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!
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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.
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14364 Reviews
4.7 out of
5
Reviews
Claire Newman
Reviewed August 2019
Costa Rica Cycling
A wonderful holiday – great and knowledgeable guide, fantastic group, enjoyable cycling, great wildlife and scenery! I would definitely recommend this trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
It was probably seeing a sea turtle laying eggs - it was amazing! However, all the wildlife and scenery was incredible. .
Thoughts on Group Leader
Andreas was an excellent group leader - extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife, an excellent cyclist and we were always clear what we were doing and when.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Remember to take some layers for the mountains - there are 3 evenings which are definitely cooler! When looking at the distances it's worth noting there are quite a few hills in there! If you are weighing up going away on your own, just do it!
Hannah Fairbanks
Reviewed August 2019
Mixed bag - parts excellent, the concept of a second gorilla permit seemingly misleading
One of the biggest selling points of this holiday is the optional possibility of a second day trekking to see the gorillas. Fair enough the permits aren’t guaranteed – completely understandable, but if you follow Exodus’s guidance you are made to feel like a nuisance and from my experience you won’t get one. The webpage tells you to request additional permits when booking, they also bill you for additional permits at this point, but when you ask about the permits the emails you receive can seem quite rude and basically tell you to go away and ask the guide when you arrive. When arriving on the trip and all 7 people said they wanted additional permits and it wasn’t really a surprise that the guide couldn’t conjure these up with less than a week’s notice. This did result in the group participants being fairly cross, people had requested additional permits 8 months in advance, paid for them, been told they were the only ones interested in a second day – which was a lie, etc. it was just incredibly unprofessional for such an established holiday provider. It’s the first time I’ve done a trip with Exodus and I’m still a little taken aback by the lack of organisation related to these permits, the billing of these permits months before any action is taken, and the blunt/verging on rude emails. The gorillas is a highlight of the trip and it’s is sold as a real possibility whereas in fact due to their lack of organisation it was impossible for anyone on our trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
The gorillas were just incredible.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Really nice chap, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.
Unfortunately he hadn't organised a boat trip so we waited around at a hotel needlessly for 2+ hours and went on a later boat trip after about 90% of the animals had left. These things happen and he did go out of his way for us on the rest of the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't base booking this holiday on the chance of obtaining a second gorilla permit.
Reply from Exodus
We would like to thank Hannah for her feedback, although we are very sorry that she was disappointed not to have been able to secure a second day’s permit. We only request extra permits once the trip has been guaranteed as, otherwise, the permits will have to be paid for in full even if the trip doesn’t run. Whilst this information is now stated in our trip notes, we are sorry if it was not clearly communicated at the time. Second permits had, unfortunately, already sold out by the time Hannah booked on the trip and, having exhausted all other possibilities, we suggested that there may have been be a slim possibility of the tour leader being able to get some last-minute returns for the group. We regret, however, that this was not the case and we appreciate Hannah’s disappointment. We are very sorry that Hannah feels that her pre-trip enquires were not dealt with in an appropriate manner, as this is not the type of feedback we are used to receiving about the standard of service from our customer operations’ team. We were pleased, however, that Hannah had a fantastic experience overall and that she found her tour leader to be knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Tom Harari – Product Manager
Maria Simovic
Reviewed August 2019
Amazing Trip
An absolutely amazing trip!! The islands were beyond words – truly amazing. All other aspects where great – from the Mauricio (the tour guide), the crew on the boat and the boat.
Most Inspirational Moment
The islands and seeing animals in their natural habitat both on land and in the sea.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mauricio was great - very knowledgeable and friendly.
Caroline Fielden
Reviewed August 2019
Eletastic -more elephants than you can count.
If you love seeing wildlife up close and personal then this trip is for you. It visits some of the best national parks in two amazing countries with a bit of added comfort. Each park has its own special characteristics – being in Botswana is like being on a permanent safari, animals can be seen on the side of the road as you travel from A to B; there is nothing more bizarre than having to slow down for a family of elephants or a herd of zebra – beats a flock of sheep!
Any preconceived ideas you may have about Zimbabwe will prove to be wrong. It is one of the most beautiful countries I have travelled in – the parks are spectacular, from the rugged beauty of the Motopos to the sweeping plains of Hwange and the people amazing. It completely exceeded my expectations and I would love to return one day.
Most Inspirational Moment
The whole trip was amazing, but a few stand out. Being a few metres from a group of five white rhino on foot. They were totally chilled and accepting of people in their environment. Sneaking into a tent 2 meters from a bull elephant who decided to visit the water hole outside. He made for an interesting night as he enjoyed himself breaking trees just the other side of a piece the canvas. The most memorable moment was the visit to the Painted Dog Sanctuary. The staff there were so passionate about what they do and as a bonus there was a pack of wild painted dogs who regularly visit one of their family who was too injured to be released back into the wild.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rowan was passionate about the wildlife around us and very knowledgeable. If he didn't know the answer he has his library of books. He arranged a cake and bubbly to celebrate my birthday with the stunning sunset of the salt pans as the back drop. Our driver Sifiso was amazing and so much more than a driver. He joined us on all the early morning game drives and was as excited about the animals as we were, plus an awesome pair of game spotting eyes. He also had a wicked sense of humour and enjoyed spending time in the our company.
Advice for Potential Travellers
A few hints:
1. Currency in both countries is almost impossible to get hold of so arrange a credit card which can be used with out fees when abroad if you don' already have one.
2 Take torches and power packs for the frequent power cuts and a South African round pin adaptor as you will only find UK plugs in Victoria Falls.
3. Immigration at Vic Falls in a nightmare. You need to buy a multi-entry visa at $70 (not the Univisa Exodus suggests).
4. Finally, take the plane flight over the Delta and helicopter over the Falls. Both are stunning. We booked our helicopter flights before leaving with Bonisair - as we wanted a longer flight - however this is the company that the tour guide suggests if you book in situ.
Andrew Clark
Reviewed August 2019
Great cycling in exquisite surroundings
Terrific trip. Just the right combination of decent cycling with culture, food and relaxation. A great opportunity to combine seeing Siena and Florence with some moderate exertion.
Most Inspirational Moment
Completing the long climb up to Castellina was very satisfying. A close second was the view of Florence on first arrival in the city.
Thoughts on Group Leader
David was good - very knowledgeable, well organised, pleasant and approachable. He ran the trip very well and was always helpful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You need a reasonable level of fitness to do this and some experience of cycling. But it's not all about cycling - there's free time to enjoy Siena, which was a highlight, and the guides take you to some decent restaurants too.
Ian McDonald
Reviewed August 2019
Excellent trip
A really enjoyable trip with plenty of cycling and with options to increase on certain days if you have surplus energy.
A great way to see 3 countries in 2 weeks. Sometimes the cycling was quite challenging – particularly some of the muddy trails in Nicaragua ( which were great fun) and some of the hills in Costa Rica.
Weather was varied . Sometimes really hot and humid and sometimes very wet due to rainy season . So be prepared and keep changes of clothes close to hand.
Raft ride was great . Guides and support team were great . Nice balance between open evenings and meals as a group .
Highly recommend this trip
Most Inspirational Moment
Loved looking down into the active volcano at night . Awesome sight . Enjoyed the raft ride and the crocodiles.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roberto was top class . A really nice guy who got on well with everyone and nothing was too much trouble.
He gave really good briefings prior to setting out Each day. He also had excellent local knowledge at each stage of the trip. Perfect English too and really easy to chat to .
Advice for Potential Travellers
To enjoy the trip you need to be reasonably fit .. have plenty of changes of cycling clothes. Roberto can advise on the 2 or 3 places over the route where you can get laundry done ( very cheaply) . A few casual clothes ( t shirts and shorts ) are all that are needed for evenings .dont forget mosquito repellent .
Paul Bacon
Reviewed August 2019
Fantastic trip through unspoilt landscapes
A challenging trek through unspoilt mountains with fantastic hospitality from the locals along the way
Most Inspirational Moment
Trekking in the middle of nowhere, with little sign of tourism. The hospitality in the huts was great
Advice for Potential Travellers
Dont take a sleeping bag, you dont need to as blankets are provided even in the huts. The heat can really make some of the days tough, although you can refill water along the way as you will be drinking alot! Take insect repellent as we all got bit alot during the trek
Shirley Bell
Reviewed August 2019
TZS walking and wildlife
Great trip saw lots of wildlife and great walking
Most Inspirational Moment
When we saw a family of lions feasting on a wilderbeast and we got so close to see them.
Walking out of my tent one morning and seeing a family of elephants crossing the river so close amazing.
The views in the mountains.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The leaders were fabulous
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for long bus journeys.
It's cold when the sun goes down
Bring binoculars
Bring waterproofs it does rain sometimes in Africa
It's Africa be prepared for anything to happen.
Nigel Turner
Reviewed August 2019
Wonderful adventure
This was a marvellous trip and a great way of seeing two wonderful areas of the Arctic. In Spitsbergen we saw polar bears and arctic foxes and sailed through the ice to reach 80 degrees north. In Greenland we saw musk oxen and puffins and the most amazing icebergs. We also visited an Inuit community and had the occasional whale sighting.
The ship was great – the Ocean Adventurer. The cabin was comfortable and the food was really good. The operator was first class. We had a great tour leader and a full range of specialist guides, i.e. geologist, ornithologist, photographer, marine biologist etc. They were professional and great fun. the other guests were good company.
We had four days around Spitzbergen and four days around Greenland so we were able to get a sense of both rather than concentrating on just one. So polar bears AND icebergs!
You don’t actually get to see Iceland as part of the tour but you do disembark in Akureyri in north Iceland. We asked Exodus to change our flight back to the UK so we could arrange seven days there. We then drove from Akureyri to Keflavic along the Icelandic ring road seeing the major sights. The waterfalls are truly amazing. Greenland is actually icy and Iceland is green. So we had polar bears, icebergs and waterfalls in a three-week trip.
Note: to get to Spitzbergen you fly via Oslo. Exodus brought forward our flight and booked us into a hotel for two nights so we had a short city break as well. There are some great museums in Oslo (Munch, Viking Long Ship and the Fram Museum of Arctic Exploration) and this was a great start to our Arctic journey of a lifetime.
Most Inspirational Moment
To see a polar bear jumping and swimming from ice-flow to ice-flow.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The expedition and ship staff were all first class. The operator was very professional and we be very happy to travel again with them.
Advice for Potential Travellers
See above - the trip covers Spitzbergen and Greenland - you need to make additional arrangements to see Iceland otherwise you just fly from Akureyri to Keflavic for the flight home..
Paul Sanders
Reviewed August 2019
Fabulous.
An absolutely excellent trip and a great way to see three countries in two weeks. There was a real mix of cycling, from rough, tough, dirty stuff, to long smooth straights as well as everything in between (it’s essentially a road trip though). A few hills were quite demanding (not least in the heat), so the gravity downhill afterwards was welcome! There was some stunning scenery and it’s pretty green and lush everywhere. Beyond the cycling, the other activities added to the sense of holiday, while also giving greater insight into what each country has to offer.
Most Inspirational Moment
All the cycling was excellent and just the right level. Peering into the Masaya volcano was a lifetime moment and the visit to the school in Nicaragua really resonated.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roberto was excellent on every level. From leading the front riders to congratulating those for whom rides were a bigger challenge, he was personable and professional with everyone. Morning briefings were helpful to all, outlining how each day would work, from the cycling to ordering food in advance etc. etc.. Every day ran smoothly and organisation was excellent. His knowledge and experience showed and nothing was too much trouble. What could possibly go wrong?
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go. Have a change of (cycling and/or casual) clothes in a rucksack on the bus. Be prepared for very flexible lunchtimes (there are always snacks available).
