Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking above the clouds in the morning after spending a night in Rifugio Battisti, on our way to Monte Cusna, the second highest mountain in Emilia Romagna, the peaks of distant hills seeming like islands above the sea of clouds...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara and Ale (Aleandro) were both excellent leaders. Sara was very organised and knows the area very well. Ale led most of the walks, and has a great sense of humour. He even carried a heavy bottle of Prosecco (as well as hundreds of biscuits) all the way up the mountain to Rifugio Battisti, to share with us to celebrate his birthday!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There a few slightly awkward sections of the trails that have wires/cables that you have to hold on to for extra security, but they're only short sections (perhaps 10-20 metres) and not at all technical. The walking is no more difficult than most Munro walks in Scotland.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first part was in the Amazon - the highlight was definitely after the long hike through the jungle to reach the lake, we spent a couple of hours in canoes, being gently paddled around the lake, and surrounded by butterflies, with them landing on us constantly.  Seeing monkeys and toucans as little turtles as well.  A fabulous day.The second part was the Inca Trail.  The first two days were the hardest physical challenge of my life, and the second two were full of fun and laughter with my new friends, whilst the pain was forgotten.  And when we arrived at Machu Picchu I couldn't help but cry with joy and relief at the beautiful sight of the ruins in the late afternoon sun.   We had worked hard and earned the view, and it was well worth it.Lastly, the brief stay on Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca was something else.  Having dinner in the evening and getting to know our host was special.  I felt like I'd really done something to help the local community.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was superb.  He knew everything about everything.  With a degree in archeology there was nothing about the incas and other local empires he didn't know.  Plus his passion for all flora and fauna meant he was able to point out and name every animal and plant we saw.  Quite amazing.  And he had a great sense of homour too!Juan - thank you for making this trip unforgettable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the Inca Trail, but if a desk potato like me can do it, so can you!Oh, and take blister plasters, even if you never get blisters, and clean socks for every day of the trail. Plus wet wipes are good, and hand cleanser.Take more clothes than you think you need for the jungle, and some detergent, as you'll end up taking 2 - 3 showers each day. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Freewheeling down to the Dead Sea in the warm breeze followed by a float! The spectacular views from The Monastery over the Rift Valley below Night under the stars in Wadi Rum

Thoughts on Group Leader

Most informative. Cycle leaders were the best, reassuring, entertaining and thoughtful, taking good care of us all the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Enjoy every moment, go at your own pace and have a gel seat!

Most Inspirational Moment

First sight of the Matterhorn from a col

Thoughts on Group Leader

Warm, accomplished, highly experienced, confident with an easy relaxed style - but we still all knew who was in charge.  Right out of the top drawer.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Despite the bulk, try to take a substantial mat for sleeping on the hard ground.  Self-inflating but with a 5cm height would be preferable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sami is playful, intelligent, highly committed, proud of his country and his culture. He consistently exceeded what one would have expected from a group leader.  It was a privilege to spend time with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I generally felt safer in Jordan than I do in Canada or America. Jordan demonstrates a level of hospitality and generosity we rarely encounter in the West. If you have any doubts about this trip, but feel like it might be something you’d like to experience, GO!There were more than enough blankets at the Wadi Rum camp, so if you’re tight for packing space you can ditch the sleeping bag, particularly at this time of year. I hadn’t realized just how toasty it can get in the South; Aqaba was 45 C due to a little heat wave. Drink lots, before you get thirsty. The heat and my asthma conspired to make some of the cycling in the desert difficult and I ended up riding the bus more than I would have liked, but the bus was always available and riding it was a positive experience in its own way. I arrived a week early to acclimatize and explore Amman. Despite what some guide books suggest, Amman is incredible and you can easily spend a week on foot in the downtown core just experiencing local culture, a mosaic of Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians, and Iraqis.  I stayed at the Amman Pasha Hotel, which was cheap and wonderful and across the street from the Roman Amphitheater. The Exodus starting hotel is nice (with helpful staff, a pool and a gym), but in a somewhat isolated area. It’s ideal for the night before the start of the trip, but if you arrive early, you’ll find staying downtown a much richer experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anna, our tour leader, was most knowledgeable about the history of the areas we visited and provided insights we otherwise might not have gleaned.   I know this suggestion will impact the price of the tour, but I think the ride leader needed help with this size group – perhaps an assistant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a very active tour - moving to a new hotel each day, with several transfers - affording little downtime.  Recommend that you not bring a lot of, or big, luggage and be prepared for a busy tour.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Barranco Wall was fun - it looked really dauting from below but actually you had to take it slowly because there were lots of porters moving past us (they are truly incredible). Somehow the guides were always in exactly the right place to help each of us past tricky bits. Wonderful views at the top and a perfect spot for photos. Getting to Stella and then Uhuru was fantastic too of course. I think we were a really slow group - by the time we got to Uhuru it was lovely, sunny and uncrowded.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very organised and efficient - it is a big operation to get us, food, water, tents etc up the mountain and it all ran very smoothly. He always sent someone on ahead to get a good spot at the next camp.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My top tip is to do what your guides tell you to do - they are experts at getting people up to the top e.g. extra acclimatisation walks, drinking lots, eating well and communicating with them if you have a problem.  Other tips: an iPod on summit night really helped me - I wasn't tired of the of the walking but was a bit bored, it was a good motivator and the girl behind said she saw my bopping my way up the mountain.  Get a thermal tube for your camelbak (you can get a cheap generic one from Decathlon) and generally getting used to all your kit in advance. Mentally prepare yourself for the scree descent from the summit - personally I found this a lot harder that going up. Keep some snacks for the descent. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through remote villages and hordes of smiling children waving and shouting "hello" or "good morning", the temples, the wildlife, the scenery, the hills and the wonderful food. - and the beer was pretty good too!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Suresh is a star - incredibly knowledgeable, well organised and a great communicator. Nothing is too much trouble and he works incredibly hard to make sure all aspects of the trip are right.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Road surfaces vary between very very good and very very bad but the bikes can cope, the long miles day and the long hill climb day means some butt powder would be useful. With the heat/humidity drink plenty of water and consider gels/ salt supplements etc, personally don't think clip on pedals are necessary My best advice would be to book this trip - without doubt a truly memorable one

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing on top of a mountain taking in the scents of the maquis; dipping my feet in mountainstreams; seeing the rare and indigenous Corsican tortoise; tasting ANYTHING with chestnuts that I came across; enjoying the many butterflies evrywhere; every day brought new delights.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rudi was extremely helpful and considerate - taking care of everybody, that is, looking after the slower members in the group whilst recognizing that others were quite capable to go at a faster pace at times, and always making very clear where along the route we'd all gather together again. He made sure everybody was happy to do their own thing on the free day, offering a number of suggestions. I chose the ridge walk just outside Ajaccio, which was safe to do by yourself - great suggestion ! That's where I spotted my tortoise, by the way. He inspired me to do the GR20, so here goes !

Advice for Potential Travellers

GO !!!!You'll be amazed at the scenery and the unspoiled nature of Corsica. The people are lovely, and you won't be disappointed in this choice of Exodus trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

Paul achieved my dream of seeing my favourite spotted cats (Leopard and Cheetah) by lunchtime on the 1st full day, but the highlights didn't stop coming all week.  The wildlife highlights go on and on from the majestic Black Rhino, something I never dreamed I might get to see, Elephant in a stormy ski, cute 6 week old Lion cubs playing in the early morning light, the show off Cheetah siblings who walked right past us, hunted endlessly and gave us countless photographic opportunties, the little Carcal who provided so much entertainment,the unforgettable Leopard on granite in early evening light and an encounter with all 4 of Notch's Boys. Oh and the crossings, how could I forget those! Early morning starts are worth it to watch the sunrise over the plans casting a warm golden glow. Equally enjoyable are those sundowners at sunset with perfect round african sun, just make sure there is some tonic with the gin, if thats your choice of tipple!  Life at migration camp was simple, comfortable and perfect, the food was out of this world, just wait till you get to see the cooking facilities at the end of your trip! The water for the bucket showers was always hot, ready and waiting at the end of the day and the laundry fairy was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It's no secret that what you see with Paul is what you get. He wants the best out of you, he only has 6 full days to get it. If you want the softly softly approach you won't get it here but what you do get is an endlessly entertaining, highly committed and inspirational individual who drives you to experience the moment and hopefully bring home an image or two that you can be proud off. The Kicheche guides, James Joseph and Francis worked hard with Paul all week to deliver unforgettable moments. Their eyes can spot things from such a distance, they understand their environment and as a result you experience the best it has to offer. You know when the "bush telegraph" has come up with something amazing, their driving changes and they get you there, but they also put you in the best position they can and seem to be able to predict with great accuracy what will happen next! My lasting memory from the guides has to be photographic advice from Francis including "As Paul would say Wide Angle, Low Aparture" remark, it has the vehicle in stitches and it still makes me smile 6 weeks later and the bush breakfast in the vehicle on the last morning.....food ended up all over the floor of the vehicle and the coffee just had to go out of the window in the race to get to crossing!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Know your camera relatively well before you go. You definately need the telephoto lens, I hired mine. If you can afford 2 camera bodies then do it, I didn't and as such when things came close my telephoto was too close and you don't always have time to change the lens. Don't underestimate the amount of memory space you need, particularly is you are practising the slow pan shots, or take a laptop to process your images on.I borrowed my binoculars and didn't use them, I wouldn't take any next time, the guides have a pair and often let you borrow when they spot something in the distance! Pack light, the bush laundry is great!, Next time it will be 2 outfits only and 2 fleeces, I didn't wear anything else. Don't forget the hat, sunglasses and sunscreen!Oh and whatever you do don't forget to pack some winegums for Paul and the guides, our group didn't live that one down all week....we all forgot!