Thoughts on Group Leader
Both were excellent leaders
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Southern Africa Safari: Kruger & Coast
Excellent trip / service as per usual
South Africa
An extensive and enjoyable tour of South Africa but this is a big country and the time spent travelling was greater than expected. The tour group was less cohesive than other Exodus holidays we have enjoyed.
Most Inspirational Moment
An electical storm in the Drakenburg mountains with giant hailstones
Thoughts on Group Leader
Worked very hard and there were 2 group member injuries that he dealt with very professionally
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for a lot of time spent travelling in the mini=bus but the destinations were all very rewarding.
Perfect way to learn about this fab country
What a great trip. Two fabulous cities. Really nice hotels. Great cycle routes on quiet roads past beaches and villages. And a fab local team to guide us through.
Most Inspirational Moment
Trying an e-bike for the first time! A lightbulb moment.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ruben and his 2 buddies were the best. Such professionals, but so charming and fun.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Dont worry about the cycling. The trails are easy and quiet. There is a support vehicle most of the time. And get an e-bike if you still arent sure.
Full on brilliance
So many people had waxed lyrical over Vietnam we had high expectations of our visit and it didn’t disappoint. This is a full on assault of your senses with a packed schedule. From the high octane cities to the vast tropical forests, industrious local farmers and fishermen and vast coastline this was a spectacular adventure. Cycling was great on pretty good road surfaces. Our leader would warn us of potential potholes and hazards but most surfaces were better than our local roads at home. Distances perhaps don’t look far but in the heat most people were happy to see the coach. All the rides were broken up into manageable chunks with juice and a fantastic array of snacks to keep us going. Mango back in the UK will never taste the same.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were lots of things but the Vietnamese people were lovely. The way they drive for a start. Traffic is manic and chaotic but they are not aggressive and aware of everything around them. Despite the apparent chaos it all worked and whilst I was cycling I never felt nervous or threatened by other road users. Unlike some experiences at home. Whenever we came into contact with locals it was clear the love they have for their families and friends. We saw so many examples of people working tirelessly on the land and sea with a smile and a twinkle. They answered our stream of questions with patience and in turn were inquisitive about where we had come from. They were all proud of their country.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We have been on several Exodus trips and leaders are always good however Loc Phan was exceptional. His anticipation of everyone’s needs was spectacular. He was organised and sensitive with a great sense of humour. The group also had a coach driver, truck driver and mechanic. They were all very good however it was Loc who set the tone and led from the front setting the standard. There is a lot to fit in this trip and days have to keep moving otherwise it is clear that you could get to hotels late however because the team worked so well together we never felt rushed or unable to stop to take a photo.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The trip notes give distances and amount of time spent on a coach and this was pretty accurate. Most days our alarm went off at 5.30 for breakfast at 6ish to set off at 7.00 or not long after. There was very little down time so if that isn’t you then this trip would be a challenge. We were lucky with the weather but did get wet a couple of times so quick drying clothes are helpful. I wore trainers to cycle in but a few in the group had robust sandals with toe protection which I shall be purchasing for my next trip.
Best of Peru - Premium Adventure
Just to reaffirm how much we enjoyed it. We have so many wonderful memories!
Most Inspirational Moment
Machu Picchu, of course. But meeting a native community and having a native style lunch was a wonderful afternoon. The floating islands and meeting the native people who lived there. The rain Forrest was incredible. The boat ride on Lake titcacca was enjoyable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
William was fantastic, went above and beyond. The trip was in advance of my wife’s birthday and William made sure local bands serenaded her at a couple of meals and twice hotels had special desserts awaiting us. We felt such a great bond with our fellow traveler, William and our guest guides.
Excellent
Did exactly what it said “on the tin”.
Well-organised and good fun.
Most Inspirational Moment
When I realised that Vietnamese scooter drivers are generally patient and competent. Loved Whale Island resort and the 31kms descent from Dalat.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Son Nyugen. Great balance of good-organisation, attention to safety and group enjoyment.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the Trip Notes. They are comprehensive and accurate.
Absolutely Fabulous Trip
This was an absolutely fabulous trip encompassing so many wonderful sights and experiences. The game drives and boat trips provided plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, and the landscape throughout was so dramatic and diverse – deserts, dunes, rivers, canyons, and bush. Camping was a great experience too as the campsites were quite special in their varying ways – unique locations, on site waterholes for viewing wildlife or just stunning views.
Most Inspirational Moment
Every day seemed to have a number of Wow moments, but perhaps the most awesome and memorable for me were, firstly, viewing the mighty Victoria Falls, an absolutely incredible sight. Took a helicopter flight over them which was well worth doing as you could see the enormity of the entire Falls. Secondly, the waterhole at Okaukuejo in the Etosha National Park was amazing. There were so many animals around, but there were at least three herds of elephants at one stage, & watching the little ones playing with each other and the interaction between them all was so, so special.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Gift and Petrus were brilliant - so friendly, helpful and caring as well as really great company throughout the trip. They were constantly working, whether cooking, driving or helping out the group generally and all the while ensuring that we saw and experienced as much as possible. Gift was an exceptional group leader, happily sharing his knowledge and experience of the places we visited, as well as being great fun, kind and a fabulous cook, conjuring up a variety of very tasty meals. Petrus had many long drives, along straight, dusty, non-tarmac roads, which must have been so exhausting, so kudos to him for that. Thank you so much Gift and Petrus! You were fabulous!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a good camera! My camera wasn't brilliant so I've relied on my generous fellow travellers for sharing their wonderful close-up photos of the wildlife.
Childhood dream
I had always wanted to look up at Everest from base camp and wonder what it must be like to actually stand at the summit. In October I did that and it was absolutely worth the effort. I chose this route to challenge myself and just push a little more. The trek was a steady slog with wonderful views around every corner to inspire and motivate you. The Nepali people were welcoming and the regular yak/mule trains a lively distraction. We were carefully acclimatised with some short days to rest and recover, our guides ever vigilant and encouraging. Namche was a highlight with its bustling community. The two long days were the most challenging but also the most rewarding. Setting off in the dark for the Cho La Pass was exciting. I think we were all apprehensive but it proved to be a spectacular day and the sense of achievement was immense. Similarly, arriving at base camp and seeing the Khumbu icefall and Everest visible above was a great moment and well worth the tiring journey there.
Most Inspirational Moment
From a distance the Cho La Pass looks impenetrable! As you get closer you see the route emerge and then you are climbing up towards the top. We left in the dark and cold and could see our destination way ahead bathed in sunshine on the top. We literally emerged from the dark and cold into the light....... truly inspirational.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I had already had the pleasure of Dorjee leading my Annapurna trip. He is an outstanding leader. He was organised, encouraging, sympathetic and totally dedicated to the group. He was also great fun which is important when energy levels are flagging, bringing humour and laughter to the trek. We all also commented on how well respected he is within the local communities. At Lukla airport he pretty much took control to ensure the right people got on the right planes at the right time!! Thank you Dorjee.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The best practice is not to walk for miles on end but to find a steep hill and go up and down it a lot! The tube escalators are ideal. You need good knees. Mine are cranky so I used poles all the times to take the pressure off them. Take lots of layers. It can be very cold at night and you will probably dive straight into your sleeping bag fully clothed! Eat plenty, you will work it off! You can buy everything at Namche so don't worry if you've forgotten anything or need more of something. Leave enough time to recover from your flight before the trek departs Kathmandu. My turnaround was too tight and the first two days were consequently very tiring. Be prepared for the post trek blues when you get home........
Good Morning Vietnam !!!
This is an amazing trip fitting in the best ( in my view ) parts of this fantastic country . The food , the sights, the people , everything was better than expected . Saying that, this is a full on fast pace tour to fit in as much cycling as you can plus get to the next destination. As such there is quite a lot of bus time , but some really great cycling too. Expect early starts and quick change overs in the hotels , all of which were of a great standard. This didn’t bother me as I wanted to see as much as possible , and always great to cycle through the quiet untouristy areas and see the ‘ real’ living Vietnam.
Most Inspirational Moment
The cycle up and down both of the passes for me was a total winning show stopper . Views were just out of this world . Also the peace and serenity of Halong Bay and the history of Hue and the colourful Hoi An. Whale Island was a welcome beach oasis and so glad we got to go there . I personally enjoyed everywhere we visited and it was all an equal high !!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Suong was everything you could want in a leader. He had a great sense of humour, got us organised , arranged amazing local places to eat , and was a font of knowledge on all things Vietnam. He had a large group (18 of us) and he must have felt like a school teacher sometimes trying to get us all where we needed to be . He was a superstar ⭐️ as were the whole back up team with their amazing ice cold lemon drink at every stop !
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a gel seat ! As the only one to do so I certainly cycled in comfort . Also travel light - it’s so cheap and easy to get quick turn around laundry done .
Pura Vida!
This trip is quite simply outstanding. The wildlife, the food, the culture – basically the whole experience – is just amazing and I cannot talk highly enough about it. Travelling from the Caribbean to the Pacific and back inland again, the itinerary finds a very good balance between travel days and hotel stays, allowing regular opportunities to stay 2/3 nights in one place. The ability to spot wildlife is phenomenal – in fact if Exodus were to offer a free refund if you don’t see a sloth, they would have a sure bet!. Other wildlife experiences were also regular (quetzals, monkeys, tamanduas, birdlife, turtles hatching, snorkeling with turtles, sharks, tropical fish, the list is endless. Finally, the quality of the food caught us by surprise. An absolute delight for every meal and the fruit is SOOOOO fresh!
Most Inspirational Moment
the moment we found the quetzal. an incredible (and rare) bird which also brought home to us just how dedicated the tour leader was to giving us the best experience possible. his patience, passion, and knowledge of habitat finally paying dividends. Swimming with a hawksbill turtle is also an experience I will treasure for a long time!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jorge could not have been better. Passionate about his Country, the Culture, the wildlife, the sustainability, he went out of his way to ensure the group had the best experience possible.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take your own travel towels. not needed in the hotel/lodge pools but useful for sea swimming. Patience is required to see the wildlife. It is all there and you need to trust the guide to find it, but it can sometimes take a while. That said, you WILL see lots of wildlife and the experience will be amazing.