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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14451 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Janet Hoptroff

Reviewed October 2019

A Very Special Safari

My first Safari, and every day a new magical experience… photographing wildlife. It really was exciting and a privilege to be in close proximity with so many different animals in this wild beautiful conservancy (and with few other tourists around).

Most Inspirational Moment

To be allowed to share the home of these incredible animals in the company of Wildlife and Photography experts Paul Goldstein and Chris Packham really was ‘something very special’… and inspirational.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul Goldstein and Chris Packham, our leaders, are Wildlife and Photography experts and inspired us to take brilliant photographs… They gave some great advice on achieving that ‘special’ shot.. They were delightful company, helpful and full of suggestions to help us improve our photographic skills. They made the holiday very special.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you love Wildlife and photography, this is the Safari for you! Go and experience this fantastic trip, the magic of the animals (there are so many to see) and the comfort and fantastic food of the Bush Camp.

Steve Calder

Reviewed October 2019

Mount Toubkal

One of best holidays of my life and maybe even one of best weeks of my life. Everything was superb about it which has been stated in other reviews.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing other people out of their comfort zones thriving in a new environment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Capable and held it together so well. Absolute gentleman too

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you are fit and train for it.

Joy Frendo

Reviewed October 2019

Exhilarating

Our climb of Toubkal was challenging, it was quite hot and the terrain was difficult at points but our guide was superb, he was extremely experienced and kind. The food was incredible, with excellent variety, taste and presentation, we never felt hungry. The hotel stays were also very good and the guided tour of the city at the end of the week was very informative and interesting. All in all, it was extremely organized and well planned out. We will definitely travel again with Exodus in the future

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing group members all helping eachother reach the summit.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lhoucine Oumahjoub, our guide was incredible. We couldn't have asked for a more experienced, competent guide. He was also very kind and helpful with excellent English so communication was never an issue.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the heat if travelling in late September.

Dennis Jenkins

Reviewed October 2019

Highlights of Portugal

Although described as a fast paced tour(which it was), it was a good introduction to visiting Portugal with many highlights as well as vising some lesser known parts. As someone who had not been to Portugal before and as it is so easy to get to from the UK, it was a taster for maybe visiting the country again and exploring other regions.

Most Inspirational Moment

With all these tours, it is difficult to highlight just one moment that was inspirational, especially on a short tour like this. Lisbon was very inspiring especially as we stayed on for an extra 3 days as was our short stay in the village of Ferraria de Sao Joao.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Goncalo was an excellent guide who always made sure we were away early to avoid the worst of the crowds. This was particularly important in the case of the Pena Palace in Sintra. He explained the history of the various sites very concisely which kept our interest and he would always try to accommodate any of our requests.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Fado evening was very good indeed being in a small establishment in the Alfama district of Lisbon so was not only authentic but was a very pleasant farewell evening, Strongly recommended. Also, I would certainly recommend staying on in Lisbon for some extra days as there is so much to do and see and the atmosphere is very appealing.

David Richardson

Reviewed September 2019

Two surprising gem's

This is a fascinating trip and I would recommend you book soon before some of the places you visit become too popular. The trip starts in Montenegro, and you spend a mixture of time in the stunning town of Kotor and out in the wilds of Durmitor NP and Zabljak. The views and walks are beautiful. Onto Bosnia and much learning about the recent war, however the country has far more to offer than this with wine tasting, waterfalls, remote villages and of course the very touristy, Mostar. The trip is paced well, with no really early starts and time allowed for you to explore yourself. Walks are not difficult and the food meaty, whilst accommodating vegetarians. If asked I would say “just book”

Most Inspirational Moment

Possibly for me the lunch up in the hills with a very generous and welcoming Montenegrin family, and this was closely followed by numerous "pies" in the wilds of Lukomir following a walk on the hills.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can I say about Sabina! "Hello, hello" Sabrina's passion for the region was clear and she struck just the right balance of giving us information without overloading us. She always put the group first and tried her best to make sure we had an enjoyable and hassle free adventure. I am proud to say she is now a friend and should she be your guide, she will enhance your trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Consider a night in Cavtat before the trip starts and extra time afterwards in Dubrovnik if you have never been there before. Otherwise, don't hesitate to book!

Hansa Jadva-Patel

Reviewed September 2019

Kurudi Afrika (Back to Africa)

I was born in East Africa and having walked through the rift valleys as a child, it was always my desire to climb to the roof of Africa. Although a regular walker myself, the ascent on few occasions became a challenge, especially on the summit night and I would not have succeeded the climb if it wasn’t for the support I was given by John (Tony Seka) and his support team. Their continuous kindness and patience was very much appreciated – and I know that this view is shared by everyone in my group!

Most Inspirational Moment

Several highlights and to name a few, reaching Stella point, golden sunrise on the summit climb, Mount Meru and its continual presence above the clouds and golden sunset over it, climbing Barranco Wall, night sky with full moon and stars, practicing my Swahili again after several decades etc., enjoying the company of some of the fellow walkers and the support team.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I would not have made it to the top without John’s support and his patience. He was always very professional and totally committed to his job and nothing was too onerous for him. He was a very competent leader, supporting a team of assistant leaders, porters, and chefs who looked after our group of 10 very well. John was undoubtedly my hero!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Climbing Kilimanjaro, regardless of what grade it has been ranked, it should not be underestimated. Despite having undertaken numerous regular training walks building up to the trip, some long distance walks, it was physically challenging, so some physical preparation prior to the climb is essential. There is a structured tipping scheme; guidance is included in the trip notes, so useful to have the funds available.

Stephen kemp

Reviewed September 2019

A fantastic way to spend a week.

Not easy but very rewarding,especially at my age.the ascents were steady and the views fantastic,but the descents were relentless so some training pays dividends.The accommodation was good as was the food.Our guide was superb having to cope with people who walk at different paces is not easy,as everybody has to be kept as safe as possible .Finally the people in the group were fantastic ,very supportive,willing to share food and medical supplies and the evenings were a riot of humour .Cannot wait to go on another trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having sleet and snow on the first day made the views on the second day even better as the peaks were covered in fresh snow as was the Grand Col Ferret,The group made the trip unforgettable,really good company.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide did a great job ,she had time for everybody and spent a lot of time encouraging the slower members of the group without fussing.Her knowledge and organisation were very good so we got to breakfast on time and started our walking on time.She also had a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do some training if you are not hill walking regularly.You will manage the ascents but the descent are long and really give the leg joints some stress.Walking poles certainly helped .Take a small lightweight camera,i took an DSLR and hardly used it ,it was easier to use the phone camera which took good photos.

Muriel Mccleery

Reviewed September 2019

A fabulous trip - full of variety

A superb trip with great variety – coastal scenery, mountains, rivers, lakes, canyons, the city of Sarajevo, and then all the history, culture and peoples of the Balkans. It was a very easy trip with comfortable travel, unhurried and yet lots seen and done. I really enjoyed travelling with the group – always someone to go out with for meals or a drink and yet plenty of time to do your own exploring.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery - the Adriatic coastline of Perast and Kotor, Tara Canyon, the journey from Zabljak to Sarajevo (thank you Semie for your excellent driving skills) and all the history of the region. Sarajevo has lots to see and do and has so much more to offer than just its war history.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sabina Sirco was an excellent leader - she certainly deserves a nomination for an Exodus tour leader award. She was passionate about her country and through her family history was able to bring the history of the region alive. She put a lot of personal energy and time into ensuring that each of us had a really enjoyable trip. She was always friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, organised and with excellent English and communication skills. This all led to a relaxed and fun filled trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book it!

Gillian Z

Reviewed September 2019

Truly amazing holiday!

Wow – what an amazing holiday. Truly a holiday of a lifetime! Incredible to see the scale and beauty of Machu Picchu. We walked to the Sun Gate and hiked down instead of taking the bus which was not quite the 1 day trek but was a great way down. It only took 45 minutes or so too. Our group in Peru & Ecuador was small with only 5 of us plus one guide. Age range was between 49 and 78. You do need to be reasonably fit for this as there is some walking and climbing involved. We were then joined with some others in the Galapagos. We all gelled really well and we had a great time. The Cachalote was brilliant. It was a 16 berths boat. The cabins had a double bed and a toilet and shower room. Not huge but sufficient for our needs. There is a large dining/sitting area where we were served amazing food. Breakfast was good – both warm and cold things including yoghurt, fruit, cereals, eggs etc. Lunchtime and dinner was 2 or 3 course meal – again good variety and very tasty. Lovely crew too who will go out of their way to please. The Galapagos Islands were truly amazing. What a honour to see animals in abundance! Snorkelling with the different types of fish, sea turtles, seals, penguins and marine iguanas. Saw a white tipped shark too! On land was also very interesting. Vast amounts of Galapagos birds including pelicans, cormorants and blue-footed boobies. Overall, a superb holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Can't say there is just one - both Machu Picchu and the Galapagos wildlife are awesome.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Smithy in Peru and Juan in the Galapagos were brilliant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We went in September when the water was a bit cold - we wore wetsuits but If you suffer from cold fingers/toes, take some wetsuit-type gloves or socks (if there are such things).

Debbie Moors

Reviewed September 2019

An incredible fortnight

Quite simply this wasn’t just the best safari I have been on, it was the best holiday I have ever had – I just wish I had done it sooner! I knew Namibia was special when I realised that even on the long drives I was just gazing out the window enjoying the incredible scenery which is unlike anything else I have experienced during my travels in Africa.

The wild camping in the Palmwag Concession and Haonib River Systems was fantastic with us barely seeing another vehicle during the whole time. In Palmwag we were fortunate enough to see numerous black rhino one of which we were able to approach on foot under the careful supervision of our guide, PJ. In Haonib we spent time with the desert elephants and again made an approach on foot. The highlight though was our guides skill and determination in tracking a desert lion for two hours which paid off with a memorable sighting.

Etosha was fabulous with plenty of wildlife ranging from the big (elephants and rhino) to the small (honey badgers and a leopard tortoise).

Every day we were expertly looked after back at camp by Simpson, Fritz and Asser and kept well fed with fabulous meals.

Whether you’re thinking of doing your first safari or are an old hand, I cannot recommend this trip enough. I’m already planning a return visit to this spectacular country.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were two special moments. The first was the rhino approach on foot in Palmwag. Initially we simply got out of the vehicle and watched the rhino from a distance. PJ then assessed the situation and took us on foot to a closer vantage point. It was fantastic to watch such a majestic creature without disturbing it. The second was tracking the desert lion in Haonib. For the best part of two hours PJ followed the lions tracks before eventually we found the young male. Watching him walk along the river system was a sight to behold.

Thoughts on Group Leader

PJ was the best group leader I have had to date. His enthusiasm and passion for Namibia and his job were evident from day one. His knowledge spanned not just the animals and birds of the area but also the geology and history. On those days where we had downtime in the afternoon between lunch and the scheduled afternoon game drive he would go the extra mile and take out members of the group who wanted to go on an additional drive. For the photographers in the group PJ did all he could to make sure the vehicle was positioned so that everyone got the best shot possible. He was also able to read where the animals were moving to so that we could be in the right place at the right time. In the evenings PJ was on hand to make sure we were all having a good time and made sure we knew the plans for the following day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t let the camping put you off. This is a full service trip so everything is done for you. The tents are comfortable (beds, duvet, pillows, blankets, lamp all provided) and the camp assistants are amazing making sure everything is ready when you get back from the game drives. Some of the drives between camps are long (and bumpy) but the views make up for it. Coffee lovers - pack a thermos mug with you for the morning game drives as it will keep you going on those early mornings. Ladies - pack a sports bra or two for the bumpy roads! If you do the Swakopmund extension (which is worth it) be prepared for a long drive from Windhoek (about 5 hours). I would also suggest adding on an extra night to give you more time to explore.

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