Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing a pride of nine lionesses stalk a group of zebra. They failed to catch one but seeing the skill and organisation was impressive.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam and his team were brilliant. They gave lots of very relevent advice that always worked out, they were very knowledgable and could drive along the roughest of roads and still spot the smallest animals before anyone else. The food they cooked was better than anything most people could cook on a campfire. Proper food like stews, caseroles but also fish & chips or steak. All three were hard working, very friendly and very helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do:the Okavango Delta flight. Great value for money compared to the  helicopter flight in Vic Falls the dinner cruise at Vic Falls. They'll run it even if only 2 people are on boar. Good food, unlimited drink and seeing hippos and crocs as they settle in for the night.If you do the helicopter flight over the falls, take the short Flight of Angels. The longer flight is not worth the extra $125. The DVD is a waste of money.Don'tHave an afternoon sleep, no matter how hot it gets. You won't sleep that night. Read a book and keep hydrated. take too many gadgets that need recharging. There will only be one facility to recharge and that is in the vehicle and can only be used one item at a time. Invest in extra batteries and charge them before you go. Worry about being taken to local "craft shops" or workshops were you could be pressured into buying local souvenirs. One group member actually had to ask to be pointed towards a souvenir shop.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult to pick just one, but first entering Dubrovnik in the evening, with the walls floodlit and alpine swifts screaming overhead takes some beating.  Trogir, Diocletian's Palace at Split, Korcula Island (Agroturismo Grubinjac evening meal not to be missed!), Ston, and everything about Dubrovnik will linger long in the memory. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marija was extremely knowledgeable about the area (she lives in Split) and about Croatian culture and history in general. She inspired confidence from first meeting at the airport and kept everyone informed and supported individuals as and when required. Her varied choice of restaurants provided the venue for an entertaining group meal every evening if desired. She ensured that the group gelled from the first evening at the Tragos Hotel in Trogir Old Town.  The city guides she fixed up for Split and Dubrovnik were excellent. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you stay at the Hotel Liburna in Korcula, try to get a sea-view room from an upper floor; these were (reputedly) very nice.  Our ground floor room facing in the opposite direction, looked out on an overgrown grass bank and the bathroom was smelly, with original communist era fittings and plumbing.  The room itself was fine and the Hotel interesting in style and ideally located. Walking shoes/boots advisable for Korcula walk on loose stones for much of the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the summits of each mountain climbThe sunset on the final day of walkingJose's passion for the region and his committment to the local communityEnjoying the generous supply of Spanish wineThe hospitality we received at both sets of accommodationThe tranquility - on most days we hardly saw any other walkers

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was incredible. He has a great sense of humor, is extremely knowledgeable, and a tremendous patriot for this region of Spain. His community minded attitude, and respect for the environment, was inspirational. You couldn't ask for a better host and guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The weather at this time of year was really warm on most of the days. Plenty of sunscreen and water required

Most Inspirational Moment

Where do I start? There where so many

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. Fabio knew the island inside out. The passion he had for his country shone through. He was keen to show the group addition places that was not on the official tour. The eating places that Fabio took us to were always superb.We also had a wonderful driver Maritsio, who himself was knowledgable and always keen to help

Advice for Potential Travellers

When the guide says to carry waterproofs do so. The weather in the month of October is  extremely changable.

Most Inspirational Moment

The palace and stay at Mycenae - and we're not history buffs!

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was absolutely fantastic. She enabled us to experience 'real' Greece - the culture, cuisine, history, scenery & above all the people. Christiana, the tour leader, is obviously a very talented lady, sorting out problems on the hoof without any fuss, and the lunchtime kitty was a real bonus. She was unfailingly supported by the ever-smiling Christos.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We can thoroughly recommend this trip - you will experience a side of Greece unknown to most holiday makers.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having avoided looking at pictures before going, the evening view from the rim of Bryce Canyon is unbelievable and unforgettable. Views stretch the equivalent of north London to the south coast!  We weren't planning on taking the helicopter ride at the Grand Canyon but the closure of the National Parks (this was the only one we missed) prompted us to take the plunge. Even flying over the canyon it is impossible to take in the scale and to realise the river is a mile below. The change in the vegetation coming from the Sierra Nevada to Mono Lake, with its tufa rocks and wildlife, was almost instantaneous and summed up the trip in terms of the ever changing scenery. The trip around Monument Valley with the Navajo guide was all that was expected from the films.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rebecca was full of enthusiasm and sought to meet everyone's needs. She did a sterling job as driver (safe and comfortable), guide, luggage handler, hotel booker inner, lunch organiser etc., etc. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Very limited time in San Francisco so worth considering travelling a day or two beforehand. The National Park walks are at a fairly high altitude so be aware of this for both for breathing and temperature. 

Most Inspirational Moment

For us both, seeing baby and adult turtles. For myself seeing the amazing butterfly population, particularly the Morphos.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Good and reliable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Add a few days at Pacuare Lodge [www.pacuarelodge.com] at the end of your Exodus trip. Arrive and depart by white water raft. Amazing location, service, staff and food. In National Geographic's top 25 Ecolodge list! Our only mistake was not booking for longer!!Take twice as many USD as you think you will need. Contrary to expectation the the visit and walk to Arenal goes nowhere near the summit or crater. Don't bother visiting Selvatura Park, Monteverde - very overpriced, staff indifferent and some frankly rude. Visit the nearby Monteverde Butterfly Gardens 'El Mariposario' instead [not to be mistaken for the understocked butterfly house which is part of Selvatura Park].For snacks in Monteverde go to the Orchid Cafe - wonderful iced coffees and other delights!

Most Inspirational Moment

The week for me was truly inspirational, writing this review I still cant believe ive done it!   Seeing a Cheetah relaxing under a tree, a troupe of babboons casually walking down the road, a suckling lion cub, seeing 12 hippos rise in the River Mara and seeing it all so closely...  the list for me is endless. I along with 3 others did the hot air balloon ride, this was magical seeing it all from a birds eye view and it was so peaceful.  When the balloon landed (quite smoothly) we was driven to the breakfast site and had a glass of champagne with a full cooked breakfast (which was fab!). 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Kenneth was very knowledgeable espicially on birds, I was amazed how he could spot and name them so quickly!  He listened to the group when we wanted photo stops, comfort breaks and always had a smile.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My top tips for this holiday would be- Women, wear a sports bra.  The ride can get VERY bumpy espicially into the Mara- Take a waterproof jacket- Pack a torch, in the second camp this will be how you ask for an escort when it gets dark- Suncream, I only packed SPF15 (In Oct) and I got burnt.- Dont bother getting a Visa in advance, you still have to join the same queue and it doesnt make it that much quicker.- Pack some long sleeved tops for the evening.- The cost of the balloon ride in October 2013 was $450- Make sure your tent is securely zipped... one day our tent was raided and my custard creams were eaten!- Memory cards, get the best you can - allow for approx 700+ photos!

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to choose, but seeing the male lions walk past, so close and so unaffected by our presence is up there. Such majestic animals and I was struck by how struck I was by them - it's an image that will stay with me a long time. And also getting such a good sighting of a leopard - it just strolled on past us and under the truck in front as if we were invisible. I know how hard they are to spot and how lucky we were to see this one. Big cats are such beautiful creatures. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent! He was respectful, informative, thoughtful and funny all through. He made sure we had a great holiday and always thought of our needs (lots of "comfort" stops), made sure we had enough water and taught us a lot about all the animals too. Not to mention sharing our jokes and telling us funny stories of his own. Thanks Davis!

Advice for Potential Travellers

All the information you need is provided by Exodus before you go and there really is nothing to worry about. The tented camp is luxurious to say the least (I've stayed in 4* hotels that aren't anywhere near as nice!) but you might want to take ear plugs for the night as being so close to the animals doesn't make it the quietest of places. That said, I slept better on this holiday than I have slept anywhere...including at home! Make sure you take waterproofs as well - I went in October and the short rains are short but pretty heavy!

Most Inspirational Moment

All the places we saw were interesting and it was great to experience new food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dana was great company and was eager to join in with the group after her day was finished , she helped us with choosing menus and Venus, and suggested places to go.