending when you travel to Namibia be prepared for cold nights - the trip notes are very accurate in this respect. Also, Swakopmund is probably the best place for gifts - there is plenty at the craft market on the last day, but if you want to use gift shops Swakopmund is best.

Reviewed August 2011

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

I didnt expect to love every single day of the trip. I expected to struggle at times but I can honestly say it was all amazing and an absolute pleasure.

Most Inspirational Moment

It was most special feeling getting to the summit. It was so beautiful up there as the sun rose.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guides (African Walking Company) were brilliant - fully responsible for getting all 12 of our group to the summit. They knew exactly how fast to go, always had our safety and well-being in mind. We were never left wanting, from tea/coffee at our 6am wake up calls to information about every day's itinery.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its true - you dont have to be particularly physically fit to do the climb. However you have to really want it mentally.Take Diamox to stop altitude sickness.Invest in good kit (or hire it) as it makes such a difference to know you have a warm coat, sleeping bag, good boots, a water bladder etc.On the summit day, wear everything, as many layers as possible! Also hand warmers that you can wear inside your gloves -these saved the day for me. Go on safari and zanzibar afterwards!

Reply from Exodus

Porters are paid significantly more than the $3 a day mentioned in this review, in fact Exodus pay significantly more than the recommended daily amount set by The Kilimanjaro National Park and the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators.

Our porters are also expected to have suitable mountain kit. We have regular inspections to enforce these standards. Porters missing items of kit have to report to our office on the next Monday morning to explain the reason. The porter then has to demonstrate they have the correct kit before they get further work. Within the Tanzanian culture it is very much the norm that porters might get a good quality item from a client and sell it locally for cash. We not only expect our porters to have suitable kit but as there are no manufacturers of such kit in Tanzania we regularly bring in suitable kit from England. Over the years we have distributed to our mountain crew at least 200 gortex waterproofs, 80 pairs of walking boots, 350 sleeping bags, 100 pairs of gloves, 50 sleeping mats, 100 warm hats.

Nick Nikolsky – Product Manager for Tanzania.

Reviewed August 2011

THE AMALFI COAST

This was our first trekking holiday and our first trip with Exodus – both were great. The Hotel Due Torri was a perfect base for some wonderful walks. It was confortable with lovely food and very friendly and helpful staff. We felt like we were tourists sharing in a part of ‘real Italy’, rather than holiday Italy. The guide was superb with loads of local knowledge and heaps of infectious enthusiasim. The walks were tough in places (for leisurely/moderate grading) especially in the August heat but they were well worth the effort for some spectacular views. In addition, you get to visit the amazing ruins of Pompeii and peer into the (active) Vesuvius volcano. I would thoroughly recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing to the top of the mountain and looking down above the clouds to the sea below.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabulous - enthusiastic, knowledgeable, fun, and very professional.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the heat if you go in August!

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