Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The Masai Mara was better than we could have hoped for, we saw everything we asked for! and more...Balloon flight is worth every penny Masai Village was greatListening to the hippos as we lay in our tents!Bungee ( head first into the Nile River) and white water rafting at JinjaLittle Angels School in Uganda was very emotional, happy kids that only want you to play with them. Meeting Duncan who has set up the school, hes an inspirational young man.And, of course, spending time with the gorillas was magical, the quickest hour of the holiday...And not forgetting all the like minded gang on board the truck...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often was a fantastic guide, he went above and beyond anything asked of him to make sure everyone had the best time possible.Benard was our cook, who never gave a straight answer to a question! he made us laugh constantly, the rabbits (vegetarians) had to go to the table first, then the lions (meat eaters) had to come and 'terrorise' the food.  Ben if you read this Gayle says Hi xxPattson was our learner driver, this was his first trip, although you would never had known it...always with the biggest grin and laugh.A fantastic trio who definitely helped make this the best holiday we have ever had. A credit to their profession.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A sense of humour helps with the early starts, some long days travelling and most importantly with the toilets!!Pack for all weathers, we had dry, wet, warm and cold. You can get a bag of washing done at Jinja for $5 so pack lightA good head torch, wet wipes and toilet roll are essential!Leave some space in your bag for souvenirs, you will be tempted..

Most Inspirational Moment

So many inspirational moments :In the Masai Mara seeing a lioness with three cubs just after eating a kill, watching a cheetah posing for 15 minutes for us;  Every time we thought it couldn't get any better, it did!The Little Angels children's orphanage in Uganda brought a tear to the eye. So many under priviledged kids, who still manage to smile and be happy - most of our group sponsored a child or made a donation.Having warthogs on the campsite at Lake Mburu Park, and baboons everywhere at Makalia Falls in Nakura Park made for some memorable nights in the tents. The mountain gorilllas in Rwanda were awe-inspiring - to be so close to such magnificent animals is worth the cost alone.  One hour never went so quickly, but some superb memories and photos.The Genocide museum in Rwanda, although sad/challenging in some respects, is essential to appreciate what these people have gone through.The balloon trip over the Masai is definately worth the expense, and the champagne breakfast afterwards is wonderful.Fishing and catching a Nile Perch at Jinja.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Often was outstanding - he was patient, took care of everyone, was a fantastic wildlife spotter, and still managed to make us smile after driving along some dodgy roads for a full day. I would recommend him guide to anyone - he is a star.Benard is the greatest cook - he strategised the meals, and we terrorised the food!  Green peppers will never be the same again........I could not believe it was Patson's first trip - he looked like he'd been doing this trip for years.Three of the best crew, who helped to make this trip outstanding.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget a headtorch, wet wipes, and spare dollars (although there are a couple of ATM's along the way), and most importantly a sense of humour to help you through some very early starts.

Most Inspirational Moment

The last day features the ascent to the tallest peak in the range.  We decided to tackle it scrambling up the ridge as opposed to walking up the path and it was exhilarating.  It was also great to realise how fitter we all had become at the end of the week.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was passionate about her country and keen to explain to us traditions and backgrounds.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks are tough but you do not need to be a mountaineer, you can build up for it by visiting your local gym.  Additionally if you did not feel up to walking to the summit, most walks had points were you could stop for instance by a beautiful mountain lake a few hundred meters below the summit and wait while the rest of the group walked to the top and then down again.

Most Inspirational Moment

Constant views over the mountain range - emptiness - apart from a few yaks, sheep, goats, and tea tent people.  Great museum in Hemis monastery - with very interesting pieces about history of the place and old photos of frozen rivers. Loved Leh for all the local tiny side streets and general life there.  Made me really wonder what it's like when all is blocked off in winter.  Must admit to loving the colourful clothes and stone jewellery - everything is simply beautiful - if you like the tibetan nepalese type things.  And it is an opportunity to share a chat and a tea in several places.  Very interesting to hear about how Ladakhi people are living now, learning to make the most out of visitors and seemingly retaining their identity - hopefully will stay this way.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Oh - where to start???  This lady is the most professional, knowledgeable, patient and dedicated guide I ever came across.  Her knowledge of buddhism is encyclopedic - and she keeps all information really lively and interesting. Her knowledge of the area is amazing, so is her dedication to the Ladakhi people, and clients alike.  She is working relentlessly to improve life for the Ladakhi, which is an enormous plus point in my book - and am very glad Exodus is supporting this.  She makes sure that drinking water is available in all tea tents, works with others to train people how to use solar power, UV water filters etc.  Every day she made sure all of us were ok in terms of coping with altitude, giving all the necessary advice at all times.  Some of us did struggle a little with altitude - but thanks to her recommendations it was a great experience.  And she keeps her sense of humour at all times.  I think she is a solar powered green modern buddhist deity ;-)  Better add her name - Valerie Parkinson.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Having read other reviews, I did not think it was that hot - but yes - a wide brimmed hat is crucial - and 50+ sun cream and lip salve.  Absolutely follow the advice to drink lots of water - 4-5 litres a day a must.  If you are concerned about the altitude - you can consider taking Diamox 2-3 days before the trip.  But not a must - I took some on day 2 after arriving and was fine after that - but everyone is different.  Do take all the things on the packing list.  The level of fitness required was less than I expected - but maybe because the pace was always slow enough to cope with the altitude.  Expect a lot of temperature changes - you will need warm trousers or leggings and thick fleece - as well as thin T-shirt. There are some steep-ish ascents - but short ones - and 1-2 slightly slippery but again brief descents - but mainly the paths are really easy.  A walking stick comes in handy when crossing rivers.  Take 2 big 1 litre bottles with you that can cope with hot water.  Camel back water bag also handy.

Most Inspirational Moment

Friday spent in Funchal

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bruno was funny, experienced, knowledgable and helpful.  He had a lot of responsibility looking after people who hadn't ever walked in the moutains before.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Please read the details of the walks carefully and decide if it is suitable for you.  Remember to take into consideration the temperatures.  Don't forget to take a fruit knife as you nearly always take a pack lunch.  If you don't like changing accommodation every other day read the details carefully.

Most Inspirational Moment

The visit to Vesuvius, Pompei and Ercolano.

Most Inspirational Moment

In a trip filled with so many experiences, it seems churlish to pick just one.  So, I'll pick three and even that's difficult: cycling through the villages in the jungle meeting locals, visiting the family who live in the Exodus built house and sunset at Sigiriya rock.My daughter's favourite three were: visiting the turtle hatchery, going elephant riding and snorkelling in the Indian Ocean. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was brilliant.  He was very well informed and worked tirelessly to make sure our trip was a success.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If the elephant orphange trip is still just an option when you do this trip, take it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching dead woman's pass for me and other's was the highlight as the hours to reach it seemed relentless (then we remembered we had to go back down the other side)!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide Filamina was very knowledgeable about all things Inca and was happy to share her culture with our group.  Everyone walked at their different pace, sometimes up front, othertimes at back or somewhere inbetween and either she or Davide made sure everyone was okay and not left behind.  Everything was very well organised and fell into place from the briefing the night before to our final night group meal in Cusco.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're not used to walking, then practice.  Some in our group (including me) had never really hiked before and although we all got through it, we weren't expecting it to be quite as challenging.  The altitude will hit you, not necessarily with altitude sickness but you will notice it so just stop, drink and take in the scenery.  Apart from minor headaches from some in our group, none of us really experienced altitude sickness.  Physically this was the hardest challenge many of us in our group had ever done.  Every day you will be climbing, then going down, then back up again.  It was a great experience and we were very lucky with the weather as I really can't imagine doing let alone enjoying this trip in the pouring rain.  Our group was fairly large at 14, and for the most part got along extremely well.  Lots of laughing in the dining tents at meal times and encouragement on the walk itself.  Toilet facilities are pretty basic, but we all got over the embarrasment fairly quickly.  Keep a sense of humour!Finally when reaching the Sun Gate, don't be suprised if you're a little underwhelmed.  It's not because Machu Pichu isn't stunning, it is and the scale of the site is breathtaking...but for me and others we were kind of relieved that all the hiking was nearly over (45-60mins away)!

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the view of Kang Yangtse from above Nimerling . Well worth the effort of the optional walk from camp .There were amazing views from the top of both high passes .

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was great and gave us so much information about the area and the people and lots of information about Buddism . She always made sure everyone was well first thing in the morning and looked after us all throughout the day .

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want to walk in a little populated area then do this trip . You will be at altitude so take it easy in Leh and drink lots of water .

Most Inspirational Moment

The true story of the Giant Marmots gold.. told with all seriousness by our leader at Pragser Wildsee.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic - informative, knowledgable, entertaining - the complete package!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Walking poles might be advisable...