Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14253 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed November 2012

ANDES TO AMAZON

If you are into mountain scenery and the natural environment then this is a truly wonderful trip made even more precious by the rich diversity of local dress and customs and the high standard of local accomodation available. Drives can be long but the scenery is so breathtaking that even long drives can be a pleasure. This is the best trip of its type that I have ever made. Thoroughly recommend.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many: that initial sight of the mountains surrounding Quito after a long flight in, the drive up to and the walk in the paramo of the El Angel Nature Reserve, staying at Pantavi hostel surrounded by the art work of Camilo Andrade, watching the clouds cleat to reveal Tungurahua volcano and , later in the trip, Chimborazo, driving through the moonlike landscape created by past eruptions of Tungurahua, watching the rapid dance like flight of the hummingbirds in the reserve as they feed, the first sight of a frigate bird inflating its chest to be like a bright red ballooon.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Pablo Montalvo was our group leader. He was simply fantastic, the best. He was extremely knowledgeable but fun with a really amiable personality. He managed us as a group with a light touch, gave us plenty of free time to explore on our own, introduced us to fun options like cable rides over lakes and river tubing. He was also sensitive to variation in fitness levels on walks etc and to awkward dietary requirements. He was just a great guy with a good sense of humour who undoubtedly made a major contribution to the trip being so enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for torrential rain if it comes, particularly in relation to protecting camera gear. We had capes which were great. Head torches are really useful for walks in Amazon at night. Otavalo really does have the greatest choice of crafts though the hotel in Riobamba had a craft area near the restaurant with some lovely weaving. Basically if you see something you like, buy it as its a bit unpredictable if you will get another chance later. If you are into local weaving (as I am) there is a great book you can get from the Book Depository called "Costume and Identity in Highland Ecuador. Edited by Ann Pollard Rowe. (works at Textile Design Museum in Washington and expert in this area).

Reviewed November 2012

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

Everything we had hoped for and quite a bit more.

Most Inspirational Moment

14.00 Reaching the highest points on each day (up to1400 metres) and having the rare privilege of views across high mountain tops and then down into hidden fertile valleys that the casual visitor to Spain might be completely unaware of.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose the group leader was undoubtedly the making of this trip, his dedication to the cause was unstinting, always struck the right note, kept us all going and provided prodigious amounts of food and good humour. His communication with us was outstanding and provided a complete education in regional geography and history – with a light personal touch when needed, boring he is not. His vast experience of activity leadership in this region and elsewhere in Europe really shows. He shared his life with us for the whole week, to the extent of inviting us all to his home to pick his olives and drink tea on the veranda afterwards.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be lucky with the weather which at its best is fantastic for walking, but don’t worry if not. Bring a good appetite (good food is in plentiful supply and you may need it!). Make sure you are fairly fit, equipped and ready for regular but not excessively arduous high hill walking. Think Peaks, Lakes or Snowdonia without the mud. If you are going in the warmer months, have plenty of water carrying capacity and sun protection. As a minimum, light walking boots with ankle support are essential (not shoes or trainers) as are walking poles.

Reviewed November 2012

ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

A fantastic trek for anyone passionate about mountain walking. October was an ideal time to travel with a crystal clear sky, warm days and naturally chilly to very cold evenings.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching ABC ( Annapurna base camp ) The mountionous surround was spectacular. Sunrise and sunset not to be missed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was excellent. A professional leader. His foremost concern was always on the safety and wellbeing of the group so that we could enjoy the trek to the max.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A reasonable level of fitness is important. Ensure a wardrobe that suits very warm days and eventual very cold evenings

Reviewed November 2012

WALKING IN TUSCANY

A really pleasant and well-balanced week of walking, with gastro and and cultural highlights along the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were a few: reaching the summit of monte di Prado mountain was wonderful, and it is a fabulous walk along a ridge with exceptional views, also coming down at the end to the beautiful ski lodge with a huge open log fireplace. Walking through the forests, with mushrooms of every colour lurking in the undergrowth, with Elvis the dog snuffling around for truffles. Visiting Castiglione village with its square filled with stalls selling fabulous local cheeses. Spending the day in Lucca in brilliant sunshine on our day off was magical, especially after three days of walking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader can make or break the holiday and ours was certainly 'made' by having Sara as our leader. She is thoroughly knowledgeable, not just about the mountains where we were walking each day, but she is obviously also passionate about the area, and she always gave us such detailed and interesting insights into local Italian life. She's also really fond of the lovely family at Braccicorti where we were staying. Sara 'went the extra mile' on every occasion to make sure everyone was happy and looked after. I felt carsick on the first day, so she always made sure i sat in the front with her, and I would say it was that aspect of looking out for everyone's welfare that makes her such an excellent leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't listen to Exodus's advice about taking energy bars, you get more than enough food to see you through at Braccicorti.

Reviewed November 2012

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

The Exodus trip, "Discover Costa Rica", is a wonderful introduction to a wildlife paradise. The programme was jam-packed with unforgettable sights and experiences.

Most Inspirational Moment

Such was the sheer variety of "moments" that it is well nigh impossible to isolate one of them as being the "most inspirational". To have beautiful hummingbirds in virtually every location tends to leave one feeling somewhat blase about these gorgeous creatures. Scarlet macaws flying and screeching over a boat during a trip to see crocodiles and river birds was wonderful. The night trip to see large numbers of frogs and snakes was stunning. Just living in a remote lodge in the midst of the rainforest, with all of the sounds of the creatures being a huge feature, especially at nights, was terrific. "Most inspirational"? I took over 2000 photographs, so it may take some time to work that one out.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was absolutely great. His knowledge of the wildlife was encyclopedic, his ability to track it down was mesmerising to watch, and his tripod-mounted telescope was stunning. He clearly loved his country, and was determined to show every aspect of it that he could trace in as best a light as possible. "Super Mario", our driver, was always bang on time, and shuttled us around quickly and safely. They were a great pairing. Another huge advantage was the rest of the party, including Exodus's own very genial and impressively laid back Karol. They were an absolutely lovely group of people to be travelling with, and this added immeasurably to the quality of the whole experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't overlook the advice about taking a waterproof jacket, walking boots, and fairly heavy duty sandals. One or two of the walks/climbs are a little bit demanding, so be prepared to be pushed, just a bit, on occasions. The insect problem is not as bad as some would have you believe, but insect protection is advised.Costa Rica is not a country to visit for its towns, architecture, etc. For most travellers, it is a fabulous location for nature and wildlife, and travellers interested in nature and wildlife are those who would get most out of this trip. Prices, generally, are consistent with what we pay in the UK, so don't think that eating out, buying drinks, paying for trips, etc, are cheap options.The local currency can only be bought in Costa Rica. A large currency counter, with about eight tellers, is located at the baggage reclaim in San Jose. I brought low denomination American dollar bills, and they were universally accepted (indeed, at times, expected) everywhere I went. Change is usually given in local currency, although most prices (outside of supermarkets) were in round dollars. ATMs are becoming more widespread, but clearly are not an option in remote parts of the country.A tax of 28 US dollars (not 26) is required when you leave the country. You can pay part of it with any local currency you have left over, and the rest in dollars. Bring the best binoculars, camera and lens (400mm minimum) you can get hold of. You'll need them.

Reviewed November 2012

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

Breathtaking! The whole experience has been wonderful and super organised since the very beginning. No doubt it’s hard but very rewarding when reaching the top and see sunrise with a hot cuppa! And what a view!!! Fantastic support from guides and porters and considering our lives were in their hands I can’t praise enough their wonderful work.

Most Inspirational Moment

The hugs from everyone when reaching Gilman's Point and the summit! Even the guides made it feel it was their first time!

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can I say, Florence was my God for the whole trip! I found him extremely helpful and very caring with everyone in the group...and always with a smile!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep drinking water and dont even try to walk faster, no chances:-))... just pack a nail brush and maybe for the ladies paint your nails black! Sing a song in you head when feeling tired and overwhelmed, it helps when walking the long endless alpine desert! I found this the hardest part of the trek cause you can see Kibo camp in the distance but it's not that close.

Reviewed November 2012

KENYA & TANZANIA ADVENTURE

This holiday was a holiday with a difference, nothing that I have ever experience before but it was fantastic. I did enjoyed the moving around bit, and camping out in the various camp sites. The crew members were so efficient thats made a big difference as well. Seeing all the animals topped it for me absolutely brilliant.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well its really hard to say because every moment of it was inspirational. One of the optional activities that I did in Tanzania was going for a walk through the local community to see how they live and how they do stuff. We also visited a school which was really lovely.Driving through the safari and seeing all the wild animals in thier natural habitat not influence by humans was unbelieveable. For me also just being in africa was inspirational enough for me. Zanzibar was lovely as well sand and sea can't top that. Overall a brilliant trip money well spent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was great, Moses was is name. He worked hard to satisfied all our needs and quickly to resolve any problems are issues that occured. He was so patient and tried to accommodate us so that we could see and take pictures of things we wanted. He also knows alot about the animals and the history of the countries we visited. He also made us feel safe and comfortable throughout our time there which was a big part of why I personally enjoyed the trip. I also have to mention his team the driver and the cook they also did a fantastic job. I have no complains, all I have is praises for the group leader and his team.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My advice to potential travellers have an open mind and enjoy the experience. If you have never been on a holiday like this before its different but enjoyable at the same time. Just keep an open mind.

Reviewed November 2012

A WEEK IN JORDAN

so much to see and do ,really enjoyed every minute.

Most Inspirational Moment

when you first see the ruins of petra,,

Thoughts on Group Leader

a man who loves his country as well as his job.helpful right up to leaving the group,nothing was too much trouble. a nice person.

Advice for Potential Travellers

go and enjoy also learn some thing along the way.

Reviewed November 2012

SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

An excellent trip to a beautiful and perhaps under-explored part of Spain. The walking is quite strenuous, but makes the wonderful dinners at the end of each day all the more welcome.

Most Inspirational Moment

The feeling of being so close to the crush of Benidorm, yet a million miles away was very special. On some walks we barely saw anyone else from beginning to end, and it really felt as if we were walking ancient trails. On the day we went to the summit of Aitana, having tackled a bit of a scarey scramble and got through a slightly tricky pass, we lunched on a beautiful, sheltered patch of grass, almost a lawn, and Jose (our guide) produced a bottle of red wine he had carried with him to accompany our lunch. It felt so strangely civilised in such a remote place.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose led the group with great local knowledge, unstinting humour, skill and sandwiches. Jose's sandwiches should be the stuff of legend: it became a challenge for anyone in the group to finish them, double-deckered and full of amazing Good Things. Don't be misled when the trip notes say lunches will consist of 'a sandwich', these are sandwiches of epic proportions!!He also displayed marvellous hospitality, inviting us to his house in Sella - although there was a cost (we had to help with his olive harvest - hardly a chore!). Jose was an absolutely integral part of the week's enjoyment.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take decent kit as the walks are 'proper'. That said, don't be put off by anyone that says the walks are tough - they're not a stroll in the proverbial park, but our group had quite a mixture of ages and fitness levels, and no-one really struggled. I would recommend walking poles - I didn't take them, and could have done with them on some of the 'down's.The food in the hotels/guests houses is amazing, very local and very hearty. You won't lose any weight on this holiday!

Reviewed November 2012

EVEREST BASE CAMP & GOKYO LAKES

A great trip and I was very pleased that I opted for this trip rather than the Everest Base Camp dash. The route to the Gokyo lakes was well worth the extra time required.

Most Inspirational Moment

Gokyo Ri, crossing the Cho La Pass and associated glacier and making Base Camp.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Dawa Sherpa and 'RB', assistant guide were great, they were always smiling, incredibly attentive to all that was happening within the group and made sure that we were well looked after in each Tea House. We had one case of altitude sickness within the group and this was dealt with most efficiently and with complete understanding for all members of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I had picked up a respiratory infection which did not kick in until about day 2 of the trek when at first I thought it may have been altitude sickness. (Diamox was being used). Breathing suffered for the rest of the trip until I was able to get an examination and atibiotics on the way down in Pheriche, too late for any real relief unfortunately. So I would recommend discussing this situation with your doctor though they may be reluctant about perscribing antibiotics when fit and well! And, forget about showers and washing, baby wipes and facial wipes suffice, it is too cold for that sort of exposure. Note - ice on the inside of the bedroom windows in the morning!

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