Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Our first full day at the Okavango Delta camp with the two close encounters with elephants (described above) was hard to beat. However, spotting a leopard as we rounded a corner on the road and hearing a male lion roar next to its elephant kill ran it close as did another elephant experience on the Chobe river cruise when an elephant in the water approached us while pulling up weeds, washing and chewing on them all within touching distance. Then there were the honey badgers including one in broad daylight and then ……... you get the idea!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Moses was a superb guide, a safe driver and never seemed to stop working, whether it was helping put up/take down tents or digging the bushy-bushy. He was very patient with the various demands made of him- a little forward or a little back (sometimes at the same time!) as people vied to get the best angles for photographs!

Advice for Potential Travellers

It's been said before, in winter (June/July) it gets very cold especially in the open vehicle when travelling in the mornings or evenings. Take wind-proof jackets, warm clothes and even gloves. Opportunities to recharge camera batteries are limited especially in the second week so make sure you take spares to last at least four days and top-up the charge whenever possible. We were a group of seven so space on the vehicle was not an issue, however with a full or near full compliment of 12 space would be very limited especially if some people carry a large amount of camera equipment.

Most Inspirational Moment

360 degree views of Dolomites, Alps and valleys on our Tuesday hike. I didn't bother myself with the names of peaks, so I can't name the place, but it was the most scenic spot I've ever been.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide bailed after day 1 due to a family emergency. He was good while he lasted, though. We had 3 other guides during the week, 2 who were little more than wayfinders, 1 who was excellent in his knowledge of the area, his command of English and his thoughtful presentation of the complicated cultural issues of the region. It seemed that the hotel proprietor helped Exodus with the scramble to find replacement guides. It all went very well, with no negative impact to our week. Excellent job to cover the unexpected departure.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For the travel days, arriving and departing, count on doing nothing besides reaching your destination. The location is remote. I planned a second week in Como, so my airport was Milan Malpensa. Reaching Villabassa required 4 trains, one of which was late and another was canceled (replaced by a bus, fortunately). Trains are frequent enough to be a good option, but taking the Exodus transfer from Venice would have made life simpler. Also, plan to do some laundry by hand, daily. There were no laundromats anywhere in the valley.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing chamois at nearly 2000 metres. Or maybe they were ibex. We asked one of our guides which they were but, rather than taking a dozen steps and looking at them, she asked whether they had long horns. Subsequent research indicates that female ibex and chamois have similar horns.....

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two leaders. They led us efficently, sorted out lunchtime bills without fuss, were prompt and personable. They obviously have a great love for Slovenia and nature, but what I found frustrating in retrospect is that they said very little about the flora and landscape we were walking through, and the animals and birds we might see. Possibly this is a language issue, though their English was good (and, of course, far better than anybody's Slovenian).

Most Inspirational Moment

Having walked up a mountain, with sweat pouring out of me, breathing deeply, with the sun beating down on us, to get to the top of the mountain, to see the views in the distance below and the mountains in the distance across makes it all worth while. This happened everyday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was the female version of Gear Grylls, though she didn't have us drinking our urine! She is very knowledgeable about the Region, the language, and health and safety in trekking. She has trekked in jungles of Africa, South America, to name but a few. She is a trained medic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have never done any trekking, prepare well, to get the most out of this exhilarating experience. Go for walks starting 6 weeks before travel building up to 10 miles the week before, to harden up your feet and to get your feet used to wearing boots.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having walked up a mountain, with sweat pouring out of me, breathing deeply, with the sun beating down on us, to get to the top of the mountain, to see the views in the distance below and the mountains in the distance across makes it all worth while. This happened everyday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was the female version of Gear Grylls, though she didn't have us drinking our urine! She is very knowledgeable about the Region, the language, and health and safety in trekking. She has trekked in jungles of Africa, South America, to name but a few. She is a trained medic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have never done any trekking, prepare well, to get the most out of this exhilarating experience. Go for walks starting 6 weeks before travel building up to 10 miles the week before, to harden up your feet and to get your feet used to wearing boots.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having walked up a mountain, with sweat pouring out of me, breathing deeply, with the sun beating down on us, to get to the top of the mountain, to see the views in the distance below and the mountains in the distance across makes it all worth while. This happened everyday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was the female version of Gear Grylls, though she didn't have us drinking our urine! She is very knowledgeable about the Region, the language, and health and safety in trekking. She has trekked in jungles of Africa, South America, to name but a few. She is a trained medic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have never done any trekking, prepare well, to get the most out of this exhilarating experience. Go for walks starting 6 weeks before travel building up to 10 miles the week before, to harden up your feet and to get your feet used to wearing boots.

Most Inspirational Moment

Swimming on my back in the lake in Champex thinking "why not?" to every hesitation I've ever had.

Thoughts on Group Leader

A man-child. Man when required to lead us through snow and hills and lakes, child when it comes to table "manners". John displayed the right amount of inspirational leadership while keeping things light so that we enjoyed our hike even on the tough climbs. Couldn't have asked for a better leader and friend on the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You can never go wrong packing light and bring enough cash for all the coffees, meals and activities you might want to have on the side.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in the French alps in summer, with breathtaking views during the walks and from the chalet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was friendly, professional and knowledgeable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I assumed I would be one of the oldest people participating in this walk at 61 and was delighted to find that fellow participants were of a similar age and similar interests.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing mount Sumbra

Thoughts on Group Leader

The best guide ever

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting at the top of Mount Tre Calli having a picnic lunch looking down over the town of Positano was the highlight for me, you cannot describe the views we had over the Amalfi Peninsula. Well worth the long uphill slog to get there,

Thoughts on Group Leader

As I said above, Severio was brilliant. Knowledgeable, encouraging and nothing was too much trouble for him. He even gave up his day off to arrange and accompany our group on a trip to Capri Island. Always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hiking shoes are necessary but full hiking boots are not needed, some of the walks can be done in a pair of trainers which gives your feet a break from the hiking shoes. Make sure your day pack is big enough to carry a swimsuit and towel to use in many of the villages we finish up in! A refreshing dip is perfect at the end of a hot sweaty walk!