Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Two particular highlights - seeing a pod of around 20 Blue Whales and a couple of leopards (not at the same time!). The whale watching was awesome, seeing these enormous creatures at no more then a couple of cricket pitch lengths away. The leopards were also fantastic, appearing just as we were finishing four hours of being bounced around on a jeep in Yala national park. The aches and pains were forgotten as we initially sped along to find the animals and then slowly drove along behind one which was just calmly walking up the road!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujee was one of the most engaging and organised tour leaders we have come across. He gave very detailed explanations of all that we were going to see and all the necessary timings (and then summed everything up in our journey to the final hotel just in case we had forgotten anything!). He was always smiling and approachable and really added to the tour experience for us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go. If you haven't been then it is a lovely country - slightly Indian, slightly Thai and Vietnamese, but always and uniquely Sri Lankan! The only cautionary word (which is entirely personal) is that the trip to the turtle hatchery is not recommended. Far better to miss this out and spend more time in Galle.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a cheetah, cubs in tow, make a kill (and defend said kill from a hyena) on the transfer to the camp from the airstrip was very special. Honourable mentions to the lioness carrying her very young cubs, and watching a leopard hunting

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul's enthusiasm is infectious, and his determination to find (and make the most of) opportunities to take excellent photos is what sets this trip apart from a normal safari. Very entertaining and knowledgeable, and he will challenge you to really improve your photography rather than just take safe "souvenir" shots. Caution advised for those who are easily offended, and/or those unwilling to put in the hours behind the lens

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light - the camp laundry service is included and works very efficiently. Bring a decent length lens - 300mm equivalent or more, and a computer/tablet so you can review your best shots with Paul

Most Inspirational Moment

Many but:1. leader - see below 2. Cuba's countryside was consistently much more interesting and verdant than we expected - we thought a driving holiday there would be good. 3. way of life - thought provoking, free health, education and death, community service after education, even encouraged hitch-hiking! 4. Colonial Havana itself - nothing quite like it

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good - She had enthusiasm, knowledge, commitment...10/10! And kept us on schedule!

Most Inspirational Moment

The absolutely first heart stopping moment that a tigress sauntered across the road in front of our jeep.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was brilliant. Cheerful, calm, sympathetic to individual's needs and with a wealth of experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lots and lots of warm clothing more than you would think necessary ; including wind proof jacket and trousers as well as at least two thick fleeces, thermals, hat, gloves and thick socks. It is very cold on the back of an open jeep at 6 on a frosty morning. Vegetarians need have no worries the food is brilliant.

Most Inspirational Moment

I would call myself a 'social cyclist' but cycling in such a wonderful place and with such a fun group makes me want to cycle more now that I am back home. For me, a real sense of achievement.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I know everyone makes favourable comments about their guide, but Freddy was absolutely amazing. He really could not have done more for us. His first hand knowledge of his homeland was excellent. He has a brilliant sense of humour. He looked after us so well, even on the evenings we had 'on our own'. Our group was truly great and inseparable. All 17 plus Freddy dined together every night, and we all did the optional bike ride to the lovely Playa Ancon.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I read all the reviews. Great advice. I would add: wheelie case useful for all the moving, and don't pack full....you are literally living out of a suitcase. Also take quick drying stuff e.g. Travel towel. Sink plug useful. I got to use my mask and snorkel but could have managed without the fins, which take up space. A friend told me to take boiled sweets....thank you, they helped me up those hills. Spare water bottle, yes dropped and broke one. Changing money is easy, we did ours after exciting the airport before getting on the bus (we asked Freddy if we had time). But we underestimated how much. We had to change more later in the week. Although most food in, and drinks cheap, you will want to buy soft drinks, coffees, beer and cocktails! The trip notes say 20 to 30 CUCs per day per person for days when food not provided. I would budget 20 per day! And if you want to buy a lot souvenirs, more. Finally, wish we'd taken a Go Pro!

Most Inspirational Moment

10km downhill through the tea plantations around Kandy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I honestly cannot think of any way that he could be better. I have travelled with Exodus many times and also with several other similar companies. Dileep was one of the best - if not the best - tour leader I have ever had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take an umbrella in case of rain - but also to shade you from the sun. Take your saddle or a gel cover.

Most Inspirational Moment

Contrast of the desert and the mountain experiences.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent, mixed with the group well. Knowledgeable and approachable. We were a very well behaved group so he had an easy time!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't change money at the first hotel as the exchange rate was very poor. Very cold at night in December in the gite and desert. Be prepared. Your body will know that you have been on the camel ride but it's all part of the fun and experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last cycling day was really quite challenging for me , it was a great feeling to get to the top of the hills!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Freddie is brilliant and a perfect group leader. Very self assured, relaxed but in control. Very encouraging and reassuring. A cool guy!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Personally I would n't describe the cycling we did as particularly leisurely but I guess this depends on cycling fitness. We did some roller coaster hills which I think required a certain level of fitness. I certainly wish I had done more cycling prior to the trip. I got very saddle sore!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting a change of ski boots that I could easily click-in to the skis ( having started with one size too large ) ! My first view again of the Dolomites .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alex I had not met before . He was a most delightful leader , very pleasant , helpful and competent . His instruction was most valuable . Although the lack on snow locally would have been a problem , Alex had scouted out all around to find areas of snow that allowed the group to have skiing every day of the trip . Also he delivered a few presentations on his expeditions to other continents to entertain us after dinner .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for good ski conditions but also for a lack of snow when walking boots might be useful .

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many, but three highlights: (a) New Year's Eve in the mountain gite. A long low table with floor cushions, a private party, delicious food, a visit from the local police (nothing we did - but we did hide the celebratory drinks bottles pretty sharpish!), games of GREED and cards until midnight, when two ladies revealed they had downloaded Big Ben chimes and Auld Lang Syne. An extraordinary evening that I will NEVER forget (b) Riding camels into the desert, songs and drumming around the campfire - and the game of "chicken" which came back to haunt me the next day (c) The foodie tour of Marrakesh - the lamb cooked undergrounds was exquisite!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lahcen was a great leader - most importantly he listened to feedback and suggestions from the group and adapted plans to suit. Nothing was too much trouble and he played a full part in the great British NYE celebrations - which was lovely.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you travel in the winter months as we did - do not expect the weather to be hot, even in Marrakesh. You can certainly forget the swimming costume! We found the desert accommodation to be much better than the description suggests - two people sharing a private hut with proper beds and no need for our sleeping bags; the first couple of hotels were colder and we used our thermal liners - my friend even slept in her bobble hat! Take Euros to spend in the airport if you cant get Moroccan currency in the UK (some did manage to). Do the foodie tour in Marrakesh!