Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the caves (sassi) in Matera, cycling through the countryside around Alberobello with fields of red poppies surrounding white trullis and groves of olive trees, the coast ride north of Leuca

Thoughts on Group Leader

Michele is a really great guide: tireless and always cheerful, he couldn't do enough for us and even went to the trouble of preparing a local dish himself for our lunch at a bar on the beach on the last day. He knew the best places for views along the route and performed a dive from the cliffs into the sea - very impressive! He was also very flexible so we were able to stop at a beach and swim one very hot afternoon instead of continuing to ride.You can't go to Puglia and not try the local foods and he always had recommendations for us. Thanks to his thoughtfulness settling individual bills after meals was also very simple and quick.If anyone didn't want to carry on riding he and the driver Antonio were always ready to load the bike on the roof and never made anyone feel they were being difficult.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The bikes are good touring bikes with computer, pannier and a bag with map holder for the handlebars so no need to bring bike backpacks etc. Exodus also provided waterbottles. Bring padded shorts - the roads can be bumpy:-)Try to stay an extra night in Matera at the start - it is well worth it. I also stayed an exta night in Lecce and took the train back to Bari for just €18.You need good sun protection!

Most Inspirational Moment

The camel trip was a memorable experience, as was glamping* in the desert and star-gazing. Equally memorable is the trip into the ante-Atlas mountains, and stay in the peaceful village, with gorgeous views from the gite. [* some members of our group were disappointed that the campsite is far more luxury than they were expecting - has low-occupancy tents (2 or 3 sharing max), proper toilets (although flushed with a scoop of water from a bucket and not plumbed) and a 3 course dinner was served on ceramic plates with proper cutlery. Our hosts even managed to rustle up a birthday cake !]

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was excellent. Clearly proud to show off his country and impart knowledge and tips. He looked after the group extremely well, always looking out to make sure everyone was ok, but without fuss or being obtrusive. 10/10

Advice for Potential Travellers

Generally the quality of the accommodation is much better than you might expect from the trip notes. Sheets and blankets are provided at the gite and the camp site, so a light sleeping bag or liner should be sufficient - certainly from May- Sep (despite the trip notes recommending 3 season sleeping bag). Group flights change at Casablanca airport for both outbound and return flights, to/from Heathrow. There are limited facilities particularly for the domestic transit lounge on the outgoing flight (you'll have a 3h wait). You can get small amounts of Dirham in the UK (at poor exchange rates) but Euros also seemed to be accepted at the one and only cafe/bar in the terminal and where the Exodus group congregated! On the return leg, there was nowhere in Casablanca airport to exchange Dirham and most (Duty Free) outlets would not accept them for purchases even. Recommend you try to spend them in Marrakech. As a guide, £180 per person was plenty for the week for most people to cover meals, drinks, tips and small souvenirs. If you are not particular about returning to Heathrow or being on the group flights, there is a direct EasyJet flight to Gatwick leaving at a similar time to the group flights, for the return journey. This avoids another wait in Casablanca and Air Maroc were not the most efficient of check- in staff, to say the least! Some members of our group flew out on the Saturday, because the group flights arrive in Ouarzazate quite late and you arrive at the hotel around 2am, leave to start the first day proper at 9am. This is something I wish I'd done!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing dunes at sunrise and being able to wander around and photograph them . Cycling down Gemsberg pass with its wonderful views. Sitting watching the theatre of action as the animals perform at the water hole in the evenings.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Swen , Roger and Rob were amazing and worked so well as a team. The camp was run very efficientantly . The food was excellent cooked over the fire on the evenings. Roger was always on hand to help with bike problems or animal tracks. Also all were so knowledgeable about the area and Namibia in General.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train hard for tough cycling on loose gravel and sand. The heat and long gravel roads are hard going . Take lots of sun sceen, your own saddle and binoculars if you want to see animals closer when on safari.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational aspect of the trip was the way in which the group was looked after by the African Walking Company. They carried our bags, prepared fantastic meals, always checked that the group were ok physically, set-up our camp, welcomed us back to camp after the summit climb (including brushing the dust off our trousers and shoes)....there wasn't anything they hadn't thought of....then the tipping ceremony on the final morning topped it all off...the Kilimanjaro song brought tears to my eyes.Obviously reaching the summit and witnessing the sunrise was incredibly special also...as was the meteor that lit up the sky at 3am on summit night. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joseph and his assistant guide, Rob, were brilliant. They organised the camp and the other staff very well and were a pleasure to walk with. Their knowledge of the mountain and the way in which they looked after us was second to none 

Advice for Potential Travellers

The porters and guides look after you...so look after them in return. Take lots of chocolate and sweets to hand out during the trek and take any unwanted clothing too....it'll be warmly welcomed.

Most Inspirational Moment

The challenge of summitting Toubkal. Eating and shopping in the souks of Marrakech. Meeting like minded people from a variety of backgrounds and making new friends.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Assiz was very friendly, polite, calm and very well organised. He knew the routes on Toubkal very well and had great local knowledge generally. He was a little quiet at times for a leader and struggled a bit to always bring the large group together. He could have done with some more help i think as he had to guide a group of 15 people of varying ages/ability/fitness/experience up a 4,200m mountain (some of it in the dark) pretty much on his own which was not ideal. We were assisted by a further guide (who didn't speak) on the way down from the summit. A further English speaking guide would have worked well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a serious mountain and a challenge. It's 4,200m at the top which is four times higher than a Scaffell Pike or a Snowdon in the UK. Do some training beforehand - you need to have a decent degree of fitness as the summit day is very long. The descent in particular is long and arduous being mostly on loose scree , snow and ice (we did it in early May). The temperature differences between the top and sea level are quite extreme so make sure you take enough layers (we needed thick gloves, 2 pairs socks on, 4 layers on top etc.) You don't need to worry too much about availability of food and water - Exodus feed you very well and there are endless opportunities to buy water, soft drinks, choclate etc. at reasonable prices on the mountain itself. Some of our group suffered from altitide sickness and 4 out of 15 didn't make the top. Take a selection of cash and cards - there are plenty of ATMs in Marrakech but the airport ATMs were not working. Make sure you visit the souks in Marrakech - there is a great vibe, food and gifts. Stay away from the aggressive snake charmers though!  Take headache tablets and immodium - many of our group suffered from the runs!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting away from the tourist trail and being up-close to the local people, flora and fauna.  The back-waters of Kerala are absolutely beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Arvind was friendly, approachable and well-informed even though this was not his regular tour.  He was very good at keeping the group under control and making sure we got the most out of the trip.  He even included some interesting trips that were not on the trip schedule.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was very hot and humid when I went at the end of March, so be ready for that.  The camping is fairly basic, including the sanitary arrangements and it was a good thing that we did it at the start of the trip so that the remainder of the time could be enjoyed in a personally clean condition.  The local support guys for the camping were brilliant anf the food they produced for us was incredible.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in such close proximity to beautiful hummingbirds

Thoughts on Group Leader

Johnny is a wonderful guide and ambassador for Costa Rica.  If he didn't know something, (which was rare) he would find out and let you know the answer. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go! You will not be disappointed.

Most Inspirational Moment

The scenery is amazing. You can feel like you are the only person in Namibia as you don't see people or cars for very long periods of time. Cycling gives you a feeling of being imersed in your surroundings that you won't get from sitting in a bus all day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sven, Rodger and Robbie were extremely organised and got us going on time every day down to the minute. The food was beyond expectataions, expecially the fish curry. All 3 were knowledgeable about the landscape, animals and history of namibia.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Probably best to bring a gel cover for your seat. The roads can be bumpy on your bum. Also a good idea to prepare yourself for riding on sandy gravel roads. A bit tougher than I expected. Well worth it though!

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra of course, the main reason for going, we get 2 whole days to explore which is plently of time.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dont worry about the camping night, mattresses are very comfortable. Blankets looked clean and warm, but I did use my own sleepng bag.Snorkelling from the Royal Diving club in Aqaba is excellent, in case you dont fancy the optional boat trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

cycling down to Dead Sea

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good - consciencious, good sense of humour. Knew his stuff!