Most Inspirational Moment
Drinking beer with the locals in a village on the edge of the Mekong who were celebrating the arrival of a new baby. We just happened to drop in for a look around....we were warmly welcomed by all!
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Culturally Immersive
This was my fifth Exodus Cycling Adventure (Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Vietnam, and South Africa: Drakensburg & Kruger). As with my previous Exodus experiences, the logistics of transportation and accommodation were expertly arranged. Leader Rit and his Laoatian co-lead Mr. Sack ensured things ran smoothly and unobstrusively. The bikes were in good repair, though we did our best to put them through their paces. The trip is appropriately graded as a “4” – moderate/challenging….indeed there were a few short climbs that were a bit steep, but were not long, and were doable. Yes, the roads in Laos were rough, but that is quintissentially Laos on pavement! At no time did I feel unsafe with regard to the pavement or Chinese transport trucks. It’s a great trip for meeting locals…we got involved in some village celebrations along the way.
A Wonderful Week
Great weather. Fresh snow plus lots of sunshine.
Magnificent scenery, the Dolomites are really special both in winter and summer.
Comfortable hotel with good facilities and friendly, helpful staff. Tasty interesting dinners with a very good wine list to choose from.
A friendly, interesting group of fellow “snowshoeers”
What really made the trip special was our guide Sara. She is everything you would wish for in a guide and I can only endorse all the other glowing mentions she receives in reviews.
Most Inspirational Moment
Each day was as memorable as the previous one. By the very nature of the week, the days are similar in that one is walking in the moutains through the snow but yet each is different with constantly changing vistas and challenges under foot.
Thoughts on Group Leader
As mentioned above, Sara was deserving of all the superlatives that she receives in these reviews. Kind, caring, considerate, knowledgeable, reliable, interesting, funny, the list goes on! Thanks Sara.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just do it. You do need a reasonable degree of fitness but previous use of snowshoes is not a prerequisite.
A fantastic journey through Vietnam
This has to be a trip of a lifetime. Cycling through a country that is unspoilt, dramatic countryside, mountains, lakes, coast, busy, manic towns and cities where the traffic stops for no-one. It is a country like no other and needs to be experienced to be believed. Be prepared to never come up for air. The people are so friendly and helpful and the food so delicious. Our group bonded well which made for the trip and our support team looked after us well.
Most Inspirational Moment
Visiting Whale Island and being blown away by its remoteness and uniqueness Cycling up the Hai Van Pass. Cycling 30km down a mountain pass where the temperature ranged from feeling like being in a fridge to feeling like being in a sauna. Finally, Halong Bay Cruise. Cycling through the craziness and mayhem of towns and cities but being expertly guided through safely.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tong was good fun, very knowledgeable and knew his stuff. He was also very fit and cracked the whip every day. He was also very motivating and inspirational and kept us on our toes. He also looked after our health and safety implicitly.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for long days in the saddle, intense heat and to get very sweaty. Please try and get fit before you travel as it would be a shame to miss even 1 hour of cycling. The scenery is so varied, the towns are manically busy so be prepared for some hairy moments but the guides ensure you are safely taken through the craziness of it all. It has to be seen to be believed.
You can be single and do the Maldives without feeling like the odd one out!
From day one you are part of the Felicity family. From being welcomed on board and shown your surprisingly comfy cabin, to the last breakfast on board, you are looked after and made to feel so welcome, you will not want to leave.
Captain Shafy, Guide Kamey And all the crew work tirelessly to get you the best wildlife experiences. Their knowledge of the Maldives and all its creatures is endless and no doubt why you get to see, and experience, so much.
Most Inspirational Moment
Swimming for an hour and 10 minutes with Fernando the 8 metre long Whale Shark has to be the most inspirational part of my trip. Scuba diving after a 20 year break from it felt daunting until Captain Shafy took charge. His patience, confidence and expertise was inspiring. This too was an experience I’ll cherish.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader Kamey has very good English and navigates you through you Maldives experience with his laid back charm. Laid back, but hard working! On snorkelling trips he does his best to get everyone engaged in their surroundings. From identifying species to sorting your camera problems - he can do it.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You need to be able to swim for this trip, and the fitter you are the more you will get out of it. Having said that there is plenty of opportunity for chilling out on deck with a good book. Surprisingly spacious, you can find your own space on the Felicity should you so desire some time to yourself. Don’t pack much. Rash vest, sunscreen, 2 lots of swimwear (one on, one drying), flip flops for shore excursions, sun glasses and hat are a must. If your thinking of getting a waterproof camera - do! It’s great fun and they will help you with it! If you don’t sleep on airplanes go a night early and stay in a hotel in Male to gather yourself before your trip (it’s well worth it).
Interesting and Relaxing Tour
This was an interesting, relaxing and varied trip. There wasn’t too much driving – just one day that was a bit longer. The tour took in a good variety of destinations and was accommodated in a variety of good quality locations.
Most Inspirational Moment
We liked Tsitsikamma as a location - nice setting, walks and log cabins.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Justin was great - informative, informed, helpful, enthusiastic, amusing, passionate about everything.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you're looking for a varied and relaxing trip then this would be a good choice.
Amazing Adventure
Every day provided an interesting insight into the culture
Most Inspirational Moment
The bike ride in Hoi Ann's countryside with Zoom Zoom was inspirational, fun and informative. He discussed how the rice fields were harvested, how families acreage was allocated and we visited two locals homes. One where rice wine was made by a Vietnamese injured war veteran who had built a small business from very little and the other home a lady weaved rugs. The people who had suffered so much were kind and gracious.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our Group Leader for Vietnam, over 12 days, Cons Nguyen was warm, welcoming and exceptionally efficient. The transport, hotels and sight seeing logistics were impeccably managed. He always safely managed people on/off planes, buses, taxis, boats, kayaks and took the group to some pre-booked great local restaurants that we would never have found if left to our own devices. He was very knowledgeable; quickly knew the names of all 16 members of our group, consistently answered queries, always providing proactive information on both what we were doing and what we would be doing next. Our Cambodian Tour Guide, Rous over 2 days was similarly efficient albeit we had one very good full day at the Ankor complex (starting at 4.30.a.m.) with her.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for many early morning starts. However, looking back you fully appreciate how much you pack-in a day!
Fantastic but tiring!
This holiday was wonderful though the first two days were excessively tiring and I’m quite an energetic person! This was because the flight timing plus security clearance plus travel time to our first hotel (incl loss of two hrs)meant we didn’t get to our beds until midnight and immediately shifted to very early starts to avoid heat and crowds on day one and to catch a 6am flight on day 2. After that the holiday was just right. It was still busy but calmer and the end of the holiday and cruise gave recovery time. I would suggest ending day 1 after the museum visit..ie .cut out mosque and souk in Cairo. ( Instead go to mosque in Asswan if intro to Islam is wanted and visit the lovely souk there as it was infinitely better…not being so entirely touristy). Alternatively fit Cairo in on the return…as we all changed flights there on our way home…but that might add a day to the holiday which may not suit some.
Most Inspirational Moment
The Cairo museum and the optional trip to Abu Simbel
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tito was excellent. He was very personable and he kept a very mixed group going well on an extremely full trip. He would adapt details to suit peoples needs whilst still looking after the whole party and made sure we saw all the key parts of every site we visited. His knowledge was impeccable. He told us what we needed to know but, when questioned, he demonstrated he knew even more just for the asking. He had to work really hard day after day with a group of 20 to lead through some extremely crowded areas and with lots of optional trips to lead as well but he did it indefatiguably and with unfailing good humour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go well rested in the knowledge you will have time to catch up on sleep after day 2!
Wonderful Country, Wonderful Ride
A challenging ride, for a rating of 3, through the beautiful countryside and coastline of this small part of Africa. Stopping for a few tastings of wonderful wines and visiting many iconic landmarks along the way. Add to this the natural enthusiasm and deep knowledge from the guide and a lovely group of people to share – this really was the most memorable and amazing trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
The ride from Simonstown to Cape Town on the last day. The climb through Chapman's Peak, the crystal clear Ocean, the lovely beaches with waves breaking were all amazing - then to finish by cycling past the 12 apostles and ending at the hotel was both inspirational and emotional.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Warren was very knowledgeable, has a deep love of the country and clearly is a very accomplished rider. He went out of his way to accommodate the little things that such a tour inevitably brings (a late request for optional trips, additional sections to ride, additional wine tastings etc) and did this with his full enthusiasm. Thank you for making this a truly memorable holiday.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This is relatively hard ride for a rating of 3. This should not put people off as there is full vehicle support, but ensure the training has been done and be prepared to hop on the vehicle at certain times.
There's more to Evia than you might think
A relatively restful week of walking, eating, drinking and learning a lot from a knowledgeable leader (Thanos) in a wonderful location. No walk is too long or taxing, but just enough to engage, but with plenty of rests for snacks and interesting history lectures!
This trip is leisurely because there is no rush and plenty of free time. Also, no early starts!
Most Inspirational Moment
Visiting the abandoned Roman quarry with the marble columns lying around.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thanos cannot be criticised at all - everything ran smoothly, he is very knowledgeable and a good communicator, supplied an interesting variety of snacks on the walks, took us to a good variety of restaurants every evening, basically looked after everything. He also adapted the itinerary when the weather forecast looked a bit dodgy.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't be fooled, it will be cool at altitude and in the evenings, so take clothing layers. If you really want to see Athens then add a day before or after the trip - the day trip included will be too rushed for many people's tastes due to time constraints & ferry times. And if you like beer then ask for 'Septem' in the local bars - a locally brewed craft ale.
Incredible adventure
Absolutely fantastic trip, amazing chances to see wildlife close up and lie awake at night trying to identify the animal noises and how close by they could be!
Most Inspirational Moment
It was all incredible. The Mokoro rides were so serene and otherworldly. Watching hippo from them was something I will never forget. The safari walks were expertly guided by a man with just a stick and it was an absolute privilege to be able to walk and see zebra, buffalo, giraffes, elephants and so much more in their natural environment. In the 4x4s we were able to get up close to animals and spent 2 hours watching 2 cheetah brothers chilling out under a tree. We were also blessed to see a young leopard and spend time watching her eat and sleep. Parking close to lions eating a wildebeest was incredible, though those of us on the nearer side of the truck had years scared off our lives when another closer male lion went a bit vocal with his lioness which none of us were expecting! Seeing baby elephants, elephants playing in the water and spraying dust everywhere was just incredible. Giraffes fighting, hippos "smiling" and laughing, ostriches running, jackals stretching, zebras dazzling and eagles soaring were just some highlights. But, really, every day was a highlight bringing new fabulous sights and experiences and the whole trip was truly inspirational
Thoughts on Group Leader
Kenny - chilled and laid back. A good sense of humour and fantastic knowledge of birds and animals. He has a real passion for his job and the wildlife he sees
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring sandals for mokoro (in case you have to get out) and 4x4 (cooler) wear neutral coloured long sleeves and trousers for walks to protect from thorns Up before the sun and in bed by sunset. Only the very bravest will want to visit the bushy bushy at night (women bring she-wee and bottle if you need to) Once you are in your tent at night you are advised not to use your head torch so be tidy and prepare things when it's light to avoid scrambling in the dark Bring cards and gamble freely with seed pods and sticks! Dobble also good fun Bring imperial mints, werthers originals and foxes mints to share in truck. Jelly babies will not survive the heat, neither will minstrels sadly!! Write down what you see every day as the days are so packed that it's hard to remember everything by the end of the trip Buy a good camera with a good zoom (it's so worth it!!). Then make friends with person on trip who can show you how to use it! There are no doors on the truck, you will have to be able to climb up the sides and swing your legs over to get in and out - be prepared to scramble This is a camping trip - it is basic and you have to make the best of what there is on site. Do not expect to be able to walk outside the camp when wild camping. Opportunities to stretch your legs are limited to getting on and off the truck. Listen to your guides. This is a wildlife trip and there will be wild animals poking about the camp site at night (honey badgers, hyena, elephants) and possibly during the day (elephants!!). Be sensible and try to appreciate the experience once the abject terror of having been woken by a noise settles down!!