Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It wasn't the summit - the cloud cover was too low and we didn't see much even though it had been a beautiful clear night with a full moon. (What percentage of summit climbs end up with clear dawn views anyway??) There were many individual inspirational moments - a view, managing to make it to a particular point, watching as the porters carried huge bags up the mountain. When you have made it to camp at the end of a long days walking you will have a great sense of achievement whatever your ability and everyone is very supportive of each other.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All the main guides, including the group leader were employed by The African Walking Company for our climb. Without exception they were kind, helpful, informative and good fun. The cooking was outstanding considering the conditions and to see the porters carry your heavy possessions at twice your speed will leave you feeling humble. The guides ensure no one goes to fast and runs out of steam. Other tour companies are not so vigilant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for the climb by doing plenty of hill walking. Build up to making the walks as steep and as long as possible. This is the best preparation in addition to perhaps cycling or swimming. Think about paying extra for a single tent. If you haven't camped for a while try doing it again a few of times to get used to it. Being able to get a decent nights sleep under canvas is essential to a good days walking the following day. The mat provided by Exodus is fine. I didn't use my blow up mat at all. Take a pee bottle so you don't have to get up and go outside to the loo in the middle of the night! Take a good sleeping bag and a liner (mine was a fleece liner) Again the more you can ensure you get a good nights sleep the better. Most people in our group took Diamox for altitude sickness and seemed fine with it. And most experienced some form of altitude sickness in the form of the odd headache but it did not last more than a day. The Diamox pill I took gave me a lot of pins and needles all over my body and it made me feel worse do I did not take it again. I did have dull headaches but nothing serious.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was something inspirational every single day; from cycling through villages; the people; the food; the traffic and spectacular scenery. We both managed the Hai Van pass which was a great achievement. Every day was special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh - what can I say, he was the best; his knowledge and love for his country; his infectious laugh; nothing was ever too much trouble and everything ran incredibly smooth. It was very well organised thanks to him. He is amazing. Cannot praise him enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take good padded shorts and there are laundry stops so you do not need to take loads. Be prepared for very long days and definitely get some cycling training in. We wish we had stayed an extra night in Hanoi.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was full of new experiences and challenges but we loved the elephant orphanage and Lions rock. Our guide Suresh took us to a temple one evening were we made an offering to the Gods and were blessed by the holy man (for a safe journey) Suresh also took us to Little Adams Peak in Ella as the sun was going down which was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh our tour leader- what can I say words do not do justice to this lovely gentle man. Everything was planned to perfection, Suresh and his team are a credit to Exodus, they all went above and beyond their duties to ensure we had the holiday of a lifetime. Suresh organised many activities not listed in the trip notes and was at hand 24 hours a day should any problems arise. He has a great local knowledge which maximised our experience of Sri Lanka.Thank you Suresh, Sandy,Chamara, Amila and Upali for a fabulous 2 weeks we will never forget you all, such lovely people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You do not need to be a hard core cyclist but get bike fit there are two tough days.This is a group holiday and we had brilliant travel companions who all gelled from day one. Go with an open mind and try everything have faith in your leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were inspiring moments every day: spotting the first iceberg on the horizon, whales surfacing next to the zodiacs and boat, being served hot chocolate on a zodiac in the middle of an ice choked bay, stepping inside the time capsule of a historic hut, crossing the circle. I could come up with many more.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The experts on board really contributed to the pleasure of the voyage. They gave illuminating and interesting lectures during the sea days and then worked hard to ensure that excursions were a memorable experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A good quality down jacket will keep you comfortable when standing on deck while wildlife watching. Also a pair of binoculars is essential. They don't have to be expensive.

Most Inspirational Moment

Without doubt, to visit a country which is so wholeheartedly committed to conservation, environmental responsibility and sustainability. Experiencing the rich wildlife, from sloth to golden orb spider and from quetzal to iguana, there was a surprise around every corner. Staying at the beautiful Esquinas Rainforest Lodge and being looked after by the people from the village of La Gamba. Meeting the delightful children at La Trinidad School followed by a delicious lunch prepared by a local lady Aurora, who was so welcoming and friendly to us all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were lucky enough to enjoy the expertise and professionalism of Gio (Giovanni). His passion was wildlife, in particular birds, and you couldn't help but be swept along by it. I would describe Gio as quite shy, patient, kind hearted and genuine. He was very concerned for our safety and was also helpful and attentive. I was particulary impressed by Gio's support and enthusiasm for the local community, such as the school we visited and the local lady who we had lunch with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take an extra pair of closed walking shoes as they are essential. There are extra optional trips such as the Mangrove tour at the Bay of Golfito so save some dollars! Consider travel sickness pills if you are likely to suffer. Our guide suggested some excellent restaurants to eat when food was not included. It is well worth taking his advice. If flying United Airlines eat at the airports as food is a bit scarce when in flight!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the sunrise over the mountains from the terrace in the morning and eating our breakfast there as well.

Most Inspirational Moment

How simple the lives of people outside of the  big cities are. When we visited the farmer for coffee and saw how he and his family lived, in a very basic farm house. Old American cars all over the island are wonderful to see.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellant group leader, very knowledgable and good sense of humour. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Its very warm and humid, even in January.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day only 2 falls and a great day skiing thanks Bob

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dave and Bob were great group leaders Especially Bob he was very helpful and friendly making my cross country skiing more enjoyable he gave me lots of tuition and was very supportive of the group.Bob gave lots of useful information about local cuisine at lunchtimes with his knowledge of the local languages a great leader thanks Bob

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be fit before you go

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling up the hills to get to Khumblagargh Fort! Seeing the children running down the hills smiling and shouting 'tata'. Mr Singh the bus driver taking the bus through the chaotic Agra city centre. These are just a few of the moments that come to mind.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Krishna was brilliant. His love for his home country and in particular Rajasthan was evident. So knowledgable which he shared with simplicity. He was ably supported by Sanjay who matched his love for his country, proud of his home and family values. He was great to cycle with and showed his strength and ability to help everyone along the challenging routes. Great team supported them in bringing up the food and drink et al. It was a privilege to be such a great group and this was down to the group leaders and the support team

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just make sure you read up on the trip notes and bring the gear you need to do the trip comfortably. The checklist on the website was invaluable. Given the time of the year the early morning starts can be very chilly to start off so make sure you do have something warmer than t shirts for the first hour or so. Cycling through chilly air can make it colder than you think India could be!

Most Inspirational Moment

That both the Vietnamese and the Cambodians (we did the Angkor Wat extension) were the most dignified, welcoming and happy people you could imagine. There is no shirking of their recent tumultuous past, but the way they have dealt with the past is an object lesson in forgiveness and was deeply moving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long absolutely made the Vietnam trip as special as it was. Happy, funny, informative and incredibly welcoming and helpful. It was an honour to meet him. Our Pnomh Penh guide Smeay was funny and dignified too. His personal account of the killing fields was intensely moving and will stay with me forever.

Advice for Potential Travellers

All of it was special but we may go back to Vietnam with empty suitcases to buy made to measure clothes in Hoi An and top up with prescription spectacles and sunglasses - don't miss out! The food is excellent, and very good for the libido (or so we were told!)