Wildlife & Beaches of Southern Africa, Discovery Holiday

Our Clients’ Reviews

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. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 10 reviews.

Helen Caldbeck

WILDLIFE & BEACHES OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Written November 2012
A wonderful adventure covering everything from safari, idyllic beaches, ancient ruins, and adrenalin filled adventure. Definitely something for everyone.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I fell in love with Zimbabwe ... the landscape and most importantly the people. Antelope Park in Gweru is a real highlight - walking with the lions was an incredible experience. Everyone had plenty of time with them, walking, sitting with them, and watching them as they chased antelope in the distance ... just fantastic.
The stunning beaches of Mozambique ... especially Vilanculos. Take a trip to Bazaruto Island ... but watch out the snorkelling is definitely "extreme." Take plenty of sun tan cream ... and remember to re-apply!!!!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Crispin was FANTASTIC. The whole team were very special and really worked together to look after us. I can't give higher praise. Such a passion for the countries and places we visited. Nothing was too much trouble.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for long days in the bus! In order to travel across 3 countries in 2 weeks, there are many miles to cover. The days on the bus are broken up well, with plenty of stops, shopping and photo opportunities, and bush toilets when required!
Laundry can be done at Antelope Park, so you can keep your luggage down and save room for souvenirs galore.
Money - Rand in South Africa can be bought in advance. You can change Rand/Dollars to Mozambique meticals when there - however in some places you can use Rand still. Our leader advised what we needed to change which was very helpful. Zimbabwe - take US Dollars.
Try and get your Mozambique Visa in advance - speeds up the process on entering the country. Our whole group had sortd their Visa's and this went very smoothly as a result. Zimbabwe took longer but no major issues.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
An excellent adventure ... loved it all!
Sam Birnie

WILDLIFE & BEACHES OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Written August 2012
Fabulous trip taking in the wildlife of Kruger and Zimbabwe and the amazing beaches of Mozambique. Lots of driving but worth the wait as you travel from place to place each one with it's own character and memories. Mozambique was particularly special a Caribbean oasis on the coast of Africa - who would have thought that you could enjoy Mojitos at 11am on a beach! The people in 'Mozi and Zim' were welcoming and friendly and are their country's greatest assest in terms of tourism.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
All inspirational! The crew were the best ever with T the greatest chef ever and Japhet the world's best driver who treated us to daily 'African Massage'. Seeing a cheetah in Kruger was awesome as were all the lion activities in Antelope Park. The trip out to the island on the Dhow in Mozambique was fantastic and the snorkelling was superb. Vic Falls was adrenaline fuelled as ever, having tried white water rafting last time in Zambia got persuaded to do the Flying Fox! The sunset cruise on the Zambezi was a nice ending to the trip with some of the nicest people that I have met travelling - Nina and the Cutest Canadian honeymoon couple!! to mention a few!
What did you think of your group leader?
Crispen is the best tour guide I have ever come across as a seasoned traveller. Right from the start he shared his culture and history with us and was kind, humourous and generous. His 'truck is moving' and 'alllllright' cath phrases kept us entertained on long distances. Also Crispen was always willing to 'make a plan, for sure' about anything and everything! Crispen, T and Japhet went from 'crew' to good friends of ours in a short space of time and made the trip the best ever!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We went in August and unseasonable snow in Jo'Burg meant that it was freezing at night and in the mornings. So be prepared if you travel at the time of the year to bring extra clothes, good sleeping bags and when necessary uprade along the way - we did. Be prepared to muck in as this helps everything move along and gets you from A to B quicker. Bring extra padlocks for lockers on truck. Headtorches are a definite must and stock up on rusks and Mrs Balls along the way!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Wakanaka!! xxxxx
Seonaid Hastie Smith

WILDLIFE & BEACHES OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Written August 2012
Highly impressed with Exodus from the time of booking to the end of our trip. The variety of places we visited were well thought out for maximum interest and the time spent in each place was about right. The optional activities were well worth selecting from to enhance the experience. Our group of 10 was an ideal number for the vehicle. Room to move around during game drives and on the longer journeys.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Two very interesting historical visits - The Great Zimbabwe Ruins and Rhodes Grave at World's View in the Motopos Hills (The best view in Southern Africa). The Dhow trip (optional) to the Bazaruto island for snorkelling was a really fabulous day. We really enjoyed the Victoria Falls experience (walking the Falls, sunset cruise, drink at Victoria Falls Hotel etc). We saw considerable wildlife - only missed out on a leopard sadly - however there has to be a reason to return!
What did you think of your group leader?
Crispin was outstanding. He was professional, an excellent communicator and organiser and his attention to detail was perfect. He was very knowledgable on all aspects of the trip - animals, birds, history and culture. He spent a lot of time ensuring our needs were met and at the same time was great company.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Our trip was during the Southern African winter and some nights were very cold therefore take warm clothes for evening and the best 4 seasons sleeping bag. (Even consider a small hot water bottle!) A good pillow is worth a lot when sleeping on a fairly thin mattress. This could be purchased in a local shop in South Africa and comes in useful for sleeping on some of the longer bumpy days in the truck (African massage!). All the usual name toiletries were for sale in the South African supermarket we visited at cheaper prices than UK! Take a good head torch and batteries and a small but strong combination padlock for your locker in the truck. A good zoom lens of at least x30 on your camera and binoculars for the game parks. We were not particularly bothered by mosquitos but we bought our anti malaria tabs at Jo'burg airport pharmacy at a fraction of the UK cost. Pack and then remove half your clothes - you won't need them. It was possible to have laundry done inexpensively within the time available at many stopovers.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The crew, Crispin, Japhet (the driver) and Mr T (the cook) were all delightful gentlemen who made our trip special. We enjoyed hearing their stories about their lives, families and culture. They made a fantastic friendly and amusing team and carried out their individual roles in a totally professional manner. Mr T created excellent, simple, plentiful meals, sometimes in a flash, and catered for everyones diets. Japhet drove really safely with awareness of our comfort. On this trip it was possible to upgrade at a number of our stopovers. Most of us took advantage of this particularly due to the cold nights. The Municipal Campsite on Christmas Pass at Mutare was the only poor night due to lack of working facilities. Would suggest Exodus try to find an alternative location for that night.
Julia Klett

WILDLIFE & BEACHES OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Written November 2011
Very nice trip and a nice route. We covered very long distances sometimes so be prepared for some very early starts and long drives. You travel by truck, which is sometimes not that comfortable and especially in the Kruger park a little bit unpractical as well. Trucks can't leave the main road so especially there you may miss out on some animals you could possibly see when in a smaller car. As advise for the company our group would have recommended to get a smaller vehicle for Kruger and switch back to the truck afterwards.. the sights are stunning on this route..the beautiful beaches, the Vic falls..rafting the Sambesi..truly incredible.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Vic falls with the rainbow in front as well as rafting the Sambesi with the thrill of survival afterwards.
What did you think of your group leader?
well organised, very nice guy. I'd like to mention our driver here as well....J.B. was the best ever....just amazing. We were told he is also a tour leader when he doesn't drive so maybe this observation also belongs to this category. When you're with him, you'll arrive savely :-)
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be patient..things sometimes take a little bit longer there. Expect very long drives in sometimes very hot weather..October in Zimabwe->suicide month...up to 47°C during our trip...
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Actually most of the trip was in October, not November ;-)
Malcolm Baker

WILDLIFE & BEACHES OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Written October 2011
First time with Exodus, never having previously traveled this style. A truly fantastic experience made by our traveling companions and the african guys as much as for the activities.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
For me it was swimming directly above a whale shark within touching distance. A real one off and something I never thought I would be lucky enough to do. In term of highlights, the 'white water' snorkeling when we were searching for the whale sharks will long live in the memory for our group, even for those who weren't lucky enough to be in the water at the right place/time like me. Unintentionally as exciting as the white water rafting at Vic Falls due to the prevailing sea conditions. Others included our lion encounters, the Rhino trek and the sunset cruise at Vic Falls which is a truly stunning place. The white water rafting at Vic Falls was brilliant albeit you needed to be fit to climb down, and more especially to climb out of the gorge. Stunning scenery.
What did you think of your group leader?
I will not single out our group leader as the whole team was brilliant and could not do enough for you. These guys make your trip and were good fun to be with. Crispin, was great fun and knowledgeable as well as organised. JB did a fantastic job driving ....covering 3800 kms all told, and 600kms in a day on some occasions, on african roads is no easy task. Kingston did the cooking.......how he managed to turn out such good meals on camp fires for the 17 of us I don't know. Food was plentiful but plain. Best of all was that they joined in on the trips.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Enjoy it and soak up the experience. We were one of only two couples on this trip and amongst the oldest ......the age, sex, traveling experience, and various occupations made for a real mixed bag ......you have to be prepared to join and muck in. Take advantage of everything whilst there. We had never camped previously let alone in Africa, but never felt the need to upgrade to rooms rather than the tent. Those that did had most trouble with the mossies. Take a decent torch, ours was not up to the task. Expect the unexpected.....it is Africa!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A truly memorable trip, we would do it all again tomorrow and indeed hope to arrange further trips with friends made on this one.
Kate Gregg
WILDLIFE & BEACHES OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Written October 2011
Just the most amazing trip - full of highlights I am not sure quite where to start! Really great way to see the variety that Africa offers - game, beaches, beautiful scenary etc. And amazing to see Zimbabwe and learn so much more about this beautiful country.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing and learning so much about Zimbabwe - amazing country which has so much to offer, so much to see.
Our guide, driver and cook were marvellous and were so inspirational. They did so much for us and went out of their way to make the holiday so special. Thank you JB, Crispin and Kingston...
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent, knowledgeable, caring and flexible. Nothing was too much trouble...
Our driver (JB) was fantastic - and took so much care of us. Kingston was the most inspirational cook - couldn't quite believe you could cook such amazing food on a campfire.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't take too much luggage - pack light!
Remember a head torch - essential...
Get your Mozambique visa in advance...

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just the most amazing holiday. Well worth it, I couldn't recommend the trip more and the countries you get to visit...Moz and Zim in particular.
sarah tyler

WILDLIFE & BEACHES OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Written September 2011
This trip was fantastic, as well as hilarious, from the jump. The planned route, excellent guides and an easy mix of travelers combined to make this an incredible experience.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The trip from mozambique to the island for swimming and lunch and the return trip was particularly breathtaking.
I particularly enjoyed watching the giraffe slowly, alertly, approach the watering hole at hwange.
What did you think of your group leader?
Crispen is a great group leader and fine man. He is knowledgable, organized, kind and has a fine sense of humor. He always explained to us the plan for the following day. He was kind, but firm as to when we had to be up and out. He kept us on track so we could see and do so many wonderful things. JB our driver made us feel secure in his ability to take care of us and the truck over some pretty tough terrain. He was also always helpful with tents, luggage, information. Kelvin seemed to be everywhere doing everything and was very valuable to us in his quiet way.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Try to do some walking two months prior to your trip. also, five o'clock wake ups were pretty standard as we often had to be up packed, breakfasted and out of there by six. and if you are going to do the white water rafting at victoria falls be prepared to walk all the way down the gorge with your lifejacket, paddle and helmet....not real bad until you have to walk a very steep trail all the way back up. The white water rafting was well worth it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Only one of the camp sites was iffy. The campsite outside mutare...perhaps that can be changed.
Also, if everyone got their visa's for both mozambique and zimbabwe things would go faster at the borders, i believe.
We had eleven folks on the trip along with our three wonderful quides. Any more than one or two more people would have been too many for the space and for the need to get up and get going.
I can't wait to see what trip i'm going on next.....