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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14370 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Kieran Daly

Reviewed March 2023

Excellent organisation with great guide providing a satisfactorily challenging experience & educational visit

Group of 16, with 12/4 f/m split, aged late 40s to late 60s. Trip is accurately rated on the Exodus scale – so some fairly stretching treks mixed with highly enjoyable steep sections. Everybody got round with no significant difficulty. Weather in mid-March was really nice – pretty warm at times by day but mostly ideal, and chilly but nothing more dramatic than that at night even at higher camps. Lovely inclusive group chemistry with non-stop chatter. Food is terrific – really quite something for a field kitchen. Just when the idea of another tagine is becoming a little less inspirational then along comes Berber omelette with chips to die for. In general camp life is a bit cushier than the notes might suggest – toilet obviously pretty basic but you learn to adapt. Tents are snug but no trouble sleeping after days like that. And the final day has an optional hamam visit in Taroudant – do not even consider turning it down – it’s the real thing, and not the flaky tourist version elsewhere. A glorious experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well, a personal observation here - for me the coolest thing about this part of the world is the sheer awesome vastness, emptiness and silence of it. Unfortunately an Exodus group of 16 is not ideal for experiencing that. No complaints - it was very late in the trip when this occurred to me. But there's a thought for any of you next time - perhaps have a chat about this early on and see if you can get group consensus to agree 30min of silence one evening. Perhaps too much to ask but you never know...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leader Lahcen is born and bred in the High Atlas and is terrific to talk to regarding life in the mountain villages. Very educational on aspects of how those societies work which would not be obvious, all delivered with a fine sense of humour. Some smart planning on his part making timings work and dealing with an unforeseeable logistical snag due to local flooding. Also did a rather elegant job of patching up my partner's knee after a minor tumble - now healing nicely back in UK! An absolute asset to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You will get through Dh1500-1700 each during the week one way or another. Tips, snacks, souk...

Lesley Williams

Reviewed March 2023

Amazing

A thoroughly enjoyable trip. It was a priviledge to be able to go to Antarctica, where so few actually go. Very difficult to put into words what the trip meant other than amazing.
I would do the trip again.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing actually on the snow on Antarctica itself.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Quark were excellent in all they did for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy the trip.

Susan Dick

Reviewed March 2023

Jordan by bike

This was a great trip because of the staff that were with us. The guide Anas was so accommodating and helpful, always smiling and wanting to share as much knowledge about Jordan as possible. No problem was too difficult for him to try to sort. The driver Walid was also hugely experienced and helpful. We were a very small group-3 of us and another super couple. Luckily it worked very well. There was a private group of 9 who were doing the same holiday and I presume that was how the 14 was made up. We were made to wait an hour every morning to let the private tour go first and this was probably the most annoying thing about the trip as we had to wait until 9.00 or 10.00 to leave and so had less time in the evening at our destination – a bit unfair but nothing our group had control over. Also think you should state there is really not much cycling in your brochure. And what cycling there is, is predominately downhill-and some of the downhill is very scary. Quite a few accidents between the 2 groups. We had a poor cycling guide who did not maintain a steady pace and this did not help with uphills and downhills. He seemed to care little what the group was doing, rarely looked behind and was also focusing on his training! Our guide spoke with him but I would suggest he is moved on. We had a day with an excellent cycling guide-ammar and so this guy’s failings really stood out.

Most Inspirational Moment

Jordan really was the most inspirational thing. It is a fantastic country to visit with so much to see. This is a holiday really jammed packed with sights. The backdrop of many of the cycles was also marvellous-great views of incredible rock formations. Nearly every day there was so much to see. Petra was hugely impressive and we had a great day there. However we stayed at Petra for 3 nights which was 1 night too long. This was also the poorest hotel and the food etc not great. Little Petra only took us at most 2 hours and it was quite a made up cycle that day-only 12 miles so we ended up with a free afternoon and another night there. Anas was great at suggesting activities for the afternoon but it was really just filling in time. We ended up in a very touristy Turkish baths which were not very nice. Luckily Anas organised a meal with a family that night and that was a superb evening. Other highlights were swimming in the Dead Sea, seeing the mosaics of Madaba and Mount Nebo and the fabulous Roman site at Jerash. The trip to Wadi Rum for the night was also wonderful. Lovely little camp in a perfect setting with a wonderful evening looking at the stars.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As mentioned above, Anas was a marvellous group leader. He really looked after us so well and really wanted us to have a good time. He dealt with things immediately and was very good at reporting back to us. We were a very small group but he was impressive at working out the best way for the group as a whole making sure no-one was left out. His leadership meant there was not one moment of stress to contend with! He had a great back up staff who all got on very well which also reflected well on Anas. He clearly loves his country and was very happy to share his life and customs with us. We learnt a lot from him. The cycling team who fixed our bikes were very helpful and good fun as was our driver. The only weak link was the cycling guide Josif, whose very uneven cycling pace could have endangered the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I think after the trip, that it is a good idea to consider a couple of days at the Red Sea-unfortunately this trip takes you back to Amman but if you can work it out, you can get a lift down to Aqaba and stay at the Sea-there is a short flight from Aqaba to Amman or you just do the car transfer to Amman at the end of your Red Sea adventure. Very easily arranged independently but we were very lucky that our group leader and driver helped us arrange transfers to our own hotel at the end.

Helen Bouchami

Reviewed March 2023

Challenging but worth it

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and it showed. Many roads are unpaved. People subsist on a daily budget – don’t work that day, don’t eat. But, although the trip has some challenges – altitude, long, dusty transfers, road blocks and strikes around Santa Cruz, the sites are spectacular and worth a bit of discomfort.

Most Inspirational Moment

The time in the desert and the salt flats. I'd seen images of the salt flats and was not disappointed, but the desert was a revelation - lakes streaked with crimson and white, or a vivid blue. Multi-hued mountains in the 'Salvador Dali' desert, Flocks of flamingos, rocks carved by the wind into fantastic shapes.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Melanie was outstanding. She coped so well with the road blocks - often negotiating our way through, or finding ways around. The group trusted her judgement. I owe her a special thank you. When walking in the jungle at Refugio de los Volcanos, I hit my head on a tree branch. I bled so much and the only way out was a 4-wheel drive up a steep and rocky track. Although it was Sunday evening she managed to summon a doctor, who opened up his clinic, cleaned, stitched and dressed the wound and gave me some antibiotics - all for the equivalent of £7! As we moved around, she always located somewhere for my dressing to be changed. Fantastic service. I should also mention our drivers, especially those in the desert who organised a lovely lunch in the middle of the flats and later, sunset drinks and snacks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Being an Exodus group, the attitude to the challenges of the trip was, 'it's all part of the adventure.' Go with a similar approach and you won't be disappointed. The strikes and road blocks around Santa Cruz, and also some of the long road trips, made getting food difficult. As I'm diabetic, the snacks available in shops weren't suitable, so packing some healthier options would have been a good idea. On the plus side, I lost 4kg!

Richard Armishaw

Reviewed March 2023

A great cycling trip

An amazing trip cycling, taking in breathtaking and varied scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many but cycling up the Tizi n’Test pass, reaching the snow line and enjoying a fantastic lunch, taking in the stunning scenery was a highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abderrahim and Hassan, were excellent leaders. Nothing was too much trouble and they were friendly and knowledgable and always with a smile. Also mustn’t forget our drivers who supported the group throughout the trip and again they were always there to help, whether it be a bike repair, water top ups, snacks or preparing amazing lunches.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We travelled in early March and were lucky with the weather (sunny all week), but it was cool up in the mountains, so earlier in the season be prepared and bring layers. Also, we found having a bike multitool useful for small adjustments to the bikes as they are re-assembled most days at start / end points during the trip. This is a fantastic but hilly cycling trip with ascents between 4-7% with some smaller sections between 8-10% so some cycling fitness /experience would help enjoyment of the trip. Those on the trip with e-bikes certainly appreciated the extra assistance and they were good solid bikes.

Andrew Cameron

Reviewed March 2023

Voyage of discovery

This was the first trip to Central America for my wife & me. The group size was only nine, so not too large which helped a lot when it came to looking through one mono scope at yet another new bird. The trip mainly involved birdwatching, though bathing in hot springs, a river & the Pacific ocean were features. The hotels were all to a good standard, however, the Suria hotel had a limited menu for all four main meals. Distances travelled were generally less than 5 hours, however, one day that was exceeded when a bridge partially collapsed. We visited tropical & rainforest as well as cloud forest & mountane (transitional) climates. Our amazing guide David, helped us to spot literally hundreds of birds & he was so knowledgeable & enthusiastic. He also ensured any problems were dealt with diligently & effectively. This was truly an incredible adventure & we can thoroughly recommend it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing an anteater cross the road on a wire with a baby on her back.

Thoughts on Group Leader

David Vargas was the best leader one could ever have hoped for.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is the rain forest, ensure good waterproofs!

Neil Thomas

Reviewed March 2023

Sunrise, sunsets, monks and monkeys

This was our ninth trip with Exodus and although Cambodia didn’t make it into my top three of countries visited, this tour was simply the best so far. This was as much due to sharing the trip with a lovely group of like-minded travellers and having an excellent leader as it was to the experiences we enjoyed together.

Most Inspirational Moment

I suppose everyone expects the highlight to be the visit to Angkor Wat to see the sun rise over the temple, but for me the real wow moments came elsewhere. The cyclo ride around Phnom Penh was great fun, the bamboo train in Battambong an experience like no other. There were three boat trips to see the sunset, in Kampot, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, all of them memorable. And then there was the two-day stay at Koh Rong island, including a delightful group meal on the beach.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chan Ly was exceptional. He was permanently available for help and advice - even sending a WhatsApp message at 3.45am to confirm our Angkor Wat trip would go ahead as planned. He did everything with a smile and bonded well with all members of the group. He was on hand to support when various members suffered stomach upsets. Most of all his knowledge of and pride in his country enabled us to see so much of Cambodian life.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cambodia is a rapidly developing country. I was astonished at the number of high rise buildings, many still under construction, in Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap, and some of the trunk roads are in the throes of an upgrade. And beware of the monkeys. My wife lost her camera case after an unequal struggle with an aggressive macaque at Angkor. We also spent much time before heading for Cambodia trying to find an appropriate plug adaptor. Don't worry. Almost all sockets accept UK plugs. Finally, consider adding a day or two to your holiday. There is more to do in and around Siem Reap than can be fitted into the Exodus itinerary.

Craig Mitchell

Reviewed March 2023

Annapurna Circuit – Trip of a Lifetime.

This trip was an arduous but ultimately very fulfilling trek round 158 miles of some of the most beautiful scenery in Nepal. Luckily, we had no rain and most of the time walked in bright and glorious sunshine.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing dawn breaking from the summit of Poon Hill towards the end of the trek. It really took your breath away, both the climb and the views. On the summit the full majesty of the Annapurna massif was gradually revealed in all its splendour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have been on a few adventure treks over the years and I can honestly say that Sukman Tamang is the best trek leader and guide that I have ever had. I don’t say that lightly, but he is head and shoulders above the rest. Right from the start when he welcomed us all in Kathmandu, his radiant smile and outgoing personality shone through. He made every individual on that trip feel special as well as expertly looking after the group as a whole, whether they were trekkers, assistant guides or Sherpas. He was enthusiastic, likeable and, most importantly, a great communicator. He was able to share his extensive knowledge of Nepal and the Annapurna region in an engaging, interactive and entertaining way. He was able to give us a fascinating insight into Nepal’s rich history and culture. And each evening he was able to deliver an excellent and informative briefing about the following day’s itinerary and everybody knew what to expect. His organisational skills were outstanding, which was no easy feat trying to balance the needs of 16 trekkers and as many guides and Sherpas as well. He kept an eye on everyone’s welfare and I noticed that he checked on everyone in the group on a daily basis. And if anything unexpected happened he remained calm and dealt with the situation in a patient and methodical manner, whether it was someone with a cut on the head, an injured knee or someone forgetting to bring their micro spikes on the Thorong La pass. One of the main reasons that everyone seemed to be enjoying the trip was down to Sukman’s sense of humour. His ready smile and quick wit led to everyone feeling relaxed and comfortable even during the toughest days. Sukman’s hard work and professionalism went a long way towards making the trek for all of us so rewarding and fulfilling. That is what makes him such a great tour guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you were worried about the altitude I would recommend that you consider taking beetroot capsules as a preventative measure. The naturally occurring nitric oxide in beetroot increases the amount of oxygen in the blood and can help reduce the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) at high altitude. I would always seek proper medical advice before taking any supplements, but they certainly worked for me.

Alan Carter

Reviewed March 2023

Beware the Lorries and Dusty Roads

Be prepared for heavy vehicle traffic and lots of poor roads with Dust prevalent. Cycling Laos is for strong cyclists more interested in getting from A to B than taking in the scenery, local customs and culture. I have done several Exodus cycling holidays and this was the most demanding (correctly graded) but least rewarding trip I have done. The trip would be greatly improved by a change from the key roads to more circular trips that can use the back roads. The very full distance and set sight seeing agenda means early morning starts, combined with late finishes leaving little time to dawdle or do anything other than go out to eat in the evening. Unusually, I was probably the weakest cyclist in this lovely group which meant I never had time to stop to take photographs or take in the views. After the day’s cycling and the transfers, by the time we got to the overnight stays (all of a good standard for this kind of trip) you barely had time to freshen up and prepare for the next day before you were out to dinner and then early to bed for next early start. There was little or no time to take in the delights described in the trip notes. The roads are misleadingly described as being “often to yourself” and does not mention the fairly constant presence of heavy lorries. When these lorries or other fast traffic combines with the deteriorating roads you will have to put up with the dust. Our trip was just after the rice harvest (in some areas there are two) and crop burning meant there was a constant grey haze (even after a full night of rain) obliterating the potentially amazing views of rural Laos. I would recommend you do not go on the late Feb departure and check current forecasts of the harvest time. If you are looking for rural rides and time to take in the scenery I would suggest looking at other trips altogether. All cyclists take note of the grading for this trip and, unless you are a strong cyclist, consider an e-bike.

Most Inspirational Moment

Some good views, interesting monuments eg theWhite palace. Boat and train trips nice variations to travel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good, showed expert local knowledge.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If flying direct from UK be prepared to wait for hotel to accept checkin. Planned arrival is 10am, rooms not available until after mid-day. our group’s not ready till nearly 2.00 Be prepared for regular 80km days with some steep climbs. Good for keen club cyclists. Check when the rice harvest is and avoid going shortly after when crop fires leave a grey pall over the landscape obliterating the potentially lovely views.

david irwin

Reviewed March 2023

Cycling in the Cape

This was a treat for us. Cycling in South Africa, Seeing the country and trying the wines. We did some cycling on old rental bikes, we did try some wine and we did see what a beautiful country South Africa is.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment was the last day cycling back to Cape Town along the coast beside the famous apostles in glorious sunshine.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was fine as a group leader but not as cycling guide. He was never prepared for punctures or bike malfunctions. It was obvious that he had done this cycling tour for three months. He knew the route and where to go for evening meals but I had had enough of supermarket lunches.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Firstly there is a lot of time being transported from A to B. The Bikes are old and need to be replaced. How they can justify an extra £250 for an eBike baffles me. Beware that South Africa is a dangerous place so ask if it safe to go out on your for a walk or run. You stay in some fabulous places. The down day in Hermanus is a waste when there are no Whales to see. As always with these trips the last day is the best depending on the weather

Reply from Exodus

We would like to thank David for taking the time to submit a review and were pleased to read that he enjoyed South Africa in general. On the other hand, we were genuinely sorry to hear that he was disappointed by the leadership and several other aspects of his tour. The leader assigned to this departure has been working with Exodus for 6 years, during which time he has led 25 trips and amassed a lot of positive feedback from our clients. Whilst we expect leaders to be familiar with the equipment, they are mostly focused on the general logistics of the tour, which is why our cycling tours feature mechanics who are on-hand to address any issues with the bikes and inspect them after every ride. We understand that your mechanic doubled up as your driver and we can confirm that he has vast experience working in these roles for Exodus and other tour operators. We find that this arrangement works well, although we are sorry if you felt your leader could have offered more support. We regret that David was also disappointed with the quality of the bikes, particularly as the bikes allocated to his group were just 2 years old at the time and had only been used on 3 tours. These bikes were checked by our local manager before being distributed to your group and he has assured us that they were in pristine condition. In terms of the cost of the e-bikes, these are extremely expensive to purchase and maintain and we can confirm that the prices we charge for this option are reflective of the costs we incur to use them. To cover as much of this large country as possible and avoid cycling on busy roads, this trip involves some transfer time in a vehicle, however, almost half of the total distance is spent on the bikes along quieter, more scenic routes. We find that many clients enjoy the transition between bikes and vehicle, as it allows people to recover, whilst still taking in the views, although we are sorry that this was not David’s experience. We would not wish for any of our clients to feel unsafe on our trips so we were concerned to read David’s comments about his time in South Africa. Whilst we advise clients to take caution in all the countries we operate trips in, our local manager, who has resided in South Africa for many decades, has assured us that all the places visited on this itinerary are safe to walk around. This trip’s average rating of 4.5/5* suggests that most of our clients enjoy it, which we find reassuring, although we would not wish to downplay David’s disappointment on this occasion. We sincerely hope that he affords us another chance on a future trip.

John Penge, Product Manager

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