Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to single out a single moment, but cycling amongst volcanoes is something I don’t get to experience at home. The descent into St Martin de Los Andes was wonderful too, especially after all the hard work of the previous few days.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Diego, Karina and Mateus were all great. The group leader, Diego, was very friendly and helpful throughout, as were Karina and Mateus. Diego always stayed behind the group to ensure our safety, and was good company whenever I was at the back .. which was quite often!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip was rated moderate to challenging which was a fair rating. There was a lot of climbing but no more than expected based on the ride details in the trip notes. The gravel sections were more gruelling than I’d anticipated, and were quite long (in terms of time if not distance). Many of the early reviews refer to the gravel and now I can see why. However, even though I usually ride on roads rather than rough gravel, I’m so glad I didn’t let the gravel put me off. Yes, it was challenging, but the scenery was fabulous and I had a huge sense of satisfaction when I’d finished, so don’t let it out you off. Also, don’t worry unduly about day 3 … short in distance but lots of climbing. There are options, including being able to put the bike in the truck and walking up the steep bit, which meant I could do the whole day under my own steam.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wow this is tough, Obviously reaching the summit is definitely one of them and doing it with a group of people I had only met a few days before but quickly became firm friends with and we had a shared passion for the mountains. Being able to visit our guides home in Aroumd, being shown around the village and experiencing a traditional Hamas. The Berber people were so welcoming and there way of life and outlook are inspiring.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What to say about Lachen..... Such a wonderful person, it was an absolute pleasure to get to know him during the trip, I don't have a frame of reference as this was my first group trip like this. But at the airport he was so friendly and welcoming, he gave us some great pointers for venturing into the main square on the day I arrived. During the travel up to the mountains he was full of information and when we started walking he set a pace for the group that was comfortable. He talked to everyone in the group whilst we were walking and his knowledge of the area was amazing. On our trip to the summit of Toubkal he was aware of peoples abilities and along with his brother made the day at altitude one that I will remember for life. When I come back to the Atlas Mountains he needs to be my guide!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't think, just do!

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it up the toughest hill section?! Also loved the boat trips

Thoughts on Group Leader

Funny, experienced, very knowledgeable Great shame that he isn't doing subsequent ones for a while. He is a contractor and they are giving the trips to a perm. We met him because he came with the replacement bus. Seems fine but not so fun

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring lots of cycle gear, you get very sweaty Bring full range of medical pills

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing Hai Van Pass was tough and amazing at the same time. What an achievement. But Hoi An, Hue and cycling through the country side (rice fields, fishing villages and coffee plantations) were also highlights. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t good at Halong Bay, but it’s a stunning area (can get too busy though).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chi was really fabulous. We’ve done many guided cycling rides with good tour leaders, but Chi really stood out. All round, social, funny, knowledgeable and brilliant with his team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Opt for a ‘private’ bay on the train, not sure if Exodus can arrange that beforehand. We did it through Chi, on the trip. Two travellers had arranged an upgraded bay before the holiday. At this time of year (November) you really need to bring extra layers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling to and staying in Wadi rum.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mekhled was an excellent group leader. He organised the whole trip very well, everyone kept to a sometimes demanding schedule. He was knowledgeable and gave us a lot of information about historical sites culture etc. Extra things like lunchtime food was always well managed. The cycling team was also good, the leader set a comfortable pace and kept the group together, they were helpful with bike maintenance. Mekhled didn't ride a bike but was in a support van, this didn't matter much at all except at various times he'd say "it's down hill". The ride in total would be a descent but could be undulating and hard work at times, or have an uphill that you wouldn't feel in the van. The cycling team leader was better at knowing the route from a cycling perspective but tended to be quite quiet.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went late November which seemed to be about right for weather/temperature.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling to the capes. Cycling from Barrydale .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rochelle the first was super. Ernest was great too. Tallis took over for Rochelle and was OK, had a lot og knowledge about animals and birds, but not as interested as Rochelle was.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

The villages and the people we ecountered and the grandeur of the mountain landscape.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Probably the best leader I have had on many guided trips. Sukman was superbly orgainised and coped with any issues before they deteriorated. His open friendly manner put everyone at ease, and he conveyed his love of Nepal in his talks about Nepali culture and life. Thanks Sukman, for me you made this trek so special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a buff. It can be dusty when the wind blows. Bring a few pencils and notebooks, as a trip member did, to give to children.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely first class! Extremely well organised and very knowledgeable. A credit to the company.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train before going, it’s hot humid and there are some long distances.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sheer amount of wildlife we saw throughout was amazing, but within half an hour of entering the Maasai Mara we saw a cheetah with a kill! We also did the balloon trip - it wasn't our first, but floating over the Maasai Mara and seeing all the animals below was something we'll treasure.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gilbert, our group leader, was excellent. He was clearly very experienced, even recognising a fellow traveller from a previous trip some years before. We had 2 vehicles on the tour and he made sure he split his time equally between both, and always kept the group on track time-wise. He also spent time with the group during mealtimes, sharing insights about Kenya's history and culture. From a personal perspective, he helped us enormously when my husband realised he'd lost his wallet whilst in the check in queue at the airport. One call to Gilbert and the wallet was located back at the hotel. He then arranged for it, and the cash inside, to be returned to us back in the UK.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't take too much cash - there are ATMs around and the tour leader will guide you. We were also able to pay by card for the balloon trip, which we hadn't expected.

Most Inspirational Moment

Taj Mahal

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manu was very good. Delivered the programme. Told us a lot about India, and very open about his country. All the crew were very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

India is chaotic and assaults all your senses. On the road you will see people, cows, dogs, buffalo, and lots of rubbish and plastic. It takes about a week to get used to the chaos !