Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The wildlife was the highlight for me. The most memorable being the boat tour around Tortuguero waterways. Waking early to the cry of the howler monkeys in the canopy near by: we set off in brilliant sunlight down the waterways seeing howler and spider monkeys and an abundance of fantastically coloured birds!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Glenda our group leader was warm, friendly, professional and contained an encyclopaedia of knowledge about both the wildlife and country which she shared with our group with enthusiasm and pride. She also had telescope that she used to take photographs on peoples phones with some amazing results!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take any cash you have in USA dollars, everywhere we went accepted them, there was no need to change any into Costa Rican colon - although in some places the change given was in Colon (which we used up first). We travelled in April, the dry season, however when it rained -which it only did for a couple of hours - it poured a poncho/ waterproof coat was essential! Also a good pair of binoculars and a book of Costa Rica birds or wildlife was useful. One person bought a simple ID chart which they used to tick off species.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through beautiful forests in peace and tranquillity away from the crowds, noise, traffic and stress of everyday life. Standing quietly and listening to the sound of bird calls and rain dripping. Eating lunch while watching hummingbirds.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding, he really makes this trip with his passion and professionalism.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take waterproof clothing, it rains a lot. Take a fleece and a pair of long trousers, it's cooler in Savegre. Take closed shoes for walking in the forests. Take a camera and binoculars to get the most out of seeing the birds and wildlife.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many great moments including the summit, using crampons for the first time, clear blue skies, clean air and wonderful vistas.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was great in supporting us all and guiding us on the mountain.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lots of layers of clothing as it can be - 10 with the wind chill before the sun rises and we saw + 33 mid day so you need to be able to take off and put on clothing as required. Take the best sleeping bag you can get hold of as night temperatures in the tents are low.

Most Inspirational Moment

No single moment. It was all so good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Serena is a wonderful tour leader. Lovely demeanour and very well informed and knowledgeable of the area. She was good company throughout and very easy going. Just as a tour leader should be.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take walking poles for some sections of the walk and make sure you have a taste for Prosecco.

Most Inspirational Moment

The cherry blossom, scenery and the beautiful gardens. The unique Japanese experiences - onsen hot baths, tea ceremony and kubuki theatre - were unforgettable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ayaka was so helpful and informative and didn’t lose anyone in the Tokyo subway!

Advice for Potential Travellers

You need to be pretty fit as on some days there was a lot of walking with only a break for lunch although we were given free time to look round places on our own. You don’t need to take shampoo, conditioner or shower gel as all the accommodation provided it. The hotels in Kyoto and Tokyo had washing machines and dryers. Be prepared for all types of weather - an umbrella can come in handy. Take binoculars if you are going to the kabuki theatre or are interested in birds.

Most Inspirational Moment

The entire experience was inspirational but the most emotional moment for me happened on a morning game drive, when we came across a beautiful male leopard sitting majestically on top of a grassy mound. Needless to say that my camera was red hot that day. The previous morning drive was a lovely misty morning when we encountered a small pride of lions. One of the shots I took was perfect. I called it "Lions in the Mist"

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was an amazing man called Ngande Mosepele. His knowledge of wildlife and birdlife was boundless. He was so caring and kind to everyone, always making sure that each of our group, regardless of our individual interests, got the most out of our trip. He also had a great sense of humour. We all agreed that we couldn't have had a better leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If anyone is undecided over whether or not this type trip is for you. Don't think twice. Just do it. I promise you won't be disappointed. If like us, you have never been on safari before, choose "Wildlife and Wilderness of Botswana" It will be an adventure you will never forget!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Most inspirational moments: Traveling over the sands of Wadi Rum at sunset on the back of a small open jeep was sublime. Traveling over the sands of Wadi Rum at dawn on the back of camel was far beyond sublime. These are moments when one truly feels fully alive; amazing, moments that will remain sharply vivid long after the trip. Hats off as well to the Exodus tent camp at Wadi Rum, tucked in a narrow cleft between two "jebels," the hard rock mountains that give Wadi Rum its distinctive look.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nidal Alteaq was a great pleasure to travel with. Tour leaders are nearly always friendly, informative, personal and professional; Nidal's proud, unbridled joy at showing off and wanting to share his Jordan shone through. Thank you Nidal, for that gift. Shukran!

Most Inspirational Moment

Where to start? The Pyramids & Egyptian museum, Karnak, Hatshepsut etc Temple, Valley of the Kings tombs, Abu Simbel….

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ahmed was an expert Egyptologist teaching us much about Egyptian culture and history as well as doing a splendid job as our tour guide. The organisation and itinerary was first class.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip is graded as leisurely because there are no difficult walks involved. But it is really full on with starts of 4am or earlier on 3 of the days to catch internal flights or the coach to Abu Simbel. Very high security at airports – we had hand sanitiser confiscated! No need to get E£ or US$ before you go - ATMs are good and plentiful and generally don’t charge fees. Get lots of small notes (5 E£, about 25p) as soon as possible for tips at toilets etc. – our guide managed to get supplies of these.

Most Inspirational Moment

On our day off from walking, two of us un our group opted to walk one of the higher peaks in the area which was hard - but simply breathtaking.

Advice for Potential Travellers

My only advice would be to take the plunge and go on this trip. Simply wonderful.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to choose from but here goes! The two days in Petra were amazing. This site is vast and to make the most of it you need a good pair of walking shoes/boots and a lot of stamina for the steep climbs. In two days we walked a total of 20 miles, we had not realised how much there is to see here, truly breathtaking!! The night in Wadi Rum was very special, the Exodus camp is private and very intimate, we enjoyed the Bedouin stories, music and traditional food. The camel ride at sunrise is not to be missed!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammad was not as experienced as we would have hoped for however I don’t think it’s fair to be too critical as I believe this was his first Exodus trip and with such a large group and I think perhaps he was not prepared enough. That being said, he was a good escort and we felt safe with him, he was entertaining and fun to be with, and anything we were not sure about we just looked up in the guide book or googled!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don’t underestimate the amount of walking at Petra if you really want to cover all the main sites and some hidden spots away from tourists! Take snacks with you during the day as meal times were not always predictable and not on European time, that’s how it is in Jordan! Go with the flow and don’t moan, not everything will go to plan, it’s impossible with a packed itinerary and a group of 16 people so try to keep an open mind and maintain a sense of humour!