Reviews

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

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14440 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Sue Rosser

Reviewed April 2018

Discover Namibia -Lodges

This trip combines the highlights of the Namibian landscape with game viewing in the parks. It did not disappoint!

Most Inspirational Moment

The wildlife was the highlight for me. The most memorable being the night drive when we found a lioness at the waterhole nearby, she got up and walked down the road in front of our truck - roaring on the way. We must of followed her for almost an hour. She then met up with a male and disappeared into the scrub. On our return to camp that night, she was waiting at the roadside with her mate. My husband and I went to the camp waterhole when we got back and found the male there. Just the two of us stood in the dark at almost midnight watching this magnificent creature!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronney was extremely hard working as he also did all the driving on the trip as well as guiding and organising. He was warm friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Along with Jonas the cook the leaders made a good team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take any cash in South African rand, one Namibian dollar equalled one rand when I was there. Namibian dollars are only available in Namibia and not exchangeable outside the country. Also, whilst you are there take advantage of all opportunities - you may never go back to Namibia! My husband and I, went on the Dolphin cruise (a bit cheesy but fun) with sea lions and pelicans climbing on the boat as well as dolphins surfing in the wake. The flight, a very interesting perspective of the landscape. A full day and a night game drive and in Etosha, very enjoyable, the night drive was particularly interesting (my highlight of the trip). A game drive in Waterbury plateau which had rare species such as Roan and Sable antelope and rhino. Finally, on the last day in Windhoek as our flight was not till the evening - we went to Okapuka Ranch - which was a delightful way to end the tour. The restaurant/ bar is beautifully designed with the seats viewing the grounds with animals grazing.

julia gibson

Reviewed April 2018

a week in Jordan - much more than Petra

This is a full on trip but we covered so much. It’s probably only now that I am home that I can really appreciate it all. Issa our guide was really knowledgeable and did his best to make sure we all got the best out of the trip. Mohammed, our own personal armed escort, was also a great addition to the trip although a little unnerving at first. Long travelling days were broken up by lots of stops and toilets and water were never far away. We carried our water with us on the coach in the form of two massive plastic containers so we could always top up. The weather was perfect for exploration, sunny but not too hot for Petra although Aqaba was pretty hot. Food was reasonable although a little predictable by the end of the trip. The sheer scale of Petra can only be experienced by being there and having the second day to explore at one’s leisure was great. The beauty of the desert landscape in Wadi Rum took me by surprise.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the treasury emerge between a gap in the rocks then discovering its magnificence in full, and the sheer beauty and tranquility of the night time in the desert were my highlights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very knowledgeable and keen to share it with us. At times it was a bit of a route march to keep up with him, the emphasis was for you to stay with him rather than him to check on us - which led to two of us misplacing the group at one stage!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you do dress appropriately, it is a strict muslim country and although we were told they are tolerant of visitors we felt more comfortable if covered up to a reasonable degree ( below the knee skirts/shorts and shoulders covered). Alcohol is not freely available, the cave bar at Petra saw a lot of our custom! There are a lot of steps at Petra but most places can be reached by donkey or horse, not just the monastery if you find this tough, you do need a reasonable level of fitness however.

Martin Patterson

Reviewed April 2018

Gokyo lakes and Everest base camp

Having arrived in Katmandu via Delhi we were met by our tour guide Shailesh Tamang who for the next 19 days would be our go to advisor for all things Nepalese. The first night was spent in a Katmandu restaurant getting to know the rest of our group as well as sampling some of the local food. The next morning saw us all gathered for a pre dawn return to the airport in preparation for the flight to the mountain airstrip at Lukla in a small 16 seat aircraft. The views of the mountains and valleys during the flight gave us a sample of the sights we would experience during our trek. On arrival at Lukla and our baggage given over to the porters, who with seemingly superhuman strength carried 2 or 3 bags each, and we were off on our first day of trekking in Nepal. The first day of trekking was fairly short to ease us into what would progressively become tougher days of knee jolting foot pounding trekking. Our days took on a familiar routine of 7am breakfast, trek for a couple of hours then stop for refreshments at a teahouse then move on until lunch was taken at another teahouse and then onwards again until mid afternoon to our accomodation for the night. The teahouses are clean and very basic but do provide everything needed for this type of trip. Throughout the days of trekking there are a constant stream of porters, mules and yaks moving up and down the trail with supplies which adds to the whole experience of trekking in this mountain wilderness. The scenery is constantly changing as new valleys and mountains come into view at every turn of the trail, remember to look behind you as this view is as stunning as what lies ahead. During our trek we experienced weather that allowed walking in shirt sleeves as well as hand numbing bitter cold, so a good set of warm clothing is essential. There were a couple of extra early starts to climb Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar to view sunrise over Everest which was well worth the extra effort. Our trek up and over Cho la pass was particularly tough as we had to walk through snow and when we started our descent more snow fell upon us, which for me just added to the whole experience. All in all this trip has left us with some amazing memories and a yearning to return one day.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many moments during this trip that will leave a lasting memory. Ascending Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar pre dawn for views of Everest, making it up and over Cho la pass despite the adverse weather conditions and reaching Everest base camp.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Shailesh Tamang was always available to answer any questions and give help where necessary. His years of experience of leading in the mountains was quite evident as he successfully got 12 trekkers of varying experience safely from start to finish achieving all the goals set out in the itinery.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Listen to the advice of your tour leader and guides, this is their back yard after all. Don't underestinate the effects of AMS or how cold it can feel at night. Make sure you prepare yourself physically for the rigours of this trip to ensure maximum enjoyment.

Tracey Patterson

Reviewed April 2018

Everest & Gokyo Lakes Circuit

Had a great time. Was very hard trekking but the sense of achievement is worth it.
Saw lots of fantastic scenery and experienced lots of weather conditions.

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to Everest Base Camp and the top of Kala Patthar.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shailesh Tamang was a good leader and looked after all members of the group. He knows his country and imparts his knowledge well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit enough for this trip. Make sure you have micro-spikes or equivalent and know how to use them.

Russell Millns

Reviewed April 2018

Albainia 2018

a brilliant trip giving us a great out look of the country going from city to villages mountains and the sea. the only criticism i have was the hotel in permeti was cold no heating but still a nice hotel. the guide which started the trip with was very helpful with the information about his country it was sad for him to find that his grandmother was very ill and had to leave us to go back to his family i send my regards to ed and his family .the second guide we had was again fantastic. the churches and icons are fantastic to look at ,the food was wonderful and vearied.a big thank you to our driver that took us around the country with great skill and he always had a smile on his face. overall veiw i have of the trip was the country of Albainia is a lovely place to go to and has changed my impressions
of the place and people

Most Inspirational Moment

going for a walk up the hill in permeti and seeing the church of saint mary and looking at the icons inside

Thoughts on Group Leader

both of our group leaders were brilliant

Advice for Potential Travellers

just go it will open your eyes to a wonderful country

Mary South

Reviewed April 2018

Vietnam Adventure

My experience if Vietnam was an adventure from start to finish. The highlites for me was the mountain trekking and staying with local tribes, experiencing their culture, food and kind hospitality. The homestay on the Mekong Delta was mind blowing, again the culture and food experience was unforgettable.
Our guide Phi was excellent with his knowledge and aptitude for organising us, I felt privileged to have been able to learn so much about his wonderful country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Definitely the home stays, being amongst tribal cultures and experiencing their lifestylez

Thoughts on Group Leader

Phi Gas an outstanding knowledge of his country with a great passion to share his wonderful country so that the traveller will experience the real Viestnam

Advice for Potential Travellers

This was good introduction for me as a first time solo traveller and an excellent way to experience the culture and history.

Lorna Thomas

Reviewed April 2018

L Thomas

Wonderful trip. Just the right mixture of wildlife and culture. Can’t describe the feeling when we first saw a tiger at close range. At a loss for words. Sloth bear also made it a fabulous trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a tiger at close range for the first time was awe inspiring. Literally couldn’t speak. X

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vijay was fabulous. Made us feel very safe and helped us integrate with the local people .

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a bit more money than you think you will need. Most of our money went on beers each day!!!

Howard Perkins

Reviewed April 2018

Even better than expected...

We chose this trip as something that was a bit more special than just trekking in Europe, where we would also be in a completely different culture. It exceeded our expectations in just about every way. There are a number of reasons for that. Firstly, the Wall is simply incredible (in the true meaning of the word). Whenever the Wall headed up some impossibly steep ridge, the question “How did they manage to build this bit?” was immediately followed by the question “Why?”. Secondly, we had really good weather with only a few hours of cloud/drizzle on the whole trip. Thirdly, this was one of the best groups I’ve been part of and finally, the trip leader Jerry was excellent. So I know we were lucky, bad weather and limited views would definitely detract from the experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

All those views of the Wall following ridge after ridge as far as you can see.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jerry was one of the best trip leaders I've ever had. Totally committed to us as a group, but what stood out for me was that he gave us a fascinating insight into Chinese culture, drawing on his own background whenever necessary. But be warned - if you ask a question, be prepared for a very full answer!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes! The daily distances are not very far - but you're either going up or down, usually quite steeply. There is very little flat walking. If you have dodgy knees think carefully. You also need to be comfortable on uneven, steep and exposed terrain, especially where the Wall is ruined. Hands are needed in places. I took walking poles, but didn't use them. Jerry recommended a single walking pole, so that you had a hand free for holding on. A lot of the group wore walking shoes - but I think walking boots are more appropriate. The accommodation outside of Beijng is fairly basic. Some people had squat loos, some had a western style seat. In one homestay, toilet paper goes in the bin and is not flushed. None of the tap water is drinkable (even in Beijing). If that sort of thing puts you off, then this isn't the trip for you. However, every room was en-suite and mostly everything worked. I've stayed in a lot worse. There was very little heating and it was surprisingly cold in the evenings/overnight (2nd week April) to the extent that on one night I slept in my down jacket. The food was a lot better than expected and always plenty of it. I personally don't like spicy food but there was still enough choice. There also seemed to be enough vegetarian options too - although perhaps a more limited choice. It's worth practising with chopsticks before you go or else you might be quite hungry! Jasmin tea is the only drink served with meals - but most places you could buy soft drinks or beer. Coffee or milk are not readily available so if you are addicted, take some sachets. Everywhere advertised wifi - but the speeds were really, really slow. There are also several western sites that aren't reachable. If you can't survive without Facebook (really?), then set up a VPN before you go. Finally, just go with the flow and have a great trip!

yeenam chow

Reviewed April 2018

Great walks/hiking trails

Enjoy the different walks/trails which were all not too difficult for if you do not have a problem with steps. Walking poles were available to used from the hotel (free of charge) making the walks easier.
Great coastal sea views and trips to both Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius vast crater walk.

Most Inspirational Moment

Mt Vesuvius (optional) walk up the vast crater was well worth the extra payment for the guide. The Villa Climbrone with landscaped gardens at Revello was wonderful sight too. On the free day, visit to Herculaneum was also a highlight for me as I found it more interesting and smaller then Pompeii.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vania De Paoli, has been a great group leader. She would looked up and helped us with any of our travel requirements. It has happen a few times with me when I mentioned to her once about some travel arrangement and she came back looking for me with the information. Also she changed the route on day 5 to start from Ravello in the morning (less tourist in both the town and Villa Cimbrone) and walked down towards Amalfi to end the day which we found it a better route as the other Exodus walking group found (and confirmed) the route set as in the notes (Amalfi to Ravello) harder and more tourist and less enjoyment when they had to climbed up to Ravello at the end of the day. Vania, is forward thinking and she tried to make the trip enjoyable and change things if required if it can be better for all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have knee problems then the steps going down towards Amalfi can be trouble some and hard work.

Faith Morgan

Reviewed April 2018

Everest Expedition

I’d dreamed of seeing Everest for as long as I can remember, but somehow managed to arrive in my 40’s having never quite got there. As soon as I saw this Exodus trip which encompassed two nights camping AT ACTUAL BASE CAMP I knew this was the trip for me and pressed ‘book now’ there and then! I wasn’t disappointed and the whole trip was organised faultlessly from the moment I pressed the enter key on the laptop, to the moment I landed back in the UK.
If you’ve read the books and watched the films and dreamed of walking in the footsteps of legends this is the trip for you. It hasn’t only achieved a dream for me – it’s inspired me to do more!

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to spend two nights camping at Everest Base Camp amid the buzz of teams setting up their camps in preparation for summit attempts. Waking up under a frosty yellow canvas, pitched impossibly on boulders and unzipping the tent to reveal spectacular mountain views in every direction,. Watching the final rays of sun go down behind Everest! Getting to walk on the Khumbu Icefall was also something I never dreamed possible!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie Parkinson is a vastly experienced and inspirational leader. What she doesn't know about the Himalayas isn't worth knowing, and she kept the group engaged with her in depth knowledge of the area, and enthralling stories of her incredible achievements. Nothing was too much trouble for her or the local guides, and she ensured the whole trip ran smoothly from the moment we arrived. I would book a trip with Valerie as leader again without hesitation!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you've got Everest Base Camp on your bucket list this is the trip for you. Don't just visit the rock -spend 2 nights there.......Book now!

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