Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

It was the good following the not-so-good. Having bounced onto a rock (did I mention there are a few there?) on a decent on the third day I wisely, I think, and for the first time on any trip, took a ride in the support vehicle to the next village. The inspirational moment was, having ridden down the remainder of the trail, found myself, with others in the group, sporting one of those unstoppable grins that you get after skiing down a fast long snowy piste.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Tirelessly maintaining bikes; fixing punctures in flesh and egos and tyres (is there no alternative to conventional pneumatic tyres on this punishing terrain?) and always giving guidance and advice about the next section of dried-up riverbed to be ridden. Liz often gave the opportunity to push a bit harder and was disappointed, I think, that none in the group - even the resident triathlete - was prepared to get up the extra hour and a half earlier to climb the 600m to the start of the day's ride!

Advice for Potential Travellers

When it gets technical and/or steep and/or there's a sheer drop then do concentrate, but otherwise, don't forget to look around and enjoy both the views and just being there - it's too easy to focus down to the track ahead. None of the group took their own bike. The 29" wheel Genesis hardtails have seen a lot of trail but are well maintained- the advantage being that the bike is well maintained for you and don't have to take any spares. I'd recommend taking SPD equivalents and shoes, though in one or two runs with near shear drops you might want to unclip. . I booked an extra couple of nights stay in the Hotel that Exodus use in Agadir. It's very cheap and in my case, still included the airport transfer. With the weather as it was (unbroken sun, 24degC late November) I should have stayed the week! If you're into cycling ;-) you can hire bikes locally (see the hotel notice board) and cycle up into the local hills, or to the bars and restaurants in the marina.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was too much going on to say that any one 'moment' was the most inspirational. Reaching the summit of the 2nd peak; wondering if the tiger was stalking when we saw the very recent paw print; the beauty and scale of the Meenakshi-Sundareshwarar Temple; the calm of the backwaters from the houseboat; the amazing murals of The Mattancherry Palace; and of course the amazing Keralan food!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Santosh was fantastic. We were a small group of 5 Brits of similar age - a possible challenge for any tour guide, however San read us all perfectly. He showed great judgement where he 'rewrote' the trip agenda to suit the weather, which washed out two of our campsites. He improvised on a 'day off' with a really interesting jeep tour of a tea plantation and 'found' hotel rooms for us all. His knowledge and experience as a guide, gained over many years of working with tour companies, was extensive and he carefully explained as we went along and also answered the many questions we had about life in modern India.

Most Inspirational Moment

I can't limit myself to one single sight. Instead, I will pick the day when we visited the Seljalandfoss waterfall (it was fascinating to walk behind this waterfall), the green house project for the best tomato soup lunch ever, the stunning Gullfoss waterfall, the hot spouts at Geysir, and finally walking along the fault line of the tectonic plates at the national park. It was completely dark for this last stop but we did the short walk as a group and had some fantastic laughs along the way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ibi was fantastic. Her style was very much understated but she made sure we knew what we needed to know, without "being on top of us". She was always on hand if we needed extra equipment, e.g. letting us know when we would need the (Exodus supplied) spikes for walking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The only downside for me is that there was limited opportunity to explore Reykjavik itself. We drove through it early morning when everything was shut and I would love to go back and see more. Therefore, adding on extra days at the start or end of the trip would be a good option.

Most Inspirational Moment

Where do I begin ? Sitting just feet from a male tiger for almost an hour, a cultural show held in a Haveli, Pushkar Camel Fair, the inlaid stones of the Taj Mahal...being part of worship in Hindu Temple, a boat trip in Udaipur...I cannot isolate one episode.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Having done perhaps a dozen Exodus trips, Harish our guide was probably the best. He was fun, passionate about his country, so caring and willing to adapt to our needs. He seemed to have endless ideas up his sleeve, offering us all sorts of possibilities. We loved the long journeys, so much to see and learn...especially about the wildlife. A first class leader who always went that extra mile.He even arranged a trip for us, as we arrived a day early,what more could you ask for ??

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take few, loose clothes. Keep lots of 10 rupee notes handy for tips in the toilets. Imodium were a good idea, as well as hand gels.Just enjoy it all... There are quite a few opportunities to get laundry done,amazingly efficiently and cheaply. The roads are dusty, so a scarf might be handy at times.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the summit of the Chola pass. I could finally breathe, relax, and take in the beauty around me, it's so stunning

Thoughts on Group Leader

I love Ngima!!! He is just incredible! So attentive to all of us. He didn't miss a beat! There is nothing he wouldn't do for us. And he is so much fun too! He made our trip as great as it was. We were so lucky to have him!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're scared of heights, avoid the Chola pass! And take the easier route to Everest base camp! But if you can brave it, its well worth it! Bring lot's of paracetamol with you for headaches! Oh and bring a hot water bottle with you! it keeps you lovely and toasty on those cold nights Oh nd bring a pack of cards.......

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling down hill from Ooty was amazing, the super tall trees in the mist were so special. The sunset and sunrise on the houseboat was also fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joseph was great, he really knew what he was doing and gave good advise on what to expect each day in terms of the traffic and riding terrain. When we had free time he would always be happy to help with suggestions and arrangements. He was also very aware and caring when people got sick offering advice and suggesting what to take to help etc. All the extra food places he took us to or suggested were great. Joseph as well as Rindu (assistant) and Michael (driver) were very professional and had obviously done the trip many times before as everything ran smoothly with out to much fuss. Thanks for a great trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own water bottle for the bike, some people didn't have them and the standard plastic water bottles would fall off the bike while cycling.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were two--seeing the Taj Mahal, which I truly believe is the most beautiful thing man has ever built, and seeing a tiger in the wild, which is surely one of God's most beautiful creatures.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Harish was a wonderful leader. I truly felt cared for and watched after. He was great at explaining the Indian way of life, which was invaluable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep your mind and heart open.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting to the top of Mount Toubkal! (& making it down again in one piece)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Perfect. Hassan was incredibly knowledgable having grown up in the mountains. He kept us entertained, was up for a laugh and never gave up on me. It was a hard slog. Him and Mohammed were just great. Exodus are very lucky to have such people working with them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is demanding. You need to be fit. Walking uphill for prolonged periods was hard. Don't think you can wing it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting watching the humming birds in front of our lodge. Saying hi to the agouti mundi in our garden. Zip wiring over the rain forest canopy. Trekking to the second waterfall. Swimming in the hot springs at night during a thunder storm.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gustavo was so enthusiastic about the birds. He worked hard to ensure we spotted as many as possible. He also made sure that the expectations of the non-birders were met by balancing birding with cultural and social information. Our driver Orlando was also great, he kept the bus immaculate, and was always at the door to lend a hand out and he did his fair share of bird spotting too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, take waterproofs and if possible waterproof luggage because it does rain and walking boots. Make sure you book your seats on the plane. Try to avoid travelling via United States airports , the immigration process and security is confusing and takes a couple of hours. So unnecessary for people in transit.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking on the high ridges of Aitana with magnificent views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose is an excellent leader. His enthusiasm for and knowledge of the area was inspiring. His attention to detail as particularly memorable especially in the sandwich that he provided for our lunch often eaten on high mountain ridges.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get reasonable fit and bring walking poles.