Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The abundance of wildlife is amazing. The sight of many Spider monkeys swinging and then jumping above us to cross the river from over hanging trees was so thrilling. ( What an incredible birthday gift!) Finding two and three toed sloths and even patiently waiting to observe them moving along trees or even crossing a road along a wire! Seeing several sightings of the resplendent Quetzal - and especially coming across a ‘pre selection ritual’ with 4 males and 1 female amoungst the trees. We also saw many beautiful humming birds. Too many to list all of the incredible moments.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The leader Johny was phenomenal. His passion, enthusiasm and knowledge of the wildlife, ecology and his country was infectious. He was patient, kind and fun. Johny is a real ambassador for his country, full of respect for creatures, environment and people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some quite steep climbs ( at heights of 3000 metres above sea level) although it says level 1 some of the members of our group found it challenging, even though all were fit. Take enough layers for wearing at high altitude - it is cold up there even if it doesn’t rain. Also prepare for incredible heat and humidity at the low levels, the sea and waterfall swims are very welcome. Staying in the midst of the jungle in the small wooden lodges was perfect, and the jungle tends to be noisy all night. ( Ear plugs may be handy for some)

Most Inspirational Moment

The total isolation and quietness of the mountains. No cars, cables or vapour trails from airplanes. And clear starry, starry nights. The hammam bath was a real giggle as well as being cleansing. A real chance to see the fun side of the women in the village.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Mohammed was passionate and knowledgeable about Berber life and the mountains. He had a great sense of humour and kept everyone walking in some challenging, snowy conditions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take clothes for all seasons if travelling outside summer months. Nights were very cold in February but the riad had lots of blankets which we were all very grateful for.

Most Inspirational Moment

The sunrise at Abu Simbel.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Sayed Matour, was excellent. We could not have asked for more. He spoke excellent English, had an amazing knowledge of Ancient Egypt, was charming and coped with every situation in the nicest, calm manor. He organised everything brilliantly even procuring thick blankets for everybody who was queuing for hours to be the first to see the sunrise in the temple of Abu Simbel. And we were there in time to see it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you are fit enough to climb into and out of all the tombs .

Most Inspirational Moment

It is not possible to select one moment as there were many! The top of Sigiriya has to be up there, with the safaris highlighted by a leopard casually wandering in front of the jeep! Equally memorable was interacting with the villagers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Samith was simply great. His knowledge of all places we visited, the history, the religions and culture enriched the trip more than we could have hoped,. However, just as important was his care for all members of our group, ensuring that everybody was happy with each day’s agenda. He was approachable with individual questions, patient with his responses and a lovely sense of humour! His relationship with the driver Dana (what a star!) and the assistant Sachin also put us all at ease. Top marks

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was our first Exodus trip & full on, as we have said above - & we loved it. However, we are regular walkers & pretty fit, but we wouldn't wanted it have to have been any more intense without some clearer indication. There fac we took 3 days R&R on the beach at the end of the trip added to the positive experience

Most Inspirational Moment

Birdwatching, which I found in the hotel, but our guide never even told us about it. Train journey was a complete disaster, everyone pushed onto the train, hanging on for dear life near open doors. Exodus never bothered to book seats. No one could see anything except other people's armpits. No apology from Exodus when several of our party emailed them immediately. An appalling and dangerous situation. The game parks are so full of land rovers chasing the animals that the smell of diesel was unbearable, whale watching the boatschased the whales until they were disorientated. Our guide never checked that everyone was alright - he marched on so fast - just trying to rush through the day, and twice people fell behind unwell, once he did not even notice........... Lovely countryside, smiley people but just too touristy

Thoughts on Group Leader

See above, and very bad at communicating anything off the script. Maps given out after you leave the venue so you couldn't see everything. All done so he could get through the day as quickly as possible, and on to his next meal. When we had free time no suggestions given of the best sites and restaurants. Very charming and smiley and enthusiastic, but only on his terms, which is not like most guides, who seem to go the extra mile for their customers. We were offered nothing except watching with the optional white water rafting - that is not optional just boring and time wasting.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The food was good but far too much. Not a company or country I would recommend, and I have travelled extensively both with tours and independently.

Most Inspirational Moment

The best thing for me was being able to enjoy stunning mountain views without having to ski. I think I have found my perfect winter holiday! It was so peaceful, despite being half term school holidays. I also enjoyed the days we used crampons to walk rather then snowshoes, and the 4km sled run was great fun!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara was a great leader, very knowledgable of the area, attentive to the group and lots of fun.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is hard work, so ensure you are reasonably fit. If your leader says you must drink 2-3l of water, then do it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra

Thoughts on Group Leader

Great

Most Inspirational Moment

The National Park and wild life has to be the top, although there were many others!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roberto, our top leader were professional, knowledgeable and accommodating at all times. Nothing seemed trouble to him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I felt very safe not just when cycling, but throughout the trip. Police presence on highways are visible as well as in remote areas. Try to travel lightly as you staying in different hotels every night and our tour guides had to carry, load and off load all the luggages!

Most Inspirational Moment

That's genuinely hard to narrow down, as there was so much to be inspired by. Getting to the top of Ooty ( sooo hard) watching the sun rise from the houseboat, Mysore palace illuminations, the temple at Guruvayor, the beach at Varkala - there were so many lovely moments.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shibu, Shegar and Sandosh (apologies for spelling) were a great team that looked after us so well. There's no way we would have packed so much into our limited time without their guidance, and we certainly never went hungry or thirsty. One of our group was celebrating a big birthday and they made it a very special experience for us all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Really I'd just say go for it. There are challenging days on the bike so be as prepared as possible, but with some training, you can do it. I'd been worried about stomach upsets and mosquito bites and wasn't troubled by either. In fact as a vegetarian I've never eaten so well in my life - the food was glorious, and plentiful - we all worried whether we'd squeeze into our Lycra by the end of the holiday. I honestly don't have any notes of caution. One of our group did the whole trip on a Brompton, so anything is possible!

Most Inspirational Moment

We were inspired by the beauty of the country. It’s lushness and biodiversity. Our great guide Glenda was so passionate about her country she made all our areas visited inspiring for their individual charm. The waterways of Tortuguero were fascinating, and we particularly liked the cloud forest in Monteverde. The colourful birds in Savergre were stunning especially the toucan that sat on a branch within a few metres of us having our lunch in Savergre Hotel and enjoyed the attention! We enjoyed zip wiring through and over the tree canopy in Monteverde, organised from the hotel. 3kms of zip wires, 9 zips including across a valley over the lodges. Never thought l would have the courage, but felt safe and thrilled l did it. We enjoyed the night walk at Piedras Blanca organised through the hotel, frogs, snakes, tarantula etc. Our visit to a typical Costa Rican home for traditional fayre on our last day gave an enjoyable insight into the lifestyle of this country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Glenda was the best group leader we have ever encountered. Her knowledge was extensive on all aspects of Costa Rica. She was extremely well organised and made sure we all had a brilliant holiday. She was sensitive to our individual needs, as well as keeping the group happy. She went beyond what was expected of her to ensure we filled our holiday with many memorable encounters. Her energy and enthusiasm never faltered , and her passion for Costa Rica was inspiring. Her warm and friendly personality, together with a good sense of humour made her the perfect host. Thanks also to Louis, our excellent driver, who kept us all safe and was happy to transport us around additional to the itinerary .

Advice for Potential Travellers

The Presidents Hotel in San José had a good rate of exchange, so we took dollars and changed some at hotel, then used credit cards as much as possible. Often best in markets, shops etc to pay in Colons as dollar price worked out more expensive. Check your universal adaptor is suitable for Costa Rican sockets as several of us caught out (American style) . No plugs in sinks, could take a universal plug. Expect some early starts but not so bad if you only adjust your body clocks by 3hours! A good camera and binoculars are very useful. Personally get attacked by nats/mosquitos. Advised to take antihistamine tablets by pharmacist from two days before travel, also used deet repellant. Possibility of getting bitten in all locations but not such a problem as anticipated.