Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Exploring the Drakensberg mountains, where we did a small walk. I could very easily spend a whole week (or longer) in this one area alone. I actually felt this way many times during the trip so pinning down a single inspirational moment is an impossible task for me. As South Africa is such a large country, this trip was always going to a taster for me. I will definitely return and hopefully spend more time in the areas I most liked.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Petro was a fantastic guide and was always there to help; full of information, particularly that of South Africa's history, ensures that you'll always find the longer journeys interesting. I must also mention Joel, who was not only the driver but did many other jobs such as preparing the meals, particularly the braais (South African barbeque). We never went hungry! Even people who didn't like certain foods were catered for! Both guides worked extremely hard and I often felt that especially after the long drives the group could easily have eaten out. This would have meant that the guides, after the long driving days, wouldn't have to cook for the group!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I travelled in August and underestimated how cold it was going to be, particularly in the coastal regions. I should have packed a couple more thicker jumpers and some thicker trousers too.

Suggestions

I highly recommend this trip if you want a fully rounded experience and something to give you a taste of this amazing country! This trip has certainly renewed my faith in Exodus as previously I'd had a couple of very disappointing trips, which I learnt were run by another company, based in Tanzania. Trips in the Southern African countries (at least the ones I've been on) have been run by Mask; these encompass all the best trips I've ever done. You'll not be disappointed!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many moments it is hard to pick one. I woke up in a tented camp one morning to loud birdsong and heard a rustling beside me. It was a pair of zebras grazing. Seeing a snake eat a huge toad was exciting, and seeing a family of hyenas on the road in the Kruger National Park. Later we saw a pair of lions mating. I also loved the penguin colony at Betty's Bay and the seals lying about by the fish market in Cape Town. The view from our cottage looking out of the Drakensberg Mountains was stunning as well, especially watching a storm brewing up and then clearing later.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two group leaders and they were both great. They had so much knowledge about everything, the wildlife, the scenery, things of interest, bits of history. They were so dependable and good to be with, making sure everything went smoothly for everyone and keeping us well informed about what was going to happen day by day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a lot of travelling and I was pleased I had plenty of audiobooks so I could listen and look at the scenery at the same time. I was also glad I took my hiking shoes as some of the hikes were on rough ground and they were more sturdy in wet conditions too.

Suggestions

Our first bus broke down and we got a replacement that was a bit smaller. My legs are short but it wasn't fun for people with long legs sitting at the back. I really liked the fact that most food was included because it was fun to eat together as a group and made budgeting much more straight forward.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing hippos play-fighting in Lake St Lucia.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Marvellous - Petro was hard-working, fun, patient and more, ably assisted by Andrew, equally good, and both good cooks.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We drove well over 4,000 kms so, some days, long hours were spent in the rather small seats of the minibus but I wouldn't have wanted to miss anything we did see - luckily reference books and drinking water were provided, and stops fairly frequent. It was hot and humid in almost all regions we visited in February (fewer mosquitoes than I'd expected, lucikly) but there would no doubt have been lots more vehicles in the game parks in the dry, high season when there is less vegetation in a few months' time, so pros and cons. A couple of optional walks were tough-ish (I later heard) but I had opted out as there were alternative easier walks to do and nice places to wait.

Suggestions

Nothing special to add - do go!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing leopard on one of our first game drives.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin was great he has been leading this trip for many years and his knowledge of the countries the people and the animals was amazing. He kept the trip running smoothly and never seemed to get tired despite the early mornings and long drives.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for a lots of early starts.

Suggestions

One last the best Exodus trips l have done enjoyed every moment of it. Thank you.

Most Inspirational Moment

Scary - being 3 metres away from 3 rhinos (on foot). Thought provoking - visiting Lesotho and staying in the lodge which supported the local community. Different prospective - guide at Rookes Drift with his insight and knowledge Ahh moment -stroking a full grown cheetah, as a surprise visit! OMG - so many fabulous elephants, and a massive herd of 3/400 buffalo!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabulous, very well organised, caring and knowledgeable. Always ready to answer questions, give advice etc...... Cook also needs mentioning as she was able to feed all of us with amazing meals three times a day! Her morning fruit salad was always different and fresh (better than many hotels).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do this trip! Don't take sleeping bags, not needed, but take. Swimming costume as you will swim in some amazing places.

Suggestions

Take advantage of clothes washing, so you won't need to pack so much. Use mozzie stuff. Be prepared for no internet or phone reception in some places, make the most of it!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many high points. There was a good set of walks included on the trip with the option of others at several of the stops. In particular we enjoyed our stay in Lesotho, the game drives, seeing the big 5, the beauty of the Garden Route and of course Cape Town and all it had to offer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin, David and Fiona were 'awesome and amazing'. Nothing was too much trouble for them. They worked so very hard making sure we got the maximum from our trip, even visiting places not on the itinerary (where possible). Fiona provided a exceptional range of meals which were plentiful and tasty. Their knowledge and enthusiasm added greatly to the enjoyment of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the brochure carefully. Some of the days were long but they were always split into more manageable blocks with stops for meals, shopping, border crossings or 'mini visits' but don't be put off by the trip notes. Experience the scenery, smells, sights and people and enjoy this fantastic trip. + be prepared for inexpensive, amazing food in the restaurants.

Suggestions

We note that this trip will change in 2016 with the removal of the tented camps and the inclusion of extra meals. While this may be more comfortable for the targeted clientèle, the camping was one of the reasons we chose this trip. We feel that a chance for the group to gel more fully and the chance to get out into the community may be lost. However we recommend beautiful South Africa and this trip completely.

Most Inspirational Moment

On a night-drive in Kruger, seeing a leopard walk past the vehicle, lie on the road and then move when two hyenas approached. On a night-drive in Swaziland, two lionesses and two cubs walked past the vehicle as though we weren't there. In contrast, the visit to Robben Island guided by two former inmates, and the scenery and people at Malea-lea in Lesotho.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Justin Barr of Mask Expeditions was excellent; couldn't have been more helpful, sociable and knowledgeable. Fiona, the cook, provided a great quantity, quality and variety of food.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for the occasional disappointment such as no whales seen from the cliffs at Hermanus although a few were seen on the boat-ride. Take sunscreen for the many hot and sunny days but also rain-gear for the occasional day when the heavens open. Be prepared for some early starts and long days on a very full but extremely interesting and enjoyable journey, and be rewarded with some spectacular scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspiring was the Berghouse cottage in the Drakensburg, away in the hills, with its peace and tranquility. Other memorable things were the animals in Kruger and Swaziland, especially elephants coming right up to our vehicle on a game drive and the 8 rhinos in the early morning by the pool at the Ndlovi campsite in Swaziland; stroking a wild cheetah; going up Table Mountain on a clear day without a cloud in the sky.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wynand was a fantastic leader - full of energy, always very helpful and considerate and lighthearted. He is an absolute encyclopaedia of information and there was very little he did not know about, of relevance to our trip. Together with our driver, Sofiso, they both worked tirelessly to make our trip comfortable and we were able to relax after a long day whilst they put up camp and cooked food. Sofiso was also a very good careful driver and at no time did we ever feel nervous, despite a few quite bumpy roads.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip notes were very accurate so they give you a pretty good idea of what to expect. Although the days were often long on the road they were broken up with fairly regular stops for loo/drinks/food, to see the view or watch animals/birds. I think having had experience with these kind of long distance driving holidays is a help. Very early morning starts have to be accommodated and it helps to have had some experience of camping.

Suggestions

Although the camping was a little challenging to start with, it became easier as I got more organised. The camp beds with mattress were comfortable. I was apprehensive about the walk in the Drakensburg as I am not a walker but managed it well, with the help of a walking pole, although was slower than the group going back. Wynand was always there to make sure we were alright. The group of 9 gelled very well and there was often laughter and banter. Our truck would have taken 12 but we were glad to have the extra space to spread out. The lodges were good with decent basic facilities. The trip was all I had imagined it would be - a fantastic holiday I would recommend to anyone who likes to see a lot in a comparatively short time and is prepared for the long days.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many inspirational moments on this trip but for myself it was myself spotting a leopard at the side of the road in the Kruger and the driver backing the vehicle so that we could take a photo. I just managed to get one in the scrub but then it was gone. St. Lucia would have been better if there had been water but there had been water shortage for several weeks so washing with wet wipes was needed. The time in the Drakensberg was superb with excellent views yet again.Camping in Tsitsikamma was fabulous on the sea front in an excellent campsite watching the dolphins close to the beach and Whales further out and of course the sunsets. In Lesotho staying in a Rondevel and going on the walks to the gorge and the Bushman's caves with the locals. Even children sang for us in the Echoing cave. Whale watching in Hermanus was an experience especially as the sea was so rough on our return. We quite liked Cape Town but would have preferred a better hotel. The flora was incredible as was the scenery. Too many moments and I must have missed loads. GO AND ENJOY

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wynand our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. If he couldn't answer a question he would willingly research it for us. He had a lot to put up with on this trip with people complaining about camping, long distances etc. and not having read the trip notes. Sofiso the driver was excellent, never felt worried about his driving, very good at spotting animals and always so helpful, full of fun. Joannel trainee guide was super company, had a good sense of humour and a very good wildlife spotter, a delight to be with. Should make a good guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

READ THE TRIP NOTES you really must read the trip notes, this is a camping holiday mainly with small hotels as well. Lots of driving to be expected as we were covering a large area from Johannesburg to Cape Town, via Swaziland & Lesotho. Be prepared to be flexible, this isn't a luxury holiday but one to be really enjoyed being one with nature. One thing we weren't told is that in Lesotho the people would appreciate any clothes, also feminine products and schoolbooks and pencils. We were able to stock up on the latter items before we entered the country and some of us left clothes behind. In Cape Town, the hotel only has European charging points as its owned by a German, this some people found rather annoying when you have travelled all the way with SA plugs. Fortunately I threw in a worldwide plug at the last minute.

Suggestions

Please try and take more interest in your surroundings. Its amazing that people just fall asleep and don't bother to look around. Take an interest in the locals when you can, they are interesting to talk to. Be prepared to be cramped on the vehicle used, it was a brand new mini bus and wasn't particularly comfortable and no pockets in front to put bits and bobs. I felt that a truck would have been a much better vehicle for animal spotting and photography, but we were spoilt last year. GO FOR IT

Most Inspirational Moment

Township visit in Cape Town; Cape Peninsula; camping at Tsitsikama; Lesotho - could have spent much longer there; walking in the Drakensberg Mountains; rhino walk in Swaziland; seeing a baby rhino in Kruger.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rob was an excellent leader - he coped very well with being let down by his company (Mask expeditions) who failed to provide a support vehicle after the original one broke down at the start of the trip. It was out of respect for him that we didn't kick up a fuss about the extra hours this cost us on the bus which was not suitable for the weight it had to pull (us, all our bags, all the tents, all the food etc).  He is unfailingly upbeat and calm and has a wealth of knowledge about southern Africa.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Insist that Exodus/Mask provide appropriate vehicles for what is an expensive trip.  

Suggestions

I wouldn't want my comments to put anyone off what is an excellent and varied trip but I do think we deserved more for our money! Exodus should insist on better from Mask - I think profit was clearly put above our needs. Personally Mozambique could be scrapped from the trip - it is a long way to travel for what it is and  I would have preferred longer stops in other locations (pick any from Cape Town, Lesotho, Drakensberg, Swaziland, Kruger)