Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The long trudge each day to the ridge of a col - then a huge panorama opening up - picturesque valleys with glittering rivers, rewarding you for every step!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Graham (mountain guide) was fantastic, he loves the mountains and was keen to teach us all about his place.  He set a great consistent pace that everyone could follow, while challenging fitter team members with optional extensions.  When the weather was good Graham would vary the route to ensure we had the most spectacular views and the best experience possible - some other groups walking at the same time missed these special experiences.Nothing was too hard for Graham or Lewis (camp manager) - they went the extra mile in every aspect to ensure it was a great trip.  Even the little things like buying special cheese from a local farmer to varying the trip schedule & timing to try and beat the weather.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the packing list carefully, take a huge bag and fit everything in!  Make sure you have helicopter rescue on your travel insurance.Walking poles are probably a good idea - they arent heavy to carry if you dont use them. 

Most Inspirational Moment

So many highlights... seeing a Golden Eagle soaring above the mountains, walking through varied and beautiful scenery, learning a little about the history and culture of this fascinating region.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jeremy was superb in every way. He had designed the walks to be suitable for a wide range of abilities, and to provide a wide variety of scenery and terrain. Every day he briefed us about what the practicalities would be - whether we'd be able to re-fill water bottles en route etc. The pace of the walks seemed to be fine for everyone in the group. He was very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area, and was able to enrich the walks with anecdotes and useful information about the villages and countryside we passed through. He was very good at what he was doing, and a thoroughly nice bloke too. I can't praise him highly enough.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just Do It. We were thoroughly glad we'd chosen this trip for our first Exodus holiday. It's a lovely region ideal for outdoor pursuits, and I'd imagine there's something for most people to enjoy, whether you're into history, wildlife or just enjoying the walking.The pace and length of the walks was generally relaxed, but the terrain added a degree of challenge. There were a lot of fairly steep climbs and descents over rocky terrain, plenty of spiky vegetation, and some muddy patches where the path followed streams. Nothing too extreme, but definitely not suitable for sandals... boots required, really. We found walking poles very helpful. Some days we needed to take water for the whole day, and when we went (early Sep) it was pretty hot, so we needed to drink plenty - so take a couple of big bottles or (probably preferably) a Camelback-type system. I wouldn't have been without a good sunhat, too, as shade could be hard to come by at some points. The village where we were based (Berchules) was pleasant and the hotel very friendly and comfortable, but the village is small and quiet. If you're planning to take a rest day, you'll need a book or something to occupy yourself as you probably won't be hitting the shops...A small tip for book fans.. read Chris Stewart's 'Driving Over Lemons' before you go.

Most Inspirational Moment

Everything was so well organised. Too many inspirational things to note! We saw a cheetah with four cubs, two male lions and a lioness in the process of the mating ritual. Watching wilder beast migrate across the Mara River was truely an adrenalin filled moment. Meeting the Masai Mara Tribe was brilliant, and educational. So many animals were seen, and the bird life also spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Benjamin Waiganjo and Peter. They were both amazing, very knowledgeable and great fun. They also looked after us really well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are thinking of doing this trip, you must do it, you won't regret it!!

Most Inspirational Moment

I think the views from the mountain huts were very inspirational, and also the visits to amazingly romantic Lake Bled.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very competent and experienced. He  obviously really knew the walks like the back of his hand.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A lot of the walking was more challenging than I expected, so make sure you've got good fitness, or do regular uphill walking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was Rupert, an international mountain guide who obviously new the area well .  A convivial chap and skilled leader in many ways - he really enhanced our enjoyment of this holiday.   5 star.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take flip flops for the evenings as boots have to be left at the door of the refuges.   

Most Inspirational Moment

The realisation of what I had achieved on the last climb to Brevent was truly overwhelming.The brilliant Savoyard salad I had in a Les Contamines outdoor restaurant.Winning the last ever card game of the holiday, with my partner. (It's a game called 500, a New Zealand game, which we were taught by one of the Kiwis in our group.)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Simon was an excellent group leader, let you walk at your own speed, always sat at various places where there was a trail junction to guide you on the right path, always there to encourage everyone and sensitive to your needs when needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go do it!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling through the countryside, meeting local people and sharing a home cooked meal, beautifully prepared in the middle of a forest has to be one of the high points of the trip.  There were other opportunities to connect with the 'real' Sri Lanka and these are what made this particular tour so special. We also had the opportunity to witness the Kandy Festival and the colours, costumes and sheer energy of the evening will stay with us for many years.We shared the holiday with a healthy mix of different characters who came together to help make this an unforgettable trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

What can we say that has not been said before?  Roshan is such an experienced and enthusiastic guide who made everything seem so easy and yet the detail of his planning and organisation was clear.  His stories of Sri Lanka and its people conjured up such clear images and gave us all a real understanding of the country's history. The original itinerary of our trip would have meant that we were unable to witness the Kandy Festival and possibly miss the elephant rides, but Roshan reorganised things so that we could do both.  This involved some tough negotiating in Kandy at one point but throughout he remained good-humoured and kept a cool head. Roshan has an uncanny ability of balancing a professional approach with sincere warmth and a wicked sense of humour. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Listen to Roshan! He really does know what he is doing and you will enjoy the trip so much more if you follow his advice.  Take the opportunity of shopping whilst visiting the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela.  The prices seemed more reasonable than in Kandy and the selection more varied.  We stayed in some beautiful hotels and it is worth taking at least one or two outfits to dress up accordingly.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sunrise at Gilman's Point was incredible given that it was my birthday and followed 7 hours of the toughest walking I ever expect to do.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was very good on the mountain, with regular information updates and always willing to answer any questions raised by the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If it always something you've wanted to do, book it!  Make sure you drink lots of water though!

Most Inspirational Moment

There are so many to choose from but I would have to say finishing the Inca trail and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time was a really special moment and something I will never forget. I remember thinking that the sungate looked like heaven trekking up to it with the sunlight streaming through, knowing this last 'up' section was the final challenge. Stepping through the sungate and seeing Machu Picchu was the best reward for a challenging 4 day trek.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Juan was fantastic! His archaeological knowledge was very impressive and you could tell it was something that he was passionate about. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he made sure everything ran smoothly over the two weeks, he really looked after us as a group. It was a pleasure to get to know him and travel Peru with him, a country he is extremely proud to be from.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Torch, insect repellent and sun cream! You should be prepared for no electricity in your room at the jungle lodge in the amazon, just candles (which in my opinion added to the charm of the lodge) and obviously on the Inca trail you will need a torch. Insect repellent is a must for the amazon but there are also biting bugs on the trail so don’t throw it away after the jungle.The weather (depending on where you're going) varies from place to place, very hot on the trek in the day (sun cream and sunhat is definitely needed) and cold at night and in Cuzco. Walking poles are great, even one will do to help you down the steep sections and if you don’t want to carry these in your luggage you can buy them In Cusco or at the start of trek.

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing at the highest point of the walk each day and knowing that I had made it! All the different views of Mont Blanc, which is inspirational from any angle.

Thoughts on Group Leader

It is hard to think of anything to say about Oliver that has not already been said by previous reviewers. He is a genuinely lovely man who goes out of his way to make sure that everyone has a great time. His ability to vary his pace to meet the needs of the group, his endless stream of "jokes", knowledge of the mountains (and wild flowers) and where to get the best tarts is immense. Although we all know that Dylan is really in charge! 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just do it - you'll have a great time. Annecy is well worth a visit on your free day.