Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Being in the Sahara, the sunset and the night sky. Also the Atlas Mountains which were stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good: knowledgeable and took us to some great restaurants!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We didn't need our sleeping bags: there were made up beds in both the Sahara camp and the gite where we had a tent/room for ourselves. It was very hot at the end of March/beginning of April and only needed a jumper in the evening in the desert. A couple of longer drives, but the scenery was stunning. The camel ride was fun after the first 10 min of getting used to it but does leave you a little sore!

Most Inspirational Moment

It is difficult to pick out anything specific on this diverse trip because so much was fantastic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our Group Leader Danh Nguyen was excellent from the moment we arrived until we had checked in at the airport to leave. Nothing was too much trouble and he arranged a number of nice touches to make the holiday even more enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A reasonable level of fitness helps make this trip more enjoyable and be prepared to deal with cycling in the sun with lots of sun screen.

Most Inspirational Moment

The emphasis on supporting access to local communities and through this getting an insight into the lives of real people , more of this should be considered

Thoughts on Group Leader

The best leader we have experienced, nothing was too much trouble for him

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack for all types of weather , you especially need good walking boots with secure ankle support

Most Inspirational Moment

Some of the scenery along the coastal road is quite simply breathtaking - as is the Italian driving! One particular lunch at a cliff-top restaurant was especially spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paolo is a wonderful leader, always patient and interesting and a font of historical knowledge.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The mileages quoted for each day do not reflect the long uphill climbs that are sometimes required and I understand that some people book onto this trip who are not fit enough to cope. This is a shame both for them and for the rest of the group. I think the Exodus brochure should emphasise more fully the need to check your ability before booking this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Early one morning our Jeep closed upon a few others which had stopped. With curiosity I looked and could not believe my eyes, There before my very eyes was a Tiger it was only a few meters away from us, relaxed, watching with the same curiosity while taking a rest and drink. Having a sleep, rolling over onto its back, legs in the air. This is what I came for.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was Krishna. A very likeable man. A good leader with great knowledge. A good organiser. Well in control of the group, excellent communication skills. A great asset to the Exodus team

Advice for Potential Travellers

You are visiting India. Be prepared for the inevitable tummy problems. The game drives in some of the parks can be very dusty, especially if you are following other Jeeps. If you have a good camera and lens, take something to cover it. The same could be said for your nose and mouth, A scarf is an essential part of the kit. As much as a Hat or Insect repellent etc.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing and swimming with penguins, turtles, sea lions, sting rays, sharks, hammerhead sharks, dolphins. Seeing a huge group of dolphins swimming when we were sailing was also a huge highlight. Blue footed boobies courting ritual. Wandering albatross as well was wonderfull.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Darwin was excellent really fun and knowledgeable about the history of the islands and the animals that inhabit it a wonderful your leader can't fault one bit.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Small cabins don't take to much also very formal at dinner times so no need to worry about taking all smart clothes.

Most Inspirational Moment

A number of moments stood out. 1. Seeing a male and female tiger just 7-8 metres away from us at a waterhole on separate occasions - an utterly outstanding sighting which would be very difficult to better - as mentioned below the Exodus vehicles had just about the best view of them too. 2. Observing 2 10 month year old cubs follow in their mother's footsteps and stalk wild boar - they had no chance of catching them but great to observe. 3. Seeing a sloth bear was wonderful - whilst I didn't see them, other group members were lucky enough to see a Jungle Cat and Dholes (wild dogs) at a kill. 4. Seeing a 'live kill' right in front of us as we saw a jackal stalk, chase for 60 metres or so and successfully hunt a spotted deer. Pretty grisly but it was good to know that the jackal's cubs would be well fed. 5. Seeing the Taj Mahal - a wonderful site.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I travelled on this exact trip with Krishna 3 years ago and was delighted to have him as a Group Leader again - he was once again a terrific Leader, an extremely efficient, friendly and genuine guy. He worked really hard to ensure that the 16 days went very smoothly & to ensure that the Exodus group was given access to some of the best drivers/guides in the Parks which are so important to maximising tiger sightings - to put this in perspective when we had multiple Tiger sightings at one park other independent travellers travelling with other companies staying at our Lodge had none. His hard work ensured that all of the group had outstanding sightings that you would struggle to better if you did the trip 10 times. Krishna's willingness to wake up at 3am to ensure the group had 2 optional drives also paid dividends as the group saw tigers on both occasions. Much appreciated!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Tiger spotting is an extremely challenging process for even the most gifted of guides/park staff. The Indian National Parks are not home to huge numbers of animals that you see in Africa, but when you do see them it is a great experience. Just try and be patient and enjoy the beautiful parks as you go along!

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed the ascent and decent of the peak itself as it was a real challenge

Thoughts on Group Leader

I found John to be an outstanding guide and leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have a warm sleeping back and the correct gear for the whole trip. If your not fit then don't do it as i saw lots of people struggling on the final day

Most Inspirational Moment

Halong Bay was special for me as a scenery freak but the experience of the Cu Chi tunnels was also fascinating.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Leader was good and what he lacked in linguistic fluency he made up for in enthusiasm

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take the optional bike trips, they're a great way to feel part of the environment

Most Inspirational Moment

Speeding downhill! Seeing the countryside and Cuban life (and cars) from the saddle.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My biggest concern, as an irregular cyclist, before the trip was 'what to wear?'. I can now say, after two weeks in the saddle, that you do NOT need to invest in expensive clothing or lycra. I was very happy in loose cotton T-shirts and shorts, old cotton or silk caftans are cool and protect against the intense sun, 'pedal-pushers' do just that. Thick-soled walking sandals proved to be most comfortable. A gel saddle cover, and padded under-shorts were necessary (though hot), and good cycling gloves are a wise investment. Maybe I would have been faster in lycra?