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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14477 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Susan Thackray

Reviewed February 2016

Ethiopian Odyssey

This was a fascinating journey through northern Ethiopia. We saw churches and monasteries galore, each one interesting for its paintings or architecture, often hewn out of the living rock. The road journeys were long but the scenery and the sheer engineering feats involved made it worthwhile. Accommodation throughout was much better than I’d anticipated; we had en suite facilities in all hotels and hot water was usually available.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to pick out one - the Stelae of Axum; the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela; the climb up to the monastery on the way to Wukram just before sunset; the camels, cattle, sheep and goats heading to the cattle market on our way to Lalibela; our final meal in Lalibela at Ben Abeba as the sun went down.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Genre was wonderful throughout. He was the fount of all knowledge on the history of the country and its religion and politics while also helping Jane and I to identify birds and flowers en route. He always seemed to anticipate when breaks were needed and remained unflappably and good tempered at all times. I must also mention our tremendous driver, Ananya, who seemed to know every inch of our route intimately and was totally indefatigable..

Advice for Potential Travellers

In February, the temperatures were between 25 and 29 degrees all day and warm clothing was not needed. Ladies should bring scarves for the churches. In restaurants, portions were more than ample and it might be an idea for those with less than enormous appetites to share dishes. It proved to be very easy to get our visas at the airport in Addis. Queues were short and photos were not required. In all, much easier than going to the embassy in London.

Ronald Mcaulay

Reviewed February 2016

Cycle Indochina and Angkor - Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam

What a brilliant way to see a country or three! This was a trip to remember for all the right reasons. Three fantastic countries with really welcoming people in each. A great group of fellow cyclists who I hope will remain in touch and a fantastic guide called Chai who kept us informed, amused and motivated throughout the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many to choose from it is difficult to pick just one. The temples at Angkor Wat are quite amazing. The trip to Lake Tonle Sap as the sun set and the return boat trip in the chaotic flotilla of boats was incredible. The border crossing from Thailand to Cambodia was like being in a different world. Perhaps the fact that I was able to cycle 500 kms over the two weeks despite hardly ever having been on a road bike before the trip was the thing that will stick with me for a long time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chai was brilliant. He entertained, he encouraged us when we were tired and he provided challenge for those who were seeking additional challenge. His organisational skills were marvellous with every aspect of the trip covered quite seamlessly. He helped to make the trip a marvellous success.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is worth doing a bit of training in advance. Mainly due to the weather back home, I had practiced mainly on an exercise bike with little practice out on the actual road. When I arrived in Bangkok, I was more than a little concerned that I might not have been fit enough to do this trip. However, the way the team provide support and pit stops with lots of fresh fruit and drinks along the way makes it a most enjoyable experience. The scenery, the company of the group and the friendly welcome we received from the locals made this a trip that I will never forget. One last word of advice though - padded shorts and a gel saddle cover are essential.

Helen Delbridge

Reviewed February 2016

A fantastic week

We did this trip four years ago and enjoyed it so much decided to book again. Was a little worried it would not be so good second time around, but it was even better! We had a fantastic week with varied and interesting walks in stunning scenery. Magical Narnia like landscapes, mountain peaks with historic interest and the most incredible views. An outstanding leader who made every day interesting and fun and a hotel, with excellent food, service and facilities to relax in after a days snowshoeing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving on the summit of Monte Piana, geographically stunning but with such sad historical links.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara is an outstanding leader. She is knowledgeable, professional and fun and went the extra mile to ensure the group enjoyed the week. Both out on the mountains and around the dinner table, she ensured everyone was having the best possible holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is important to have the right equipment and to layer. You get hot walking up hill, but the summit and down hill walking can be chilly. A swim in the hotel pool and relaxation in the sauna helps the muscles unwind after a days snowshoeing.

paul holcroft

Reviewed February 2016

land of the tiger

5 February to 21 February 2016
Well organized trip again by exodus, run like clock work as always.

Most Inspirational Moment

On this trip out off 17 game drive we only seen tigers on 2 game drives, in total 3 tigers at a distant. It all depends on the local drive and guide if you see tigers, (when they are not practicing to be lewis hamilton). On one game drive we were the first jeep there and drove in the other direction. Only to come back 10 minutes later and there were 19 jeeps in front off use watching a male tiger drinking from the water hole after making a wart hog kill. After the game drive other members of our group of 3 jeeps were asking how come you were going in the opposite direction and everyone else was going in the other direction. Two ladies from different jeeps said they were asking tier drivers to drive faster because they thought the tiger was going to jump into there jeep . The tiger came out off the forest and heading straight at them and walking along side their jeep for some time. (I must say that there photo’s were brilliant some think to treasure, of this in danger species). We also sore a pack of wild dogs, jungle cat, many birds and a leopard for a couple of seconds crossing the road.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was an excellent tour leader. Friendly and a proch-able manor. If any friends were coming to India I would recommend them to have Krishna. Krishna looked after everyone whims, making shore they were content, and re answering question he had already told use as if they wanted there own P.A. Krishna has a wealth of knowledge which he is willing to pass on and answer question concerning local wild life foliage and eco system. Krishna even went out of his way to get 2 additional game drives for the group. Getting up at 2.00 am in the morning.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The over night train was not as bad as we anticipated, toilets were clean. Take extra clothes for the morning game drive as it is very cold. We ended up having one set of clothes for the morning game drives and one set of clothes for the evening game drives. where it was very dusty.

Rupert Livingstone

Reviewed February 2016

Snowshoeing in the Dolomites

A wonderful week in a beautiful and tranquil environment. Each day brought different scenery and walking conditions and each day was excellent. The walking was not too demanding for someone used to day walks being sufficiently tough to feel that the evening meal and a drink had been well earned but not so tough that we were exhausted.

Most Inspirational Moment

Monte Piana and it's place in the history of WW1 was moving as our joy and wonder at the natural beauty of the mountain and scenery was tempered by the thought of the fighting that was taking place there a century ago. Walking through forests following fresh snowfall. The peace of a seldom trodden path and the beauty of fresh snow will live long in my memory.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was outstanding. We felt completely safe in her care and she did so much to ensure that we got the very most out of our trip. Nothing was too much trouble and it felt that we were walking with a friend rather than a group leader. To paraphrase Spinal Tap if normal group leaders go up to 10 then Sara goes all the way up to 11.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it now. The kit list provided is thorough and if you follow it you won't go wrong.

Yasmin Sethna

Reviewed February 2016

Awesome diverse scenery-the most fabulous snapshot of 3 countries

This was an amazing trip that I had been thinking about doing for years. I am so glad I finally took the plunge, despite not being a regular cyclist. The trip is a superb “snapshot” of 3 beautiful countries where the scenery is diverse-think wildlife/exotic birds, beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere, extraordinary tropical forest greenery, colourful towns, lakes, volcanoes, mountains and wonderful colonial architecture. A good mix of biking and down-time!

Most Inspirational Moment

It was so lovely to reach a beautiful beach after a hot and humid day of cycling and this is what we did several times in all 3 countries.....rushing into the sea (warm - like a bath) was just the best feeling! I loved the Bocas del Toro islands-what a treat - it has a cool Caribbean vibe, that I wasn't expecting-awesome food and lovely cocktails right on the sea! Wonderful snorkelling too-you see LOADS! Panama City was just gorgeous.....reminded me of Havana. Also loved the amazing 20k downhill in Panama -some of the best scenery ever-unforgettable!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto should get MORE than 10 out of 10! Not only was he very friendly with a good sense of humour, but he was extremely well organised and always had our needs and safety in mind. He was highly knowledgeable about each country we visited and gave interesting talks and pre-ride info each day. He was also a fit and fast cyclist! He always had a plan B, if plan A wasn't viable (it happens in Latin America!) ...and just put all of us first. He is a credit to your company! Please buy him a beer-or SEVERAL!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's probably best to do some training first. I managed without doing barely any.... but I wish I had as there are tons of hills and the climate is very hot and humid, particularly in Panama! Take some bug spray and a beach towel. I would HIGHLY recommend arriving and departing one to two days outside of the trip dates as both Granada in Nicaragua and Panama City are well worth exploring....and how often will you go back to these places?!

Andrea Kolatchew

Reviewed February 2016

Classic Patagonian Treks

This is a physically demanding but very rewarding holiday which takes you to a beautiful part of the world.

Most Inspirational Moment

The remote Estancia El Condor, located on Lago San Martin, was a sensational final location.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Xavier Espil was excellent, very committed to his country and patient in trying to provide for all the needs of the group. As well as completing the physically arduous treks with us, he had to organize a series of guides in specific places and he seemed to have good relationships with many people (drivers,guides, hoteliers,etc.) who contributed to the success of the trip. He went out of his way to make all the details work. I really liked the way he took care of individual tips from a kitty - this is often not handled well, in my experience, but he worked it out in a fair manner on our behalf.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a lot of packing and repacking to do, a sensible day pack is necessary (30 litres seemed to be about right). Keep your head torch with you, as it is necessary in the refugios and on the camping night. Bring enough US Dollars to be generous with tips and to be able to have coffee and extra meals. The ATM's are often not working. Tourism (money) is essential to enable these remote areas to sustain viable programs.

Fiona Murphy

Reviewed February 2016

Fun, Fun, Fun in Finnish Wilderness!

Arriving in Oulanka to a meal of Elk and quark
We slept in cosy lodges, peaceful in the dark
We snowshoed through the forest, skied across a lake
And tired to build a quiincee – really quite a lark!

The food was simply splendid, the huskie drive a treat,
Attempts to scale the ice wall, really quite a feat
Basecamp staff were brilliant, the wilderness sublime
This trip is one I’d be very happy to repeat!

Most Inspirational Moment

Snow shoeing through magnificent snowy wilderness

Thoughts on Group Leader

Superb!

Advice for Potential Travellers

The clothing and equipment supplied is more than adequate no need to take any snow gear unless you have enormous feet!

David Pengilley

Reviewed February 2016

Cuban Highlights Ride (MAC) 11-18 Feb 2016

A most enjoyable 8 days with a perfect combination of cycling and cultural activities. The guide (Laz) was excellent, as a cycling leader, with knowledge of Cuba, and with melding and helping out the group. The cycles were in very good condition (nearly new) and ideal for the task and the mechanic/safety cyclist (Guillaume) was ever cheerful – and had the biggest thighs we’ve ever seen. The bus was very comfortable and the driver (Ivan) very safe. The weather, the music, the accommodation, and the cocktails were always excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wandering around Trinidad and the excellent home stay (Hostal Slovenia ~ Margarita). Music everywhere.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Laz was a perfect tour guide; relaxed, patient, knowledgeable and with excellent English. We were never hassled to move on, never chased to keep up, yet there seemed to be time to do everything. He tolerated our inability to remember timing, restaurant and food options with a smile. Many on the tour were going on to other locations in Cuba or elsewhere and he sorted out all accommodation, directions and transport issues.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are thinking about it - go for it! We were concerned that we would not cope with the cycling - we are very irregular cyclists. The cycling was occasionally hard (temperature and hills) but we managed very well. The roads are very quiet, we were always on tarmac (if occasionally potholed) and it was possible to opt out and get on the bus at any time - though we hardly ever did. Seriously, you will cope

Penelope Daffarn

Reviewed February 2016

Cuban Highlights Ride 11FEB2016

A really interesting insight into this amazing country, viewed from two wheels! We’ve never experienced such a different culture and way of life, and doing it on a bike, gave us a genuine feeling of connection and involvement.
Everyday was different and varied. The cycling was moderate for non-regular cyclists, but the excellent bikes with good gears made the routes easily doable

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to choose one moment. The scenery is lovely, but not spectacular. The inspiration was really for us the insight into Cuba and the way Cubans organise their lives

Thoughts on Group Leader

Laz is a knowledgable and amazingly patient guy. He was always ready to answer any questions and change his plans to fit with our requests. We were a very diverse group, with different interests and abilities, and he managed to make sure we all had a good holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring everything you want or think you will need, there are NO shops! Well, of course there are some, but they are not as we know them and they don't sell the odds and ends that you would expect in a tourist destination. Bring snacks, there is nowhere to buy sweets or chocolate, etc. (our guide was always very grateful for a sweet offering!) Food is filling and healthy, but not very varied. Do not expect to have a gourmet experience in Cuba ! Bring sterling or Euros to change rather than rely on ATMs, they are few and far between, and some people had trouble making them work. Wifi is very limited, although there did seem to be good mobile phone reception.

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