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.

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14331 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Anonymous .

Reviewed November 2014

Highlights of Madagascar

This is a fabulous holiday for experiencing a breathtaking natural environment. Landscapes range from the lush bright green rice fields, dry spiky desert, rugged canyon full of texture and shades of ochre and terracotta, the tangled green rain forests down to the turquoise, crystal clear coral sea – not forgetting the white shell strewn sands. There are so many different Lemurs to see, even the nocturnal, tiny mouse lemur with a penchant for bananas. Lemurs leap with their clinging babies among the tree tops defying the camera, others ‘pose’ swinging upside down and, at times, just fluffy bundles, legs limply dangling snooze above paparazzi heads. Chameleons, some tiny, some podgy, tantalize the spotters by merging into their leafy or stony backgrounds whilst over sized butterflies, moths and insects scurry about underfoot and overhead. The natural pools, cascading waterfalls and brightly coloured flowers evoke memories of the Bounty adverts. There’s so much packed into each day – as well as night, morning and daytime trekking with the ‘spotters’, there’s opportunity to watch wood and zebu horn carvers, silk weavers, even wine tasting. Travelling is by mini bus, 4×4’s, speed boat, traditional canoes, even a zebu cart out to the boats which is quite an experience! The Malagasy people waved and smiled whilst the enterprising children loved little treats but particularly bottles of water which was such a precious gift in the south.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole group was enthralled by the wildlife experiences and cultural visits and stories but we were all totally inspired by the amazingly resourceful recycling projects. We visited some very enterprising people who had built mechanisms from scrap materials to enable them to create the most intricate things as well as essential, everyday basic utensils. The Malagasy people work in such difficult circumstances which are effected by the climate and environment and working conditions are archaic with little regard to health and safety to say the least. It is a rich country in terms of gems and spectacular natural beauty but the infrastructure is poor and even basic commodities are so difficult to obtain and control, particularly power and water which are so precious.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our local group leader, Tyena, was excellent. He ensured we were well informed, well supervised, well fed and our experience of Madagascar was educative and authentic. Our safety was also of utmost importance to him. He never rested until we were settled and genuinely enjoyed telling us about his country, helping us to be better informed about cultural issues, environmental problems and the daily lives of the Malagasy.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Currency - Stirling or USD changed into local currency on arrival at the airport is all that is required. There are few opportunities to use ATM's and locals/hotels refer local currency. Mastercard is not accepted anywhere. Meals are very reasonable with 3 courses plus drinks averaging around Â£6 - yes cheap!! On arrival at the Tana airport be prepared to argue with security staff regarding Yellow Fever certificates - they're not needed but those people without them had to pay bribes of up to $20 to get through security!!! Take non electric mossie plug ins etc as electricity is mostly not available at night. I did take a travel kettle though ( for when I had a socket and electricity) as there's times when you're desperate for a cuppa even without milk! Take a good torch and camping light for your room. We virtually all had problems with batteries due to the climate so take spares for the camera. Take a load of Imodium and re-hydrates and a good deet spray or cream.

Reviewed November 2014

BHUTAN

Fascinating country, very lovely people, amazing scenery and a very humbling experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up in the morning to the most incredible sunny, white frosty views over a mountain lake.

Thoughts on Group Leader

very helpful and willing to make our trip as enjoyable as he could.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Always take enough layers - was warm and wet during the day but very cold at night.

Reviewed November 2014

Paul Goldstein Photographic Safari

An adventure where we did not stop grinning from beginning to end. We were part of a super group that gelled well from the first minute. We expected the trip to be good but it considerably exceeded all our expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the relationship between Malaika, the cheetah, and her 5 cubs on two different days and following their progress and reactions as she hunted gazelle for them. On one afternoon drive with Paul he asked what we would particularly like to see. We replied "leopard" and he and our guide duly obliged with one in a tree about an hour later. The following morning the three guides found a large male, bigger than they had seen before plus a mother and her cub.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul is dynamic, full of energy and inspired our guides, already highly competent, to give of their very best, pulling out all the stops to make our experience truly wonderful. Somehow he managed to combine organising the group with both taking and editing his own photos so that he finished the trip with a few hundred real pictures (if that!) whereas we returned with over 8,000 shots! I guess that a good part of the difference can be put down to our lack of expertise.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Have plenty of sleep before you go and a couple of days off work when you get back. You can expect to be on the go from 5:30am to 9:30pm (by the time that you have finished dinner) on several days of the trip. You will probably spend one or two afternoons around camp to make some time to edit your photographs if you don't fall asleep on the job! But we would not have had it any other way - and we are both over 70! Travel very light - the camp laundry service is superb and turns round in 24 hours except for ladies' underwear which the Masai men cannot do for cultural reasons. Detergent is provided as are all the necessary toiletries. Take plenty of camera cards! You will be taking a lot of bursts and may not have time to edit them.

Reviewed November 2014

Kilimanjaro

I know there’s almost an obligation to describe this type of bucket-list expedition as life-changing, but I can genuinely say that it is one of the most incredible, emotional and uplifting things I’ve ever done. Our group have so many great memories: the singing porters, the great scenery, the emotion of reaching the summit, tea and popcorn in the mess tent every evening, the monkeys in the rainforest, even the rain on the second day

Most Inspirational Moment

Sunrise just shy of the Gilman's Point summit. The surface of Kilimanjaro looked like more like the planet Mars, the porters were singing and you could see the head torches and hear all of the shouts of other climbers further down the mountain. It was genuinely moving and also very strange.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our team leader, Meke, was a really calm, relaxed presence on the trip. He shared all of his wisdom to get us to the top and was a really likeable and decent guy. The proof of his skills is the fact that most 10 out of 13 of our group made it to the top. 'Poly poly'

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take Diamox - it will allow you to enjoy the higher altitudes although you will want to go to the toilet more than usual. Drink plenty of water and take a few packs of energy tablets with you- there aren't many opportunities to eat on the final ascent, so you need something to keep you going. Also make sure you tip the porters generously at the end of the expedition

Reviewed November 2014

Mont Blanc Highlights

Enjoyed different daily walks around Mont Blanc.

Most Inspirational Moment

Snatching views of Mont Blanc-often in cloud!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent-looked after everyone. Suggested substitute walks when necessary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Perhaps this should be moderate/challenging as it appeared harder than some long treks?

Reviewed November 2014

Photographic Safari

A great experience. Much to be learned from the charismatic and super-charged Paul Goldstein. Darren & Emma managing Bush camp were delightful and extremely efficient. Fantastic driver/guides, excellent food and good company.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing female Cheetah with five cubs over an extended time. This was followed by lioness jumping muddy stream with cubs following suit.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Inspirational and fun to be with

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes

Reviewed November 2014

Vietnam Adventure

The trip was an opportunity to experience the full range of differences that this remarkable country has to offer. From the cities of Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh to the outstanding beauty of HaLong, the coast near DaNang and the huge expanse of the Mekong Delta, this was a remarkable and never to be forgotten adventure. There wasn’t a day that went by when I wasn’t thrilled by what I was experiencing. The cycle rides through the country and experiencing the local culture cannot be adequately described other than breath taking. There was so much to see and experience that the time went over so quickly. Eating Vietnamese food in so many different restaurants and a local street market was quite an education. Our group got on remarkably well which added so much to the trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

The cruise in Halong Bay was a real treat, it's so beautiful and the boat very comfortable and clean.The sights and the lovely Vietnamese people were an inspiration for me. Eating a tremendous meal cooked by a Vietnamese family in their home and their children singing to us afterwards is something I'll always remember. Together with the boat ride in the Mekong Delta and overnight stay in the homestay which again was unforgettable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anh Nguyen, our group leader was excellent. He was attentive , informative and with a great sense of humour. He was instrumental in helping our group gel together. He always went 'that extra mile' to meet our needs and cared for each and everyone of us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't take too many clothes as they're cheaper to buy in Vietnam than in the UK. Don't be afraid to try Vietnamese food - it's great.

Reviewed November 2014

Chianti Wine and Walking

Everything was excellent apart from the dinners in the hotel we stayed; these were lacking. Served warm rather than hot and unimaginative considering the rich food traditions of Italy. Breakfast was ok but again lacked choice and variety. Warmth of welcome was great but you cannot eat that! Room ok and bed good and firm.

Most Inspirational Moment

enjoyed it all.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good guide and help was there if/when needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have your own insurance cover for mobile phone as the Exodus insurance does not cover it.

Reviewed November 2014

walking in andalucia

excellent leader, excellent food and accommodation, my only minor criticism was that walks one and two were too similar (lots of olive groves!)

Most Inspirational Moment

looking down into El Chorro gorge

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alexis was excellent-laid back but at the same time concerned always as to the welfare of the group. He was also very sociable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

relax and enjoy!

Reviewed November 2014

a split trip

My trip to Machu Picchu was with one group and the Galapagos Islands was with another because of an error by the Exodus booking agent. The locations were wonderful and difficult at the same time. Altitude was hard to adjust to. Although I had difficult times on the trip, the locations were wonderful.

Most Inspirational Moment

I was amazed to see that the Galapagos were as forbidding as they are.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I had 2 group leaders. The Peruvian one, Armando, was wishy-washy at best. He told us that he was quitting being a tour guide at the end of his time with us and it showed in his level of commitment and his attitude. My luggage was lost by the airline, Delta. I filed a report with the connecting airline, LAN, and that airline managed to trace it and bring it to Cuzco by Tuesday, but Armando delayed doing anything about it so I didn't get it until Sunday night. We left Cuzco on Monday morning. I had to pressure him often. His attitude was that I could get it on Monday at the airport when we were leaving!!! I hope he made good on his statement that he was quitting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If your guide is like Armando, being polite is non-helpful. It was only when I was angry and pushy that I finally got my luggage back.

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