Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14278 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed December 2012

DISCOVER NAMIBIA Lodge trip

A journey that takes one through mountain landscapes to gigantic sand dunes and then on to one of Africa’s best game parks. A photographer’s delight!

Most Inspirational Moment

The incredible changing colour and shadowed expanses of Namib sand sculptured in the early morning sunlight was unforgetteble.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam was a cheerful hard working leader who drove carefully and had super vision in spotting distant game.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Buy a solid rubber ring pillow for both the eleven hour flight and the long bumpy journeys in the truck. An excellent guide is by Chris McIntyre [Bradt, 4th edition, 2011]; this provides a lucid summary of Namibia's history, culture, environment and animals; as well as local detail. Prices are low compared to the UK; 1/2 litre of good local beer was around £1.25 and wine £7 a bottle in a restaurant [November 2012: Nam$ 13.5 = £1]. There are numerous exchanges at Windhoek airport, the city, and large towns (though not so many); and a better exchange rate than in the UK. Treat yourself to an excellent four course dinner in the magical old 'Beau Geste' fort at Namutoni in the Etosha National Park [about £15]. Don't buy bottles on the return flight - one faces brutal confiscation at Frankfort when changing planes.

Reviewed December 2012

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

For me this trip was a revelation. I had never before been in Asia (Japan only, what related to this seems reasonable Western). Cycling through all these beautiful countries (especially Cambodia stole my heart) offered much more then I could have expected.The people (!), the surroundings, the smells, the colors, the food(!), I loved it all. Furthermore the trip was very well organized, the local guides and support teams were great and I was lucky to travel with a very nice group.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many blissful moments. Of course Angkor Wat course was very very special, did not want to miss that! But for me, getting on the bike in the morning and go for a lovely sometimes exciting and strenuous ride to a new place was the best part.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Thai guide was absolutely fabulous. She did everything to make it enjoyable for us and took very good care. She diversified where possible to meet everyone's needs. I really think she did a very good job.I also have many fond memories of our Cambodian guide who joined us till Vietnam. Because of the situation in Cambodia when we were there (former King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia deceased in Beijing, the country was mourning), we experienced even more how much he loves his country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are at least a bit fit, you will enjoy the trip even more.

Reviewed December 2012

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

This was a stunning trek in a beautiful and unspoilt mountainous area. The walking was satisfying and there were stunning panoramic views in all directions.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several inspirational moments on this trip. One was viewing the fascinating rock formations on the peaks nearby while also seeing the coast of Mallorca on the horizon. I shallalways remember the scent of thyme bushes as we walked along the paths, brushing them with our boots. On the final day we ended up at our leader's home and helped harvest olives together. That was a truly special and unique moment, when we felt we had not just walked as tourists in the region, but had been privileged to have been invited to share in a tiny way in the life of the local community

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was an excellent leader. He took great care to enable everyone to feel safe, informed and happy, so they could enjoy each day. When two walkers had blisters, after the first day, he put dressings on them himself in such a way that they were then fully able to do all the walks, with no further problems. He led in a warmly engaging and humourous manner, so everyone in the group felt relaxed. He is passionate about Spain and his home region and commmunicated this to group members. When we were in the coach from the airport, he produced grapes and raisins from his own garden - a thoughtful touch which we discovered was typical of his thoughtfulness and hospitality. We really gelled as a group and this was due mainly to Jose's outstanding leadership qualities.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trek is at the higher end of the B grade, so be prepared for one or two quite long, though beautiful, walking days. Walking poles would be helpful, as some descents are quite rockyand steep. You will need very little spending money, as wine is provided at the evening meals and you won't really come across any shops. Be prepared to be amazed - it is a world away from nearby Benidorm!

Reviewed December 2012

WALKING IN ANDALUCIA

This was a great trip. The Cortijo Rosario was a wonderful place to stay in a beautiful location, with excellent traditional food, and welcoming hosts. The walks were varied, with great views especially in the Grazalema mountains and El Chorro Gorge. It was a good group to spend the week with, and the leader was excellent – entertaining, informative and helpful.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the Grazalema mountains, watching the birds sweep through the El Chorro Gorge, looking at the stars late at night, being in the winning quiz team!, meeting great people, drinking Andalusian sherry, eating delicious food, learning lots about the region, visiting Seville - especially the Alcazar, chatting into the night, and sitting by the pool in the sun.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had an excellent leader - he kept us entertained over the week, led the walks at the right pace, knew an enormous amount about the places we visited, and was organised but also relaxed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would recommend this trip.

Reviewed December 2012

WALKING IN ANDALUCIA

Set among olive groves in the lesser known part of Andalucia, the Cortijo Rosario farmhouse is the perfect setting & launchpad for walking in this landscape. The rest of the population just gets on with farmiing the fertile soil, or tending their herds, whilst still extending a warm welcome.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the olive harvest first hand in November 2012. It made me feel so close to something we take for granted -ie olive oil!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Inspiring and knowledgeable, always good natured but genuinely interested in his clients and their lives.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you would like to try a quieter part of Spain, with a mixture of walking, culture and good food and wine in a tranquil setting, then go for this trip.

Reviewed December 2012

ESSENTIAL PERU

This trip certainly covers the ground and gives you an excellent taste of Peru. There are long travelling days but the rewards from the scenery make it all worth while. Early starts but you don’t feel rushed as there are plenty of stops to enjoy the scenery. The bus was very comfortable and even had it’s own loo.

Most Inspirational Moment

Machu Picchu is magnificent and lives up to the hype. Best to go in the early morning to avoid the crowds. The site is much bigger than I expected. The other highlight for me was the home stay with a local family on Armantani Island in Lake Titicaca. We were welcomed with open arms and well looked after while there. Seeing the condors at Colca Canyon was another highlight. Magnificent birds soaring effortlessly on the thermals - wonderful. The Ballestas Islands on the first full day is another highlight. The boat gets you quite close to the wildlife so good photo opportunities there too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was a star - well organised, very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. Everything ran very smoothly and his knowledge when visiting all the archeological sites was second to none.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your camera and lots of memory cards! As others have said, pack light; take layers and remember a sun hat. There are laundry facilities available at the hotel in Cucso - excellent value at 7 soles per kg. Money changing is easy too; change some at the airport but there are plenty of money exchanges in the towns as well as ATMs. Take US dollars as sterling is not always accepted even in banks. Dollars can be used to pay some of the entrances and tours. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is an optional tour but I would recommend it; Ollantaytambo and Pisac are worth it. Follow the advice about drinking lots of water as it does help avoid altitude sickness. There are shopping opprtunities everywhere and the goods on offer are well made and cheap. I didn't have the heart to bargain too hard when the prices were low to start with.

Reviewed December 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

Great trip, very hard and may need re evaluating by Exodus

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing up to the top of Gyoko Ri and looking over 4 x 8000m peaks

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was great, and very well supported by our assistant guide. My wife got altitude sickness at Gorak Shep and they did a brilliant job in looking after her and in the end we went down to Lobuche that evening. As Exodus are one of the biggest groups in the region, they were able to borrow an assistant guide from another group so the remainder of our group could continue, but we could go down with 2 people and be safe. Amazing service and can't recommend Exodus highly enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The TNE trip is really hard and the days that you do Gyoki Ri, Cho La pass and Base Camp need all th energy you have.

Reviewed December 2012

ATLAS PANORAMA

Great holiday – not too strenuous so plenty of time to feel like I was getting some ‘rest’ (albeit whilst walking!). The mountains were peaceful and remote. Just what I needed and no stress of packing everything up every day – a nice change from other holidays I’ve done.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking back towards the village on the last day in the mountains, seeing the stark contrast between the barren brown mountains against the lush green of the irrigated land in the low sun. Whilst we walked and talked, we passed many of the villagers walking into the 'fields' to work. It looked beautiful and it was humbling to see the locals go about their daily lives.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leader was good but could perhaps have been more accepting of our questions about what was happening - us Brits like to ask lots of questions about what the plan is for the next day BEFORE it gets to the night before!!However, besides above, Hassan was very modestly and quietly caring, looking out for EVERY member of the group at all times.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're going in November, don't underestimate how cold it might be in the evenings!! It wasn't ridiculously cold, I admit, but I was still FREEZING in the late afternoons/evenings in the gite - probably due to the temperature change more than anything else. I needed full thermals and as many jumpers as I could squeeze on. I wished I'd taken a warmer jacket (I left it at home thinking it wasn't needed). However, the gite does provide really warm blankets, which you can use any time and I was more than warm enough at night with a 2-3 season sleeping bag plus their blanket. The temp in the day was more variable but there was a definite chill in the air even in the sunshine. Quite pleasant when walking but could be a little chilly when stopped.

Reviewed December 2012

GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE CRUISE

One can always count on Exodus to provide the best way to discover new territories, and the Galapagos wildlife cruise aboard the "Cachalote" was awesome! The captain & crew are fantastic, I was even able to steer the yacht at Latitude 0! Our guide Darwin was exceptionnal, and the wildlife was….. WILD!!!!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the lava fields and imagining how it must have been when the earth was booming with activity. It made me feel very humble towards the magnificence and power of our planet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Darwin rocks!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't hesitate: just GO! But do not forget to take good earplugs as the engine is really loud in some cabins.I had a long wetsuit and was never cold, so consider bringing one too.

Reviewed December 2012

PETRA & WADI RUM TREK

This was my first trekking holiday and it was a fantastically fulfilling experience. It was very well organised and I will definitely be looking to travel with Exodus again.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tackling the climb up Burdah was a quite a challenge but the detailed guidance and encouragement given by our leader ensured that we all got up safely. The thrill of crossing the Arch of Burdah, (albeit on my hands and knees!) made the effort well worth it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Saleh, our leader was fantastic. He was knowledgeable, considerate, immensely encouraging and always had a massive smile and great sense of fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The scramble up and down Burdah required a fair bit of pulling on rock and a pair of gloves would help protect hands.

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