Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

So many so here a just a few: Lake Naivasha (seeing hippos), farm walk (being very close to zebras and giraffes), Lake Nakuru NP (rhinos, lions being within metres of our truck), sunset at Lake Victoria, Serengeti Park (all the wildlife and especially elephants, cheetahs, leopards), stories by the fire at the campsite in the Serengeti Park, Ngorongoro crater, Arusha - Masai Museum, Marangu - banana & coffee plantation/visiting the local school, waterfall and the local market. To finish Zanzibar with tour of Stone town & spice tour, seeing the sunset from Africa House balcony having a refreshing cocktail. At Amaan Bungalows (north on Zannzibar where you will spend your last two of the holiday) you have to visit the Mnarani turtle sanctuary - 15 minutes walk on the beach.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The crew - Chris, Tutu and Samy - were fantastic. Friendly, helpful, plenty of stories, fun moments. Even when the truck broke down on our way out of Serengeti, they pulled all the stops to get us to our next destinations - Ngorongoro crater and Arusha - no noticeable inconvience to us, it was just another adventure.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book it.In Tanzania & Zaanzibar you get a better exchange rate for your dollar with larger notes ($100 and $50) then with smaller ones ($20, $10, $5). Is only a few tens of Tanzanian shillings but it will add up. At Amaan Bungalows you can take cash out on your cash card from the reception but at the US dollar exchange rate.In Stone town, Zanzibar, if you like a curry recommend going for a meal at The Silk Route. At Amaan Bungalows - you have to try the Steak and lobster and also the Hakuna Matata cocktail.But beware of the banana beer - you've tasted better. Is not to everyone taste ;)

Suggestions

Did I mention just how good the holiday was?Thank you again to Exodus and their crew & local guides. All the local people and kids that we met - they made us feel very welcome, the kids always with a smile on their face.Highly recommed Exodus and this trip - we already looking at the next trip.Thank you Africa for having us, we will be back but we might visit few other places before hand.

Most Inspirational Moment

There isn't just one inspirational moment.  The balloon safari was magical and how many people can say they had champagne in the Serengeti! Camping in the wild is a fantastic experience.  We had a small herd of zebra and some elephant wander past us in our campsite in the Ngorongo as we were around the campfire! I also couldn't believe how close we got to the big cats on some of the safari's and you're bound to see lions fairly close up on this trip.  And what can I say about Zanzibar but...paradise! Well, the last 2 days in the north are.  Stone town is very interesting, especially the spice tour.  You can also do a lot of shopping here and as they say....'it's free to look'!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Absolutely amazing! They put 110% effort into this trip and made us feel safe, whilst having the trip of a lifetime.  I have written in to Exodus saying how good they were.  We did have a slight mishap with the truck radiator half way through.  They were that good, that 2 of them stayed with it to fix it through a sandstorm, while the other organised transport to the next place and we were only 15 mins behind schedule.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just book it!!

Suggestions

All I can say is that this was my 1st Exodus trip and it was that amazing, I have already chosen my next trip....I've been back for less than 2 days!

Most Inspirational Moment

It was great to be whizzed ioff immediately on arrival, and coming inclose contact with the 'big five' was just amazing! We have some fab photographs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was lovely, very helpful and knew a lot of stuff about everything really!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just that the matresses that were provided were brilliant so you don't need to bring your own. There was also some confusion on what sort of bag to take as that was not clear from the notes. In the end (after checking with the office) we took a soft 55l (my boyfriend) and 70l (me) bag with wheels and that was fine. We also had a small rucksack each which we really needed.

Suggestions

Although it was the most expensive holiday I have ever had, it was worth the money. Everything was well organised,  the tents were nice, the food was great, places to stay well chosen. Overall an unforgettable experience!

Most Inspirational Moment

So many of different kinds! Seeing the lepoard in its tree with its kill, an antelope, on the next branch. A cheetah trotting across the plains. Lions with their coats stained red from a recent kill. The colours of the birds. Visiting a medical clinic offering free health care to the local Masai

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chris was superb - extremely knowledgeable and very ready to share his knowledge with all of us. Equally willing to help us spot birds. A wonderful sense of humour shared by all 3 staff - especially when the hyena ran off with the bin! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Head torch is essential.  The sleeping mats provided were exceptional - we had taken extra air beds but never needed them.  Heed the warnings about cold nights - they are cold!  remember it can rain!  Hot showers do not always materialise.

Suggestions

Luggage recommendations:  the travel notes left us slightly confused.  Our main bags went into a huge compartment along with tents etc. Absolute measurements did not matter. Under one's seat in the truck was a small locker, (which could have taken a small day pack)  which one padlocked. This is where we kept our passports, money and any valuable. The truck was never left unattended- someone even slept in it at night for security.  Money; Again, the travel notes were not entirely accurate;The best currency to pay for the Local trips and in the shops and markets was the local Shillings- items were cheaper using these compared with US dollars.  It was definitely best to bring US dollars, but then get them changed into the local currency- usually possible about every second day.

Most Inspirational Moment

The game drives in all parks were exceptional, particularly a personal game drive in the Serengeti (whilst the remainder of the party were ballooning) spotting a hyena and jackal tug-of-war with an unfortunate young buffalo, just killed by the hyena, just 20m from the truck. The bird life was amazing, a personal bird guide is required to identify them all, although Often, the driver, made a good attempt. I made good use of the local motorbike gatherings, hopping on the back for a lightening photographic tour of some of the towns in exchange for the cost of a gallon of fuel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emius was friendly, helpful, very informative and a good conversationalist, offering the right advice at the appropriate time. He was ably joined by Often who had a good knowledge of the bird life and Leo, a master cook, both of whom were resourceful, friendly and informative.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Unlike Namibia, where I have also travelled with Exodus, the non-metalled roads can be extremely rough. There are a few long days travelling (10-12 hours) on these very rough roads where the priority was to get to the destination rather than sample the route. I would have liked more scenery to explore on foot during the long travelling days.The Zanzibar dolphin excursion is one to be avoided. What is not explained on arrival at the hotel is that the sea is invarably rough (a 4 or 5 ft swell on the day) the dolphins elusive and swimming with them impossible in those conditions, had we seen any. More importantly, there were no lifejackets in the small wooden boat which went at least a mile offshore. This was a waste of a 6 hour trip.

Suggestions

I was very impressed by the friendly people and scenic diversity of East Africa. One of my main interests was the bird life but I was not expecting such diversity. I took a copy of Helm Field Guides - Birds of East Africa by Stevenson & Fanshaw. The description, location maps and illustrations are superb but the variety of birds seen, particularly those small ones, were too numerous to identify!

Most Inspirational Moment

Descending into the Ngorongoro crater was like entering a lost world.  From the top you would think it was a vast empty space.  When are on the crater floor you'll be astounded by how many animals actually live together in this caldera.  The variety of species was also revealing and a good set of binoculars came in very handy as well as a decent zoom on the camera.We had a visit from some elephants drinking for the camp water supply - that caused quite a stir.The Serengetti balloon ride was as expensive as it was surreal.  This was part of what we went for and it will stay in our memories for ever.  We had mixed reports before we left but I can honestly say it was the best balloon ride I've been on and the cooked breakfast with champagne (Cava) was a good way to start the day.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Emias was amazing. Extremely well organised and always provided just enough information so would not forget and yet still be informed.  Nothing was too much trouble for him and his knowledge of wildlife was encyclopedic.  His driving was excellent on some difficult roads and thankfully he was the only one who stayed awake for the full journey which is a long way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some old gardening gloves for putting up the tent and taking it down.  The metal hooks are annoying and make your fingers sore after a few days.  You'll be doing this in the dark on some days so take a good head torch too.  There are some very early morning starts but it is worth it so you get to your next camp site in the light and you get the best spot.  You can always catch up wtih your sleep on the truck.  There will be long periods of travelling in the truck so be prepared with some personal entertainment or a pillow. If you are tempted by the Dolphin Trip on Zanzibar please INSIST on having a life jacket before you get on the boat.  We had none and the sea was rough to the point we asked to be taken back ashore.  We complained to no avail.The Kilimanjaro walk is well worth the effort.  It is NOT EASY bearing in mind the teraine, altitude and heat so some fitness is required and take plenty of water.  Remember 'pole-pole' - take it slow.

Suggestions

When you get to Zanzibar Exodus hand over the organisation to a local company.  For me this was dissapointing as that is when the quality dipped.  Once they had your money for trips they seemed to lose interest and the communication was poor.

Most Inspirational Moment

I was truely over awed when i came up close with 2 big elephants drinking water round the back of the camp site we were staying at! I think it must be the most surreal experience of my life. Mind you, seeing the beautiful Indian Ocean from our balcony room in Zanzibar was also magnificent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oh my Godaness!! Linda was fantastic, totally my kind of woman, she really helped to make the trip the sensational experience that it was.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was a complete novice to this holiday, and so read all the reviews before I went, which were all helpful. However I would add, that i wish I had taken a pair of binoculars with me, I am looking to buy a pair before my next trip, and I will certainly be booking more trips in the future :-)

Suggestions

I would say to anyone thinking about booking this trip just go 4 it! Dont worry if you are traveling alone, or never done anything like this before, it was truely fantastic, and I will never forget it.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Ngorongoro Crater is a must see. Stunning national park with lots of game. Zanzibar is also well worth a visit. Amazing beaches & lots of interesting things in and around Stone Town. Going on a spice tour is highly recommended. Camping in the middle of the Serengeti was also a unique experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Linda, Emias & Leo were great and really looked after us. Linda especially was very experienced, knowledgeable and took everything in her stride when things went a bit wrong. One of the best crews I have travelled with.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some early starts, cold nights & long drives as the roads are not great. You also do not need to bring a sleeping mat as these are provided. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The Hot air Baloon ride over the Serengetti. (thoroughly recommended)   Seeing all those beautiful animals in their natural habitat

Thoughts on Group Leader

Linda was a tough lady, very good at sorting out problems.  An excellent driver

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a really good camera if you can and a three season sleeping bag.  If was pretty cold some nights

Suggestions

Its a bit tough packing up your tents in the dark at 4.30 a.m. but well worth it.   Boarding the shuttle ferry for the ferry to Zanzibar was horrendus, I felt I miight be crushed to death at one point.  However I loved the holiday and the food while camping was excellent.

Most Inspirational Moment

When camping out in the serengeti we spotted some eyes at night - with the help of a torch we established it was a grazing giraffe family, we watched them for quite a while, I felt privilaged to be in their world.Masai warriors played vortex with us at the Ngorongoro crater campsite. They are quite good at throwing!We had a change of campsite one night and got to visit the Second Chance Education Project, where children who have missed education get a chance to go back to school and get qualifications. The children were very excited to meet us and we were shown round the project and had a tour of the new facilities they are trying to build. A very grounding experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Chris certainly knew his stuff when it came to animals. Frank knew his way round a kitchen- and have excellent food 'African style' Always knew that hygiene was a priority. Nebert was a genuinely lovely bloke - and gives a good campfire story.Overall a great team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Space is limited - less is more. If I did it again I would rinse out clothes instead of taking extras.The cold night was not that cold - no need for thermals etc, a fleece would have done for me. Take a sleeping bag liner - I did not get my full sleeping bag out most nights.Despite previous reviews saying the snorkel sets for hire on Zanzibar are rubbish I would not recommend taking your own - we took a half day boat trip and most the coral was dead. Was not worth taking my mask for, the hire ones looked fine.Room at the beach in Zanzibar came with beach towel. Do not underestimate the strength of the sun on the beach - sun shaders are not readily available.Lots of opportunities to buy toliet roll as you go along but would take one for the first few days.Do not worry about dehydration - water (and wee stops) is readily available. Also able to buy snacks.I could not read on the truck it was very bouncy - never had one before but an audio book would have been a good idea.Water bottle far better than camelbak for the truck.

Suggestions

Shame the truck is being refurbished, the facing each other seating made the trip very socialable and made moving round easier. We had a great group and it was good to move round the truck to chat to people. All in all I could not fault the trip. The food, company and experience far exceeded expectations. I would recommend it to anyone.