Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing Ilsa's proud face as I skied down my first big slope
Thoughts on Group Leader
Amazing and inspiring
Advice for Potential Travellers
Come ready to be tired and happy at the end of each day
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
XC Skiing Norway
Really great trip thanks. Lovely location, excellent guides who were terrific hosts as well. I feel transformed physically and mentally after this fantastic break.
Trip from Johannesburg to Cape town
This was a very memorable trip which took in so much of South Africa’s wild life, past histories and south Africa as it is now. Our guides were excellent in their information about South Africa, the animals and the cultural and political shaping of South Africa. We traveled very long distances and experienced several game drives where we saw most of the larger animals including several close sightings of lions. Visits to Lesotho and Swaziland were a pleasant contrast to the seemingly more affluent and efficient South Africa. Rouke’s Drift visit brought the film Zulu to life, The landscape changed from fertile farm estates to scrub land and desert, everywhere though needed rain, they hadn’t had good rains for several years. We traveled by minibus and a larger more comfortable safari bus and the air-con didn’t work, so it was hot & tiring , however all the accommodation was different but comfortable and adequately equipped. Food was mainly very good.
Most Inspirational Moment
A horse ride in Lesotho through the villages. Seeing the penguins and a visit to Robben island to see and learn about Nelson Mandela's incarceration there.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader & driver for the 1st week tried hard to give us an enjoyable experience, however having not lead a trip to where we were travelling before, she and her driver were replaced in the 2nd week by excellent group leaders with fantastic knowledge of all aspects of the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for very long drives, the roads are good but it is important to remember that this is Africa and things do not always go to plan! Take plenty of sun screen etc. enjoy all the experiences.
Discover Sri Lanka review
This is an enjoyable trip with a good variety of activities. If you have been to India before you will find Sri Lanka surprisingly different. If this is your first trip to the sub-continent it is an excellent introduction. We didn’t climb Adam’s Peak, but the other activities on the trip were all good, including the traditional Sri Lankan games that we had been apprehensive about, but which were great fun. The accommodation was generally good apart from the Giritale Hotel which is undergoing building work and our initial room was unfinished. At Nuwara Eliya the group didn’t stay at the Hill Club, but at the Mirage King’s Cottage, which was very pleasant and a little way out of town with lovely fresh air and gardens. The food on the trip was fine, we particularly liked the midday meal on the cycle ride day. Exodus arranged for the group to refill our water bottles from a large container on the minibus, which worked well and helped minimise plastic waste.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were a lot of good moments on the trip. The ones that particularly stand out are: climbing Lion Rock, white water rafting and the Temple of the Tooth ceremony. Also, we enjoyed the cave temples at Dambulla and the optional boat ride through mangrove swamps.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nalaka was a lovely chap who got everyone smiling. Douglas, our driver, and Amal, the Driver’s Assistant, were both excellent too. Nalaka was very caring and dealt with any issues promptly and effectively. He made us aware of the need to be courteous to hotel staff and the beach ladies at the Insight Resort; many of the staff are boys from local farms who are doing their best to be helpful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Insect repellent isn’t listed under Essential Equipment in the Trip Notes, but you need to take some. Binoculars aren’t listed either, and these are very useful for the wildlife trips. Horton Plains: the walk is harder than it sounds, it’s partly on uneven ground and involves some ascents and descents. We were fine, but a couple of people in our group really struggled and ended up missing lunch and nearly missing the train too. Whale watching: we paid a bit extra to have a private boat just for the group and this was well worth it. The boat pitches and rolls quite a lot out once out at sea and we recommend you take sea sickness pills. The cycle ride was good fun, easy going on level ground, but do take time at the start to find a bicycle that suits you both in the height and length of frame – some are more adjustable than others. Lastly, we found some of the hotel bathroom and shower floors were very slippery – take care!
Amazing Holiday!
This is a wonderful, wild trek in the anti-atlas mountains. Stunning scenery in brilliant remote landscapes – we didn’t see another tourist all week. The walking is not too challenging, but has enough uphill sections to make you feel you’ve earned your delicious lunch and dinner. The campsites were in incredible locations. Our guides Lahcen and Hassan were brilliant – so attentive, kind, and supportive – as were the fellow travellers.
Most Inspirational Moment
Standing on the top of Jebel Aklim with panoramic views and a picnic lunch.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Brilliant.
India Tiger Safari
I agree with all of the previous tiger trip review comments so I am not going to rehash them..
I saw 10 * Tigers, 3 * Leopard, 4 * Sloth Bears, 1 * Jungle cat & lots of other wildlife, deer, birds etc.
I didn’t see a tiger until 8/15 game drives so don’t panic as everybody on my trip eventually got a great tiger experience.
The morning game drives in February are cold so definitely bring Jumpers, hats, gloves etc.
I would finally like to tell you the best months to see tigers according to the drivers which are April / May when the Tigers cool down at the water holes. Of course the temperature then is 45 degrees Celsius.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing your first tiger in the wild is amazing. I still don't know how our driver spotted him driving at 20 kmh & seeing him through the brush. The Tiger was 30 foot in the brush & just watched us as we took photographs. My digital camera struggled to auto focus (Did eventually & great photos) so I would advise anybody else to have knowledge of focusing methods for there camera. I certainly had to read the manual.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was Vijay Chansoria & he war brilliant. Honestly he couldn't do enough for the whole party. His knowledge of wildlife was amazing, especially birds.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you go on this trip in February then wrap up warm for the morning game drives as it is very cold for the first 2 hours.
A fabulous trip for wildlife lovers
The tour is well planned with a mix of early mornings and full days, with down time to spend around the pool or strolling. If you like a tour to be more like a holiday than a frenetic series of hotels, then this is perfect. If you are an activity junkie then it is not for you. It covers a huge variety in a couple of weeks, boat trips, walking, sightseeing and snorkelling, and we saw an amazing range of birds, reptiles and mammals with our fantastically knowledgeable and lovely guide. The accommodation was good, ranging from Tortugero where the individual chalets were in a stunning setting, to Cahuita which was rather in need of TLC but in a convenient location behind the beach. The rooms are as described in the details – comfortable rather than luxurious. The beds everywhere were extremely comfortable, I slept incredibly well! The included meals were all good, the hotels were very accommodating catering for a vegan diet.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing a sloth crawling along behind the beach in Cahuita, we stood and watched while he unsteadily clambered up the tree and around the branches. A lovely meal in a restaurant right on the beach that evening made for a fantastic day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jorge was extremely knowledgeable and amazing at spotting things. His knowledge of birds was incredible. He was always there if we needed anything and provided information constantly about the wildlife, the country and the activities. He was well-planned and organised, everything went like clockwork -if we were meeting a driver, he was always there waiting for us, if we were meeting a boat it was there without us having to wait in the heat. Checking in and out of the hotels was done extremely speedily, and you overall just couldn't fault him as a group leader he was fantastic!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take binoculars, take insect repellent, take a hat, take a torch, pack as light as you can and have a case with wheels as you are often moving your case about yourself to/from rooms and boats. Don't expect that you will be on your own with wildlife. Costa Rica is popular. There are many boats doing the same thing in Tortugero, the walk in Cahuita NP is a family stroll with lots of people around (everyone looking slightly puzzled that we were in walking boots, hiking trousers and rucksacks when they were all going past in bikinis and flip flops), the Osa peninsula is not wilderness any more, there were lots of other small groups doing the walking trails, and several other boat-loads of people snorkelling and having lunch on the beach. But the wildlife is still incredible.
First multi day cycle trip & certainly not the last!
This was an excellent trip which has certainly encouraged us to look at another cycling holiday. Our guide, Rit, who was with us from Bangkok to Saigon was excellent, forever patient, informative and professional, he was a pleasure to be with. As we entered Cambodia & Vietnam we were joined by local guides for the journey through their country & they were also equally professional, as were all members of the support teams. Their humour certainly assisted us through some warm days.The cycle days were split quite well, with timely stops with lovely snacks & drinks supplied in some memorable settings.
The trip covers some of the iconic places to visit in all three countries but also includes quite a bit of low key mixing with locals which was equally memorable.
Most Inspirational Moment
Whilst Bangkok, Ankor Wat, Seim Reap, Phnom Penh, Mekong Delta & Saigon are certainly places to tick off a ''must visit'' list, some of the cycling through villages, stopping at local establishments & the general friendliness of the locals was equally inspirational.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rit was brilliant, as were the local guides who assisted in Cambodia & Vietnam. The bus drivers were always where they should have been & the cycle support team were very supportive! We appreciated the Exodus leaders more so after joining another trip with another company immediately after this & had a very poor, disinterested leader.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We would both consider ourselves fit despite being in our 60's. However don't underestimate the first three days; 28 miles, 55 miles then 52 miles is quite a challenge especially in warm conditions, fresh onto a new bicycle. Put the miles in before you go & you'll benefit. DEFINITELY take cycling shorts!!
Wow, what a trip
Wow, I’m still buzzing a week after getting back from this trip. I have done several cycling trips with Exodus and this was my first one solo. The whole trip was amazing, along with a lovely group. We all got on really well and had lots of laughs. The cycling was flat and easy going. Cycling through the crazy Indian towns was surprisingly straightforward. ‘Good bell, good brakes and good luck’ is the motto! The Indians use their hooters and bells for spacial awareness and are very good at it. The friendly Indian children waving on their way to school has left a lasting impression. We cycled from 8am and only in the mornings. We stopped for tea and samosa, then for lunch. The hotels had lovely swimming pools. Swimming in the Indian Ocean waves on the last two days was lovely. None of us had any tummy issues. Joseph always had nice restaurants and the best seats reserved for us.
Most Inspirational Moment
Cycling with relative ease through the crazy Indian towns. The friendly waves as we cycled along. Seeing the sights, sounds and smells of the Indian culture. Swimming in the hotel pools and Indian Ocean. Coping relatively easily with Indian food. Getting on so well with my group The lovely warm weather.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Joseph was perfect. He was very patient. There were various dietary and other issues for him to cope with. He always told us about the Indian culture and food. He would stop along the road and showed us various fruits growing. The back up crew, Bevan, a young lad at the back and Franglin our driver who never gave way for anyone!
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you want to see India and have a relatively gentle cycle ride too, this is absolutely perfect. There is plenty of down time to swim or take it easy. The homestay and houseboat were both an experience. The week just flew by unfortunately. Before I knew it we were saying our farewells and on the flight home.
Discover Costa Rica
For anyone that loves birds, Flora and Fauna Costa Rica certainly does not disappoint. The itinerary is well put together, not quite as frantic as some I have been on, with the luxury of two nights in all locations apart from the start and finish in San Jose. Some of the walks are perhaps better described as Moderate, rather than Elementary but all are optional. The scenery is just stunning and we were, in the main, so lucky with all the lovely birds and wildlife we saw. It is a lottery and matter of luck but we were helped by our fantastic guide Eduardo and our lovely driver Victor. Even if the wildlife was elusive some days, the plants, flowers and trees are just so glorious, whether you are walking or travelling in the bus, that there is always something to please the eye. There is really nothing I would change about this trip spent with a great group of people. It was awesome and I loved every minute of it. Having said that, and being a self confessed foodie, Costa Rica is not exactly a gastronomic delight and the cooking mediocre at best. The fruit is wonderful and fish is probably the best option but I am afraid I found myself eating rather more sea food pasta’s than is good for me. My favourite was probably Ceviche, raw, marinated fish. Local wine is not recommended so it was either beer, South Amrican wines and the odd cocktails.
Most Inspirational Moment
I was simply captivated by the stunning scenery everywhere you look but have a few favourite living creatures that we saw. The sight of three male Quetzels was sensational in the early morning light, I loved the tiger heron, the pelicans, especially twenty or so flying in formation as well as the Toucans and humming birds that flit from tree to tree but there were so many splendid species, in glorious colours, it is hard to single them out. The whole trip is wonderful and I would not hesitate in recommending it to anyone that is wavering.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was Edward Sanchez (Eduardo) who I would be at a loss to fault and I am not a novice on group tours and their leaders and can be a stern but constructive critic. His organisation, incredible knowledge of every aspect of his country and the wildlife, his excellent English with a fantastic sense of humour, not to mention his enthusiasm and the calm way in which he cared for each and every one of us made this holiday just one of the best, most unforgettable experiences ever. As you can tell, I loved it, every minute of it and having such an amazing leader and great driver was just the icing on the cake. Thank you so much Eduardo and Victor, a serious contender for Leader of the Year I would say!
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you arrive on a Saturday, in particular, be prepared for a long haul through immigration. The organisation is not best and slow! For the trip stay well protected against the sun (although many of the walks are in the jungle shade) and mosquitoes although in our experience, in February, there didn't seem to be too many. We were also lucky, being dry season, to avoid nearly all the showers but do take or buy a poncho. I got caught out as after the first few days the locations were quite remote and no postcards were available for about a week, let alone would you want to post them, until the last day in San Jose. It was hot and I did find the humidity, for about 3 days, in the humid rain forest, quite hard to take while in one of the most magical places I have ever been. Take plenty of t-shirts as you just drip and everything takes for ever to dry.
South Africa walking and Wildlife
Really excellent trip with great variety of walking and wildlife, wonderful scenery, great accommodation and fantastic guides.
Most Inspirational Moment
I have to name two, one travelling through Kruger and the other being in the Drakensberg
Thoughts on Group Leader
Marco was excellent, well organised, worked extremely hard to make sure all our needs were well catered for and was extremely knowledgeable about wildlife and different geology. He was ably supported by Jojo, the driver and Roman who was training. All three were absolutely great.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for a lot of travelling in the minibus. The trip notes make this clear but I’m mindful not everyone fully takes everything in. Also, some of the walking is quite strenuous on uneven ground and involves some scrambling over boulders, river crossings so make sure you have appropriate sturdy footwear.