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’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

13404 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed January 2011

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

We had a wonderful holiday, with exciting skiing through beautiful scenery, in perfect sunny conditions.

Most Inspirational Moment

We skied along an undulating trail high up on a plateau, with the sun blazing in a deep blue sky. There were fields of giant ice crystals on the snow, 3inches in height, looking like intricate leaves or feathers, and as the sun caught them they shone all the colours of the rainbow. Magic! (And impossible to photograph well!)The trail down from this plateau was 6 1/2 km in length, and although not steep, we had to snowplough continuously. The group spaced out a lot, with the speedies in front and the more cautious behind. I was in the middle and found myself seemingly alone skiing through the most picturesque mountain scenery. I loved it!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert was an excellent leader. He was very conscious of what the group wanted, and he devised the daily itineraries to suit every member of our group, each day building up our abilities and confidence. Those who did not want to ski too far had options to catch buses back at various points, and he was willing to extend the daily skiing until the light failed for us keenies. I felt I could trust his judgement of what to tackle or not, and he took us on exciting routes.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Build up your stamina before you tackle cross country skiing, by doing lots of walking, running, cycling or swimming.You'll be needing lots of energy, so that's a good excuse to sample the delicious cakes of the region, and the hot chocolates with cream that are so thick that you have to use a spoon!

Suggestions

Dobbiaco is the most scenic place we have skied in. The hotel was very comfortable and friendly, with a nice little pool, and excellent food. (Infact it was so good we have booked to stay there in the summer for walking and cyling)

Reviewed January 2011

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

Level 1 cross country skiing week – good teaching and group progressed well. Varying terrain, some easy, other parts challenging. Always option to walk past a section if too challenging. Hotel good with plenty of well cooked food and five course dinner each evening.

Most Inspirational Moment

Skiing at 2000 metres in excellent conditions on a sunny day with not a cloud in the sky.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Catered well for all abilities. Most of the routes crossed bus routes at several points so there were several options per day for taking bus back to hotel if wanted and allowing others to ski further.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pre holiday fitness to a moderate standard makes the course easier to manage and more enjoyable.

Suggestions

A great way to be introduced to cross country skiing.

Reviewed January 2011

ATLAS PANORAMA

This holiday fulfilled all our expectations. One of the things we were unsure of before we left was what the weather would be like in the mountains at the very end of December, but we were lucky. It was just perfect for walking – bright and sunny every day but not too hot. At night it did get very chilly and we needed our warm sleeping bags.

Most Inspirational Moment

The village in the mountains was in a beautiful location, and after the terrible traffic and fumes in Marrakech (outside the medina) the contrast was striking. There were no traffic sounds and just absolute peace, with a barking dog and the occasional sound of the call to prayer being all that disturbed it. The fact that the village has only had electricity for the last fouryears means that the traditional way of life (subsistence farming and little dependence on technology) still continues, but for how much longer, one wonders. The walks were spectacular and we were spurred on by the sight of Abdullah, our cook, overtaking us on his mule each day carrying our lunch, and what a lunch it was! He made tea and a couple of hot dishes served with salad and bread, followed by tangerines which we ate seated on cushions around a rug in a well chosen spot by a stream or lake.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammed, our group leader, was a young man in his twenties who looked after us beautifully. He would always sing exuberantly when we reached a high spot in the walk. We loved his berber cloaks which he lent out to anyone feeling a bit chilly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You really do need warm things and plenty of layers in winter - for the early mornings and the evenings. There is plenty of bottled water available, but the water in the village boiled for tea is fine and, although I do often get a stomach bug when in strange countries, none of us had any problems. We had an alcohol free week (even New Year's Eve!), because there is no alcohol in the village and none of us had thought to bring any from Marrakech, but surprisingly enough, we didn't miss it (too much).

Suggestions

We really liked the food - it was simple and healthy, with plenty of vegetables and not too much meat or fat. The cook in the gite was fantastic.

Reviewed January 2011

KENYA & TANZANIA ADVENTURE

Excellent holiday. We saw the big 5 (and lots of them), got close enough to get good snaps. Really enjoyed the mix of walking safari, early game drives and beach.

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.

Reviewed January 2011

MT TOUBKAL WINTER CLIMB

This trip is classed as ‘tough’ and that is certainly what it is if your haven’t trained, or are not naturally very fit! I would class this as an enjoyable experience rather than a holiday! The mountains, once you get into the snow, are beautiful and awe-inspiring. They are also very steep! The accommodation is very basic and cold, but as long as you have warm clothes it’s fine.

Most Inspirational Moment

Gingerly leading the roped group down on day three - what fun, but slow progress since I was determined not to slip down the very steep mountain side.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohamed and Lahcen certainly knew the mountains well and kept us safe.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have warm clothes. Ski-ing gloves are useful since they keep you much warmer and Ski goggles are to be recommended, rather than using your sunglasses. When the wind blows the snow around (quite violently and almost continually) you can't see a thing with just glasses on. Books, games, cards etc are useful since there is little to do in the evenings except have lots of early nights and early means by 8pm! Bring good earplugs, you will need them! Wet wipes are essential. Make sure your camera is handy at all times since the views are fabulous.

Suggestions

Just make sure you are fit, because it maks the trip so much more enjoyable and be prepared for very basic living conditions and the possibility of not showering for a number of days.Marakesh was very interesting especially the Souk and there was just enough time to do all the main sights. The hotel was only about 15 mins from the main square, so well placed for sight seeing.

Reviewed January 2011

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

A perfectly balanced week of life; do a lot of exercise, eat a lot of food. Do a lot more exercise, eat an even bigger amount of food. A truly virtuous circle.

Most Inspirational Moment

Despite skiing with commendable effort, i struggled with the subtleties of the snowplough and sensible cornering. Many bruises later my balance began to improve markedly, my skills less so. As i sailed out of control rounding a corner too fast, i prepared mentally to hit the deck once again. Imagine my surprise first not to fall over, second not to ski off the track completely, and third to negotiate my way back to the correct loipe in an almost controlled way. Not quite a baby taking its first steps but a definite sense of progress.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Albert found ways to deal calmy and patiently with a group of mixed ability and fitness. His basic apprach that you learn more my doing, trying, and taking your own risks, was very practical. I will remember fondly how on one occasion he said to me '' yeah, not bad '' while his eyes said '' i have no idea how you didn't fall over with that hamfisted approach. ''

Advice for Potential Travellers

Dobbiaco is an excellent site; many opportunities for different cross country trails either from the little town or from a short journey away. Personally i enjoyed the opportunity to make a journey from a to b in the different places we skied; more rewarding than just following circuits. The Hotel Tsurtschenthaler - though unpronounceable - is excellent. Literally endless supplies of food and friendly service. In the last 4 years my work has taken me to at least 30 different hotels in nearly as many countries. But the best shower in the world is in room 17 in Dobbiaco !

Suggestions

Dobbiaco is a little town. The bus station is a couple of hundred metres from the hotel. It's unmissable. Nonetheless i missed it one day and had to ski solo. For this i hold no one responsible but myself.

Reviewed January 2011

THE INCA TRAIL

A well organised and thoroughly enjoyable trip. Not intrustively rigid but with support should you need it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being left to climb alone in the beautiful cloudforest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Engaging and I felt secure that he would solve any issues that cropped up.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack light, and pack a light (I forgot my headtorch).

Suggestions

When my flight was delayed I really appreciated the efficiency with which you re-organised my onward flight and booked a night's accommodation for me. It stopped the start of my holiday being a cause of stress!

Reviewed January 2011

EVEREST BASE CAMP

Even if seeing Everest has not been a lifetime ambition this trip offers so much. The variety of sights, sounds, colours, noises, smells and tastes encountered in one holiday is amazing. From the apparent chaos of Khatmandu to the peace and tranquility of the mountains, the Everest Base Camp trek has it all.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment was being part of the team installing solar cookers along the trek. To see the difference our fundraising could make to the lives of everyone living in the mountains was an honour.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ngima was everything you would want in a group leader. His love for his country and for life in general was infectious. When things got tough (and they almost certainly will) Ngima was there with words of encouragement and the ability to turn tears into a smile. He took his job seriously and I felt that our safety was his number one priority, but this did not stop him from having fun. We all felt that our trek would not have been so enjoyable without him as our leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take the warnings seriously. This is a hard trek, not just fitness wise but also because of the altitude. Go away with the knowledge that it will be tough but a good sense of humour and determination will help get you through. It is worth it.

Suggestions

Sort out everything you think you will need to take then take some out! Be prepared for everything but you probably don't need 3 hats, 5 pairs of socks and 3 complete outfits for the trek! Essentials: head torch, good gloves with a thinner pair underneath, wet wipes - lots of, zip lock bags to pack things in your trek bag - keep your clean things clean and your smelly things contained! If you're not sure then just do it, you won't regret it!

Reviewed January 2011

WALKING IN MADEIRA

Good, enjoyable trip albeit a little repetitious and out of line with the trip notes on the later walks. On balance though – Recommended.

Most Inspirational Moment

The stunning contrasts of all the first three days' walks and scenery was superb.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bruno Castanha was excellent and went out of his way to be of assistance.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Check accuracy / up-to-date-ness of trip notes.

Suggestions

The option of a walking tour in Funchal at the end of the week would have been good. Whilst not the biggest place in the world, given that you've just a day there I think this would be a nice option to make the most of it. I know it's a walking holiday but I enjoy the charms of both city and country life so this would have made a welcome addition. The walks on days 4 & 5 along the levadas were very similar to those done on the first few days but these were somewhat forced upon us by the landslides six months earlier. Whilst pleasant enough they significantly lacked the wow factor of the first three days and were a little on the easy rather than moderate side. The trip notes should really have been updated to reflect this given that this was hardly a surprise. All in all though had a great holiday.

Reviewed January 2011

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

Easily the best wildlife safari I have been on. The photo opportunities available on the long days are worth every minute and every penny.The camp was comfortable and the food produced by a temporary set up was simply amazing.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching a cheetah lounging around on a small mound at dusk and hoping she would stay for sunset. The driver was very accommodating in moving the Land Cruiser back and forth until we were in the perfect position for a silhouette. Then we waited … and the cheetah delivered.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul is an excellent wildlife photographer; passionate about the wildlife and passionate that you get the best photos you can.However, you need to be proactive in asking for advice. For example, after photographing a cheetah a sunset Paul made the comment, “I hope you were underexposing for that”. This tip would have been nice before the event and also assumes you know why you need to do this and how to do this. Paul is of course willing to help but you can sense his frustration that you may have missed the opportunity!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I feel that you need a certain level of knowledge about your camera and photography to get the most out of the long days and excellent opportunities afforded by this trip.

Suggestions

Having been on a few "photography" holidays, I believe most fall into two types.The first is to learn about photography - the technical aspects of shutter speed, aperture and ISO; the different perspectives offered by wide angle, medium and telephoto lenses; how to process RAW files using Lightroom etc. The trip then allows time to practise these new found skills.The second is the opportunity to take photographs – get up early because the wildlife is active at dawn; stay up late because the wildlife is active at dusk; lunch at 3pm because you were waiting for a cheetah to hunt. These types of trips assume a certain amount of photographic skill and concentrate on getting you to the right place at the right time. Then it’s up to you.

Prev 1 … 1,334 1,335 1,336 1,337 1,338 … 1,341 Next