Reviews

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

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

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14440 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

francis josephs

Reviewed February 2015

cycling the cape and winelands

Outstanding!

Wonderful scenery; mountains and hills, beach and seas, undulating plains. Fantastic food and wines, fascinating wildlife, attractive local accommodation, very few long transfers, time to relax at end of rides. Delightful cycling- at times challenging, but always rewarding. Blues skies and heat! Great group and leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

Many. The cycling was a joy. The landscapes were stunning. Great night skies. Diving with sharks. Table Mountain and Robben Island. Franschoek and Tradow Passes and up to Chapman's Peak; Great Karoo; Cape Argus and Whale Coast;

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent: knowledgeable, friendly, amusing, caring, extremely hard-working and attentive to the needs of all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was glad to have brought my own saddle, saddle bag and clip on pedals. I spent a lot less than Exodus suggested. Great snacks and water at breaks- no need to bring your own, unless you like energy drinks. I saved a little money by booking my own flights direct with the airline- this also enables you to select (better) seat much earlier.

Sue Richardson

Reviewed February 2015

Cycling Adventure Cape and Winelands

At least in part for the physical and emotional excitement, adventure activities in South Africa offer something for everyone, from first timers to extreme to adventurers. Choices seem to range from laid back stargazing, strolling to serious hiking, cycling, mountaineering and everything in between. It was not a difficult decision for me to press the ” book it” button after reading the trip notes. Famous for its stunning coastline, big surf, blue skies, diverse terrain, sand dune landscapes and breathtaking mountains I had heard from many who have visited South Africa that it is a Country one can fall in love with.
This trip offers all of the above complemented with visits to the winelands and of course the cycling which by the way was arduous at times. Yes it was difficult to leave after this adventure hosted by our energetic Leader Wynard Bezuidenhout with his “co pilot” Sifisio our Driver. A great team that delivered a flawless, well executed adventure from the onset until our final farewell at the airport. The trip was breath taking, my first trip with Exodus and certainly shall not be my last. A small group of 12 like minded people left having shared the most incredible experience together – fun and adventure while sharing travel stories along the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

The feeling of success having completed the hill climbs and being rewarded with the most spectacular views. There are so may memories to mention, wine tastings, delicious cuisine, meeting an amazing a group of people, completing a 90K cycle in one day ! Feasting on Biltong, Photographing the penguins at Boulders. Cycling in the Little Karoo, the coastal cycle route from Gordon's Bay to Cape town magnificent. Cliff Top walk in Hermanus and the last goes on..

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wynard our Leader was a great inspiration and delivered honestly each days expectation. He kept us well informed and unconsciously he kept us to our schedule. He provided terrific recommendations for our " free day" and always had some rather good recommendations of where to dine. He was most knowledgable about the Cultural Heritage, Wildlife Heritage, Activities on offer and even had a few Rather wonderful Culinary experiences up his sleeve.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We were fortunate to experience the balmy breezes that the Coast is so famed for. However, in February temperatures were soaring to 28 - 30's, prepare yourself for the heat. Accommodations provided were exceptional although invariably our destination changed each evening with the exception of our stays in Hermanus and Franschhoek ( 2 night stays) so pack light !

Rosie Rosie Lapsley

Reviewed February 2015

Cycling

My first cycling holiday- hopefully not the last. This was a great way to see the best of Vietnam in the company of a great group. I had not been on a holiday with a group I did not know before and although most of the group were much younger than me I feel I have made lots of new friends.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of the Hai Van pass was the highlight of the trip for me. I never thought I would make it and being cheered on by the group as I reached the top was a very special moment, However, there were many wonderful moments ...seeing all the children who cheered us on as if we were super stars, negotiating our way out of Dalat in the traffic, eating lovely local food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Chi was the best. He was well organised, informative and funny. Nothing was too much trouble. The rest of the support team were also excellent. Our bikes were ready for us each morning, our water bottles were filled at each stop, We were also provided with fresh fruit and snacks at each stop and we were literally given a push up the hills if we were struggling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My padded shorts were invaluable. It was helpful to have two pairs as they did not always dry overnight when I washed them. Also a light waterproof top or fleece would have helped so that it can be removed and carried if the weather improves. We got very wet one day and not much would have helped. However we changed when we reached the bus and it was not cold.,We were provided with lots of snacks and drinks every 20 km but I would have preferred a camelbak to a bottle to enable me to cycle without stopping for a drink as I went as I could not get my bottle back in the holder without stopping. We needed hats and gloves at Halong Bay as well as fleeces and coats but this would depend on the time you are there. It was also cooler in the evenings and long trousers did not go amiss. A camera is a must!

Seema Quasim

Reviewed February 2015

Finnish Wilderness Week

I really enjoyed this week so much more than I thought. I had never done any winter sports or activities before, but the team at Basecamp were great at leading us through everything, from walking on snow, to staying warm, from cross country-skiing to ice wall climbing. The food was excellent – warming for the soul and very tasty. No meal was repeated and even my sweet tooth was catered for! The hot tub and sauna area were very clean and the rooms were just as described, with a floor that could dry all your gear overnight.

Most Inspirational Moment

Building a quinzee and crawling inside it with my co-builders, realising I had not forgotten how to ski (after 26 years) and driving the huskies.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Martti was superb - very supportive and I always felt safe in his hands

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take warm woolly socks and I preferred my hat which covered my ears more effectively.

David Cashmore

Reviewed February 2015

Discover Sri Lanka

Very enjoyable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Horton Plains

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was brilliant. His detailed knowledge of the art, history, politics, economics, society of Sri Lanka made my holiday much more enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is a busy schedule, be prepared for this.

Harry Glover

Reviewed February 2015

Colonial architecture, toucans, sloths, volcanos - and the Panama Canal

A wonderful mix of architecture, wild life, mounatin scenery – and for me – the awe-inspiring Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas.

Most Inspirational Moment

Several: * Sunset over Granada * Seeing the Arenal Volcano as a perfect cone-shape * Seeing toucans, sloths, monkeys, colorful birds and butterflies, ..... * The banana plantations * Discovering the Botanical Gardens on Bocas del Toro (that even J didn't know about) * Watching huge ships passing through the Miraflores locks

Thoughts on Group Leader

Janiell (Jay) is an amazing organiser with a lovely sense of humour, and was great dealing with the Customs Authorities at the border crossings.

Advice for Potential Travellers

* Take a bar bag (I did, having read of its advantages written by previous reviewers). * Also - especially if you are prone to sweating in hot humid conditions - take plenty of face cloths or handkerchieves, or something similar for wiping your brow while cycling. * Drink lots of water, then drink more.

Clive Elliott

Reviewed February 2015

Exodus Excellence in South Africa

A varied trip made special by an outstanding tour leader. Great food and wine, but much more importantly challenging but doable cycling through a diverse Western Cape….from spectacular coastal rides to open countryside pedalling, from fast downhill stretches to hill climbs, from long challenging days to shorter rides (all broken into manageable sections).

Most Inspirational Moment

Coastal rides along False Bay and over Chapmans Peak

Thoughts on Group Leader

Truly outstanding. Our fourth Exodus trip and the best leader by a distance. Hard working (including cooking excellent meals), considered and considerate especially in recognising I am a relatively slow cyclist, informative, and engaging.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go! But be prepared for strong headwinds and some challenging stretches

Karen Beswick

Reviewed February 2015

Galapagos and Napo Wildlife Centre

This trip was unbelievable and hard to put into words to give it justice. I went with no expectations although the reviews I read were good. From the moment we arrived it was an adventure with experiences that can only be described as amazing. From the wildlife to climbing the volcano every moment is one which I will treasure. There is not one thing I can say that is negative.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many it is hard to choose but when you get out of the sea after swimming with a pod of about 100 dolphins and struggle to control your emotions I guess it has to be that but honestly everything had it's own special moment.. to be able to swim with dolphins, turtles, sea lions, penguins, sharks, sea iguanas, and the most amazing fish was a privilege beyond compare. Climbing the volcanoes and seeing the views was equally amazing. Napo was beautiful and the highlight has to be the macaws flying over the canopy as we stood on the tower. We saw lots of parrots and birds. Also several types of monkey, The setting on the lake is beautiful.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Darwin....well I think he is a merman! Fantastic guy who swam with the most able and then equally came on to the beach to be with the least able. Good sense of humour and very knowledgeable. Could not fault him. Kind and caring without being patronising. In Napo we were guided by Delpin and he was brilliant. Even managed to find a blue frog.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book it and extend to Napo Wildlife Centre after. Such a contrast to the Galapagos and equally as amazing. It is an active trip but all abilities are able to go.. the fit and not so fit...

Denise Hall

Reviewed February 2015

Cycling in Sri Lanka

We have been on several Exodus cycle trips and I can honestly say this was the best one. Sri Lanka is a wonderful country to visit and has a rich cultural heritage which we loved exploring. The accommation ranged from basic to luxury hotels all of which were acceptable. There was never a dull moment and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour which was brilliantly led my Suresh.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many highlights each day brought something new, my husband enjoyed achieving the hill climbs and as for me soaking up all the sights the trip had to offer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh was our leader, he was fantastic. He was always approachable, took time in getting to know each member of the tour, was there to help with every aspect of the trip. It was my birthday while we were there and Suresh arranged for my bike to be decorated with balloons, my room had towels made into swans and flowers arranged to say happy birthday, in the evening a lovely birthday cake appeared, to me these little details mean a lot.

Advice for Potential Travellers

ENJOY !!!!

Daphne Partridge

Reviewed February 2015

Ups and downs of Costa Rica

The trip provided a great overall view of Costa Rica with a friendly and fun group – from the glorious Manuel Antonio beaches to the heights of the rainforest canopy and everything in between.

Most Inspirational Moment

The tranquility at the Esquinas Rainforest Lodge comes top of the list, with only a couple of other guests staying there it provided time to relax an absorb your surroundings and the gardens and track provided many wildlife sightings and photo opportunities. A great start to the trip was at Tortuguero with boat rides into the lagoon and canals to see plenty of birds and also many sightings in and around the gardens and cabins. The beaches of Manuel Antonio were lovely, although very busy on the weekend and sadly most wildlife was seen hanging around the people (raccoons, monkeys and lizards) and not on the quiet forest trails.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andreas was an excellent leader, with a passion for of his country, and a huge amount of knowledge on the wildlife and birds, making every outing interesting and informative. He was very patient with our group of 16 and he and our driver, Orlando were friendly and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip is classed as leisurely but I would point out that many of the hikes in the rainforests were quite strenuous (and sometimes muddy) with steps up and down making a walking pole invaluable.The day in the Monteverde rainforest was exhilarating, with a morning walk, followed by the Hanging Bridges (optional) and followed by the zipwires (14 of them & optional!) a brilliant day but with quite long stretches of walking and more steps to get you to the various platforms we were all exhausted by the end of the day!

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