Reviews

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

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74 Reviews

4.9 out of 5

Anna Blackmore

Reviewed February 2018

The ideal introduction to a stunning, varied and fascinating country

The pace of this tour was perfect and attracted a delightfully varied range of people and ages from 30’s to 70’s. We had at least 2 nights in each place, the only early start was 8.15 and there was enough time factored in to relax / explore on our own. Yet we saw and packed so MUCH into the 12 days. It really felt like a holiday, as well as an adventure, and I will always go for the ‘leisurely’ trips from now on.

Most Inspirational Moment

The safaris were, of course a high point, especially the lovingly sparring rhino couple. I also loved the wild ocean in Tsitsikamma, zip-lining down the gorge and hiking through the forest – completely on my own. Of many great meals (even as a gluten-free, pesco-veggie!!), the wine tasting lunch stands out for me as the best gourmet experience. The Langa township tour is imprinted on my memory, as both an eye-opening experience of SA’s sad history and current challenges and also a heart-lifting contact with people who are bringing grass-root transformation and the sense that we were able to make a positive contribution.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We were very blessed to have an outstanding guide in Justin; patient, good humoured, an excellent driver and group facilitator and with a very impressive breadth and depth of knowledge of SA's nature, history and politics.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I spent 2 days alone visiting Johannesburg before the tour and rather wish I had done the same in Cape Town at the end, there is so much to see and do in the cities.

dayl dufrane

Reviewed December 2017

Garden route - south africa in nov

Two weeks at the end of November was ideal time to travel the ‘Garden Route’ Varied itinery. from game parks , to wine tasting, whale watching to visiting ostrich farm, museums to shopping. Includes days in Cape Town ( table mountain etc ) , lots of free time, optional extras which you could chose to do or not.

Most Inspirational Moment

I went shark diving in a cage !! It was a must do optional extra - costs a lot but you have to do these things once in your life. Well worth all the money ( thanks credit card ) Picked up from hotel- driven to the centre - travel out on boat for 20+ mins Safety briefings given . Wet suit + mask etc Water not that cold for the Atlantic. Although not see great white saw plenty of copper back sharks - hey a shark is a shark . Had two long sessions in cage. I loved it ... Go for it

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin was very very good. Knew his stuff . Very obviously proud of his country. Put up with a lot of ribbing from the 16 of us. Always helpful. If he is your group leader you will enjoy yourself as well as learn loads about SAfrica - whether it be animals, plants , history, geology, even politics

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for different weather - can change - I think we were very lucky. However, did not get to Robben Island due to rough seas and were lucky to get up Table Mountain on 2nd attempt. Don't be disappointed if you not make these two trips. In Cape town go on hop on hop off bus BUT they only run clockwise - hence do not think about going all way round then doing it again and hopping off . Blue route takes 2 + hours. Take some tea/ coffee with you as a couple of apartments are ' self catering ' Apartments and hotels we stayed in were ideally situated- view over sea etc. Try all sorts of food - Ostrich, warthog, springbok all very tasty as were the fish dishes. Kayaking ( includes lilo + cliff jumping ) ok. Zip wiring - good intro as I had not done before but I think a bit tame if you had already experienced it. Whale watching approx. £40 may not be worth it especially as you can see from beach ( this opinion from group - I did not do ) Township - I did not do but there were very mixed views - many negative

Suggestions

Last two weeks in nov are good time to go - still Whales around which you can see from the land Weather good 23-30 degrees. Lots of shops, markets to buy items - make sure you have room in your case Wine cheap.

Jane and John Taylor

Reviewed November 2017

A Wonderful Introduction to South Africa

We have just returned from Cape Town and the Garden Route and what a reluctant return it was. We are both “Senior Citizens”, had never been in Africa before and had few pre- conceived ideas of what to expect.
The whole trip was amazing from being met at Port Elizabeth by our guide JP and then our mini bus driver Jerome. They both did everything they could to ensure that we were enjoying ourselves, JP was full of suggestions as to any extra excursions, and then booked them for us. We were very glad that we had budgeted for such trips as the extra game Drive ( a truly wonderful experience), the Tsitsikamma Zip Lining and the boat based whale watching at Hermanus.
The accommodation was all clean and comfortable if somewhat basic in a couple of places, the jewel of accommodation was Housemartin Guest Lodge in De Rust. Most of the accommodation had views to die for.
JP was full of knowledge about history, the animals, birds, flora and fauna etc and was happy to talk about it all. At Storms River cabins he took some of us on a walk along part of the Otter Trail, strenuous it was and not for the unfit, but the waterfall we ended up at was worth it. It was things like this that we would have missed out on if it wasn’t for him.
On our final night in Cape Town JP suggested that we all go to Marcos African Restaurant with him and he would make the booking. If you like African music and dance don’t miss this place. To us it was simply the very ultimate in special nights out and a superb ending to a superb trip. By the way, we are vegetarians and we ate very well indeed everywhere on the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

On the extra game Drive our jeep stopped just as a Buffalo came round a corner and stood and stared at us for about 5 minutes. Being up close to the Whales. Watching a dung beetle push a huge lump up a path at Hermanus. Visiting Masiphumelee Township on a cycle tour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We thought he was excellent, very enthusiastic about his country and wanting to share as much as possible. We feel that we got far more out of this trip due to his character than we may have otherwise.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep an open mind and pack some good walking shoes. Join in. Have a go.

Suggestions

If people have pre conceived ideas about South Africa, then with the appropriate precautions needed for all tourists anywhere, it can be immensely enjoyed with very few restrictions at all.

Hilary Jones

Reviewed October 2017

Such a great holiday!

This was our first guided group tour so were a little unsure of what to expect, but the minute we met Justin our guide any uncertainty melted away. He met us with a warm welcome we were at ease immediately. Justin made the tour for us, he was informative and knowledgeable, enthusiastic with endless patience and went out of his way to ensure that we all had the best possible experience. The accommodation was always interesting and varied in great locations, we loved every minute. This a great trip with a safari, whale watching (in season) caves, wine, mountains beaches and of course Cape Town. We were sorry when it ended!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me Hermanus, it was the whale festival and the atmosphere was amazing. We took a whale watching trip it was the most wonderful experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin was just brilliant, so helpful knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take less clothes!

Suggestions

A few members of our group had used Exodus on many occasions and I can see why, can't recommend them enough.

Rob Alleway

Reviewed September 2017

Stunning South Africa

This was our first trip to South Africa which we found was a stunning introduction. The pace of the trip was perfect, and we visited memorable and beautiful locations every day. The flora and fauna were amazing, the excursions should not be missed. The route is scenic and interesting

Most Inspirational Moment

We can't find a best moment as there were so many. The game drives close up to wildlife were perhaps what we enjoyed most, but seeing whales close up was just amazing. The penguins, ostriches all added to the flavour of the trip along with a sobering tour of Robben Island.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The trip would not have been so spectacular without our guide Justin. This guy is passionate about his country and has an encyclopeadic knowledge of flora and fauna as well as a local knowledge which takes you to the best vantage points on any trip. He went well beyond what we could have expected of our guide. He was engaging, humorous and attentive to everyone on the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The excursions should not be missed, make sure you have a large memory card for your camera, and buy a local sim card for your phone.

David Stafford

Reviewed April 2017

Cape Town and the Garden Route

We loved this holiday from start to finish.It was a great introduction to Africa with a range of scenery, landscapes and activities. We were glad we budgeted for the optional extras, kayaking, zip wire and shark cage diving. All amazing experiences.
The accommodation was good with some excellent breakfasts. Restaurant food was varied with ample portions. We are vegetarian and had no problem finding interesting meals.
Saw a great variety of birds and animals in and out of the Game Parks.

Most Inspirational Moment

Robben Island was well worth visiting and so was Langa township. Very thought provoking experiences. Loved walking round the top of Table mountain and walking along the coast at the Cape of Good Hope.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin is the perfect guide. Friendly, likeable and professional. Nothing was too much trouble for him. We learned such a lot from him and it's obvious he loves his country. His knowledge of plants animals and birds is amazing.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There's a lot of moving about so don't overpack. I kept mislaying things so keep stuff in labelled bags.

Catharine Skinner

Reviewed April 2017

South Africa's Garden Route

The Garden Route is a diverse trip with so many highlights. It gives a great taster of what Africa has to offer. It’s wonderful to enjoy the wildlife in Addo and stay in the beautiful setting in the lemon orchards. Cape Town is fantastic with lots to do and the scenery is stunning. Table Mountain is not to be missed and Robben Island gives a great cultural contrast.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up everyday to beautiful experiences, but the "blanket" of cloud on table mountain is breathtaking!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin was so passionate about South Africa and positive everyday. He looked after everyone on the trip so well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try to stay an extra night or two in Cape Town if you can it's great and do not miss the botanical gardens.

Simon Calrow

Reviewed March 2017

Take Me Back to South Africa!

A fantastic holiday from start to finish, our families first trip to Africa.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many great moments to the trip. The first nights stay at Avco, the game reserve at Abbo, The BBQ at De Rust. The view from our room at Hermanus, followed by the canoeing and the best breakfast I have ever had.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin was a brilliant leader. He took us to loads of interesting places, always in control and so knowledgeable. He was assisted by "gnasher" who also make a great leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it! It is a great place to go. Our only tip would be to take a torch which was needed occasionally. Go on a diet before you go the food is fabulous.

Suggestions

Would love to go again, two weeks was not enough in such an epic country.

Carolynne Ridley

Reviewed March 2017

Cape Town and Garden Route

What a fantastic trip. Lots to see, scenery, views, birds & animals. The food and weather were excellent too. Accommodation was comfortable, minibus occasionally was a bit bumpy but we were busy taking in all the sights to notice.

Most Inspirational Moment

We entered the Addo Elephant Park and almost straight away an elephant appeared out from the bushes which we all found amazing. We also enjoyed the optional game Park trip in an open vehicle as you are able to go off the beaten track and get much closer to the animals

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin our group leader was excellent, nothing was too much trouble, he make out trip stress free.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just the usual. Take comfortable shoes and clothing as there is the opportunity to do walking and also you do spend a bit of time in the minibus.

Suggestions

Be prepared to share some of the accommodation i.e. Kitchen and lounge, but you do have your own bedroom and on suite.

Carol Gledhill

Reviewed March 2017

Cape Town and Garden Route trip February 2017

An excellent trip. The majority of the inclusive trips were well thought out and planned.

Most Inspirational Moment

Lots,too many to mention as I'm lazy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Well informed on all aspects. Nothing was too much trouble for him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to share apartments with another couple in two of the places. Although for me personally it wasn't a problem .You do have your own bedroom and en-suite

Suggestions

I thought I was going on a trip for solo people.Not sure if I'd misread the info. Luckily there was one other person alone so we teamed up a little. I would have felt a little uncomfortable if I'd been totally the only singleton But everyone on my tour was great company and I was invited to join other couples The tour bus could have been a bit better.

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