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

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

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Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

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14778 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviews

Wonderfully varied trip

This trip was an excellent way to see a lot of Sri Lanka in 2 weeks. There was so much variety in the places we visited and the activities undertaken. We were able to experience culture and history in the temples and towns and then enjoy the wildlife on the safaris and the cycling trip. The Sri Lankan people were very welcoming.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved climbing Sigiriya. We nearly didn't do the optional elephant safari but are so glad we did. I also really enjoyed the white water rafting - even the higher level wasn't too scary for a beginner. It was interesting visiting the tea factory and the spice garden and visiting a local farming family and playing games with them was fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Prathab, was excellent. He made everything run very smoothly and was calm and efficient throughout. He was very knowledgeable about history, culture and nature and his love of Sri Lanka shone through. He had a good sense of humour too.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some early starts and some long days. We had a fair bit of rain in February but it was too warm for raincoats. All the locals carry umbrellas as shelter against the sun and any sudden downpours. It was very humid (sweaty!) and it's useful and cheap to get some laundry done when you're at a hotel for a couple of nights. You will need plenty of cash for excursions and tips though you can pay with card at most of the hotels.

Highlights of Kerala

This was an OK holiday but we’ve been on better Exodus trips.

Most Inspirational Moment

Riverboat trip was relaxing and very comfortable . Boat had only been on a few trips and was comfortable and spacious.

Thoughts on Group Leader

OK, enthusiastic and knowledgeable but have generally been on trips where spoken English of the group leader is better which helps understanding and organisation of the trip

Advice for Potential Travellers

Trip note suggested times for travel between destinations were underestimated - often 1-2 hours longer (and no reflection on the bus driver). The prospect of an 8hr travelling optional excursion on the final day was quickly dismissed after previous experiences. Accommodation was generally OK although hotel at Kovalam was tired and bathroom in particular left a lot to be desired. Sightseeing venues a little underwhelming to me, relative to say Highlights of Northern India which we have been on previously.

Review Centre
Reply from Exodus

We appreciate Alasdair leaving a review of his trip. While it’s good to hear that he enjoyed certain elements, particularly the riverboat experience, it’s disappointing to learn that the overall experience didn’t compare as favourably with previous Exodus holidays he has taken.

 

We are aware that recent roadworks and congestion in Kerala have resulted in longer‑than‑anticipated travel times, and this may have contributed to the extended journeys Alasdair mentions. We are continuing to work with our local team to find the best possible routing while this temporary disruption is in place, and we expect this to improve as the works progress.

 

We’re also sorry to hear that he found communication from the tour leader less clear than on trips he has joined before. Strong, easy‑to‑follow communication plays a big role in smooth organisation on tour, and his feedback will be shared with our local team as part of ongoing leader development.

 

Although most properties used on this itinerary are selected for their comfort and character, we understand Alasdair’s disappointment and will be reviewing this stay with our partners to ensure standards remain consistent.

 

We’re grateful that Alasdair took the time to share his thoughts. His feedback is important to us, and we hope that future travels with Exodus feel much more in line with the trips he has enjoyed in the past.

 

– Oliver O’Boyle, Exodus Product Manager

A fantatsic chance to experience so much of the Garden Route

From Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, we loved every minute of the tour, learning so much about the country, the culture, the people, the food and the wildlife. Our guide Marco had a wealth of knowledge on all of the above and with boundless energy was prepared to go to enormous lengths to make the trip special (he also has a wonderful sense of humour).
The group comprising 15 people (about the right size) was so warm and friendly, making it a pleasure to get to know everyone.
The hotels were all well equipped, with some better than others: Tsitsikama had amazing views of the sea, House Martin was a clear step up (run by a lovely couple), while The Windsor was great provided you have a sea facing room (do pay for this to avoid overlooking the car park). City Lodge is a typical city travellers hotel but has just been refurbished so it was in good condition.
The trip may not be super-active but the pace is full on as you move from activity to activity and from location to location. We ate in some fantastic spots and Marco was always on hand to recommend the local specialities / what not to eat at each restaurant. He even managed to convince us to try Mopane worms by the end!
Wine tasting under the trees in Stellenbosch was lovely despite the food and tour around the facility being a little shambolic.
When in Cape Town, the Robben Island tour was well worth attending especially for the second part when you are guided by an ex-political prisoner. Our last night of the tour at Marco’s Restaurant (not related) in Cape Town which was such a fun way to bring it to an end.
Overall, a fabulous trip which we thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views at Knysner Head and Tsitsikama

Thoughts on Group Leader

AMAZING

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some cash for tips and enjoy the South African hospitality.

Hiking Spain in February

A perfect one week away from dreadful weather in the UK doing some challenging walking!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excelent, in all aspects of the trip.

Wonderful experience

What a wonderful country! The food. The people, the environment! Just stunning! Just had 2 weeks with the exodus tour , our guide Roshan was exceptional! This is the 2nd exodus tour I’ve done and it didn’t disappoint. So much was packed in to the itinerary. The accommodation in the main was excellent. Def do all the extra bits and the white water rafting level 3 should not be missed! Im in my 60s and i loved it! I would absolutely recommend this trip.

Most Inspirational Moment

I dont think I can pick one, it was all wonderful. Getting caught in a tropical storm and wading back to the hotel was def memorable!

Thoughts on Group Leader

10 out of 10!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Def do the extras that are offered and absolutely follow the advice of your guide especially in places that are crowded. Apparently sri lankans dont que!

Varied and Interesting Desert Tour

Established and well thought through tour of a beautiful desert with spectacular night skys.
Accurate depiction of comfort and difficultly levels, comfort level was possible a bit better than expected given the tents were always assembled and taken down by the support staff and the portable chemical toilet worked well.
Everything ran on time, we weren’t super fast, I was in fact the slowest of the group (my pre trek training disrupted unfortunately) however we still made good time (if you can do several back to back 20 minute miles on a treadmill and have good balance you should be fine).
Several kinds of desert flowers were in bloom, Argan trees and Thyme were abundant.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were lots of amazing views. The ascent of Jebel Aklim was a highlight as was the long rest and beautiful 360 degree views (warm weather and good food). Night sky too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lahcen was superb. Team was very tightly knit and respected eachother. Everything ran like clockwork. Plenty of information when we needed it, and no OTT extra information when we were enjoying the scenery.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is special, I have done a 5 day trek in the High Atlas mountains (including Toubkal), and I found this was more interesting and apart from the summit of Toubkal far more varied and colourful. If you are solo it's well worth the extra for Single Accomodation.

First time to Finland, but we're not finnished!

A week of new and unforgettable experiences in the Finnish wilderness. Stunning landscapes and scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

The lake ice plunge / sauna experience was really special even if you have done cold water swimming before. Waking up in the morning in a quinzee we built ourselves having survived a night in -25c!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Joonas and Tuomas were both really knowledgeable and helpful. Both native Finns, experienced in all the activities and good at teaching us new skills. Trip was well organised and they gave clear instructions. Everything ran smoothly and on time.

Advice for Potential Travellers

While at Base Camp, only base layers, swimwear and casual wear for evenings is required. Crocs or simliar are useful for sauna trips & popping to the restaurant. Make the most of opportunities to try new experiences. Food was all home cooked native fare and good portions. Amazing soups!

8 day guided - guide Danu

This was a well planned excellent tour using a very comfortable, clean small bus. The hotels used were varied but all satisfactory, service, facilities and rooms were of a good standard.
The driver was competent and both he his assistant were courteous andhelpful. Inevitability there was quite a lot of travel, but there were sufficient stops and activities. The exception being the final day when it felf as though we spent most of the day in
We saw may sites and experienced a number of activities, yet rarely felt rushed.

Most Inspirational Moment

Difficult ! Perhaps being so close to an elephant, perhaps the optional cookery class, but maybe the warmth and happiness of the population.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danu was brilliant. We were totally ‘looked after’ as a group and personally from help finding ATMs, to checking we had sunhats, to recommending restuarants…. infact nothing was too much trouble. He was faultless. We were fortunate to be a small but very cohesive group who all got on well, initially this was due to Danu involving everyone at meals, having tables reserved for breakfasts etc. i cannot recommend him more.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Travel light, take every opportunity offered. Take the chance to chat and do any activities that use the locals. If the weather is overcast and warm use mosi repellent on the rafting. The additional cookery class was a real highlight and the food was superb. This tour only had one ‘selling’ event…. to a gem factory (the tea factory was very pleasant and informative with no ‘hard sell’)

Fantastic cycling trip

Amazing trip with a fabulous leader, Ruwan, great support team and group of other cyclists. The team ensured everything always ran smoothly with lots of smiles.

Most Inspirational Moment

Getting up the big climb! Ruwan makes sure you are eased gently into the cycling. The stops are well positions with lots of wonderful snacks and fresh fruit. Cycling through the tea plantations is really scenic and takes your mind off the climb!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ruwan was a fantastic leader. Great organisational skills. He gave detailed information about the stages both verbally and gradient profiles on the WhatsApp group chat. He was a fountain of knowledge about Sri Lanka with a real passion for its history. He organised lots of interesting non cycling activities as well, like a meal and cookery demonstration at a family home. Ruwan organised transport for us on our day off in Kandy, recommending places to go. Ruwan is also excellent at spotting wildlife, especially birdlife as we cycled along.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a flannel to wet and go under your helmet to help with the heat. Although Ruwan organised purchases of these for those of us that didn’t have one. Half and half pedals were great for cycling in traffic and then being clipped in for the big climb! Do some endurance training if you don’t cycle regularly, however the gradient on the big climb is steady not horrendous so don’t worry about that! If possible arrive a day early, stay in Negombo (closer to the airport than Colombo) I recommend the Belmont Boutique Hotel with free airport shuttle, lovely small hotel with great food and close to beach. A lot of our group including us stayed on longer. Our home stays were amazing.

Wonderful experience

I joined the trip in Colombo , meeting a friendly group of like minded travellers . The tour was well planned , encompassing many highlights of the ‘ cultural triangle ‘ . The visit to the tea plantation was interesting and informative , however the stay at Nuwara Elia was less so , since the town did not have much to offer in terms of interesting sights

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several inspiring moments ; the caves at Dambulla were awe inspiring as was the visit to the ‘ Temple of the tooth in Kandy . Climbing ‘Lion rock ‘ in the early morning and experiencing the spectacular views . Encountering 25 elephants whilst on safari in the National park was a privilege

Thoughts on Group Leader

Danu was friendly , well organised and had an excellent knowledge of the history of Sri Lanka . It was a pleasure to have him as our leader .

Advice for Potential Travellers

The tour is quite ‘fast paced ‘ ; be prepared for relatively early starts . The weather can sometimes be cloudy with some rain so be prepared with suitable clothing