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.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

14276 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed March 2012

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

This is a fantastic and unforgettable trip, made a pure delight by the kindness of the guides/porters and the humour of my fellow travellers. It is tough but that is what makes it feel like such an achievement.

Most Inspirational Moment

It's difficult to pick one moment. Personally, I loved the summit climb. I was lucky that I didn't really feel any ill effects from altitude on that day and I knew from around 5,000m that I was going to make it. The guides are the most inspirational aspect of the trip. You have to walk at your own speed and they will support each individual. I had to go ahead of my sister but you KNOW your loved ones will be looked after so you can concentrate on your own journey. It may sound selfish but you will only have enough grit to get yourself up and being able to utterly trust your guides makes that decision easy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Passian was our guide and I trusted him completely. That said, ALL the guides were lovely. Diglan, Christopher, Richard, Ronald and Nelson were our team, and they were all great to chat to. They will solve literally any problem you have, with bags, poles, sunglasses... They were always there to hold things, help with things - and let them! They are much better at this than us so be gracious and appreciative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is lots to think about but mostly, as everyone says, listen to your guides and take things slowly. I was surprised that the walk/altitude is hard RIGHT from the start. Definitely take some snacks. We had isotonic sachets for the summit night which were great as you don't really feel like eating. Remember sunscreen - particularly on your hands! I would also say don't panic if you start feeling the ill-effects of altitude. Most of us felt terrible at some point but most of us made it up. Just discuss everything with the guides. I felt very nauseous at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m) but after drinking ANOTHER 1 litre of water and a rest I felt better. I was offered Diamox and I took it because I didn't want that nausea to come back and I never looked back!

Reviewed February 2012

IN SEARCH OF THE SNOW LEOPARD

Very hard, very demanding, very cold, VERY REWARDING. The first view of a snow leopard, like my first encounter with a tiger, was highly emotional and, unashamedly, induced tears !

Most Inspirational Moment

That first sighting of one of natures most elusive animals. The terrain is difficult, the camouflage is one of the best in nature, the sighting call from the guide and resultant "fast" hike is heart attack provoking at that altitude but you have to do it and when you see the leopard no city fat cats bonus could buy it ! The homestay was really humbling, why do people live at this level of subsistence ? Why are they so friendly and accommodating when the temperature range is -5 to -20C, the world is white, the only transport available is pony, everything is frozen solid and you have to wear 5 layers of thick woollens to keep warm ? I would have liked another day at the homestay as we didn't have enough time with our host/hostess to get to know them.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie was excellent. Very experienced and a great judge of individuals and group interactions. With her knowledge of Delhi she was a brilliant guide to one who would have stayed in the hotel for dinner ! Her trekking and climbing experiences showed in the pace she set for acclimatising us in Leh and the practical advice she administered on how to stay warm or recover after a long spell looking for that elusive snow leopard. Many of us suffered during the "holiday" in one way or another and Valerie knew how to cope with each case, how much advice to offer and when to just let us get on with it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is a hard "moderate" and you need to know your own capability and/or listen to advice given by the leader. I hadn't been to altitude before and was lucky in only suffering a little breathlessness and lack of appetite. I'm 63 and only of average fitness but managed to get to all the sitings and viewings but in my own time. There are spare porters/helpers for those like me who needed time or assistance so don't be afraid to ask.

Reviewed February 2012

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

The best holiday I have ever been on! The trip was perfectly organised from start to "Finnish", Basecamp Oulanka is a wonderful place to stay, our leaders at Basecamp were super, and we had a great group of Exodus travellers.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the husky sledding, it was a great experience. The owners of the husky farm, Marika and Lauri without a doubt love their dogs and look after them so well. The trip out through the wilderness was fantastic, all you could hear was the dogs panting and the "pad pad pad" of the dogs feet on the deep snow. The scenery was beautiful, so much so that I had to pinch myself a couple of times to make sure I really was there - it felt like being in a David Attenborough programme!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Henri and Hanna were both superb - great leaders, always happy to help out with questions, extra clothing, advice on activities. They both have a great sense of humour and did everything they could to make us all feel at home.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own base layers (I used merino wool and didn't have to change them all week - it's miracle stuff!). When you go out for the husky sled it might be a good idea to take a slightly warmer jacket as you will not be moving around as much as during the other activities.It is very quiet at Oulanka Basecamp - no TV, no music, no wireless, no internet, which I think is great as it is billed as a get-away holiday and that's exactly what it is - perfect!

Reviewed February 2012

JOHANNESBURG TO CAPE TOWN

Jo-burg to Capetown – a great intro to S Africa

Most Inspirational Moment

I love the Exodus "surprises" which happen along the way. The best one on this holiday was the visit to the cheetah conservation park (there are several, sorry I can't remember the name of this one) where the tour round included the chance to pet an adult cheetah (the biggest cat whose tummy I have ever tickled!) and a pair of adorable 6 week old lion cubs. Ok, perhaps a bit twee for some. Other highlights: the roar of the waves crashing onto the shore only yards away from the tent flaps at Tsitsikamma. The astonishing abundance of stars viewed from the balcony at Sungubulu(?) camp. Seeing Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain on a magnificently sunny day. Haggling with street vendors when buying souvenirs (ok, I'm a shopaholic, I know this now).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob Stubbs, ably aided and abetted by the wonderful Sifiso, was a wonderful tour guide. He rarely found himself unable to answer questions (and with a tour group like ours, that's saying something), was unfailingly courteous even when under pressure, was well organised himself and organised us so well that we always ended up where we were meant to be. Quite a feat for a fairly young man herding a bunch of middle-aged, independently-minded seasoned travellers around!And as for Sifiso's braais ... just great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I thought the most disappointing part was Mozambique. Prices are much higher than you would expect, and quality much poorer.Be aware that there are vast distances to be covered, and heads-down hard driving is the only way to do it.The street market at the Three Rondavels viewing spot is the best you'll get until you hit Capetown. And the prices are v good too.

Reviewed February 2012

ANTARCTICA, FALKLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA

Holiday of a lifetime, which will never be forgotten. Had an absolutely amazing time from start to finish. This holiday was beyond our expectations!

Most Inspirational Moment

King Penguins and their chicks, so funny! Gentoo chicks laying on my lapUp close and personal (about 8-10 feet away) from humpback whale swimming towards us - Awesome !Abundant wildlife behaviour to watch and photographFantastic scenery, weather and itineraryAmazing icebergsWatching Adelie penguins stealing stones from other nests, and looking so innocent when caught, just like on 'Frozen Planet' hilarious!Educational presentations by the Quark staff were so informative and very helpful, learnt so much.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shane was brilliant and did everything he could to get us ashore, and succeeded as we managed 21 landings and zodiac cruises. At the briefings he was inspirational in telling us to "put down our cameras and feel our surroundings, watch the animals, take photos with your mind", he was so right! Shane even surprised us with a cruise round Cape Horn (which was unexpected).

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you thought you might like to do this trip, dont think anymore, DO IT! You will have a life changing experience. Wildlife in abundance, be on the first zodiac out and the last one back! Don't be tempted to have your eyes permanently stuck to the camera lens - just sit and watch it all happen around you ! Take a tri-stool like we did and just sit and take it all in.

Reviewed February 2012

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

This was a wonderful experience – tough as it comes, but so well supported by the experienced guides that we could hardly fail to succeed. Cannot believe how well organised and planned the whole trip was, from the excellent food through to the expert advice of the guides.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit was obviously a key moment in the trip as the thought of this was what sustained us through the long, dark and arduous final ascent. Seeing the sunrise an hour or two earlier at Gillman's point was spectacular. Asked about the most inspirational part of the journey, I immediately think of the local team - the guides and porters, for whom nothing was too much trouble, and for whom the ascent seemd the easiesyt and most natural thing in the world. Their fitness and good humour was certainly an inspiration to me!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Abraham was outstanding. He was knowledgable, experienced had advice on every aspect of the trip, helped prepare us for thoroughly for each stage, and when necessary was prepared to take every step necessary to help us succeed. He offered to carry my backpack when the going got tough, and when I couldn't take another step without a lengthy rest, he was on hand to coax me onwards. He organised everything thoroughly and the whole trip was as smooth as clockwork as a result.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take the extra day, if available, to acclimatise. Take the Diamox. Go slowly - remember it's not a race! Drink as much water as possible. Trust the guides' local knowledge. On the final ascent, concentrate on not bumping into the guy in front! I took my ipod, saved the battery for that last climb, and it was invaluable. Take lots of photos (and videos if you can) because the memory fades fast!

Reviewed February 2012

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

A stunning trip with a great crowd

Most Inspirational Moment

So many maybe seeing the deserts and the jebels bathed in moonlight

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zuhair a credit to Exodus his family and his country .The marshmallows he produced one evening whilst regaling us with tales of bad camels and their masters was almost straight out 1001 Arabian Nights

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sleep under the stars and dream on

Reviewed February 2012

PETRA & WADI RUM BY BIKE

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS TRIP. Amazing country, a wide variety of things to please everyone (history, culture, adventure, people watching, sunshine), great cycling support and a fantastic guide. Would recommend to anyone of any cycling ability.

Most Inspirational Moment

Looking down on the Treasury in Petra after a beautiful hike; getting up higher to the monastery in Petra; and a great boat trip on New Year's Day in Aqaba. But mainly I have lovely memories of spending time with our guide, learning about Jordanian people, practising Arabic! and whizzing down windy roads perfect for cycling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sounds like a cliche but Zuhair was a brilliant guide. He spent time with us explaining Jordanian history, explaining about the people of Jordan. He was open, kind and warm, and provided a lot of entertainment, teaching us to speak Arabic (habibi), dancing at safe stopping points on the route. He went the extra mile wherever he could, enabling us to pack in lots of extras like the boat trip on New Year's day; arranging for us to eat Jordanian specialities at dinner and amazing local snacks throughout; or providing a surprise little treat around the bonfire at the camp in the desert. He definitely made our trip special, as did our bike team, tourist police and bus driver - all of whom were super helpful and supportive if you couldn't make it up a hill, they were there to pick you up!! Speical note of thanks to Zuhair who made sure we had a taxi waiting for us after the desert trip, as we left the group to spend a few days in Aqaba before we went home. Thanks again for everything.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take more warm clothes than you think you need - in December / Jan anyway was our experience. I failed miserably to pack anything appropriate!! - would have really appreciated some fleeces, some bike gloves, a few hats; and more trousers. We also would have taken a bit more local currency for tips etc, as kept having to withdraw cash to top up the tip purse. We were both pleased that we hadn't bothered to bring bike shoes - we didn't feel we were on the bikes long enough to need them. It is also worth noting that you shouldn't expect amazing hotels throughout the trip - they were definitely clean, comfortable and well located but don't expect luxury!!!

Reviewed February 2012

CYCLING VIETNAM

a busy trip that allows you to see many of the highlights the country has to offer. The people of Vietnam are truly inspirational.

Most Inspirational Moment

there were many - local kids enthusiastically greeting us on an island off Nha Trang; dinner in a busy local restaurant; people on scooters pulling up next to us while cycling to say hello; seeing the excitement of people in small villages at the sight of those crazy Westerners cycling through their country in the heat

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh: Always smiling and happy, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his country. Really helpful and always willing to go the extra mile - literally! He told us at times we'd be cycling another 15km which turned into almost twice that distance.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the heat in the South. We cycled in the mid-day sun (temperatures around 35 degrees C) with very little shade. Don't expect to be able to take lots of pictures while cycling - most people in our group wanted to cycle from A to B without stopping. Not really what I was expecting. Also, don't expect to have much time to yourself, even the free days are packed with activities. A typical day usually starts at 8am on the bus (or bikes) and you don't get to the hotels until about half 6 or 7pm. You'll just about have enough time for a quick shower before meeting up with the group for dinner. The trip notes also mention about "predominatly flat" roads, but on most days there were a few long, steep hills to climb, so be prepared for that.

Reviewed February 2012

WALKING IN MADEIRA

December was certainly not the best month to go to Madeira. Unfortunately, I had only looked up the temperatures at the coast and totally forgot that we will be on higher altitude. Thus, I was cold a lot. I felt it was an okay holiday. I guess, being in my thirties, it will not feature in my top list of destinations to go to: the landscape is nice but there is not much else (certainly in another month, the flora is more spectacular and probably makes everything even nicer). I did not like the food very much and our accommodation was okay but in parts (for the circumstances – December) too cold (heating and water-wise) for my liking.The walks were not very difficult. But then, I am used to walking up and down mountains. We had members in the group though, who were struggling and maybe there should be some more information given on the trip description as to how many steps to climb or descend, how many hours of walking etc.All in all, a good week away and hey, the fireworks on New Year’s Eve were fantastic and so was the group!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walk along the coastline to Cais do SardinhoLovely groupFinally good food in the last restaurant we went to as a group in Funchal

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very much into walking. However, it would have been nice if he had spent a bit more time to form a group like organising a dinner on the first evening when everyone had just arrived and we were all left alone to meet only the next morning. Or for going for a coffee or a meal somewhere.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Please mind that in the mountains, temperatures may go from really hot to really cold.

Prev 1 … 1,300 1,301 1,302 1,303 1,304 … 1,428 Next