Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Our dream was to glimpse an Orangutan in the wild. We were blessed to see a Mother with her baby in the forest on the way to the Gomantong cave. The 'Bat Exodus' from Mulu Caves was unbelievable and has to be seen to be believed-it is stunning.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Manuel was absolutely brilliant. A credit to Exodus and his country.  So knowledgable and kind. Absolutely nothing was too much trouble for him. Everything flowed smoothly in his capable hands.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just to reiterate it is very humid!! You will sweat buckets, so be prepared and keep well hydrated. We loved the privilege of being able to trek through pristine rainforest. Don't worry about the leeches, they're really more of an annoyance and you can buy perfectly adequate leech socks locally.

Most Inspirational Moment

When one if the wild ring tailed lemurs jumped right over my head as I stood in the boggy rain forest.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Armel was an accomplished leader and good at managing expectations. He like to make revelations so only told us the next bit of info.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra was above expectation, and we needed the 2 days to explore it. Wadi Rum was a wonderful desert experience - I recommend sleeping under the stars and getting up for sunrise.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was knowledgeable; the cycling leaders (members of the Jordanian Triathlon team) were fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't bother taking cycling snacks from the UK. We were asked to contribute to a group kitty for purchasing snacks (which were very good). The kitty also covered purchase of bottled water for the entire trip.It's worth taking a gel seat cover in case your saddle isn't comfortable.  

Most Inspirational Moment

The camel trek into the desert and sitting around the fire at the campsite was fantastic, as was watching the sun rise over the sand dunes the next morning (well worth getting up early for!).Enjoyed visiting the towns and villages in the Sahara which meant we could get a sense of the 'real' Morocco.The walks in the Atlas Mountains were a personal highlight as the scenery was beautiful. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rachid was an excellent guide- very knowledgable and accomodating. A few people on the trip were ill and he did a great job of looking after them.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I think this is a great trip if you want to see different aspects of Morocco in a relatively short period of time.I travelled in the second week of November and the weather was great- warm and sunny in the day (but not too hot) and cool at night- take a jumper. The campsite in the desert is more luxurious than most of us expected - the tents are very roomy, with enough space to stand up in, and have matresses and blankets so you won't be cold. The camp even had proper toilets!The hotels were excellent quality- most of them had a pool and wi-fi.The food was good but not much variety- outside of Marrakech the menu is very limited and often just offered tagine, cous cous or omlette! And we drank a lot of mint tea!There was a bit more time spent on the bus than the trip notes suggest, but this is a necessary trade-off to cover such a large area in a week, and the scenery you see from the bus makes the trips enjoyable.Highly recommend visiting the Majorelle Gardens during the free time in Marrakech- they are beautiful and it's a relaxing way to spend ah hour or so.

Most Inspirational Moment

You can't help but be moved by the wonderful mountain scenery and seeing the Berbers going about there daily lives in it; children walking miles along dusty tracks just to get to school is an image that stays with me. Also, as mentioned previously, there are some serious ascents and descents during the week, so just getting up and down  those was an achievement. Having Liz (our guide) turn the last big climb of the week into a race, was a bit of a masterstroke from her as I don't think we would have done it quite so quickly, if at all, without this added competition.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz is a lovely person who enjoys her job but is totally professional with it. She was always there to fix bikes, lend a hand, cajole and be there to sort out any other problems that came up during the week, not that there were any really. A fact I put down to Liz's excellent organisation and also to having such a great bunch of people to share the experience with - thanks people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I think the advice on the website is pretty clear when it says "challenging", but a good level of fitness and decent padded shorts (your bum must still be sore Andy!) & gloves will go along way to making the trip more enjoyable. Having said that, our group contained a range of levels and abilities and I think everyone had a great time. Yes, it was hard and uncomfortable at times, but the rewards  for completing some of those climbs and rocky descents far outweigh any discomfort.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the Sun Gate to see the Ancient ruins of Machu Picchu below you after toing for the previous few days through, sun, rain and whatever the weather had to throw at you. The support from all those in the group tomake sure that everyone made it. A wonderful moment that even brought a lump to my throat and the joy of everyone within the group as having made it. Hugs all round. So worth it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

BRILLIANT. As simple as that. Wilbert Ramos -- if you get him on your trip you will have an amazing time. Words really cant describe how good he was. Inspiartional and yet knew what to do in all circumstances and his knowledge was second to none. I think I will leave it there as to add any other words would probably dumb down how good he really was. Thanks you.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy what ever is thrown at you. It will be worth it and you will be rewarded.As far as the trail is concerned, make sure you have plenty of batteries for your camera. I took both a compact and an SLR with zoom lense but to be honest the latter was probably a waste of time and adds extra weight to what you have to carry. By the way -- buy a plastic poncho as they really are worth it and will cover your day pack at the same time without adding a lot of weight to your daypack by carrying a coat.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many fantastic moments but without doubt, the most amazing was seeing the Treasury buliding at Petra for the first time having walked along the 1 kilometre beautiful canyon before emerging right infront of the Treasury.  The whole of Petra and the two days spend there were incredible.  Apart from Jerash, the desert and the dead sea experience, the other memorable experience was an afternoon spent on a sailing boot, swimming and snorkelling amongst thousands of fish and brightly coloured corals - and in sea so warm it was like being in a bath.  Beautiful!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sammi, our Group leader was fantastic.  He helped make the trip what it was.  He has an incredible knowledge and took time to explain so many aspects of Joran culture and way of life. He also guided us around all the sights and gave us a the background to everything we saw.  Above all though, he has a wicked sense of humour and took great pleasure in having fun with the guests. He was fun, very personable and engaged very well with all of the Group.  I would say that he is the perfect guide and the best one I have ever travelled with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take sturdy shoes for Petra - not necessary to take full walking boots.  Take something warm for the evenings as it can get a little chilly at times. Don't expect to drink alcohol wherever you go - it is a dry country and only the biggest hotels sell alcohol. Many of our meals were with soft drinks which was a surprise for those not expecting it. If you have time and can do it - add a few days on at the end of the trip to chill out in Aqaba - there's not a great deal there but to relax in the sun and by the Red Sea is great and there are a few very good hotels to choose from.

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many.  the group waiting for me to finally get to the top of Dead Womans pass before us all taking the final step together.  The first glimps of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.  Sitting quietly imagining what it would have been like all that time.  Camping on what felt like the top of the world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great, very knowledgeable and helpful

Advice for Potential Travellers

  Take walking poles, they are invaluable and can be picked up fairly inexpensively.  A saviour for tired legs and really helpful for all the down hill walking.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many! I loved the small villages we passed through that had such happy children wanting to say hello and high five. I thought the temples in Cambodia were awe inspiring. The home stay was fantastic! The entire trip was amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Are group leader was exactly what is required in a group of are size and willfulness. Authoritive when required, Caring and supportive when neccesary, Fun and amusing, but above all, very informative, social and instructive. Thanks Nee.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy the trip rather than thinking of the next destination. Its very easy to think about the next cycle stop and power through until all the cycling for the day is complete, with out actually enjoying the scenery, views, and place to its full extent. The holiday seems to go so quickly when you do this. Just slow down a little when passing through villages and gorgeous scenary and remember you can stop for photographs at anytime.