Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summit of Mt Toublkal.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Very friendly but I also had complete confidence in his abilities to lead the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking sticks.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views from many of the walks were stunning.The visit to Lucca on the day off is to be recommended-it is a beautiful city.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz, the group leader was fantastic. She was helpful, interesting and seemed to have a genuine passion for her job and love of the Tuscan way of life.

Most Inspirational Moment

This has to be seeing Machu picchu apearing out of the mists in the earlymorning , well worth the early start and climb.  There were lots of other inspirational moments too , like a local fiesta on the islands , seeing the Andes in all their varied moods .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was fantastic. Someof our grouop wereun well and he reallycouldn'thave done enough for them .He reallylooked afterus very well.He was very knowledgable about his countryand obvioslyloves Peru.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take dollars and sols as some extras can only be bought in dollars. I would recomend the early morning tripto Machpicchu. You may not seesunrise ,but walking at that time of day is lovely and the mist often clears,so you still get good views. Go with an open mind and take oportunities when they arrise. The weather is very changable so don't give up because of mist or rain ,it's likely to change soon.

Most Inspirational Moment

My favourite day was the one where we cycled through the local villages and countryside and stopped for lunch at a house. (fantastic curry). We had a coconut break at a local farm where we watched a man climb a tree to get our coconuts and were shown how to make the milk. It was these little things which made the trip a little different. The temples and heritage sites are great but experiencing real Sri Lanka was even better. I was amazed by the Sri Lankans attitude to visitors. Everywhere we went people would be smiling and waving (even as we drove past on the coach). They really like having tourists and we were asked many times what we thought of their country. Beautifull was always the answer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was so well organised. He took all the stress out of the trip for us brits who have no idea how to tip, or when to tip (althought we did have a go at bartering  in the towns when we had the chance). Snacks appeared  on journeys and Roshan was always calm and informative (even when the bus broke down and a new one just magically apperared when we got off the train). The trip ran like clockwork and not only that, but he's a really friendly guy!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just enjoy! Do all the extra activities that you can.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many inspirational moments, from visiting Ho Chi Min in his mauselium, to drinking Granny's "special" rice wine. From a visit to a buddist orphanage to scrambling along the cu chi tunnels to cycling in the Mekong delta. Lots of great memories!

Thoughts on Group Leader

A highly amusing and knowledgable group leader, who kept us all in check!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect to come back a few pounds heavier, as vietnamese food is fresh, tasty, cheap and plentiful! 

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day had it's stand out moments, from a leopard and cub feeding, a succesful cheetah hunt, a Mara crossing with over 100,000 wildebeast, month old playful lion cubs, three generations of leopard together, a hidden lion ambush that caught everyone in the vehicle by surprise and the two week old lion cubs. All of these would be candidates in a "normal" week. However it has to be the discovery of the lion cubs born only a few hours earlier, cold wet and shivering in the rain. Helpless, seemingly unable to suckle and being the victims of overzealous play from their two week old half-siblings, giants in comparison. The highlight for me was retuning to the site before dawn the next day, expecting the worst, but discovering that the two tiny cubs had not only survived their first night but has obviously fed well and seemingly increased in size and strength in those few short hours. Enough to make grown men shed a tear... 

Thoughts on Group Leader

I doubt if there is a person who works harder for his clients than Paul. If there is then please book me on one of their tours.  Special mention also has to go to Donna as well as the Kicheche guides, Joseph, Jackson and Amos who's contribution to a fantastic week can never be overstated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're undecided on which sweets to take then narrow the choice down to jelly babies and sour squirms.Wildlife is unpredictable, a sense of humour is essential,  as is patience. Also don't forget to sometimes put down the camera as sometimes the lens cannot do justice to the sheer magnitude of some of the events that you may witness.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling in the beautiful countryside of Hoi Ann, past paddy fields, shrimp farms and banana plantations, spotting water buffalo, local dwelling places and fishermen along the way. A true snapshot of real Vietnamese life. Don't forget your camera and plenty of water!  Also the water puppets in Hanoi and the lantern festival in Hoi Ann were spectacular. The cottage industries were very interesting (you can see rice paper, coconut candy and much more being made and then you get to sample the finished products!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Linh was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble. He was extremely well organised, yet sensitive to the group's needs. Humerous and with an impressive command of English, Linh went way above and beyond expectations to ensure that everyone had a good time and was well looked-after. His knowledge and expertise of the country was second-to-none and his interesting and informative talks gave me a real insight into Vietnamese history and culture. We were all enchanted by the impromptu singing moments!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I travelled in August, so it was very hot and very humid, with short occasional bursts of rain, so pack accordingly. Vietnamese people dress modestly (I didn't once see a local lady wear a skirt) so slacks, T-shirts and long-sleeved light tops go down well. A brolly is great because you can use it for rain or as a parasol (if you're a lady)! Walking sandals were fine for most occasions. I didn't have a problem with mosquitos but I did take precautions so that's probably why! Crossing the road: much has been said about this and it's all true! Pandemonium in Hannoi and slightly more rdered chaos in Saigon. Fear not! Cycles and bikes WILL make a path around you - but keep an eye out for cars and vans, which are less forgiving!! Don't be phased by the incessant horn-beeping: you haven't done anything wrong - it's just their way of telling you they are there...! And if in doubt, cross with a local! You can get your laundry done very cheaply at Hoi Ann or Nha Trang (local family, NOT at the hotel which is expensive!), so pack lightly. You'll probably be taking back more clothes than you brought because you can get clothes made to fit in Hoi Ann at very good prices. Contrary to previous reviews, the Mekong Delta homestay is NOT communal sleeping - you will be in threes or fours and couples are given their own 'room'. The rooms are clean and comfortable and I had one of my best night's sleeps there! Mosquitos nets and bedding are provided so no need to take your own. Enjoy the experience - it's one I'll never forget! Oh- and do take US dollars (as well as GBP) as you get a better rate of exchange and it's widely accepted. 

Most Inspirational Moment

I am very proud to say I have climbed the highest peak in Tuscany and managed the ridge walk on Pania Della Croce which was a fantastic experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was wonderful - really clear on setting our expectations, setting the scene for each exciting walk, encouraging to the group when we were tired, always knew where to get a beer when we came off the mountain and flexible to manage around the different requests of the group.  A real credit to this trip and to Exodus.   

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking is quite strenuous but the views are definitely worth it and we had a wide age range on our trip, all of whom managed the walks at their own pace.  The trip notes are very accurate. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Where to start!Seeing wildlife in their natural environment is what this trip is all about and we certainly did that.  The armadillo was pretty special, as were the scarlet macaws, the pelican formation and humming birds.  Some of the butterflies were amazing even if only glimpsed as they bounced around the viewfinder.The sounds of the forest - brilliant!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Antonio is terrific.  'I will say' he is friendly and puts you at your ease.  He ensures you are ready for the next day with the right footwear and anything else you need to bring.His knowledge of the wildlife is amazing, from the recognition of every bird, whether male/female or juvenile, to the calls and where to find them.  His knowledge of the other species was also good, including plants.Antonio was also very sociable, sitting with different people at lunch and dinner, approachable at all times and has a good sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are susceptable to mosquito bites take a mosquito net and use it.  Plenty of deet and mosi-proof clothing will also help, even when you least expect it.  Otherwise, read the other reviews as they are good.Protect you camera equipment from moisture, although I'm sure others in the group will have the pictures for sharing.