Reviews

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

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14226 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed August 2011

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

Wow. What a week. So much packed into such a short time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Every day had it's stand out moments, from a leopard and cub feeding, a succesful cheetah hunt, a Mara crossing with over 100,000 wildebeast, month old playful lion cubs, three generations of leopard together, a hidden lion ambush that caught everyone in the vehicle by surprise and the two week old lion cubs. All of these would be candidates in a "normal" week. However it has to be the discovery of the lion cubs born only a few hours earlier, cold wet and shivering in the rain. Helpless, seemingly unable to suckle and being the victims of overzealous play from their two week old half-siblings, giants in comparison. The highlight for me was retuning to the site before dawn the next day, expecting the worst, but discovering that the two tiny cubs had not only survived their first night but has obviously fed well and seemingly increased in size and strength in those few short hours. Enough to make grown men shed a tear...

Thoughts on Group Leader

I doubt if there is a person who works harder for his clients than Paul. If there is then please book me on one of their tours. Special mention also has to go to Donna as well as the Kicheche guides, Joseph, Jackson and Amos who's contribution to a fantastic week can never be overstated.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you're undecided on which sweets to take then narrow the choice down to jelly babies and sour squirms.Wildlife is unpredictable, a sense of humour is essential, as is patience. Also don't forget to sometimes put down the camera as sometimes the lens cannot do justice to the sheer magnitude of some of the events that you may witness.

Reviewed August 2011

VIETNAM ADVENTURE

A busy and packed trip with lots to see along the way. A chance to experience the culture, sights and people of this very unique country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cycling in the beautiful countryside of Hoi Ann, past paddy fields, shrimp farms and banana plantations, spotting water buffalo, local dwelling places and fishermen along the way. A true snapshot of real Vietnamese life. Don't forget your camera and plenty of water! Also the water puppets in Hanoi and the lantern festival in Hoi Ann were spectacular. The cottage industries were very interesting (you can see rice paper, coconut candy and much more being made and then you get to sample the finished products!).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Linh was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble. He was extremely well organised, yet sensitive to the group's needs. Humerous and with an impressive command of English, Linh went way above and beyond expectations to ensure that everyone had a good time and was well looked-after. His knowledge and expertise of the country was second-to-none and his interesting and informative talks gave me a real insight into Vietnamese history and culture. We were all enchanted by the impromptu singing moments!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I travelled in August, so it was very hot and very humid, with short occasional bursts of rain, so pack accordingly. Vietnamese people dress modestly (I didn't once see a local lady wear a skirt) so slacks, T-shirts and long-sleeved light tops go down well. A brolly is great because you can use it for rain or as a parasol (if you're a lady)! Walking sandals were fine for most occasions. I didn't have a problem with mosquitos but I did take precautions so that's probably why! Crossing the road: much has been said about this and it's all true! Pandemonium in Hannoi and slightly more rdered chaos in Saigon. Fear not! Cycles and bikes WILL make a path around you - but keep an eye out for cars and vans, which are less forgiving!! Don't be phased by the incessant horn-beeping: you haven't done anything wrong - it's just their way of telling you they are there...! And if in doubt, cross with a local! You can get your laundry done very cheaply at Hoi Ann or Nha Trang (local family, NOT at the hotel which is expensive!), so pack lightly. You'll probably be taking back more clothes than you brought because you can get clothes made to fit in Hoi Ann at very good prices. Contrary to previous reviews, the Mekong Delta homestay is NOT communal sleeping - you will be in threes or fours and couples are given their own 'room'. The rooms are clean and comfortable and I had one of my best night's sleeps there! Mosquitos nets and bedding are provided so no need to take your own. Enjoy the experience - it's one I'll never forget! Oh- and do take US dollars (as well as GBP) as you get a better rate of exchange and it's widely accepted.

Reviewed August 2011

WALKING IN TUSCANY

A truly wonderful week of great company and spectacular views – I’d highly recommend it to other travellers. A beautiful part of Tuscany to explore through the trees and up on the mountains all guided magnificently by our Exodus guide Liz.

Most Inspirational Moment

I am very proud to say I have climbed the highest peak in Tuscany and managed the ridge walk on Pania Della Croce which was a fantastic experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liz was wonderful - really clear on setting our expectations, setting the scene for each exciting walk, encouraging to the group when we were tired, always knew where to get a beer when we came off the mountain and flexible to manage around the different requests of the group. A real credit to this trip and to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking is quite strenuous but the views are definitely worth it and we had a wide age range on our trip, all of whom managed the walks at their own pace. The trip notes are very accurate.

Reviewed August 2011

DISCOVER COSTA RICA

Amazing! It was made so by an excellent guide, Antonio, a terrific group of travellers who got on really well, a quality driver, Luis Diago and luck with the weather and sightings.

Most Inspirational Moment

Where to start!Seeing wildlife in their natural environment is what this trip is all about and we certainly did that. The armadillo was pretty special, as were the scarlet macaws, the pelican formation and humming birds. Some of the butterflies were amazing even if only glimpsed as they bounced around the viewfinder.The sounds of the forest - brilliant!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Antonio is terrific. 'I will say' he is friendly and puts you at your ease. He ensures you are ready for the next day with the right footwear and anything else you need to bring.His knowledge of the wildlife is amazing, from the recognition of every bird, whether male/female or juvenile, to the calls and where to find them. His knowledge of the other species was also good, including plants.Antonio was also very sociable, sitting with different people at lunch and dinner, approachable at all times and has a good sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are susceptable to mosquito bites take a mosquito net and use it. Plenty of deet and mosi-proof clothing will also help, even when you least expect it. Otherwise, read the other reviews as they are good.Protect you camera equipment from moisture, although I'm sure others in the group will have the pictures for sharing.

Reviewed August 2011

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARI

My first safari and my first trip with Exodus, but definitely not the last safari or trip. An amazing trip which packs a lot into your time in the Mara. The early starts are well worthwhile e.g. the family of leopards that we saw at just after 06:40, there’s plenty of time to watch the wildlife and take photographs.

Most Inspirational Moment

The family of three leopards playing within a few tens of feet of our vehicle, being one of the first people to see the lion cubs who were only a few hours old, as well as older cubs playing. A huge migration crossing, whatever you've seen on television doesn't do it justice.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paul's energy, enthusiasm, and passion for wildlife and the Mara shine through. He wants you to get the best photographs that you possibly can.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some easily removable footwear in case you need to stand on the seats in the vehicles. Bring a sense of humour and a flexible approach. It can be quite chilly early in the morning so bring a fleece or a jacket, however it can get very hot later in the day so bring a sun hat and sun screen. Drink plenty of water as it's easy to get dehydrated.I brought two camera bodies to minimise the need to change lenses in dusty conditions and in case one camera failed. Bring plenty of memory cards and batteries, and something to backup your photos onto. The camera backpack that I had with me kept out the dust but was tricky to open quickly and quietly, so it's unlikely to be going on any more wildlife trips with me. A faster telephoto lens would have been useful around dawn and dusk, on a few occasions I switched to video mode.

Reviewed August 2011

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

This trip is a wonderful experience. It is do able if you listen and follow all the advice you are given by the guides. It is hard work in places though! It is a well organised trip and nothing is left to chance. Our group were well looked after every step of the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking to bright sunshine on Day 2 and discovering all the clouds below us with a clear view of Kibo was one.Seeing the sunrise on the horizon just before reaching Gilmans point was truly spectacular for me. Something I will never forget.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Meke is a fine leader. He is always positive and calm and the camp runs smoothly under his guidance. His team of guides; Saide, Stratton, Godfrey, Ami, Julius etc helped and aided us all the time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just read and follow advice about drinking lots of water and eating well (the food is good at camp and plentiful).I was surprised at how much dust is on the mountain. A thin silk scarf across the mouth or very fine guage buff could be an advantage to keep the dust from your mouth and nose.Do take a nail brush!P.S. this was my first experience of camping in a tent-and it was fine!

Reviewed August 2011

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

This trip succeeds in maintaining a good balance between physical activity and cultural experiences. It packs in an awful lot witout ever seeming rushed or overwhelming. I thought I would be exhausted after two weeks of constant moving but I didn’t want it to end.

Most Inspirational Moment

The smells of the Vietnamese countryside - tea leaves laid out on the roadside to dry, the sweetness of banana groves, jasmine, all overlapping one another.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joe is a very professional and competent group leader. And he has a sense of humour. And he's very patient.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack a gel seat because there are some long days of cycling. If you see something you'd like to buy along the way don't defer the purchase because you may not get another opportunity to get it. Go on the optional trip to the Cu Chi tunnels outside Ho Chi Minh City.

Reviewed August 2011

Magnificent Mara - photographic safari

I’ve been going on safari since I was 6 years old, but the wildlife sightings on this trip (both in terms of variety and number of game) surpassed everything I have ever experienced; I now worry about how/why I will ever go anywhere other than the Mara to photograph wild animals. Add the exclusive position of the migration camp, the fabulous guides, excellent food, the wondrous photography opportunities and the infectious, nay, rabid, enthusiasm of our great leader… well, it was off the scale!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the felines of Africa is always a highlight, and we had sightings every day including a thrilling cheetah kill (just in front of our vehicles), two attempted lion kills, a successful lion kill and a leopard on a hunt. The Mara was one big lion nursery with many tiny cubs cavorting in the sunshine – even climbing trees. A particular highlight was to see a lion cub estimated at just two or three hours old. To be the first people to see this cub stagger out of its den to feel its first rays of sun was an incredible privilege, a moment to treasure. We also witnessed the most spectacular sunset I have ever seen. For me, the most extraordinary and inspirational moment was the migration crossing at the notorious Cul de Sac on the Talek River. It was an utterly visceral experience: true drama played out right in front of us as some of the estimated 2 million migrating wildebeest struggled across the river, dodging crocs in the water and predators waiting on the other side. The river turned into ‘wildebeest soup’ as the animals thrashed their way across and then came to an abrupt halt as the steep banks of the river barred their way up to freedom. I could have sat there for hours … oh, I did.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I have never been told off quite so much on a trip before… mostly justified as Paul was always faster than me to get his camera ready for action. But – no pain, no gain: I have also never taken as many good photographs before. And I have never guffawed so much either: one particular morning’s barrage of filthy jokes had me weeping with laughter. Paul’s boundless energy, his passion for wildlife and his love for the Mara are all incredibly inspiring; his mission was to make sure that we got the best sightings, the best positions and had all the tools and tips we needed to get the best photographs possible (slow-panning shots notwithstanding!). Mission accomplished.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I had a Canon 7D with a 300mm lens and I hired a 1.4 extender (via lensesforhire.co.uk) and that served me very well. Also I had a 70-300mm zoom plus a wide-angle lens. A laptop for downloading pics is advisable: I took more than 3000 photos in a week (now edited to a manageable 400)! Take a spare camera body as swapping lenses is a pain and the dust gets everywhere. My main camera body developed a fault just before the big migration crossing, so these photos are sadly kaput. Fortunately I was taking wide angles with the spare 400D body so I have something other than just memories. Take layers as it is chilly in the mornings, and the temperature can plunge if it rains heavily. Take a scarf/bungie so you don’t end up with a fright wig instead of hair. Sweetie supplies are appreciated – wine gums particularly. Try to arrive fully rested as sleep is not really on the agenda! Oh, and bring a thick skin and a few good jokes that would rate on a smutometer!

Reviewed August 2011

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - RONGAI ROUTE

A truly well organised experience of a lifetime holiday. Very well looked after in all aspects – the food was just superb – I am not a camper but nethertheless tea in bed in the mornings certainly helped!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The enthusiasm of the guides and their encouragement - "getting to the top is a piece of cake" - I quote

Thoughts on Group Leader

excellent - well experienced, knowledgeable, caring, considerate with super interpersonal skills

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a nail brush

Reviewed August 2011

WALKING IN BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

I don’t often write reviews but this time I felt the need to!! This was the best Exodus holiday I’ve been on in a while, I loved every minute of it and I could have stayed longer.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many great moments including the hike up Maglic which was made extra special by the fantastic weather which made the views spectacular, and our visits to both Sarajevo and Mostar which were made particulary special by the insights and experiences of our guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both of our guides were very professional and showed awareness of the needs of our group members. They helped to make the trip special, especially as they were prepared to answer all of our questions and share there personal experiences of Bosnia's recent history. They were knowledgeable and informative about all of our walks and the culture of the area. I rate them among the best guides I have come across in the 14 years that I have been going on Exodus holidays.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to enjoy yourself whatever the weather!

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