Reviews

Extremely Memorable Trip

This trip exceeded our expectations in every respect. We had a fantastic holiday with a small group of like-minded people and every day we saw something special thanks to our excellent guide, Berny. Our transport and driver were also first class.

Each destination was unique. The accommodation overall was excellent, especially the remote forest lodges where you really feel part of the wildlife experience. The food included was also very good, as were the optional restaurants we visited as a group with the guide when dinner wasn’t included. No-one wanted to miss anything and everyone got along so well, which is always a bonus. We were very lucky with the weather and only got wet twice.

We only took two of the optional (extra cost) excursions – the suspension bridges and the night hike, both at Monteverde and both very good. Berny obviously enjoyed showing us the diverse flora and fauna at each destination as he included additional walks and hikes almost every day, even if we only had an hour or so free and only one or two wanted to go while others stayed behind at the resort and relaxed.

We spotted the elusive sun bittern at Tortuguero at the start of the trip and a pair of rare nesting quetzal at the end of the trip at Savegre – really exciting as we were searching for them and so special when we found them and saw them flying in and out of the nest.

Really too many memorable moments to mention, but if you enjoy viewing wildlife, birds, plants and flowers without the walking being too strenuous then this is the trip for you.

Swimming in the cool pools of the Okavango Delta

It was hot and sticky. But swimming in the Okavango Delta, cruising on the Chobe River, seeing a multitude of birds and hearing hippos in the distance made up for the mild discomfort. We travel to get under a country’s skin, experience the culture and local hospitality. Our trip to Matabeleland and visiting Cecil Rhodes’ memorial was captivating; there in the wild, silent, rocky countryside, with lizards scurrying around and baboons barking in the distance was inspiring.

What a fantastic trip!

Wow, what a great trip. I had a fantastic time and I am so glad that I did it. There were so many highlights. To start with the cycling was varied and interesting combining flat, uphill and undulating sections along the way as well as cycling by rivers, along country lanes, a bit of city cycling, cycling through tea plantations and many more. The food was delicious throughout and there was lots of choice. I particularly enjoyed the fresh fish and jumbo prawns in Cochin but there was also a wide variety of tasty curries to choose from along the way. All of the accommodation was relaxing, comfortable and air conditioned/had fans. The amount of different places visited was great too ranging from Hindu temples, Christian churches, tea plantation, spice plantation, bird sanctuary etc. The guides on the trip were exceptional. Abhi, the tour leader, always had a smile on his face and always had an answer for any question that you asked him. He was also very encouraging on the cycling side of things as well as pointing out lots of interesting things along the way. He also made you feel welcome and was very organised. He was great. Franklin, the driver, was also great. He was always there to help with your luggage, fill up your water bottle or offer some food for your trip. He was also encouraging too. I would just like to say a quick thank you to Virginia, Alan and Scott who were my travel companions. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to travel with. They were fun, good to talk to and helped make me feel comfortable while cycling. Thanks. Finally, I would like to say that if you are thinking about doing this trip then just do it as you will have a great time.

Highlights of Albania

This is a trip which exceeded my expectations. Friendly locals, fabulous landscapes, cheap and cheerful food and drink with the excellent guide, Ed.
I have just one gripe which Exodus should consider and act upon.
Despite outside temperatures of around 18 – 20 degrees during daylight hours our driver had the air conditioning on most of the time. The only windows that could be opened on the minibus were located in the front doorseat plus a roof window which was only opened once in 10 days for a couple of hours at my insistence. Some of our 15 strong group, myself included, developed dry throats, head colds, coughs etcetera. A week after returning home I am still feeling the effects. And for the last 24 years I have worked outside in all weathers without catching a cold. Tgere was never any need for the air conditioning to be activated within the outside temperature range at this time of year. Opening a window for fresh air would have sufficed. Instead 17 of us were enclosed in an airtight container for several hours on a daily basis breathing the same recycled dry air. Not healthy!
There are court cases pending regarding illnesses contracted from air conditioning on aircraft. Take note Exodus.

Full On Japan

A trip that enabled an effective, varied view of key parts of Japan

Cape Town and the Garden Route

We had a wonderful trip from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town along the garden route. We started with fantastic wildlife in Addo, on to the beautiful beaches in Tsitsikamma, through the center of the garden route visiting the amazing Cango caves, Mosel Bay and Hermanus before arriving in Cape Town for two day exploring.

cycling the cape and wine regions

It was great trip thoroughly enjoyed it. The scenery along the coast was stunning. Accommodation was wonderful the bus and bikes in very good condition.

Culturally Immersive

This was my fifth Exodus Cycling Adventure (Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Vietnam, and South Africa: Drakensburg & Kruger). As with my previous Exodus experiences, the logistics of transportation and accommodation were expertly arranged. Leader Rit and his Laoatian co-lead Mr. Sack ensured things ran smoothly and unobstrusively. The bikes were in good repair, though we did our best to put them through their paces. The trip is appropriately graded as a “4” – moderate/challenging….indeed there were a few short climbs that were a bit steep, but were not long, and were doable. Yes, the roads in Laos were rough, but that is quintissentially Laos on pavement! At no time did I feel unsafe with regard to the pavement or Chinese transport trucks. It’s a great trip for meeting locals…we got involved in some village celebrations along the way.

A Wonderful Week

Great weather. Fresh snow plus lots of sunshine.
Magnificent scenery, the Dolomites are really special both in winter and summer.
Comfortable hotel with good facilities and friendly, helpful staff. Tasty interesting dinners with a very good wine list to choose from.
A friendly, interesting group of fellow “snowshoeers”
What really made the trip special was our guide Sara. She is everything you would wish for in a guide and I can only endorse all the other glowing mentions she receives in reviews.

A fantastic journey through Vietnam

This has to be a trip of a lifetime. Cycling through a country that is unspoilt, dramatic countryside, mountains, lakes, coast, busy, manic towns and cities where the traffic stops for no-one. It is a country like no other and needs to be experienced to be believed. Be prepared to never come up for air. The people are so friendly and helpful and the food so delicious. Our group bonded well which made for the trip and our support team looked after us well.