Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The trail was of course, but numerous other bits throughout the holiday

Thoughts on Group Leader

fine

Advice for Potential Travellers

I see lots of queries re use or not use walking poles. I'v never used poles so didn't - the porters don't ! I havn't seen it mentioned anywhere, but importantly, the rock used for paths and steps resembles pumice stone, so never seemed remotely slippery even when wet, so i can't see any advantage using poles. Don't take travellers chqs - v few places to change them and v little opportunity time wise. Take cash. If you want to add another experience (independently) i did the highest bungee jump in S America at Cusco on a free day. Was v reasonable cost too. Office in town lay on a car to take you (and spectators) to the location.

Most Inspirational Moment

Yes seeing the mountain Gorillas is always going to be great but there were so many other moments. Seeing 3 huge chimps swing out of their tree a few inches away from us, figs in their mouth and the smell of chimp heavy on the nostrils. Seeing the cormorant like African Fin-Foot peck flies off the back of a basking buffalo in Lake Mbouro and minutes later seeing a nest with 2 white backed night herons is just as good as it gets birding-wise!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

A very nice guy. A great driver who throughout the trip never once had a problem on roads which could be difficult and he had to put up with swerving to avoid animals, bikes, odd vehicles and on another occasion a snake. He facilitated all the check-ins seamlessly at the 4 sets of accommodation and on top of all of this he could identify most birds and mammals. Nothing was too much trouble, whether it was loaning me his waterproof or repairing a pair of glasses. He was a jack of all trades and a master of them all. We also had a bit of a bonus in that as well as the group-leader we had a representative from Exodus accompanying us which was fun and we all felt very well looked after.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for long walks on uneven terrain. And it rains. A lot. But don`t worry this is a wonderful trip and as long as you are prepared the memories will live with you for a very long time. Electricity supply can be a bit intermittent. Bring torches.

Most Inspirational Moment

It is hard to pick just one. Jordan at night. Standing on a sandstone mountain looking down into Petra. Dinner at a cave in Petra (this was an optional thing we did as a group). Shooting stars in Wadi Rum. Talking with Jordanian people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danny was really superb. You could tell that he was telling us the essentials of what we needed to know about each site and that we could easily ask for more details, if we wanted to know. He was very sociable with the group and really helped us to learn a bit about Jordanian culture. He made wonderful recommendations every day of the trip (i.e., where to get lunch, places for dinner, ideas for optional activities); Danny was one of the key reasons this trip was so wonderful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is a must! You'll have 2 full days in Petra (which most other tours do not offer), so take your time to savor and enjoy this wonderful site. And take time to talk to the people of Jordan; they are so eager to tell you about their country and their culture. On a more practical note: do read the trip notes to know what to expect and what to bring. Some people did not read this before the trip and did not bring the proper shoes for walking in Petra or did not bring a flashlight as outlined.

Most Inspirational Moment

The wild flowers carpet the hillside. Not only did they look amazing the scent was the best aroma therapy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos was excellent. Knowledgeable and accommodating. Nothing was too much trouble for him. Dedicated to the group and intent on giving us the best experience possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect to be stretched. Walks were leisurely but delightful. Hotel was comfortable but not luxurious.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our visit to Petra. We found that the 2 full days in Petra was absolutely perfect as it gave us time to see all the main sites and have a guided walk in the hills surrounding the site.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Danny Haddad, was excellent and really made the trip. His knowledge was immense and he was very able to put material across in a very interesting way. Nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather was perfect for us (end March/1st week April) and the temperature ranged from upper teens to upper twenties which meant that it was never too hot to visit the sites and do the walking trips in Petra. The evenings could get chilly but all the was required was a flease or a jacket.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing steep rock-cut steps out of Xlendi bay among all flowers of all colours, to catch the view at the top. The view from the bell tower in the church at Xewkija and the bells tolling right above our heads!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Self-guided.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were lucky to see them for one night only, but seeing the Northern Lights is truly magical, especially with Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon as the backdrop. Jokulsarlon black beach is stunning too and glacier walking was amazing. Great photos opportunities, the striking contrast of the black sand and the blue ice at the beach, and the layers of black ashes and blue ice on the glacier.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kristjan is an excellent guide. Landscapes are beautiful, but he also made me interested in the culture and the people. He's very knowledgeable, full of interesting stories, he made sure everything run smoothly and managed to avoid the crowd. He did his best for us to see the Northern Lights depending on the conditions and made various stops en route to take photos.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of layers, I think we were lucky with the weather as it wasn't that cold, but it's better to have more, as it's safe to leave things in the bus. There was still a lot of snow on the ground. Seeing the Northern Lights is hit and miss, sometimes the forecast is promising but you don't see them, sometimes the forecast is not great but you see an amazing show. So when you do, be prepared to stay out late at night in the cold. Also, they can appear a bit dull to the naked eye, they look more greyish than vivid green, but you can still see the strands and the flares and don't get me wrong it's absolutely fantastic. But I would advise to have a DSRL camera with a fast lens (at least F2.8) and a tripod, then with the correct settings, Kristjan will help you, but usually ISO 800, F2.8 at 15 seconds, and the colours will pop on your photos. I truly recommend renting a camera and/or a lens if you don't.

Most Inspirational Moment

It wasn't the summit - the cloud cover was too low and we didn't see much even though it had been a beautiful clear night with a full moon. (What percentage of summit climbs end up with clear dawn views anyway??) There were many individual inspirational moments - a view, managing to make it to a particular point, watching as the porters carried huge bags up the mountain. When you have made it to camp at the end of a long days walking you will have a great sense of achievement whatever your ability and everyone is very supportive of each other.

Thoughts on Group Leader

All the main guides, including the group leader were employed by The African Walking Company for our climb. Without exception they were kind, helpful, informative and good fun. The cooking was outstanding considering the conditions and to see the porters carry your heavy possessions at twice your speed will leave you feeling humble. The guides ensure no one goes to fast and runs out of steam. Other tour companies are not so vigilant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for the climb by doing plenty of hill walking. Build up to making the walks as steep and as long as possible. This is the best preparation in addition to perhaps cycling or swimming. Think about paying extra for a single tent. If you haven't camped for a while try doing it again a few of times to get used to it. Being able to get a decent nights sleep under canvas is essential to a good days walking the following day. The mat provided by Exodus is fine. I didn't use my blow up mat at all. Take a pee bottle so you don't have to get up and go outside to the loo in the middle of the night! Take a good sleeping bag and a liner (mine was a fleece liner) Again the more you can ensure you get a good nights sleep the better. Most people in our group took Diamox for altitude sickness and seemed fine with it. And most experienced some form of altitude sickness in the form of the odd headache but it did not last more than a day. The Diamox pill I took gave me a lot of pins and needles all over my body and it made me feel worse do I did not take it again. I did have dull headaches but nothing serious.

Most Inspirational Moment

There was something inspirational every single day; from cycling through villages; the people; the food; the traffic and spectacular scenery. We both managed the Hai Van pass which was a great achievement. Every day was special.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danh - what can I say, he was the best; his knowledge and love for his country; his infectious laugh; nothing was ever too much trouble and everything ran incredibly smooth. It was very well organised thanks to him. He is amazing. Cannot praise him enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take good padded shorts and there are laundry stops so you do not need to take loads. Be prepared for very long days and definitely get some cycling training in. We wish we had stayed an extra night in Hanoi.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day was full of new experiences and challenges but we loved the elephant orphanage and Lions rock. Our guide Suresh took us to a temple one evening were we made an offering to the Gods and were blessed by the holy man (for a safe journey) Suresh also took us to Little Adams Peak in Ella as the sun was going down which was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh our tour leader- what can I say words do not do justice to this lovely gentle man. Everything was planned to perfection, Suresh and his team are a credit to Exodus, they all went above and beyond their duties to ensure we had the holiday of a lifetime. Suresh organised many activities not listed in the trip notes and was at hand 24 hours a day should any problems arise. He has a great local knowledge which maximised our experience of Sri Lanka.Thank you Suresh, Sandy,Chamara, Amila and Upali for a fabulous 2 weeks we will never forget you all, such lovely people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

You do not need to be a hard core cyclist but get bike fit there are two tough days.This is a group holiday and we had brilliant travel companions who all gelled from day one. Go with an open mind and try everything have faith in your leader.