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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14217 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Janice Knight

Reviewed October 2023

Peru

In summary, the trip, the organisation, and the itinerary was extremely good.
Leo, our guide, was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Machu Pichu and also stopping at an Oasis. The scenery was also stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leo was excellent. He was knowledgable, caring, answered all questions, and was extremely well organised. He made local stops, such as to an Oasis and also to a Road side stop on one of the long journey days, that had excellent coffee and shopping, and really should be included in the itinerary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The altitude caused ALL of us problems, from mild headaches to full sickness and needs to be more strongly emphasised. The weather was MUCH warmer than suggested in the Trip Notes and ALL of us had brought too many warm clothes and not enough light clothing. The bus stays are much longer than suggested, with few stops and often unanticipated holds ups meaning extremely long travelling days with little time to do anything on arrival except eat and sleep. The Hot Springs at Chivay shoukd be avoided- 1 overcrowded pool with blaring music and lots of loud teenagers.

Paul Ashley Green

Reviewed October 2023

A WONDERFUL WEEK!

I was curious to find out about Albania. The Exodus circular itinerary gives an excellent overview of the south of the country. The tour reflects the variety of landscapes and experiences Albania has to offer.
The lake at Podgradec is a lovely starting point and excellent for swimming. There were a few dogs wandering around but they were friendly, one of them playfully stole a pink flip flop from the beach but gave it to me after I went after him!
The cycle rides were varied and interesting. I opted for an e-bike so that took the anxiety away climbing the hills and if I stopped for a photo then I could easily catch up with the group. I loved the decents, my e-bike had a small screen showing speed and battery information. On one occasion I reached 55k downhill!
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the food. The freshly prepared locally sourced food was impressive. Usually, we had a variety of dishes, nearly always a tasty salad, bread, sometimes chips, delicious savoury spinach pastries, lovely cream cheese. The barbecued lamb was superb as was the freshly caught barbecued trout.
The organisation of the trip was outstanding and the fact that there were 16 of us in the group didn’t phase our leader and his assistant. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently.
The evening we stayed at the trout farm, Farma Sotira after an exceptional dinner (and a drink or 2) we enjoyed traditional Albanian dancing taught by Julian our guide and singing with the Albanians whilst a log burning fire flickered in the atmospheric dining room. It was a night to remember.
The decent the following day was spectacular!
The thermal springs near to our next hotel were pleasantly relaxing following the cycling.
Gjirokasttra was very interesting and surprisingly touristy. There’s a very good ice cream shop near to the hotel.
The guided tour of the UNESCO site at Butrint was very good. From there we cycled to the coast where there were opportunities to swim in the fabulous Ionian Sea.
From the coast we ascended via dramatic Llogara Pass to the National Park. That really was the icing on the cake and well worth the climb. Experiencing Mount Çika inspired Lord Byron to write a poem.
The next day we left Vlorë and travelled by bus to Tirana Airport. 2 group members and I had booked an additional 2 nights in Tirana so we got the bus from the airport back to the city, very good value for 400 LEK or 4 EURO. The bus also take cards. Cards are accepted widely in Tirana but not in oher places.
Prices are very reasonable in Albania. Albania is courting the EU and are hoping to join in 2 years. EURO notes are accepted everywhere and change given in LEK (the universal exchange rate by merchants was 100LEK = 1 EURO).
The week went fast! The holiday is quite intensive and relaxation time is limited. However every day was different and every day was a joy! You can always add on a few days at the end of the holiday if you want some down time.

Most Inspirational Moment

The decents were extraordinary! We were given the option of stopping for half an hour at a fast flowing stream Julian knew of. It wasn't in the itinerary. I'm so glad I did. It was amazing experience, having a dip to cool off. I also loved swimming in the lake and the sea.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Julian, our guide, was outstanding, as was his asistant Enes. Their communication and organisational skills were really excellent. I felt well cared for. They genuinely wanted us to enjoy ourselves and everything was done to make sure everyone was safe and happy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you see dogs wandering around don't be alarmed. The one's we saw were calm and friendly, merely seeking attention and affection from people.

Brian Webber

Reviewed October 2023

Brilliant Borneo

We can thoroughly recommend this tour. The itinerary meant a fair amount of travelling but it was well planned and well supervised by Nostalia our guide. In two weeks we ticked off all the creatures on our pre-tour wish list apart from pigmy elephants, more than compensated by brilliant encounters with bats, orangutans, monkeys, hornbills, and flying squirrels. In between we had time to explore the cities of Kuching and Kota Kinabalu and sample great local food from restaurants and hawker stalls.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first came in Mulu National Park where we witnessed literally millions of bats leave Deer Cave at dusk to begin their evening search for dinner on the wing, twisting and swirling like endless murmurations of starlings. The second came from repeated sightings of orangutans and proboscis monkeys in trees along the Kinabatangan River and in Danum Valley, showing that they can thrive in the wild in areas where their natural habitat is being conserved. A pre-breakfast walk in the Danum Valley lasted less than 100 metres before we encountered orangutans that we joyfully watched for the next 90 minutes as they played and fed in the fruit trees near our lodge.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nostalia was an excellent leader throughout our tour. She provided clear briefings with everything we needed to know about timings, where we were going, what we could expect to see, and what to wear on different occasions. As expected from an Exodus leader, she proved very knowledgeable on all wildlife matters . She was also a great source of information in the towns and cities we visited, advising us where the locals go to eat excellent food at very reasonable prices.

Advice for Potential Travellers

From the trip notes, we surmised that we would be clad in long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and boots most of the time. In practice, this proved necessary for only four days (Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley) near the end of the trip. For the rest of the time, shorts, t-shirts and trainers/sandals worked very well as long as our exposed limbs were well treated with insect repellent. On the bird-watching front, we had delightful sightings of hornbills, eagles and kingfishers but the vast majority of Borneo's 300+ species proved elusive. If bird watching is a priority, you probably need to seek a specialist birding tour rather than a general wildlife tour like this one.

Aimee Sheldon

Reviewed October 2023

Experience of a lifetime

This 3 week programme was fantastic and delivered on everything I thought it would be.
Made some friends in the process and our tour guides Gift and Ende were wonderful- they really looked after us and fed us some extremely tasty meals ! This trip will be one I’ll never forget.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably climbing up dune 45 for sunrise- I didn't think I'd be able to make it but I did- it was an unforeseen challenge and it reminded me that I can do something if I put my mind to it !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gift was great- friendly and knowledgable. Ende was also absolutely fantastic- great driver and sense of humour - they made a great team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's very much a team trip so expect to muck in with packing up the bruc, washing up etc. it all adds to the energy of the trip !

Anusha Arasu

Reviewed October 2023

This is a safari and not a holiday

Had the most wonderful adventure with our 2 excellent guides Gift and Ende.They worked tirelessly to ensure that our whole group were looked after and happy.The sites were stunning and interesting and the road trip on the bruck was fun !Gift and Ende had enormous and endless knowledge of the animals and places and people.They were fun and entertaining and their cooking was excellent and healthy.Thoroughly enjoyed their company and leadership and Ende’s infectious laugh .Well organised and and fun camping .Good range of optional trips also.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waterhole experience in Etosha.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gift and Ende worked so well together and had great leadership.Gift with his enormous knowledge and his calmness and fun with music.Ende had the most infectious laugh and kept us all together.They were organised and worked tirelessly without break .They accommodated most of our requests.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely go on this road trip as it is packed with so any things to see.

Simon Reading

Reviewed October 2023

Excellent Overland Trip with great guides

Excellent overland trip, jam packed with Southern African highlights.
Trip was led by Gift and Ende who both worked tirelessly to make sure we all got the best from the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Nighttime game viewing around the waterholes in Etosha.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It worked as a 2-man team (Gift and Ende). I personally thought they were exceptional - I cannot think of a moment they were not working be that driving, cooking or just helping those of us on the tour. Ende was remarkable with his wildlife spotting. Both were good company and good natured throughout. Really good senses of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great way of experiencing Southern Africa. Full on trip packed with activities.

David Knass

Reviewed October 2023

Once in a Lifetime Trip

The main objective of this wildlife trip was met in that we saw 14 species of lemur thanks to the efforts of the local guides and their spotters. This was interspersed with about 90 species of birds over two thirds of which were endemic species with examples from most of the endemic families. Other wildlife such as reptiles and other mammals were few and far between mainly because the majority these are nocturnal. The travel between the National Parks enabled us to have a good insight into the culture, beliefs and customs of the local people together with visiting various historical sites. We found the hotels better than we might have expected and particularly enjoyed the 3 nights at the beach hotel at Anakao. The food also was generally good especially the fish and seafood at Anakao. Wifi was available everywhere we stayed. Insects didn’t seem to be a problem. You should easily have enough local currency if you follow the Exodus advice and most of us changed currency back to Euros at the airport before coming home.

Most Inspirational Moment

It has to be the lemurs and the anticipation as we approached each species in particular the Indri. Snorkelling off Nosy Ve and swimming in the warm ocean was the non wildlife highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sol was excellent and organised the arrangements faultlessly for the six of us on the trip.. He also sorted out any special needs of individuals without any fuss. He was informative throughout whether it related to wildlife or culture and was good company. His background included wildlife guiding, in particular birds and reptiles, which is ideal for this type of trip. Although the weather was quite hot at times Sol always made sure we all had adequate water. Special mention should be made too of Andry our brilliant driver who was very careful and didn't put a foot wrong throughout and made the journeys as comfortable as possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Trip Notes and previous reviews cover essential information. It is a good idea to search out some publications and read about the island before travelling other than that found in the standard travel guides.

Ferhan Q

Reviewed October 2023

Cycling the Mediterranean Coast in Spain

Such an amazing trip with an excellent guide!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling the Ebro delta. Tour guide Miguel was amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Such a great leader!

Richard Mullins

Reviewed October 2023

South African adventures

Prior to my trip I fully reviewed the itinerary and the many favourable comments on the trip and your company. This is not an assassination as there we many positive aspects. My travelling partner and myself arrived in South Africa three days prior and were meant to meet the remainder of the group on the Saturday .Sadly , and totally outside Exodus control’, the flight was cancelled and we meet our two guides at the Airport .Max and Paul took us on impromptu tour of Soweto which proved an excellent experience and was much appreciated. Should we have been advised by Exodus beforehand . We met the rest of the group on Day 2and I was surprised at the make up of the group and the physical ability of one member in particular was questionable from the outset. When completing challenges with other companies , I have always had to complete medical questionnaires including a doctor’s assessment now I am sixty five years of age. It’s beyond me that this gentleman should have been considered for this, at time, challenging adventure. I’m afraid to say his presence impacted the moral of the group and resulted in walks being shortened or omitted all together Accommodation throughout the trip were on the whole satisfactory. There was a few instances where hot water was not available. Food was excellent.Max and Paul catered for us well when their cooking skills were called upon. The only niggle was that too much time spent over the preparation of lunchtime meals when perhaps a self prepared sandwich would have sufficed. I went on the trip primarily as a walking holiday and in our case we missed out on some of these . Such as the fugitive trail, cape Vidal to Mission Rock and the Eswatini walk cut short. A bit disappointing. The group were a very well travelled group having completed many adventures with Exodus . I know that they were also disappointed with the trip Would I do the trip again ?. Yes. For all the shortcomings it was a fascinating insight into a wonderfully beautiful and complex country . I will definitely return to South Africa if the opportunity arises.

Most Inspirational Moment

1 The impromptu visit to Soweto. 2. The guided talk of the battlefields 3 A hippo walking down the middle of the main road in St Lucia 4 the beauty of the Drakensberg mountains ,

Thoughts on Group Leader

Max was extremely knowledgable on wild life and also cultural matters which provided a great insight into a complex country. He also has a strong political opinion. I felt he encountered various problems on the trip which had to be sorted . Most of these were sorted satisfactorily but as the trip progressed I felt he was starting to lose patience with some members of the group and I got the feeling he was pleased when we arrived back in Johannesburg. Much of his work was excellent but he perhaps needs to work on his inter personal skills. In all of this I cannot give Paul , his co leader enough praise. At all times he was caring and considerate and was fully supportive of the group. In some cases I am aware that he defused some issues with his professional attitude. Paul did 90%of the driving in a professional manner and I felt safe in his hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

. A lot of travelling by mini bus between destinations. I felt it longer than I expected. We went in September and saw temperatures vary between 16 c. and 34c daytime . Be prepared for a lot of early starts, this trip is full on. It is a truly beautiful country and whilst there is no doubt a lot security problems, I never encountered any and you should not be put off . At no time did I feel uncomfortable or at risk.

Reply from Exodus

We appreciate Richard taking the time to review his experience, and though we are heartened to hear that he found a good deal of positives about his trip and found it satisfactory overall, we’re sorry that some aspects left him disappointed.

We were unfortunately informed about a group flight cancellation at late notice by the airline at the start of this trip, which meant that Richard and his travelling companion arrived before the rest of the delayed group, and our local team made arrangements to keep them occupied – we’re really glad to hear that Richard enjoyed the tour of Soweto.

Regarding the suitability of another client on Richard’s trip, we do require that all pre-existing medical conditions are disclosed to us on booking, and we screen clients who are over 80 years of age for their suitability for an itinerary; however, aside from this we trust that our clients are able to self-certify using the detailed tour literature provided, including the grading of a trip and the information about terrain and distances walked. We find in general that this approach works extremely well and it is rare that issues arise such as Richard describes, though we are regretful that the client he mentions may have overestimated his abilities or the challenge of the walks on this occasion.

Regrettably, we are aware that on this departure a couple of walks could not be completed as expected, though the majority went ahead as planned and, in general, the feedback we received from Richard’s group was positive. Where possible, we always try to provide replacement activities should any parts of the itinerary not be achievable.

Overall, we are happy to hear that Richard got a lot out of his time in South Africa and experienced some truly memorable moments. We have taken his comments on board going forward, as while we’re confident this is a great trip we’re always looking to make improvements where possible for the future.

– John Penge, Exodus Product Manager

B Jeffs

Reviewed October 2023

The Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan do not disappoint

Uzebekistan did not disappoint. All the main sites in Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand are stunning, and the Uzbek people extremely friendly and welcoming. We were also lucky enough to get to visit the Savitsky Museum in Nukus due to the lack of flights to Urgench, and this was an additional highlight of the trip – I would recommend that Exodus consider including this in the regular itinerary, as it really didn’t add on much time to what was already a long drive anyway. Unfortunately, I can not be so positive about the night at the Yurt camp. While I enjoyed the drive through the desert and a chance for a little more wilderness and wildlife on what is generally a city-heavy trip, the actual camp was just an uncomfortable gimmick. There was no effort made by the camp, nor our team leader, to explain the history of Yurts and its relevance to Uzbek culture, and in reality we found ourselves in a busy basic campsite alongside about 3 other large noisy tour groups with limited and dirty toilet facilities (unlike the picture on the Exodus website which shows a small group of Yurts). We also weren’t given the opportunity (unlike the other groups) to camel ride as advertised in the itinerary – we had to either do it immediately on arrival, or not at all. Most worryingly, there was an enormous pile of abandoned plastic and broken glass behind the main Yurt buildings – hardly a sustainable experience. I would strongly recommend that Exodus just forget this Yurt experience, especially as it still requires a subsequent long and tiring ride to get to Samarkand the next day, which is especially painful after very little sleep in the Yurt and waiting arounf until 9.30 am to leave (unlike the other groups). If this trip must visit the desert, I would have preferred to stay in a local guesthouse in Nurata or somewhere similar (as some other companies do), and find out more about living in the desert environment – we leaned nothing at the Yurt camp other than not to do it again!

Most Inspirational Moment

Strolling around the beautiful streets of Khiva at night - hardly anyone else around and very atmospheric.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Barbor was very proud of his country, and certainly knew his history. However, he was not the best at handling or organising a group, and I feel that our tour did suffer because of this - it felt like we had a lot of wasted opportunities. For example, instead of using the long bus journeys to explain what we would be doing that day, and the approximate timings and activities, he would wait to tell us everything on arrival, wasting valuable time. In addition, he was often vague about the sequence of sites and visits. This was particularly relevant in Samarkand when we lost the opportunity to visit the bazaar, which then turned out to be closed the next day when we had some free time. He would also sometimes "disappear" when we most needed him (e.g., on our first day in Tashkent when we were told we had 30 minutes for lunch but had no idea how to find it [especially given we had just arrived on a late night flight]). I feel that with another guide we could have had a richer experience. As it was, the tour was just ok.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is easy to change money from dollars/pounds on the first day - we found that $200 each for the whole trip was just enough. It is almost impossible to use your credit card anywhere you visit apart from Samarkand, so you will need cash. Enjoy the bullet train from Samarkand to Khiva. I is a real treat and it was fun getting to 231 km/hr - beat that! Walking around at any time of day or night felt completely safe, and the tourist police (in Bukhara) are especially helpful even if it is just o ask directions. Buy any souvenirs in Bukhara or Khiva - Samarkand surprisingly does not have the same opportunities. Organise your own final group dinner in Tashkent or, perhaps better still, have it the day before in Samarkand. We ended up at the Gabrielle hotel in Tashkent were we were staying, the service is awful and the food expensive (perhaps why the tour leader chose not to stay and eat).

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