Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the sun do down over the Sahara after a camel-trek to the campsite was special, as was sitting round the campfire later on.  Exploring the kasbah at Ait Ben Haddou before the big groups of tourists arrived was lovely, really quiet and peaceful, and the bustle of Marrakech was a real contrast!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammed was great, very friendly, lots of useful knowledge and good advice on how to get the best from the various places we visited.  One bad restaurant choice on our first night in Marrakech, but a great recommendation for our last night made up for it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some long-ish mini-bus journeys, but the bus was comfy and spacious, and it gave plenty of opportunity for general chat amongst the group.  Food was generally great and plentiful - it sometimes felt like more of an eating holiday!!As I've found with trip notes for other Exodus trips, the amount of money they recommend you take is nowhere near adequate, unless you were only to have the most basic meals and spend nothing on extras (and by extras, I mean as basic as fizzy drinks).  There are lots of AGMs along the way though, so it's easy to get more currency while you're there.On the flip-side, the accomodation was generally better than the trip notes suggested, particularly in the Sahara campsite (flushing loos!) and the mountain gite.  Yes it can be quite basic, but very comfortable.1 day in Marrakech is really no way enough, but it will whet your appetite to go back for a long weekend under your own steam!

Most Inspirational Moment

The 18 mile walk to the lake was beautiful and varied. We have walked a few mountains over the years but this landscape really has the WOW factor.  On our descent from the lake we arrived in the valley to be suddenly greeted by our guide Hassan who appeared like Sheharizad from the Arabian Nights! Whilst waiting for the group I was surprised to spot a figure on top of the very highest peak who seemingly, aware of my gaze, disappeared like magic. Hassan smiled at my disbelief saying he was a Berber shepherd "they are like ghosts" and so he was..  

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan is very proud of his culture and has a instinctive knowledge of the landscape and nature and this inspires interest in his country and confidence in his ability to guide the group. I found him attentive without being overly fussy (not treating us like a school trip- which can at times be a temptation!) with a sense of fun and good humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Buy supplies in Marrakesh because you are very limited in the villages. I quite liked a week without alcohol as it made the walking more enjoyable (speaking from experience of some pretty boozy treks in the past) but must admit a cool beer after a long walk tastes pretty good and cant be brought in the villages. Walking grades are notoriously difficult to assess (like beauty its always in the eye of the beholder) but I would say this was a low B easyish to moderate walk.  Yes there are a few huff puff bits but generally these are short and very manageable. Nonetheless to walk 18 miles takes reasonable stamina so don't over estimate your fitness otherwise you will endure rather than enjoy it - but as said by another reviewer you can always hire a donkey!

Most Inspirational Moment

The best bits:The trip was worth while for the food - which was very fresh and tasty.  The market trips were very interestingShopping in Hoi AnThe contrast of Angkar WatThe Vietnam War Museum & tunnels in SaigonMeeting the rest of the Group!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dzung was outstanding as a tour leader.  He went the extra mile at every opportunity to make sure that everybodies expectations were met.  He was immensely professional but also relaxed & smiley. Dzung made a good trip great and is a great ambassador for Exodus. Thank You.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip is leisurely but there is a lot of travelling around so there is not much opportunity for a lie in.  The Vietnamese seem to get up early, so the hotels were often quite noisey first thing so bring earplugs.  Have lots of space in your luggage for the shopping!Road crossing freaked a few people but you soon get the hang of it.Consider booking your flights separately - the eight hour layover in KL made for a long flight home.

Most Inspirational Moment

I went on this trip to relax but it was impossible to ignore the many and varied photographic opportunites! There were certain locations that were inspirational such as Kitulgala by the river. The river rafting was a fun experience but most of all I will remember Sri Lanka as one of the friendliest nations I have visited.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sujeewa Rathnayaka was an excellent group leader. He was kind, considerate and always mindful of each individual's needs. His explanations were informative and very interesting.  His constant attention, careful planning and attention to detail made the holiday a great success. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the dawn from the top of Adam's Peak.  It was well worth the climb.The Hill Club was fabulous  !  Quite unique.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roshan was very knowledgable about the country including its history and politics.  He created a very positive atmosphere within the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of insect repellant and sun tan lotion.  Travel light since there is a lot of moving on from place to place.If possible take smart clothes for the Hill Club  - gentlemen need a jacket and tie, which can be borrowed.  Worth  bringing your own tie.  And you need a shirt with a collar.   Dining in the formal dining room is a great experience !

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to the top of Ooty hill!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Relaxed and easy going while still getting everything done that needed to get done.Made the trip stress-free. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take your own bike seat - it's just more comfortable. And leave plenty of room in your suitcase for shopping!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the sunrise at Poon Hill was the highlight (as we didn't make it to MBC or ABC).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Prem our group leader was brilliant, supported by a team of three guides.  The whole team was very knowledgeable and friendly, and the trip was very well organised.  Safety of the group was also viewed as a priority, with the difficult decision of changing the route and not making MBC or ABC being taken due to the high avalanche risk. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

I've never used trekking poles before, but found these very helpful on the many stone steps (both up and down) this route follows.

Most Inspirational Moment

The breathtaking scenery.  The vastness of Wadi Rum, followed by the intricate detail of the carvings at Petra.Both provided a sense of freedom with the comfort of being supported by the team who moved around the kitchen, tents, bags and bedding.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Approachable, outgoing and fun loving who, at the same time, ensured the needs of the group were met.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go for it but do take note of the recommended kit list.

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the sunrise at the top of the mountainThe variety of the landscape in different walksFeeling of peace and tranquility high in the mountainsSpectacular coastal views

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Andre was very knowlegeable about his country, flora and fauna. He was attentive to all members of the group and we all enjoyed friendly banter and encouragement when things got tough! He was aware of the groups safety at all times. We could not have a better guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Some spectacular walks in the mountains - I personally felt on top of the world but this trip is not for you if you suffer from vertigo or are afraid of heights. A reasonable level of fitness is also required as some days were quite tough - I found coming downhill the most difficult

Most Inspirational Moment

The long descent (35km) from the top of a very wet and misty mountain beyond Dalat down to the warm and sunny valley below, freewheeling most of the way.The 10k long uphill climb to the top of the Hai Van Pass, a big challenge and a real sense of achievement to make it to the top.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Long Le was superb; he had a wonderful sense of humour, and a great grasp of English idiom. Nothing was too much trouble for him, everything went very smoothly and he was able to change plans if necessary with no problems. He was a great ambassador for both the Company and the Country and was always delighted to share information and to "educate us"

Advice for Potential Travellers

A gel saddle cover or your own saddle is vital to the enjoyment of the holiday, padded shorts are pretty useful too. Some of the rides are quite long, get a bit fit before you go and you will enjoy it more. Having said that, anyone who couldn't manage some of the longer climbing sections was welcome to ride up in the bus: there was no pressure to carry on if you couldn't manage it. Take Immodium instants!!!!